The Relic Radio Show: “Frontier Gentleman” & “Dangerously Yours”

Release Date: October 14, 2025
Host: RelicRadio.com
Theme: This episode transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with two classic stories—one a gritty Western, the other a swashbuckling romantic adventure. The host curates rare audio relics, exploring the enduring power of storytelling and performance from radio’s heyday.

Segment 1: “Frontier Gentleman” – The Funeral of Cole Williams

[00:31 – 22:11]

Main Theme

An English reporter for The London Times, J.B. Kendall, arrives in post-war Missouri to investigate the rumored death of Cole Williams—a notorious guerrilla fighter. As a crowd gathers, Kendall unravels the identity and legacy of a man haunted by violence, hated by many, and mourned by few.

Key Discussion Points & Plot

• Setting and Setup ([00:31]): Kendall hears of Cole Williams, thought to be dead, now dying in Batesville, Missouri. The enigmatic outlaw’s identity is a local mystery.

• Interview with the Sheriff ([01:58]):

  • Kendall tries to reach Williams for an interview but is stonewalled by the sheriff, who is waiting for Williams to be identified by someone who knew him.
  • Williams lives as “Bill Adams” in semi-seclusion, crippled with a bad hip.
  • The sheriff describes community skepticism and the dramatic arrival of Williams, left outside the sheriff’s office with a note.

  Notable Quote:
  “I ain't wearing him out on no newspaper man.” – Sheriff ([02:08])

• Town Swells with Curiosity ([06:14]): Army officers, important officials, and townspeople assemble, sensing significance in Williams’ impending death.

• Kendall Hires a Local Helper ([07:10]):

  • Bandy, a quirky, pragmatic local, is recruited to carry news of Williams’ demise to Kansas City—if he can stay sober.
  • Humorous Moment:
    “If he hangs on the next week, we’re smack into my drinking month.” – Bandy ([08:08])

• Encounter with a Widow ([09:45]):

  • Kendall’s search for witnesses leads to a somber woman who believes Williams murdered her husband.
  • Emotional Testimony:
    “Twelve years I’ve waited to see Cole Williams dead…It’s terrible to wish to see a man die, but I can’t help wishing it were him.” – Widow ([11:00])
  • She ultimately cannot confirm the dying man’s identity.

• Confirmation of Williams’ Identity ([13:26]): Bandy rushes in to announce that Williams has been positively identified.

• Interview with Shad Barlow, Williams’ Associate ([15:33]):

  • Barlow, who helped bring Williams to town, reflects with grief and nostalgia.
  • Reveals the roots of Williams’ violence:
    His brother’s love of flowers was crushed—literally—by Jayhawk raiders, setting Williams on a lifelong vendetta.
  • Notable Quote:
    “There’s two sides to everything. Don’t let these Cayuse killers stampede you.” – Shad Barlow ([20:07])

• Deathwatch Scene ([20:30]):

  • The town waits in silence as Williams dies. His mother mourns by his side, insisting on his innocence.
  • Touching Dialogue:
    “He was the best boy mother could ask.” – Cole’s Mother ([21:21])

• Aftermath:

  • The crowd outside falls silent; a life defined by violence ends with little closure, but palpable tension and catharsis for the community.

Segment 2: “Dangerously Yours” – Monsieur Beaucaire

[24:51 – End]

Main Theme

A romantic, comedic adventure set among French royalty, “Monsieur Beaucaire” follows a runaway prince, Louis Philippe, who assumes the identity of a barber to escape an unwanted marriage and win the heart of the beautiful Lady Mary Carlisle in England.

Key Discussion Points & Plot

• Royal Rebellion ([24:51]):
  • Prince Louis Philippe refuses an arranged marriage and escapes imprisonment, seeking love on his own terms.
  • Playful Banter:
    “I want someone who will love me … without knowing who I am or what I am. My boy, such a woman never lived.” – Louis Philippe & King ([25:45])
• A Barber in Disguise ([27:00]):
  • Enlisting Pierre Molyneux as his companion, the prince becomes a barber in England, aiming to meet Lady Mary.
  • Through manipulation and wit, he coerces the unscrupulous Duke of Winterset to introduce him to Mary under false noble pretenses.
• Romantic Intrigue at the Ball ([34:00]):
  • The prince, disguised as the Duke of Chateaurian, woos Lady Mary with charm, poetry, and a request for her red rose.
  • Memorable Flirtation:
    “By tomorrow night … will you go driving with me?” – Beaucaire ([36:06])
    “I ask a favor. May I have that small red rose you wear in your hair?” ([36:40])
• Rivalry and Duel ([37:18]):
  • The jealous Winterset plots to expose and eliminate Beaucaire.
  • Both men declare their intentions to win Lady Mary “at any risk” ([37:20]).
  • A swordfight ensues on a moonlit road; Beaucaire is wounded but defiant and heartbroken when his “barber” status is revealed.
  • Dramatic Moment:
    “Sometimes a red rose comes very high, but the rose she gave me seemed more beautiful than if it turned out to be…” – Beaucaire ([45:42])
• The Truth Revealed & Happy Resolution ([46:12]):
  • Lady Mary ultimately chooses love over status, returning to Beaucaire regardless of his station.
  • The masquerade is brought to an end when Beaucaire’s true royal identity is unveiled, humiliating the Duke of Winterset.
  • Touching Declaration:
    “I know it doesn’t matter whether you’re a duke or a barber, because the only kingdom I really want is in your arms.” – Lady Mary ([47:24])
• Finale:
  • Beaucaire and Lady Mary unite, with comic relief from Molyneux about the perils of being a barber’s companion.
  • Courtly titles, dashing swords, and a fairytale ending wrap the tale as adventure itself (“Dangerously Yours”) invites listeners to a new story next week.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

From “Frontier Gentleman”

• On the legacy of violence:
  “He was just about the biggest killer Missouri ever had.” – Bandy ([07:44])
• On cycles of revenge:
  “There was a war out here … Dead men fighting through their sons.” – Shad Barlow ([17:00])
• Humanizing the villain:
  “Boys, if it happens to me in this next fight, do me a favor and throw me in a hole in Kansas. That’ll teach ‘em.” – Cole Williams (as remembered by Barlow, [19:34])
• On grief and closure:
  “12 years I’ve waited to see Cole Williams dead. 12 years. I was just sure this would be him.” – Widow ([11:00])

From “Dangerously Yours”

• On searching for love:
  “I want someone who will love me … without knowing who I am or what I am.” – Louis Philippe ([25:45])
• Romantic longing:
  “I’m a man looking at my last love.” – Beaucaire ([40:27])
• Love above titles:
  “The only kingdom I really want is in your arms. … The only title I really want is the title Madame Beaucaire.” – Lady Mary ([47:24])
• Comic relief:
  “Ever since he met you, his barber…He’s gone right out the window. I have almost lost my entire beard.” – Molyneux ([46:27])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:31] – Introduction to “Frontier Gentleman”; Cole Williams’ legend

• [02:19] – Interview with the sheriff; details about Williams’ life

• [08:08] – Bandy’s “drinking month” conundrum; comic interlude

• [10:10] – Widow’s moving account of violence in Madison City

• [13:26] – Confirmation: The dying man is Cole Williams

• [15:33] – Interview with Shad Barlow; insights on Williams’ past and motivations

• [20:30] – Williams’ death: final scene and community reaction

• [24:51] – Start of “Dangerously Yours: Monsieur Beaucaire”

• [25:45] – Prince’s philosophy on love

• [34:00] – Beaucaire dances and flirts with Lady Mary

• [36:40] – Red rose, symbol of affection and trust

• [37:18] – Rivalry escalates; duel is set

• [45:42] – Beaucaire’s poetic longing after heartbreak

• [47:24] – Lady Mary’s ultimate declaration of love

• [49:11] – Royal identity revealed; love triumphs

Episode Tone & Style

Maintaining the essence of old-time radio dramatizations, both stories balance suspense, dry wit, and emotional resonance:

• Frontier Gentleman: Somber, reflective, and nuanced in its portrayal of historical violence and regret.
• Dangerously Yours: Lively, romantic, filled with swashbuckling dialogue and comedic repartee.

Listeners are treated to a nostalgic, richly performed dual bill, capturing radio at its most captivating.

A must-listen for fans of classic radio drama, history, and romance!