August 3, 2025 • 23 mins
Frontier Gentleman was a short-lived radio Western series on CBS network from February 2 to November 16, 1958. It was set in the post-Civil War United States and it was different from other westerns like Gunsmoke or The Six Shooter in that it showed the wild west from the point of view of a British reporter from the London Times. That man is "Britt Kendle", played by John Dehner.
Hope you enjoy this episode of Frontier Gentleman! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
Hope you enjoy this episode of Frontier Gentleman! Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | iHeart | Amazon
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
It's amazing what a man will do to himself over
a woman, and still more amazing what a woman will
do to herself over a man. This story happened in
Virginia City, Montana Territory. Frontier Gentleman herewith an Englishman's.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Account of life and death in the West.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
As a reporter for the London Times, he writes his
colorful and unusual stories, but as a man with a gun,
he lives and becomes a part of the violent years
in the new territories. In just one minute, we will
bring you this latest report from the Frontier Gentleman. What
are you stopping here for?
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Clark the Country, calabast a half mile away.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
I know, scart it, but I don't want to drive
up to the club in this low priced car. But
the snow is six.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Inches deep and I'm wearing my Ballerino slippers.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Well you'll just have to hook it, baby, I'm not
driving any furdus. You're much too big their biggie bag.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Oh, this snow is fall.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Take figure steps.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Oh that won't help.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Why don't you get a big car like a swept
wing Dodge, A Dodge. I can't afford a big car
like that. Oh, yes you can, even though Dodge is
a big car.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
It's price fellow, fifty nine different bottles of.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
The low priced field. What you mean I can own
a big sweat wing Dods for less than I say
for my car.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
That's right, And you get all that big car ruin
us and big car luxury.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
With a Dodge, you get all.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
The car you're paying for.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Okay, scot it. Let's forget the dance dere go see
how God stealer.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Oh wonderful dolling on these cold feet Whuka sands.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Anyway we sing, John Daner. This is the story of J. B. Kendall,
frontier gentlemen.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Virginia City, Montana territory was particularly noted for three things.
It's gold, Henry Plumber and his band of outlaws, and
the vigilantes. The vigilantes disposed of the Plumbers and were
replaced by a more lawful authority, so that by the
time I arrived, only the gold remained, and of course
those who sought it, the miners. They filled the town
(02:45):
day and night, spending their hard or easily won money
in saloons, gambling houses, and hurdy gurdy establishments. I was
attracted to one of these On the night of my
second day in Virginia City. It was a brilliantly lit
saloon called Skinners, and outside was a large sign proclaiming
the appearance of Miss Ulalia Robinson. I went inside.
Speaker 6 (03:16):
When gentlemen, if.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
You're giving your attention, I'm kind of refrained from shooting
six guns in the establishment because the next man that
does is going to get thrown out on his saddle.
With your current permission, I had the honor presenting the
world famous actress, missed.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
You Laya Robinson.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
She has affaired before the crown heads of Europe in
honors uswear the presence tonight by special appointment to her Majesty,
the Queen of Anger, Ladies and gentlemen, Henry Ver and
Lynn Lady Miss Hulada Robinson. For her first recitation, Miss
(04:16):
Robinson will give us a scene from William Shakespeare's play
Romeo and Juliet.
Speaker 7 (04:32):
Thou knowest the mask of night is on my feet?
Speaker 8 (04:38):
Else would a maiden blush be paint my cheek for
that which thou hast heard me speek tonight seen?
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Would I dwell on all?
Speaker 1 (04:54):
She was in her late thirties, not a good actress,
not even beautiful, but her manner, the dignity of carriage,
created an illusion of beauty which captivated her audience. She
remained on the stage for a solid hour, and by
the time she was finished, I could see that every
man in that saloon was completely taken by her, and
more than one imagined himself to be hopelessly in love.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
Boy, Now that's what I call a woman. Hey, where
are you going?
Speaker 1 (05:31):
I want to meet her?
Speaker 7 (05:32):
Who goes?
Speaker 4 (05:33):
They fire away?
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Mister Skinnerta. My name is Kendall, right by ten cano. Yes,
that's why i'd like to meet miss Robins.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Yeah, you're in one hundred more les.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Play down now.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
I'm a correspondent for the London Times newspaper. Newspaper man, yes,
it sure, come on back under here. How'd you like?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
That's real culture?
Speaker 7 (05:56):
Huh?
Speaker 1 (05:56):
She's why to success? She sure is? What paper do
you you write for? London Times? Well that's so well,
Miss Robinson got a kick out of that, you and
her both coming from England. Yes, oh that was just fine,
Miss Robinson, real fine. Say this, mister Kendall, he writes
on the London Time.
Speaker 7 (06:14):
Mister Kendall, how do you do nil it? My business
as mister Grimes.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Are you Grimes? I guess you folks have plenty to
talk about. I'll go on back and get the boys
quiet down. Virginia sitting never heard anything like you gave
us to night, Miss Robinson?
Speaker 4 (06:27):
Thank you, No, I'll see you later.
Speaker 7 (06:32):
Why don't you sit down, mister Kendall.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Wait a minute, Uh, Kendall, you've got identification of something
proving you're a correspondent. Not on me.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
No, I didn't think it really matters.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Well it does to me, you know what I mean, Kendall.
Miss Robinson is popular. A lot of fellers like to
come bust me in and make any excuse, you know
what I mean. I got to watch out for her interests.
I understand.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
And she's kind of tired right now.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Why don't you let it go to Lamara if you
would rather him, Miss Robinson?
Speaker 7 (07:02):
No, not at all.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
I'd rather enjoy being interviewed tonight.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
And I say it's not a good idea.
Speaker 7 (07:10):
You're being extremely rude.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Gent.
Speaker 7 (07:12):
Perhaps you'd care to take supper with me, mister Kendall.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Why i'd be delight No, no, no, no, she's not gone.
Speaker 7 (07:18):
I hope you'll forgive you, mister Kendall. He thinks that
every man who looks at me is thinking dire and drinks.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
My intentions are completely honorable, mister Grimes. Lately, I do
want to.
Speaker 7 (07:29):
Discuss it anymore.
Speaker 8 (07:30):
Jane.
Speaker 7 (07:31):
Now both of you please wait outside and exchange my clothes.
I shan't be alone, Miss Kendall.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Uh, listen, Kendle. I'm sorry I acted the way I did.
But if I don't keep an eye, I don't nobody's
going to you know what I mean? I think so,
I mean nothing personal, but as her business manager, I've
got to take care of things. She gets awful tired
traveling around this way. Best thing for her right now
is to go back to the hotel and get some sleep.
(08:03):
As a business manager, Miss Grimes, I should think you'd
be happy to have a newspaper interview. Sure, sure I am, But.
Speaker 9 (08:09):
You know how these actresses are. They're like kids.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
They don't even know what's good for them.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
I hadn't been away.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
They'll take my word for it, So you go on ahead.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Now.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
I'll tell her you see her tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Under the second instances, I'm afraid she'd think it was
rather a polite don't you. Why not wait until she
comes out all right, we'll make it tonight and Ie
quiet super at the hotel. Three of us. It's the Grimes.
I get the distinct impression that, for some reason or other,
you don't want me to be alone with miss Robinson.
(08:40):
Am I right? I'm her business man, so you said,
And she doesn't talk to anyone unless I'm around. Strange.
I got the impression that she didn't want you around.
Speaker 6 (08:50):
I don't care what you think.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
I'm coming along.
Speaker 7 (08:52):
If you don't like it, no it or that I
didn't take long, did it? Are we ready, mister Kendall.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Yes, lately, you're going back to.
Speaker 7 (08:59):
The Good night, James. I'll see you in the morning.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
We walked down the street to the hotel. She talked
about some of her experiences in the territory rather nervously,
I thought, seeming almost deliberately to avoid her background of
successes in England. I ordered champagne with dinner, and I
could see that, rather than making her feel more at ease,
the drink only increased her anxiety.
Speaker 7 (09:26):
I've read James is right, mister Kendall.
Speaker 5 (09:30):
I must be tired.
Speaker 7 (09:31):
Champagne makes me feel quite pretty, but I will have
just a tiny drop more.
Speaker 6 (09:36):
Of course, you know James is very angry with me.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
I gathered that.
Speaker 7 (09:42):
He said, jealous man. You wouldn't think so, would you?
Speaker 1 (09:45):
What he is? I don't think I blame him.
Speaker 7 (09:47):
He has no reason to be. We're really a business associates.
It's not as though we were married or anything. James
doesn't believe in marriage, she says, it's gets one.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Do you think so?
Speaker 7 (10:00):
I don't know. I've never been married. My work hasn't
allowed for it.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Did you meet Rhymes in England? Oh?
Speaker 5 (10:07):
No, No, that was in Boston.
Speaker 7 (10:09):
He saw me perform and asked to represent my interests.
Speaker 5 (10:12):
I see you'll be very angry about this me being
with you tonight.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
May I ask you something?
Speaker 7 (10:20):
Please?
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Why are you afraid of him?
Speaker 7 (10:22):
Afraid afraid of Jim? How utterly ridiculous?
Speaker 5 (10:30):
Does it true?
Speaker 3 (10:31):
So?
Speaker 5 (10:32):
Very clearly?
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Yes?
Speaker 7 (10:36):
May I have some more empty? You know I'm not
English doing too?
Speaker 6 (10:47):
Yes?
Speaker 5 (10:48):
I never played with Henry Irving, never saw England, never
did any.
Speaker 7 (10:53):
Of the things they say I did.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
I didn't think so.
Speaker 7 (10:57):
My appointment to her Majesty James, that sounded fine. You
took it from a bottle of Scotch whiskey. Do you
know what I am, mister Kendall.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
I'm a liar. My whole life is a lie.
Speaker 7 (11:15):
I'm not even a good actress.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
I was completely charmed by your performance.
Speaker 7 (11:21):
How sweet, how gentlemanly and nice you are.
Speaker 5 (11:27):
Mister Kendall.
Speaker 7 (11:28):
You're terribly attractive. You're the most attractive man I've ever met. No, no,
that's not true. My husband was the most attractive man.
You see. I lied about that too.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
You are married, I was.
Speaker 7 (11:50):
James is always afraid I'll tell someone why, Well, the
the marriage didn't end very nicely.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Why do you tell me.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
Too much?
Speaker 4 (12:05):
Empty?
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Hmm, I don't think so.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
I'm tired. Then I wish I could cry, do you know,
mister Kendall. I haven't been able to cry for.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
Three years, and there are so many kids.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
The shots had come from outside. Just for a moment.
I saw a shadowy figure at the broken window, and
there was dne in the night. Miss Robinson was lying
on the floor. A thin line of blood ran from
the corner of the mouth. She was unconscious.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
In a moment, we returned to Frontier Gentlemen Today on
CBS Radio.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Suspense. Venice and Jimmy Michi will co star in Affair
at Loveland Pass, a Western thriller with a psychological twist,
exciting dramas waiting for you too on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.
Join us on most of these same stations later today
as action packed stories come your way on CBS Radio's
Suspense and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. And now we return
(13:19):
you to the Anthony Ellis production of Frontier. Gentleman, I
just heard you did it. I'm not sure, mister Skinner,
doctor's on his way out to be here in a
(13:41):
few minutes.
Speaker 6 (13:45):
Oh, she doesn't look good.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
I think the bleeding stumped boys, damnus lunar mad words
got around here in a lyncheon mood. Sheares trying to
ease him down, mister Skinner was was mister Grimes there
and see him? Uh? I just wondered. I guess he
ought to be tolds he's staying down in the Nugget Hotel. Yes,
it might be a good idea.
Speaker 9 (14:05):
I I'll go on down myself.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Now. Listen, mister Kendall. If there's anything she needs you
sing out anything at all, one of my boys will
be outside.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
You just say the word, right, I'll be back.
Speaker 5 (14:19):
What a strange feeling miss Robinson, no pain at all.
Speaker 7 (14:24):
I've always thought there would be.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
The doctor is coming.
Speaker 5 (14:28):
I don't really mind, you know, don't talk funny.
Speaker 7 (14:33):
I never believed him. He always set to do something
like this.
Speaker 9 (14:40):
Doctor, God, where's the wound? Please?
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Oh?
Speaker 9 (14:45):
Have I kind of they wait outside.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Sir, Yes, Dave Skinner told me to wait. What's the doc? Say?
Nothing yet? I'd sure like to get my hands on
that fella, don't it. Mm I imagine a lot of
us wouldn't. She's a lady, a fine lady, not like
(15:11):
them hurdy gurdies around here. It don't matter one of
them stops a piece of lad.
Speaker 9 (15:18):
She real bad, hurt pretty bad.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
And you figure it with some crazy, liquored up some gun,
don't you.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
I I don't know if she was drunk or not.
I uh, I mean the fellas would come to see
how the lady is. We don't know yet. There's more downstairs.
We just wanted to know. We're gonna get the son
of a gun. The dray gofs to doctor Todd, come here,
he's in there now. Well you get this. There's three
hundred dollars a better gold dust than that. You tell doc?
(15:46):
He pulls her through. He'll get another legged. The boys
wanted to know they're with her here is I'll tell
her you do that.
Speaker 7 (15:57):
That.
Speaker 9 (15:57):
I got a couple of dollars that goes for me too.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
Give it to the dock. I will.
Speaker 9 (16:07):
I can't up very God, she's lost too much blood.
She's gonna be all right. Don't ask fool questions. Boy,
I'm not God.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
All right now she's asleep. Well you're here, kindle, aren't you. Yes,
it's lucky for her you were around. If she lost
any more blood, she'd be dead. Well, you might as
well get some shit. I I'll stay with her. I
left the hotel and went out into the street. There
(16:37):
were fifty or sixty men standing about quietly and waiting.
I told them all that I knew. Then I saw
missus Skimmer hurrying up. He motioned to me, and we
walked away from the crowd. Grimes couldn't find it. Oh,
hotel clerks said he hadn't seen him all night. I've
(16:57):
been thinking, is there something wrong between the to I
heard argument this afternoon her dressing room over at the saloon.
I didn't think anything of it then, but with this
I think we'd better find him. Mister Skinner, he did it.
I don't know, but it's possible. I get some of
the boys. No, it's matter.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
You're a friend of his, you're trying to protect him,
neither one.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
But all they need is an excuse. If they even
suspect someone, they'll hang him. I prefer things more legal.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
He's a killer.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
We've had that time before in Virginia, said, Robinson is
not dead now, but I suggest it is that you've
talked to some of the men who want likely to
take matters into their own hands. Tell him we're trying
to find crimes. If he doesn't know what's happened to
miss Robinson, they can bring him back here then what.
We'll let the sheriff handle it, all right, But I'll
tell you, Candle, if he puts up a fight, I
(17:45):
want to be there.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
It'll be a pleasure to shoot him.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
The search began. At first, only a handful picked by
Skinner knew what they were looking for, but the words spread,
and with it rumor Grimes with the man Grimes had
done it. In an hour, every man who knew or
cared about what had happened was a hunter the quarry
and isn't got guilty was James Grimes, and it was
obvious that, if found, he'd had very little chance of
(18:14):
standing triumph. At about three o'clock in the morning, I
returned to Miss Robinson's room and he changed, doctor.
Speaker 9 (18:23):
Love, they get the fellow who did it?
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Not yet?
Speaker 9 (18:28):
Makes you wonder? Doesn't it have come a man who
want to kill.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
A woman like this?
Speaker 9 (18:33):
She's the way I remember a woman should be.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Why don't you get a cup of coffee?
Speaker 6 (18:38):
Doctor.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
I'll stay with her until you come back.
Speaker 9 (18:41):
Yeah, think we'll close, Stretch my legs a minute.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
Burn it around, it'll go move.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
You look a little worse for where it rhymes.
Speaker 9 (19:03):
They are after me.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
They're trying to kill me.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
Any reason why they shouldn't.
Speaker 9 (19:07):
Is she dead?
Speaker 3 (19:08):
No?
Speaker 1 (19:10):
I wonder I've been warning or what had happened? For
the wear the gun and get myself killed. He'll be
safer with me. The mom about you, Oh, you're the trouble,
the reason for everything. It's been men like you everywhere
we go, every town.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
She has to find someone.
Speaker 9 (19:26):
I want.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
I told her I wasn't going to stand at me long.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
And I heard a different reason, a different reason. What
did she tell you about her husband? An I'm happy marriage.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
She said that told you about her husband.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Yes, you want to know what really happened. She had
a husband all right in Boston. I didn't know it
at the time I met her and fell in love.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
She went away with me after we were married.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
She told me she she is your wife.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
Surprising look at her.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
It's another one of her little ways. She thinks it's
better if people don't know. She thinks.
Speaker 9 (20:11):
I don't know why she wants it that way.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
I guess you could say we killed her husband. He
committed suicide after she left him. Oh, y, you don't know.
Speaker 9 (20:22):
You don't know what it's been like.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
But I told her what i'd do if she want
after another man. I'm sorry, man, it doesn't matter anymore.
I hope she dies, and I wanted to feel these things.
If she dies, they'll hang you. H m hm.
Speaker 9 (20:42):
Jeans lately.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
I'm sorry, Lay.
Speaker 7 (20:48):
Such a jealous boy. I never mean anything.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
No, don't lamely.
Speaker 5 (20:55):
I like to shirt.
Speaker 7 (20:57):
That's all a woman to flirt. It doesn't mean an
Mister Kendall knows that if.
Speaker 9 (21:05):
You stop acting even now, can't you.
Speaker 7 (21:09):
Stop listening to you? Mister Kendall, have you been telling
you what a terrible woman I am. I suppose it's true,
but you're not.
Speaker 5 (21:26):
Much love a man, James.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Really, you don't have to listen to this crime still,
I'm outside, Bill. No, you don't give me that lady,
she's dead.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
Give me my gun.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
I can't. You don't get a trial. Perhaps you'll understand
there'll be no trial. Nomes come back to bride Climes.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
I think I was rather.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Glad I hadn't stopped Grimes when he went through the window.
They killed him. But in this case, perhaps it was
better than a public trial and hanging. Miss Uladia Robinson
and James Grimes were buried side by side in Virginia City,
Montana Territory. Frontier Gentleman was written, produced, and directed by
(22:43):
Anthony Ellis and stars John Dayner as JB. Kendall. Featured
in the cast were Jeanette Nolan, Larry Dobkin, Harry Bartel,
Jack Moyles, and Jim Nusser. Music was composed and conducted
by Wilbur Hatch. Now stay tuned for the Ford Road
(23:12):
Show to be followed by the CBS News over most
of these same stations. Join us again next week for
another report from the Frontier gentleman John Wall speaking.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
This is a CBS radio network
It's amazing what a man will do to himself over
a woman, and still more amazing what a woman will
do to herself over a man. This story happened in
Virginia City, Montana Territory. Frontier Gentleman herewith an Englishman's.
Speaker 2 (00:36):
Account of life and death in the West.
Speaker 1 (00:39):
As a reporter for the London Times, he writes his
colorful and unusual stories, but as a man with a gun,
he lives and becomes a part of the violent years
in the new territories. In just one minute, we will
bring you this latest report from the Frontier Gentleman. What
are you stopping here for?
Speaker 3 (00:58):
Clark the Country, calabast a half mile away.
Speaker 4 (01:01):
I know, scart it, but I don't want to drive
up to the club in this low priced car. But
the snow is six.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Inches deep and I'm wearing my Ballerino slippers.
Speaker 4 (01:09):
Well you'll just have to hook it, baby, I'm not
driving any furdus. You're much too big their biggie bag.
Speaker 1 (01:14):
Oh, this snow is fall.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Take figure steps.
Speaker 2 (01:18):
Oh that won't help.
Speaker 4 (01:19):
Why don't you get a big car like a swept
wing Dodge, A Dodge. I can't afford a big car
like that. Oh, yes you can, even though Dodge is
a big car.
Speaker 3 (01:28):
It's price fellow, fifty nine different bottles of.
Speaker 4 (01:31):
The low priced field. What you mean I can own
a big sweat wing Dods for less than I say
for my car.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
That's right, And you get all that big car ruin
us and big car luxury.
Speaker 5 (01:41):
With a Dodge, you get all.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
The car you're paying for.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Okay, scot it. Let's forget the dance dere go see
how God stealer.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Oh wonderful dolling on these cold feet Whuka sands.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Anyway we sing, John Daner. This is the story of J. B. Kendall,
frontier gentlemen.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
Virginia City, Montana territory was particularly noted for three things.
It's gold, Henry Plumber and his band of outlaws, and
the vigilantes. The vigilantes disposed of the Plumbers and were
replaced by a more lawful authority, so that by the
time I arrived, only the gold remained, and of course
those who sought it, the miners. They filled the town
(02:45):
day and night, spending their hard or easily won money
in saloons, gambling houses, and hurdy gurdy establishments. I was
attracted to one of these On the night of my
second day in Virginia City. It was a brilliantly lit
saloon called Skinners, and outside was a large sign proclaiming
the appearance of Miss Ulalia Robinson. I went inside.
Speaker 6 (03:16):
When gentlemen, if.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
You're giving your attention, I'm kind of refrained from shooting
six guns in the establishment because the next man that
does is going to get thrown out on his saddle.
With your current permission, I had the honor presenting the
world famous actress, missed.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
You Laya Robinson.
Speaker 3 (03:45):
She has affaired before the crown heads of Europe in
honors uswear the presence tonight by special appointment to her Majesty,
the Queen of Anger, Ladies and gentlemen, Henry Ver and
Lynn Lady Miss Hulada Robinson. For her first recitation, Miss
(04:16):
Robinson will give us a scene from William Shakespeare's play
Romeo and Juliet.
Speaker 7 (04:32):
Thou knowest the mask of night is on my feet?
Speaker 8 (04:38):
Else would a maiden blush be paint my cheek for
that which thou hast heard me speek tonight seen?
Speaker 2 (04:49):
Would I dwell on all?
Speaker 1 (04:54):
She was in her late thirties, not a good actress,
not even beautiful, but her manner, the dignity of carriage,
created an illusion of beauty which captivated her audience. She
remained on the stage for a solid hour, and by
the time she was finished, I could see that every
man in that saloon was completely taken by her, and
more than one imagined himself to be hopelessly in love.
Speaker 4 (05:26):
Boy, Now that's what I call a woman. Hey, where
are you going?
Speaker 1 (05:31):
I want to meet her?
Speaker 7 (05:32):
Who goes?
Speaker 4 (05:33):
They fire away?
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Mister Skinnerta. My name is Kendall, right by ten cano. Yes,
that's why i'd like to meet miss Robins.
Speaker 4 (05:43):
Yeah, you're in one hundred more les.
Speaker 2 (05:45):
Play down now.
Speaker 1 (05:45):
I'm a correspondent for the London Times newspaper. Newspaper man, yes,
it sure, come on back under here. How'd you like?
Speaker 2 (05:55):
That's real culture?
Speaker 7 (05:56):
Huh?
Speaker 1 (05:56):
She's why to success? She sure is? What paper do
you you write for? London Times? Well that's so well,
Miss Robinson got a kick out of that, you and
her both coming from England. Yes, oh that was just fine,
Miss Robinson, real fine. Say this, mister Kendall, he writes
on the London Time.
Speaker 7 (06:14):
Mister Kendall, how do you do nil it? My business
as mister Grimes.
Speaker 1 (06:19):
Are you Grimes? I guess you folks have plenty to
talk about. I'll go on back and get the boys
quiet down. Virginia sitting never heard anything like you gave
us to night, Miss Robinson?
Speaker 4 (06:27):
Thank you, No, I'll see you later.
Speaker 7 (06:32):
Why don't you sit down, mister Kendall.
Speaker 1 (06:33):
Wait a minute, Uh, Kendall, you've got identification of something
proving you're a correspondent. Not on me.
Speaker 7 (06:42):
No, I didn't think it really matters.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Well it does to me, you know what I mean, Kendall.
Miss Robinson is popular. A lot of fellers like to
come bust me in and make any excuse, you know
what I mean. I got to watch out for her interests.
I understand.
Speaker 2 (06:56):
And she's kind of tired right now.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Why don't you let it go to Lamara if you
would rather him, Miss Robinson?
Speaker 7 (07:02):
No, not at all.
Speaker 5 (07:05):
I'd rather enjoy being interviewed tonight.
Speaker 1 (07:09):
And I say it's not a good idea.
Speaker 7 (07:10):
You're being extremely rude.
Speaker 1 (07:11):
Gent.
Speaker 7 (07:12):
Perhaps you'd care to take supper with me, mister Kendall.
Speaker 2 (07:15):
Why i'd be delight No, no, no, no, she's not gone.
Speaker 7 (07:18):
I hope you'll forgive you, mister Kendall. He thinks that
every man who looks at me is thinking dire and drinks.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
My intentions are completely honorable, mister Grimes. Lately, I do
want to.
Speaker 7 (07:29):
Discuss it anymore.
Speaker 8 (07:30):
Jane.
Speaker 7 (07:31):
Now both of you please wait outside and exchange my clothes.
I shan't be alone, Miss Kendall.
Speaker 1 (07:41):
Uh, listen, Kendle. I'm sorry I acted the way I did.
But if I don't keep an eye, I don't nobody's
going to you know what I mean? I think so,
I mean nothing personal, but as her business manager, I've
got to take care of things. She gets awful tired
traveling around this way. Best thing for her right now
is to go back to the hotel and get some sleep.
(08:03):
As a business manager, Miss Grimes, I should think you'd
be happy to have a newspaper interview. Sure, sure I am, But.
Speaker 9 (08:09):
You know how these actresses are. They're like kids.
Speaker 2 (08:11):
They don't even know what's good for them.
Speaker 1 (08:13):
I hadn't been away.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
They'll take my word for it, So you go on ahead.
Speaker 1 (08:17):
Now.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
I'll tell her you see her tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (08:20):
Under the second instances, I'm afraid she'd think it was
rather a polite don't you. Why not wait until she
comes out all right, we'll make it tonight and Ie
quiet super at the hotel. Three of us. It's the Grimes.
I get the distinct impression that, for some reason or other,
you don't want me to be alone with miss Robinson.
(08:40):
Am I right? I'm her business man, so you said,
And she doesn't talk to anyone unless I'm around. Strange.
I got the impression that she didn't want you around.
Speaker 6 (08:50):
I don't care what you think.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
I'm coming along.
Speaker 7 (08:52):
If you don't like it, no it or that I
didn't take long, did it? Are we ready, mister Kendall.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Yes, lately, you're going back to.
Speaker 7 (08:59):
The Good night, James. I'll see you in the morning.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
We walked down the street to the hotel. She talked
about some of her experiences in the territory rather nervously,
I thought, seeming almost deliberately to avoid her background of
successes in England. I ordered champagne with dinner, and I
could see that, rather than making her feel more at ease,
the drink only increased her anxiety.
Speaker 7 (09:26):
I've read James is right, mister Kendall.
Speaker 5 (09:30):
I must be tired.
Speaker 7 (09:31):
Champagne makes me feel quite pretty, but I will have
just a tiny drop more.
Speaker 6 (09:36):
Of course, you know James is very angry with me.
Speaker 1 (09:41):
I gathered that.
Speaker 7 (09:42):
He said, jealous man. You wouldn't think so, would you?
Speaker 1 (09:45):
What he is? I don't think I blame him.
Speaker 7 (09:47):
He has no reason to be. We're really a business associates.
It's not as though we were married or anything. James
doesn't believe in marriage, she says, it's gets one.
Speaker 1 (09:58):
Do you think so?
Speaker 7 (10:00):
I don't know. I've never been married. My work hasn't
allowed for it.
Speaker 1 (10:05):
Did you meet Rhymes in England? Oh?
Speaker 5 (10:07):
No, No, that was in Boston.
Speaker 7 (10:09):
He saw me perform and asked to represent my interests.
Speaker 5 (10:12):
I see you'll be very angry about this me being
with you tonight.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
May I ask you something?
Speaker 7 (10:20):
Please?
Speaker 1 (10:21):
Why are you afraid of him?
Speaker 7 (10:22):
Afraid afraid of Jim? How utterly ridiculous?
Speaker 5 (10:30):
Does it true?
Speaker 3 (10:31):
So?
Speaker 5 (10:32):
Very clearly?
Speaker 1 (10:33):
Yes?
Speaker 7 (10:36):
May I have some more empty? You know I'm not
English doing too?
Speaker 6 (10:47):
Yes?
Speaker 5 (10:48):
I never played with Henry Irving, never saw England, never
did any.
Speaker 7 (10:53):
Of the things they say I did.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
I didn't think so.
Speaker 7 (10:57):
My appointment to her Majesty James, that sounded fine. You
took it from a bottle of Scotch whiskey. Do you
know what I am, mister Kendall.
Speaker 5 (11:09):
I'm a liar. My whole life is a lie.
Speaker 7 (11:15):
I'm not even a good actress.
Speaker 1 (11:17):
I was completely charmed by your performance.
Speaker 7 (11:21):
How sweet, how gentlemanly and nice you are.
Speaker 5 (11:27):
Mister Kendall.
Speaker 7 (11:28):
You're terribly attractive. You're the most attractive man I've ever met. No, no,
that's not true. My husband was the most attractive man.
You see. I lied about that too.
Speaker 1 (11:46):
You are married, I was.
Speaker 7 (11:50):
James is always afraid I'll tell someone why, Well, the
the marriage didn't end very nicely.
Speaker 1 (12:00):
Why do you tell me.
Speaker 5 (12:05):
Too much?
Speaker 4 (12:05):
Empty?
Speaker 1 (12:06):
Hmm, I don't think so.
Speaker 7 (12:10):
I'm tired. Then I wish I could cry, do you know,
mister Kendall. I haven't been able to cry for.
Speaker 5 (12:21):
Three years, and there are so many kids.
Speaker 1 (12:28):
The shots had come from outside. Just for a moment.
I saw a shadowy figure at the broken window, and
there was dne in the night. Miss Robinson was lying
on the floor. A thin line of blood ran from
the corner of the mouth. She was unconscious.
Speaker 2 (12:54):
In a moment, we returned to Frontier Gentlemen Today on
CBS Radio.
Speaker 1 (12:58):
Suspense. Venice and Jimmy Michi will co star in Affair
at Loveland Pass, a Western thriller with a psychological twist,
exciting dramas waiting for you too on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.
Join us on most of these same stations later today
as action packed stories come your way on CBS Radio's
Suspense and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. And now we return
(13:19):
you to the Anthony Ellis production of Frontier. Gentleman, I
just heard you did it. I'm not sure, mister Skinner,
doctor's on his way out to be here in a
(13:41):
few minutes.
Speaker 6 (13:45):
Oh, she doesn't look good.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
I think the bleeding stumped boys, damnus lunar mad words
got around here in a lyncheon mood. Sheares trying to
ease him down, mister Skinner was was mister Grimes there
and see him? Uh? I just wondered. I guess he
ought to be tolds he's staying down in the Nugget Hotel. Yes,
it might be a good idea.
Speaker 9 (14:05):
I I'll go on down myself.
Speaker 1 (14:06):
Now. Listen, mister Kendall. If there's anything she needs you
sing out anything at all, one of my boys will
be outside.
Speaker 2 (14:12):
You just say the word, right, I'll be back.
Speaker 5 (14:19):
What a strange feeling miss Robinson, no pain at all.
Speaker 7 (14:24):
I've always thought there would be.
Speaker 1 (14:26):
The doctor is coming.
Speaker 5 (14:28):
I don't really mind, you know, don't talk funny.
Speaker 7 (14:33):
I never believed him. He always set to do something
like this.
Speaker 9 (14:40):
Doctor, God, where's the wound? Please?
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Oh?
Speaker 9 (14:45):
Have I kind of they wait outside.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Sir, Yes, Dave Skinner told me to wait. What's the doc? Say?
Nothing yet? I'd sure like to get my hands on
that fella, don't it. Mm I imagine a lot of
us wouldn't. She's a lady, a fine lady, not like
(15:11):
them hurdy gurdies around here. It don't matter one of
them stops a piece of lad.
Speaker 9 (15:18):
She real bad, hurt pretty bad.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
And you figure it with some crazy, liquored up some gun,
don't you.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
I I don't know if she was drunk or not.
I uh, I mean the fellas would come to see
how the lady is. We don't know yet. There's more downstairs.
We just wanted to know. We're gonna get the son
of a gun. The dray gofs to doctor Todd, come here,
he's in there now. Well you get this. There's three
hundred dollars a better gold dust than that. You tell doc?
(15:46):
He pulls her through. He'll get another legged. The boys
wanted to know they're with her here is I'll tell
her you do that.
Speaker 7 (15:57):
That.
Speaker 9 (15:57):
I got a couple of dollars that goes for me too.
Speaker 1 (16:01):
Give it to the dock. I will.
Speaker 9 (16:07):
I can't up very God, she's lost too much blood.
She's gonna be all right. Don't ask fool questions. Boy,
I'm not God.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
All right now she's asleep. Well you're here, kindle, aren't you. Yes,
it's lucky for her you were around. If she lost
any more blood, she'd be dead. Well, you might as
well get some shit. I I'll stay with her. I
left the hotel and went out into the street. There
(16:37):
were fifty or sixty men standing about quietly and waiting.
I told them all that I knew. Then I saw
missus Skimmer hurrying up. He motioned to me, and we
walked away from the crowd. Grimes couldn't find it. Oh,
hotel clerks said he hadn't seen him all night. I've
(16:57):
been thinking, is there something wrong between the to I
heard argument this afternoon her dressing room over at the saloon.
I didn't think anything of it then, but with this
I think we'd better find him. Mister Skinner, he did it.
I don't know, but it's possible. I get some of
the boys. No, it's matter.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
You're a friend of his, you're trying to protect him,
neither one.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
But all they need is an excuse. If they even
suspect someone, they'll hang him. I prefer things more legal.
Speaker 2 (17:23):
He's a killer.
Speaker 1 (17:24):
We've had that time before in Virginia, said, Robinson is
not dead now, but I suggest it is that you've
talked to some of the men who want likely to
take matters into their own hands. Tell him we're trying
to find crimes. If he doesn't know what's happened to
miss Robinson, they can bring him back here then what.
We'll let the sheriff handle it, all right, But I'll
tell you, Candle, if he puts up a fight, I
(17:45):
want to be there.
Speaker 2 (17:46):
It'll be a pleasure to shoot him.
Speaker 1 (17:52):
The search began. At first, only a handful picked by
Skinner knew what they were looking for, but the words spread,
and with it rumor Grimes with the man Grimes had
done it. In an hour, every man who knew or
cared about what had happened was a hunter the quarry
and isn't got guilty was James Grimes, and it was
obvious that, if found, he'd had very little chance of
(18:14):
standing triumph. At about three o'clock in the morning, I
returned to Miss Robinson's room and he changed, doctor.
Speaker 9 (18:23):
Love, they get the fellow who did it?
Speaker 1 (18:26):
Not yet?
Speaker 9 (18:28):
Makes you wonder? Doesn't it have come a man who
want to kill.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
A woman like this?
Speaker 9 (18:33):
She's the way I remember a woman should be.
Speaker 1 (18:37):
Why don't you get a cup of coffee?
Speaker 6 (18:38):
Doctor.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
I'll stay with her until you come back.
Speaker 9 (18:41):
Yeah, think we'll close, Stretch my legs a minute.
Speaker 6 (18:56):
Burn it around, it'll go move.
Speaker 1 (19:00):
You look a little worse for where it rhymes.
Speaker 9 (19:03):
They are after me.
Speaker 2 (19:04):
They're trying to kill me.
Speaker 1 (19:05):
Any reason why they shouldn't.
Speaker 9 (19:07):
Is she dead?
Speaker 3 (19:08):
No?
Speaker 1 (19:10):
I wonder I've been warning or what had happened? For
the wear the gun and get myself killed. He'll be
safer with me. The mom about you, Oh, you're the trouble,
the reason for everything. It's been men like you everywhere
we go, every town.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
She has to find someone.
Speaker 9 (19:26):
I want.
Speaker 2 (19:26):
I told her I wasn't going to stand at me long.
Speaker 1 (19:28):
And I heard a different reason, a different reason. What
did she tell you about her husband? An I'm happy marriage.
Speaker 2 (19:35):
She said that told you about her husband.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Yes, you want to know what really happened. She had
a husband all right in Boston. I didn't know it
at the time I met her and fell in love.
Speaker 2 (19:50):
She went away with me after we were married.
Speaker 1 (19:54):
She told me she she is your wife.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
Surprising look at her.
Speaker 1 (20:04):
It's another one of her little ways. She thinks it's
better if people don't know. She thinks.
Speaker 9 (20:11):
I don't know why she wants it that way.
Speaker 1 (20:15):
I guess you could say we killed her husband. He
committed suicide after she left him. Oh, y, you don't know.
Speaker 9 (20:22):
You don't know what it's been like.
Speaker 1 (20:24):
But I told her what i'd do if she want
after another man. I'm sorry, man, it doesn't matter anymore.
I hope she dies, and I wanted to feel these things.
If she dies, they'll hang you. H m hm.
Speaker 9 (20:42):
Jeans lately.
Speaker 2 (20:47):
I'm sorry, Lay.
Speaker 7 (20:48):
Such a jealous boy. I never mean anything.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
No, don't lamely.
Speaker 5 (20:55):
I like to shirt.
Speaker 7 (20:57):
That's all a woman to flirt. It doesn't mean an
Mister Kendall knows that if.
Speaker 9 (21:05):
You stop acting even now, can't you.
Speaker 7 (21:09):
Stop listening to you? Mister Kendall, have you been telling
you what a terrible woman I am. I suppose it's true,
but you're not.
Speaker 5 (21:26):
Much love a man, James.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Really, you don't have to listen to this crime still,
I'm outside, Bill. No, you don't give me that lady,
she's dead.
Speaker 2 (21:52):
Give me my gun.
Speaker 1 (21:53):
I can't. You don't get a trial. Perhaps you'll understand
there'll be no trial. Nomes come back to bride Climes.
Speaker 2 (22:12):
I think I was rather.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Glad I hadn't stopped Grimes when he went through the window.
They killed him. But in this case, perhaps it was
better than a public trial and hanging. Miss Uladia Robinson
and James Grimes were buried side by side in Virginia City,
Montana Territory. Frontier Gentleman was written, produced, and directed by
(22:43):
Anthony Ellis and stars John Dayner as JB. Kendall. Featured
in the cast were Jeanette Nolan, Larry Dobkin, Harry Bartel,
Jack Moyles, and Jim Nusser. Music was composed and conducted
by Wilbur Hatch. Now stay tuned for the Ford Road
(23:12):
Show to be followed by the CBS News over most
of these same stations. Join us again next week for
another report from the Frontier gentleman John Wall speaking.
Speaker 2 (23:22):
This is a CBS radio network
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