Product ID: TTMRSSWE
Control Number: 7816040
The Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters 33 Episodes
The Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters was an absolute titan of juvenile adventure programming and one of the most successful children's shows in radio history. Capitalizing on the immense worldwide fame of real-life Hollywood silent film cowboy Tom Mix, the series transported millions of young listeners to the TM Bar Ranch in Austin, Texas. There, Tom and his trusty, wonder horse Tony embarked on high stakes adventures, unraveling mysteries, battling rustlers, and fighting espionage. Even though the real Tom Mix never actually appeared on the audio program, the show beautifully preserved his larger-than-life persona as a symbol of clean living, bravery, and absolute justice.
Fast paced, action-packed, and highly interactive, The Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters was known for its relentless cliffhangers, iconic musical jingles, and its status as the undisputed king of radio premiums.
The Stars
Because the real-life Tom Mix was busy touring with circuses and rodeos (and possessed a high-pitched voice unsuitable for the audio medium), a series of talented radio actors portrayed the cowboy hero. The role was originated by Artells Dickson, followed by Jack Holden and Russell Thorson. However, the definitive and longest running radio voice of Tom Mix belonged to Curley Bradley, who took over in 1944 and played the hero until the end of the run.
Tom was backed by a colorful cast of characters at the TM Bar Ranch. His loyal companions included Pecos Williams (a lovable, bighearted sidekick also played by Curley Bradley in the early years), a brilliant Cherokee scout named Wash, and two relatable adolescent sidekicks, Jane and Jimmy, who gave the young audience at home a proxy inside the adventure. The show was held together by its enthusiastic announcers, most notably Don Gordon, who famously rallied the audience at the start of every broadcast.
Key Dates
The series made its thunderous debut on September 25, 1933, on the NBC Red Network.
It became a permanent fixture of afternoon radio throughout the Great Depression and World War II, moving across networks before finding its final home on the Mutual Broadcasting System.
The program ran continuously for nearly two decades, finally riding off the airwaves on June 23, 1950.
Tailored precisely for the afterschool crowd, the show typically aired in a 15minute daily serial format, ensuring that young listeners tuned in Monday through Friday to see how Tom would escape the previous day's death trap.
Other Information
A hallmark of the show was its unparalleled connection to its sponsor, the Ralston Purina Company. The show's intro was an unforgettable event, kicking off with a lively musical jingle sung to the tune of "When the Bloom is on the Sage," explicitly praising Shredded Ralston and Hot Ralston cereal as the fuel for true "Straight Shooters." Announcers heavily promoted the "Straight Shooters' Pledge," which required kids to promise to be brave, clean, truthful, and to eat their breakfast cereal regularly.
The production was a merchandising juggernaut. By mailing in a Ralston box top and a dime, millions of children transformed their living rooms into frontier outposts using highly coveted premiums. The show pioneered legendary radio gear, including the 1941 Six-gun Decoder Badge, glow in the dark spurs, looking telescopes, secret compasses, and wooden replica six-shooters.
Today, The Tom Mix Ralston Straight Shooters is celebrated by historians as a masterclass in midcentury children's marketing and immersive audio storytelling. For old time radio collectors, it remains a beloved, high-energy artifact from a time when the simple crack of a simulated rifle shot and a bowl of cereal could spark a lifetime of imagination.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99
Mice Price: $11.59
Length: 15
Width: 38
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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