Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: A Bad Tooth | The Lone Ranger (11-11-49)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: December 6, 2024

Introduction

In this enthralling episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents a classic Lone Ranger adventure titled "A Bad Tooth." This digitally restored episode transports listeners to the Wild West, showcasing the timeless heroics of the Lone Ranger, his faithful horse Silver, and his trusted companion Tonto.

Setting Up Camp in Bonesteel

The story begins with the Lone Ranger, accompanied by his nephew Dan Reed and Tonto, arriving near the spring at Bonesteel.

• Narrator [02:47]: "A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty hi O. Silver the Lone Ranger."

They decide to set up camp, allowing the Lone Ranger to investigate the notorious outlaw Stinger Kane.

• Lone Ranger [04:59]: "Now we can make camp here for a few days while I make inquiries about Stinger Kane, this plenty good camping place."

Dan's Toothache and the Sawdust Cafe Holdup

While resting, Dan enjoys some wild honey, leading to a severe toothache that prompts the group to seek medical help in town.

• Tonto [05:34]: "Wild honey? Golly, I'd like to have some."
• Dan Reed [05:51]: "Maybe you eat too much honey, Dan."

As night falls, three men led by Stinger Kane execute a holdup at the Sawdust Cafe, taking hostages and injuring Dizzy, Stinger's brother.

• Stinger Kane [06:43]: "I think the three of us should go in together."

Seeking Medical Aid

Dan and Tonto rush to the town's doctor, Dr. Tom Blake, for assistance. During the examination, Stinger Kane and his accomplice Red Kelly storm the clinic, forcing Dr. Blake to treat Dizzy under duress.

• Dr. Tom Blake [10:17]: "I'll drill it out and put in a filling."
• Stinger Kane [12:07]: "You're one of them. One of the men who wrote."

Stinger threatens the doctor, demanding Dizzy's treatment, but Dr. Blake tragically fails to save Dizzy.

• Stinger Kane [26:44]: "I warned you, Doc. I told you not to let him die."

The Posse Arrives and the Lone Ranger's Strategy

A posse, including Deputy Sheriff Joe, arrives to apprehend the outlaws. Misidentifying the Lone Ranger as one of the criminals, they engage in a standoff.

• Deputy Sheriff [16:04]: "You'll not explain anything. Just keep your hands up till I get a look at your face."

Realizing the danger, Dan devises a clever plan to create a diversion by throwing water on the campfire, producing steam to obscure the posse's vision.

• Dan Reed [20:26]: "Dead."

This maneuver allows the Lone Ranger to escape swiftly, while Dan and Tonto work to outsmart the posse and track the outlaws' trail.

Confrontation and Capture

As the posse pursues, Tonto and Dan communicate with the Lone Ranger using lantern signals. The Lone Ranger deduces the outlaws’ identities and location, preparing to intercept them.

• Lone Ranger [14:17]: "The description you give fits Stinger Cain and his mention of his brother makes it certain it's Cane brothers call Dizzy."

In a climactic showdown at the outlaws' cabin, the Lone Ranger and his allies manage to capture Stinger Kane and Red Kelly, recovering the stolen loot from the cafe robbery.

• Lone Ranger [29:46]: "The leopards take over."

Resolution and Reflection

With the outlaws subdued, peace returns to Bonesteel. Dr. Tom Blake reflects on the night's events, revealing his skeptical disbelief in the Lone Ranger—only to have Tonto confirm the Ranger's true identity.

• Dr. Tom Blake [30:18]: "Why didn't you tell me you knew him?"
• Tonto [30:31]: "I couldn't. You had my mouth filled with cotton."

The episode concludes with gratitude expressed towards Dr. Blake and the reaffirmation of the Lone Ranger's commitment to justice.

• Deputy Sheriff [30:38]: "I'm mighty glad you're going along with us when we take these prisoners into town."

Notable Quotes

• Lone Ranger [04:59]: "Now we can make camp here for a few days while I make inquiries about Stinger Kane, this plenty good camping place."
  (Timestamp: 04:59)

• Tonto [05:34]: "Wild honey? Golly, I'd like to have some."
  (Timestamp: 05:34)

• Dr. Tom Blake [10:17]: "I'll drill it out and put in a filling."
  (Timestamp: 10:17)

• Stinger Kane [12:07]: "You're one of them. One of the men who wrote."
  (Timestamp: 12:07)

• Dan Reed [20:26]: "Dead."
  (Timestamp: 20:26)

• Lone Ranger [14:17]: "The description you give fits Stinger Cain and his mention of his brother makes it certain it's Cane brothers call Dizzy."
  (Timestamp: 14:17)

• Tonto [30:31]: "I couldn't. You had my mouth filled with cotton."
  (Timestamp: 30:31)

Conclusion

"A Bad Tooth | The Lone Ranger" masterfully weaves a tale of courage, cleverness, and justice. Through meticulous digital restoration, listeners experience the rich sounds and vibrant storytelling that define the golden age of radio Westerns. The Lone Ranger's unwavering dedication to upholding law and order is vividly portrayed, reminding audiences why these classic tales continue to captivate hearts across generations.

Listen to more episodes and explore the vast collection of classic Western radio dramas on otrwesterns.com.