The Challenge Of The Yukon - Two Episodes (05-11-44) (05-18-44)

Challenge of the Yukon was a long-running radio series that began on Detroit's station WXYZ (as had The Lone Ranger and The Green Hornet). The series was first heard on February 3, 1938. Under the title Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, it later transferred to television. The program was an adventure series about Sergeant William Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his lead sled dog, Yukon King, as they fought evildoers in the Northern wilderness during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. Preston, according to radio historian Jim Harmon, first joined the Mounties to capture his father's killer, and when he was successful he was promoted to Sergeant. Preston worked under the command of Inspector Conrad, and in the early years was often assisted by a French-Canadian guide named Pierre. Preston's staunchest ally, who was arguably the true star of the show and indeed often did more work than he did, was the brave Alaskan husky, Yukon King. Typical plots involved the pair helping injured trappers, tracking down smugglers, or saving cabin dwellers from wolverines. Sgt. Preston's faithful steed was Rex, used primarily in the summer months, but generally Yukon King and his dog team were the key mode of transportation (as signalled by Preston's cry of "On, King! On, you huskies!."

TODAY'S SHOW: "Outlaw Dog" (05-11-44) And "The Outlaws Nemesis" (05-18-44)

May 11, 1944. Program #328. WXYZ, Detroit origination, The Michigan Radio Network. "Outlaw Dog". Sustaining. Tom McShane loses his poke and his claim playing poker in a Stovepipe City cafe. He even loses his faithful dog, "Marty." Possible recording date: May 4, 1944. Not auditioned. Jay Michael, Jack McCarthy (anouncer), Betty Joyce (writer). 14:17.

May 18, 1944. Program #329. WXYZ, Detroit origination, The Michigan Radio Network. "The Outlaw's Nemesis". Sustaining. Jim Mckenzie was shot while his brother Pete was trying to break him out of jail. Sergeant Preston is assigned to disguise himself, travel to Towanda Lake and arrest Pete. Possible recording date: May 11, 1944. Not auditioned. Jay Michael, Jack McCarthy (announcer), Betty Joyce (writer). 14:17.