The Cactus Pear: Tales of the Texas Rangers (December 17, 1950)

“The Cactus Pear” is an episode of Tales of the Texas Rangers, the old-time radio show, first broadcast December 17, 1950. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Ranch hand Robert Coots is found shot dead on the Triangle Ranch on March 28, 1947. Texas Ranger Jase Pearson investigates the killing and discovers evidence suggesting the killer arrived on horseback, had a fistfight with Coots before shooting him with a shotgun, and deliberately obscured his trail. Ranger Pearson works to track down the weapon and identify the killer's horse.

The Triangle Ranch in Texas, March 1947

Characters: Ranger Jase Pearson, Robert Coots, Mr. Gault, Sheriff, Audi Brake, Ed the blacksmith

Listen for: Ranger Pearson's careful detective work as he reconstructs the crime scene, analyzes hoof prints and shotgun wounds, and pursues leads through the town blacksmith and ranch owner interviews.

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.