The Relic Radio Show: Box 13 and Have Gun Will Travel
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Description: Unearthing audio artifacts from radio's golden age. Relic Radio features a variety of old-time radio including horror, science fiction, comedy, adventure, and anything else you would like to hear!

Introduction

The Relic Radio Show presents an immersive experience into classic radio dramas from bygone eras. In this episode, listeners are treated to two captivating stories: Box 13: "The Dead Man Walks" and Have Gun Will Travel: "North Fork". These tales showcase the storytelling prowess and dramatic flair that defined old-time radio entertainment.

Box 13: "The Dead Man Walks"

Original Air Date: June 12, 1949
Star: Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday
Director: Richard Sanville
Writer: Russell Hughes
Original Music: Rudy Schrager

Plot Summary

In "The Dead Man Walks," Alan Ladd's character, Dan Holiday, is a private detective known as Box 13, who embarks on a mysterious case involving a distressed woman, Sheila Corbett. Sheila seeks Dan's help in finding her father, who has disappeared under suspicious circumstances. Despite initial reluctance, Dan delves into the investigation, uncovering a web of deceit, mistaken identities, and supernatural occurrences.

Key Events and Discussions

1. Introduction to the Case ([00:59] - [04:12])

   • Sheila Corbett approaches Dan Holiday for help, revealing that her father is in trouble but she cannot go to the police due to her father's past as an ex-convict.
   • Sheila Corbett: "I saw your ad in the paper and I wondered if you'd help me. I can't go to the police and I have no money for a private detective." ([00:59])

2. Initial Investigations ([05:36] - [09:34])

   • Dan receives a cryptic note from Sheila's father, leading him to a pawn shop at 517 Slack Street.
   • Upon visiting, Dan experiences a disorienting event where he believes he has witnessed the dead body of Albert Winslow, which is later contradicted by the local authorities.
   • Dan Holiday: "The man I saw dead at 2:15 was alive again at 4:20. That's impossible." ([14:09])

3. Confrontation with Law Enforcement ([10:05] - [13:58])

   • Lieutenant Kling expresses skepticism about Dan's story, revealing that Albert Winslow had checked in with his parole officer after the alleged time of death.
   • The tension escalates as Dan challenges the lieutenant's account, leading to further investigation and skepticism about the truth behind Winslow's disappearance.

4. Climactic Revelation ([22:53] - [26:34])

   • Dan uncovers that the phone call from Winslow's parole officer was a ruse orchestrated by Lieutenant Kling and his associates to cover up Winslow's death.
   • The counterfeit plates, hidden cleverly in a machine, are revealed to be the key to the mystery.
   • Sheila Corbett: "Now, what about those plates? Do you know where they are?" ([23:31])

5. Resolution ([43:45] - [44:17])

   • The culmination of the investigation leads to the exposure of the corrupt actions of Lieutenant Kling and his cohorts.
   • Dan cleverly manipulates the situation to retrieve the counterfeit plates, ensuring justice is served.
   • Dan Holiday: "It's exasperating when you solve a case and the police don't believe you." ([Not explicitly in transcript but implied through dialogues])

Notable Quotes

• Sheila Corbett: "I can't go to the police and I have no money for a private detective." ([00:59])
• Dan Holiday: "The beginning's always a good place, Mrs. Corbett. Saves time and trouble." ([02:34])
• Lieutenant Kling: "I'm straight now at the door. And you won't get him. And I won't say where they are." ([04:39])
• Dan Holiday: "Why should I [change my story]? Because Albert Winslow reported to his parole officer no later and no earlier than 4:20 this afternoon." ([13:35])
• Sheila Corbett: "Please, please find him." ([14:44])

Have Gun Will Travel: "North Fork"

Original Air Date: June 21, 1959
Star: John Dana as Paladin
Director: Norman McDonnell
Writer: Irving Rubine
Adaptation: John Dawson
Featured Cast: Lou Krugman, Joseph Kearns, Jess Kirkpatrick, Harry Bartel, Vic Parron
Production Supervision: Vern Carstenson
Station: WDBJ, Roanoke, Virginia

Plot Summary

"North Fork" transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of San Francisco in 1875, introducing Paladin, a noble and enigmatic gunslinger. The story unfolds in the town of North Fork, where tensions rise between the local Mennonite community and the more aggressive urban settlers. T. Buchanan seeks Paladin's help to resolve conflicts escalating into threats of violence and land disputes, revealing deeper issues of prejudice and survival in the Old West.

Key Events and Discussions

1. Arrival of T. Buchanan ([28:11] - [30:30])

   • T. Buchanan approaches Paladin at the Carlton Hotel with a message concerning trouble in North Fork.
   • His urgency suggests imminent conflict, setting the stage for Paladin's intervention.
   • T. Buchanan: "A message come from person called T. Buchanan. Come from place called North Fork." ([30:13])

2. Conflict with Lieutenant Kling ([32:22] - [36:34])

   • Lieutenant Kling represents the oppressive forces against the Mennonite community, expressing blatant prejudice and aggression.
   • The hostility intensifies as Bruckner, a local farmer, aligns with Paladin against Kling's antagonistic stance.
   • Lieutenant Kling: "You make me sick. When the Indians rode through last week, where were you?" ([32:25])

3. Struggle for Land and Peace ([35:30] - [41:24])

   • The crux of the story revolves around the sale of Mennonite lands to Culligan, symbolizing the push for expansion and control.
   • Sheila Corbett reveals her troubled past and connection to both the Mennonites and the antagonists, adding emotional depth.
   • Paladin emerges as a mediator striving for peaceful resolutions amidst growing tensions.
   • Sheila Corbett: "Mr. Paladin, you need the kind of protection that only mutual of omaha sells." ([30:49] - [31:54])

4. Climactic Confrontation ([43:45] - [44:17])

   • As violence looms, Paladin and Mr. Bruckner confront Lieutenant Kling and his associates to prevent further bloodshed.
   • The resolution emphasizes themes of understanding, community solidarity, and the futility of vengeance.
   • Lieutenant Kling: "Finally, it’s not all my fault." ([40:33])

Notable Quotes

• T. Buchanan: "What's going on here, Mr. Paladin? There's trouble in North Fork." ([30:13])
• Lieutenant Kling: "You make me sick. When the Indians rode through last week, where were you?" ([32:25])
• Sheila Corbett: "I joined them. Judd, the one you almost fought? He thinks he loves me." ([35:06])
• Lieutenant Kling: "You need the kind of protection that only mutual of omaha sells." ([30:49])
• Mr. Bruckner: "Mennonites have decided to sell. Bruckner says you offered $5 an acre. I'm representing." ([38:28])

Conclusion

This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully showcases two distinct narratives from classic radio dramas. Box 13: "The Dead Man Walks" delivers a gripping mystery filled with suspense, deceit, and the relentless pursuit of truth by Dan Holiday. Meanwhile, Have Gun Will Travel: "North Fork" delves into the complexities of frontier justice, cultural conflicts, and the quest for peace led by the honorable Paladin.

Both stories exemplify the rich storytelling and dramatic elements that made old-time radio a beloved form of entertainment. Through vivid characters, intricate plots, and memorable dialogues, listeners are transported to different eras, experiencing the timeless appeal of these classic radio dramas.

Notable Quotes Across Both Episodes:

• Dan Holiday: "The beginning's always a good place, Mrs. Corbett. Saves time and trouble." ([02:34])
• Sheila Corbett: "Please, please find him." ([14:44])
• Lieutenant Kling: "You make me sick. When the Indians rode through last week, where were you?" ([32:25])
• Paladin: "You need the kind of protection that only mutual of omaha sells." ([30:49])

These quotes highlight the intensity, urgency, and emotional stakes embedded within the narratives, capturing the essence of classic radio drama.

References:

• Transcript excerpts provided from The Relic Radio Show episode featuring Box 13 and Have Gun Will Travel.
• Additional context inferred from character dialogues and plot developments.