The Arkansas Traveler

Originally Aired: January 30, 1939 Lux Radio Theater #204, "The Arkansas Traveler," follows a hobo printer who arrives by freight train in a small town caught in political turmoil. The Arkansas Traveler, a journeyman printer known to his fellow knights of the road, becomes entangled in the affairs of the Alan family, who run the local newspaper. Young Johnny Daniels, whose father is the town's mayor, faces a crisis of conscience as corrupt political boss Matt Collins schemes to exploit the town for personal gain. The situation grows more complicated when the Alans are forced to give up their newspaper, and Johnny must choose between family loyalty and what's right for the community. As the election approaches with only a week remaining, tensions escalate. The Traveler uses his printing skills and folksy wisdom to help expose Collins' plan to develop his personal property with taxpayer money and sell electricity back to the townspeople. Johnny struggles with his position, torn between his father's involvement with Collins and his growing understanding of the truth. The wandering printer becomes an unexpected catalyst for change, challenging the town to find a leader they can trust who will serve the people instead of special interests.