Old Time Radio Westerns

The Lone Ranger – “Along the El Paso Trail” (01-24-41)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date Released: November 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored classic Lone Ranger radio drama, “Along the El Paso Trail,” immersing listeners in the historic, perilous days before the railroads crossed the West. The story centers on Shad Rankin, a hard-working freighter battling adversity on the trails west of El Paso, and the courageous intervention of the Lone Ranger and Tonto when trouble strikes. As outlaws threaten the stability of the freight line—and the Rankin family's fate—heroism, loyalty, and justice ride again across the open plains.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Frontier Setting & Introduction (03:50–05:10)

• The narrator introduces the untamed western frontier, emphasizing the critical role of freighters and the challenges of frontier life.
• Shad Rankin is presented as a fair and reliable freighter, providing supplies to isolated settlers.

Memorable Quote:

“Many communities might have been cut off by outlaws and hostile Indians if it had not been for the masked rider of the plains... It was his strength and courage that made the trail safe, brought law and order to the new territory and finally made possible the winning of the West.” — Narrator (03:50)

2. The Outlaws’ Plot (05:10–07:00)

• Two outlaws, Bulger and Sawtel, plot to ambush Shad Rankin, envying his thriving business and seeking to take it over for profit.
• They coldly plan not just to rob, but to eradicate their competition, foreshadowing an ambush.

Notable Moment:
Their greed and ruthlessness are revealed in open dialogue:

“I aim to take over the freighting business in this country and charge all the traffic in bay. I aim to get rich, Chevy. I aim to squeeze the ranchers and settlers for all I can grab. And for that, the first thing I have to do is get rid of Shadrachan.” — Outlaw Bulger (05:56)

3. The Ambush and Lone Ranger’s Arrival (07:00–10:00)

• Shad is shot in an arroyo; the outlaws believe they have succeeded.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto come upon the scene and rescue Rankin, quickly returning him to his wife.

Memorable Moment:
The urgency of the rescue:

“We came along... We hadn't been so far away, we might have gotten here in time to learn who fired those shots.” — Lone Ranger (08:12)

4. Suspicion on the Lone Ranger & Tonto (10:00–14:00)

• Mrs. Rankin is at first alarmed, suspecting the masked Lone Ranger and his companion.
• As they struggle to save Shad, the townsfolk, riled by rumor, also believe the mysterious strangers may be outlaws responsible for the attack.

Notable Quote:

“You stole my husband's wagon. I had the law on you!” — Mrs. Rankin (09:27)

“You men are forgetting one thing. Tonto and I brought Rankin back. We found him and...” — Lone Ranger defending their actions (13:07)

5. Community Mistrust & Escape (13:00–15:00)

• Townsfolk, fueled by the real villains’ rumors, form a posse intent on lynching the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
• The Lone Ranger coolly asserts authority and, with Tonto, makes a narrow, tense escape.

Memorable Moment:

“Don't climb off that horse, my friend... I'm warning every man here. Don't try to stop us—the first one who draws a gun… Will get the same.” — Lone Ranger faces the mob (13:16)

6. Mrs. Rankin’s Resolve (15:29–18:59)

• With Shad wounded and unable to continue the business, Mrs. Rankin bravely declares she will carry out the freighting run herself.
• Their emotional exchange underscores her determination and the hardship faced by frontier women.

Notable Quote:

“When things go bad, it's the wife's duty to help out her husband, Sid. There ain't no two ways about it. Driving the wagon to El Paso myself.” — Mrs. Rankin (16:00)

7. On the Trail: Mrs. Rankin vs. the Outlaws (18:59–24:56)

• Despite warnings, Mrs. Rankin sets out alone, fully intent on saving the business.
• The outlaws regroup and plan to ambush her—this time by stampeding or killing her horses, leaving her stranded.

8. Pursuit, Ambush, and Final Showdown (24:56–30:03)

• The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and a posse race to catch up, knowing Mrs. Rankin is in grave danger.
• Bulger and Sawtel set their ambush. But when the wagon arrives, Mrs. Rankin is flanked by the white horse Silver and Scout—Lone Ranger and Tonto at her side.
• A quick gunfight: the Lone Ranger’s legendary aim shoots the guns from the outlaws’ hands.
• The outlaws are tied up and left for the posse, who arrive in time to witness the resolution.

Memorable Quote:

“Shoot the gun from the hands!” — Lone Ranger orders, swiftly disarming the bad men (29:10)

“Him and the Indian jumped on these two hombres like a pair of catamounts... I reckon the trail to El Paso is wide open for law abiding folks from this night on.” — Townsperson (30:03)

Notable Quotes & Emotional Beats

• On justice and heroism:
  “It was his strength and courage that made the trail safe, brought law and order to the new territory and finally made possible the winning of the West.” (03:50)
• On grit and partnership:
  “When things go bad, it's the wife's duty to help out her husband... Driving the wagon to El Paso myself.” — Mrs. Rankin (16:00)
• On facing the mob:
  “Don't climb off that horse, my friend... I'm warning every man here. Don't try to stop us—the first one who draws a gun… Will get the same.” — Lone Ranger (13:16)

Important Timestamps

• [03:50] — Setting the scene: Lone Ranger’s introduction to the frontier.
• [05:56] — Outlaws plot the ambush.
• [07:00–10:00] — The shooting and Lone Ranger’s timely intervention.
• [13:07] — The mob confronts the Lone Ranger and Tonto.
• [15:29] — Mrs. Rankin vows to take the wagon herself.
• [18:59–24:56] — Mrs. Rankin departs; the outlaws track her.
• [29:10] — Final showdown; the Lone Ranger outsmarts and captures the outlaws.
• [30:03] — Townsfolk praise the Lone Ranger and the safe future of the trail.

Episode Tone and Style

In classic Western radio style, the story is direct, melodramatic, and steeped in frontier values—courage, justice, and self-reliance. The humor is dry, and the tension palpable, with the Lone Ranger’s calm confidence and Mrs. Rankin’s grit standing out as paragons for listeners.

Conclusion

“Along the El Paso Trail” offers listeners a rich adventure replete with ambush, injustice, and the uplifting triumph of good over evil. The Lone Ranger’s legendary cool and Mrs. Rankin’s perseverance ensure the western trail remains open for honest folk—a tale as relevant in the mythic past as it is for today’s audience of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast.