Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns – Ambush | The Lone Ranger (03-16-53)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release: February 25, 2026
Original Broadcast: March 16, 1953

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored classic, Andrew Rhynes brings listeners back to the golden age of radio, presenting an episode of The Lone Ranger titled "Ambush." This suspenseful Western unravels a plot of theft, betrayal, and attempted murder on a sprawling ranch in the old West. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, intervene just in time to save the day, unveiling the truth behind a sinister attempt to murder an accountant and cover up a trail of stolen cattle and cash.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. Introduction to the Central Conflict

• Setting: Circle Bar Ranch, managed by Tom Dorn and owned by a Chicago syndicate.
• Dorn learns an accountant, Ned Bates, is coming to audit the books, threatening to expose his theft of cash and cattle.
• Dorn considers drastic measures, including murder, to keep his crimes hidden.
  • "There's just one way out of this, Jake. I don't like murder, but murder?" – Tom Dorn (06:13)

2. The Murder Plot

• Dorn confides in Jake Rucker (foreman) and Sam Collins (cowhand) about the missing cash and the plan to ambush Ned Bates.
• Dorn plans to blame the crime on the recently escaped Martin brothers, using the sheriff’s presence to stage the highway ambush as the work of outlaws.
  • "You and Sam Collins... When we stop to water the horses, shoot Ned Bates and ride away." – Tom Dorn (08:06)

3. The Lone Ranger’s Intervention

• Meanwhile, the Lone Ranger and Tonto spot suspicious figures lying in wait as the buckboard approaches Crystal Spring.
  • "That might be an ambush. We'll close in on those men and find out why they're hiding." – The Lone Ranger (11:08)
• As Jake and Sam prepare to fire on Ned Bates, the Lone Ranger intervenes, shooting the rifle from Jake's hands and saving Bates’ life.
  • "I smashed his rifle with a bullet. But not before he fired." – The Lone Ranger (12:57)
• Dorn quickly covers, claiming the attack was just a prank—an initiation for the new man from the East.

4. The Aftermath and Suspicion

• Sheriff Hawkins and the Lone Ranger both distrust Dorn’s cover story but lack firm evidence; both decide to remain cautious and observant.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto decide to stay close and await an opportunity to speak privately with Bates.

5. The Second Murder Attempt – The Fire

• Dorn, Jake, and Sam, pushed to act quickly, sneak into the ranch office at night where Bates is working. Dorn knocks Bates unconscious and sets a fire, arranging the scene to look accidental.
  • "It'll look like he brushed the lamp into the wastebasket while he was asleep. No one can prove different. Here goes the lamp." – Tom Dorn (23:32)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, waiting outside, spot the growing fire and rush in to save Bates and salvage the ranch records.
  • "Toto, you take those books on the desk. Save all the papers you can." – The Lone Ranger (24:43)
• Dorn and his men spot the rescue and prepare to shoot, but are thwarted by Sheriff Hawkins and his deputies, who have been watching and intervene just in time.

6. Resolution and Justice

• The truth unravels: the deputies detain Dorn, Jake, and Sam. The rescued Bates recalls Dorn’s violence and the fire. The criminals' confession corroborates the plot.
  • "He started a fire to kill you and to burn the record." – Sheriff Hawkins (26:19)
• Sheriff Hawkins explains he suspected foul play and set the trap with his deputies after realizing the bullet at the ambush could not have been a ricochet.
  • "I figured the same as you did, missy... Then came here tonight with deputies." – Sheriff Hawkins (27:06)

7. Farewell and Final Note

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto depart, having restored justice once more.
  • "He smashes crooks wherever he can find them. He's a Lone Ranger." – Sheriff Hawkins (28:49)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• The Lone Ranger’s quick thinking in the ambush:
  "We'll close in on those men and find out why they're hiding." – The Lone Ranger (11:08)

• Dorn’s cold rationale for murder:
  "I figured on replacing the cash when we sold the Russell cattle." – Tom Dorn (06:05)

• Classic reveal of the hero’s wisdom:
  "To stop us, you'll have to shoot us in the back." – The Lone Ranger (19:58)

• Sheriff’s shrewdness matches the masked man:
  "I knew that bullet hadn't ricocheted. I wanted to question Dorn... Then came here tonight with deputies." – Sheriff Hawkins (27:06)

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |:-------------:|:-------------------------------| |01:38 - 04:24| Dramatic Lone Ranger intro, set-up of the ranch and cast. | |05:06 - 08:44| Dorn reveals the crime and outlines the murder plot. | |10:32 - 12:28| Lone Ranger and Tonto discover the ambush, intervene. | |18:03 - 20:17| Aftermath: suspicions rise; stories cover up the truth. | |21:01 - 24:47| Night: Dorn’s second murder attempt—Bates attacked and fire started. | |24:58 - 25:29| Lone Ranger and Tonto rescue Bates from burning office. | |26:12 - 27:29| Truth revealed; Sheriff and deputies explain their role; justice restored. | |28:49| Sheriff’s recognition of the Lone Ranger’s heroism. |

Tone & Style Notes

Faithful to the original Western radio drama tradition, the tone ranges from tense and suspenseful to upright and clear-cut, with characters delivering lines in a straightforward, often brisk style. The signature "Hi-yo Silver!" and sincere exclamations of lawfulness rounded out the episode’s earnest, heroic flavor.

This episode is a classic Western tale of intrigue, justice, and daring heroics, demonstrating once again why The Lone Ranger remains an enduring legend of radio drama.