Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns
Episode: Artist in Crime | The Lone Ranger (09-10-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: November 18, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode transports listeners to the rugged landscape of the Old West through a digitally restored classic: “Artist in Crime” from The Lone Ranger (originally broadcast September 10, 1952). The story delves into intrigue and deception as a mysterious easterner in the town of Chanceville, posing as Ellis Carter the artist, turns out to be the notorious outlaw Frank Grimes. The Lone Ranger and his companion Tonto work alongside Sheriff Tom Harris to separate truth from deception, revealing themes of justice, cunning, and courage.
Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights
1. The Mysterious Artist in Chanceville
- [03:45–04:57]
- Ellis Carter, a peculiar figure dressed in “ill-fitting eastern clothes,” is seen by the townspeople as an odd but harmless artist.
- Sheriff Tom Harris is bemused by Carter's presence and learns he prefers the East but is in the West to paint the scenery.
- Quote:
- Sheriff: “You don’t like it too much out here, do you?”
- Carter: “I like the people and I like the scenery. But the east is my home and I’ll return there soon.” (04:36)
2. The Outlaw’s Plot
- [04:57–06:21]
- Carter is revealed in private as Frank Grimes, leader of a gang planning to rob the express office in Overland Junction.
- He confides his “artist” persona is just a ruse and openly mocks the townsfolk’s gullibility.
- Quote:
- “What do you think he’s been doing in Chainsville these past three months? … The acting actor has been difficult. But let’s get serious about this job tomorrow.” – Grimes/Carter (05:16)
3. Lone Ranger and Tonto’s Suspicion
- [06:21–09:56]
- The Lone Ranger and Tonto observe inconsistencies in Carter’s behavior: his confident horsemanship, quick gun skills, and cowboy lingo betray his supposed eastern background.
- They also spot a discrepancy in his paintings (depicting trees in a treeless area) and decide to investigate further.
- Quote:
- Tonto: “Strange man. Very strange. He comes from the east, yet he handled that horse like a cowpoke. He drew a gun and fired it as quickly as any man I’ve ever seen.” (08:40)
4. The Hold-Up and Carter’s Self-Inflicted Injury
- [09:56–12:34]
- The gang successfully robs the Overland Junction express office, but Grimes is shot twice as they escape.
- Grimes plans to return to town in his artist disguise, spinning a story about being shot by bandits.
- He concocts a detailed alibi to mislead Sheriff Harris, demonstrating his cunning.
5. The Investigation Deepens
- [13:39–18:55]
- Sheriff Harris is taken in by Carter’s story and organizes a posse to chase the nonexistent bandits.
- The Lone Ranger and Tonto visit Dr. Tuttle, who’s tending Carter.
- They discover a critical clue: Carter’s clothes have bloodstains but no bullet holes.
- Quote:
- Lone Ranger: “There’s no sign of bullet marks in Carter’s coat, vest, or shirt.” (17:38)
6. Carter’s Exposure
- [19:22–22:42]
- The Lone Ranger shares suspicions with Sheriff Harris, connecting Carter’s wounds and the robbery.
- Harris is shocked to learn Carter is likely the outlaw Frank Grimes, realizing he's been duped.
- A plan is formed to flush out the gang, with Lone Ranger and Tonto taking the lead.
7. The Confrontation and Capture
- [22:42–26:55]
- A tense showdown unfolds in the hills. The Lone Ranger and Tonto approach the gang’s hideout under the guise of bringing urgent news.
- Displaying quick wits and bravery, the Lone Ranger disables several gang members and calls in the posse.
- Quote:
- Lone Ranger: “You’ll not be using those guns. We’ll take them.” (26:21)
8. Justice Served and Restitution
- [26:55–29:52]
- Sheriff Harris and the posse apprehend the gang. The loot is recovered and Frank Grimes/Carter is exposed.
- The Lone Ranger suggests the reward for Grimes be donated to Reverend Winthrop to aid in building a church.
- Quote:
- Sheriff: “Doggone, Sheriff. There goes a man—after all he did. In a couple of hours, I’d say he was an army of men all rolled into one.” (29:44)
- The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off, continuing their quest for justice.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- “He comes from the east, yet he handled that horse like a cowpoke… his vocabulary too. Let me hear that call. Horse.. cayuse. Tenderfoot not do that.”
— Tonto ([08:40]) - “There’s no sign of bullet marks in Carter’s coat, vest or shirt.”
— The Lone Ranger ([17:38]) - “If you hadn’t, you’d have enjoyed a short sleep like your partners are taking.”
— The Lone Ranger after subduing the gang ([26:36]) - “Your friend Carter is really Frank Grimes. There’s a big reward... I’ll donate it to the Reverend Winthrop in Overland Junction. He’s building a church there, and he needs financial help.”
— Sheriff Harris ([27:30])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:45 – Carter’s introduction and conversation with Sheriff Harris
- 05:15 – Grimes reveals his true identity and the gang’s plan
- 06:21 – Lone Ranger and Tonto observe Carter and grow suspicious
- 09:56 – The hold-up and Carter’s injury
- 13:39 – Sheriff Harris organizes the posse after Carter’s story
- 17:27 – Discovery of the bullet hole clue
- 20:13 – Lone Ranger and Tonto discuss their suspicions with Harris
- 22:42 – Showdown plan set into motion
- 26:21 – The Lone Ranger subdues the gang
- 27:30 – Final justice and charitable reward
Tone and Atmosphere
Faithful to the iconic style of The Lone Ranger, with strong themes of justice, clever detective work, and the classic trope of heroes outsmarting outlaws. The restored audio brings vitality to the Western ambiance, with immersive soundscapes that amplify the drama of the frontier.
Conclusion
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns delivers not only a thrilling narrative but also showcases the sharp intellect and steadfast ethics of its legendary protagonists. Listeners are left with a sense of satisfaction as justice prevails—and with an appreciation for the rich storytelling traditions of classic radio Westerns.