Experience the complete, original broadcast of the sixth episode of Crime Classics, the landmark true crime radio series that brought historical murders to life with chilling authenticity. Hosted by Thomas Hyland, this episode presents the legendary true story of the assassination of Jesse James, the most notorious outlaw of the American West, shot dead by Robert Ford in St. Joseph, Missouri, on April 3, 1882.
Set in the final days of the James gang, this episode reconstructs the web of political ambition, betrayal, and cold-blooded murder that ended the life of one of America's most infamous figures. From Governor Crittenden's scheming in his bathtub to Sheriff Timberlake's recruitment of the Ford brothers through a Kansas City card girl named Maddie, the episode traces every step of the conspiracy. It culminates in that fateful moment when Jesse, standing on a chair to hang a picture of a horse, is shot in the back of the head by Robert Ford - an act that would be immortalized in song as the deed of "the dirty little coward."
This broadcast is a priceless time capsule of Golden Age radio, featuring a meticulously researched script based on contemporary newspaper accounts and historical records. Created by Elliott Lewis and Morton Fine, Crime Classics became a cult classic, celebrated for its literate writing, atmospheric production, and Thomas Hyland's unforgettable portrayal of the urbane crime connoisseur. This episode is presented as broadcast on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, bringing the series to American servicemen and women stationed around the world.
Notable Moments in This Broadcast:
• Thomas Hyland's opening monologue, describing Jesse James nailing a horse picture to the wall moments before his death.
• Governor Crittenden's bathtub scene in the Missouri Governor's Mansion, plotting with Sheriff Timberlake to eliminate Jesse James.
• Timberlake's recruitment of Maddie, a Kansas City card girl, to contact the Ford brothers.
• The Ford brothers, Robert and Charlie, meeting with Sheriff Timberlake at Stamponi's boarding house.
• Timberlake's offer: a full pardon and $10,000 for Jesse James, dead or alive.
• The brothers' initial hesitation, knowing Jesse's deadly speed and constant vigilance.
• A catalog of Jesse's crimes: murdering cowboys, rustling cattle, train robberies, and the killing of Pinkerton agent John W. Wicker.
• Jesse's heavily armed state: .45 Colt, .45 Smith-Wesson, .44 Derringer, and Winchester rifle.
• The Ford brothers' first failed attempt, using a dog to test if Jesse was truly asleep.
• The train robbery at Winston, leaving two corpses and $8,000 in loot.
• Jesse's return home to St. Joseph, where he lives under the alias Mr. Howard with his wife Ann.
• Ann's gift of a horse calendar from Isaac's Livery, which Jesse decides to hang in the parlor.
• The fatal moment: Jesse stands on a chair to hang the picture, Robert Ford shoots him in the back of the head.
• Charlie Ford's reaction: "That makes me a hero, don't it?"
• The aftermath and the famous song lyric: "The dirty little coward shot Mr. Howard and laid Jesse James in his grave."
• Original musical score composed and conducted by Bernard Herrmann, setting the tone for each scene.
• AFRTS network announcements and credits tailored for military audiences.
• Preview of next week's episode: "On the Final Day of General Ketchum and How He Died" from Baltimore, 1871.
Period Details:
• Broadcast Date: July 20, 1953.
• Program: Crime Classics #006.
• Network: CBS Radio Network, distributed by the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).
• Host/Narrator: Thomas Hyland (portrayed by Lou Merrill).
• Cast: Clayton Post (Jesse James), Paul Frees (Charlie Ford), Sam Edwards (Robert Ford), with Joseph Kearns, Charlotte Lawrence, Paula Winslow, Joseph Granby, and others.
• Creator/Writer: Morton Fine, David Friedkin.
• Director/Producer: Elliott Lewis.
• Music: Bernard Herrmann, composer and conductor.
• Setting: Missouri: Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Joseph; and the train near Winston, 1882.
• Source Material: Contemporary newspaper accounts, historical records, and the famous ballad of Jesse James.
• Historical Context: The end of the outlaw era, Governor Crittenden's administration, and the mythology of the American West.
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