The Road to Fame: Ranger Bill (December 18, 1957)

Ranger Bill, old-time radio on Stupid Potato

“The Road to Fame” is an episode of Ranger Bill, the old-time radio show, first broadcast December 18, 1957. Listen free on Stupid Potato: no sign-up, no app.

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What happens

Todd Dahlgren, a hunter who ignores posted signs, is arrested for trespassing on the Foster land and his father, Dr. Dahlgren, pays his bail. Todd treats the trouble as a way to win attention and fame, and his frustrated father turns to Ranger Bill for advice. Todd is later drafted into the Army, where his rebellious streak continues and brings him before his commanding officer, Major Swanson, with a court-martial hanging over him. Chaplain Swanson and Ranger Bill discuss his case with the Major, who decides to test Todd with responsibility rather than punishment. The episode is part of the Ranger Bill series and first aired on December 18, 1957.

A small rural community and then an Army training camp

Characters: Todd Dahlgren, Ranger Bill, Dr. Dahlgren, Sheriff Cal, Major Swanson, Chaplain Swanson, Sergeant Franklin, Private Haskins

Listen for: The Major's offer to test Todd with responsibility rather than punishment

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.