Play for Keeps: Tales of the Texas Rangers (October 14, 1951)

“Play for Keeps” is an episode of Tales of the Texas Rangers, the old-time radio show, first broadcast October 14, 1951. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

When Sheriff Smithers is found murdered in a ditch beside an old wagon road, Constable Jim Dunn conducts what appears to be a thorough but unsuccessful investigation. The citizens of Bradshaw grow impatient, and the Texas Rangers send Ranger Jason Spears to take over the case. Spears begins his inquiry by examining the crime scene and questioning those involved.

Bradshaw County, Texas, in the town of Bradshaw and surrounding areas including an old wagon road north of town

Characters: Ranger Jason Spears, Constable Jim Dunn, Sheriff Smithers, Warden, Captain Stinson, Frank Carland, Bob, Alton

Listen for: Ranger Spears investigates the murder of Sheriff Smithers, examining the crime scene and the constable's handling of the case, while uncovering potential conflicts of interest in the local law enforcement.

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.