Old Time Radio Westerns: "Brad Wallace Takes the Blame" | The Lone Ranger (12-18-39) Summary

Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: April 26, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents a digitally restored classic episode of The Lone Ranger titled "Brad Wallace Takes the Blame." This episode transports listeners back to the Wild West, where themes of justice, corruption, and redemption intertwine in a tale of deceit and heroism.

Conflict at Martin Craig’s Home

The story unfolds in the home of Martin Craig, a powerful and influential lawyer, engaged in a heated confrontation with Snyder, a menacing figure intent on exposing Craig's corrupt dealings.

• Martin Craig: "Craig, you don't dare, huh?" [04:02]

Craig asserts his dominance and threatens Snyder, revealing the depth of his power and the lengths he will go to protect his interests.

• Snyder: "I'm not one of them. I'll break you from inside of jail." [04:05]

The tension escalates as Craig attempts to intimidate Snyder into silence, highlighting the pervasive fear Craig instills in others.

Brad Wallace’s Predicament

Amidst this confrontation, Brad Wallace, a young homesteader, inadvertently becomes entangled in the power struggle. Witnessing the altercation, Brad intervenes, leading to a dramatic standoff where Craig coerces Brad into taking the blame for a crime.

• Martin Craig: "You've got to take the blame. You're crazy. No, no, wait." [06:19]

Craig offers Brad a tempting bribe to falsely confess to a murder, exploiting Brad's desperation and financial woes.

• Martin Craig: "Then think of what you could do with $20,000... with that kind of money, you could do anything." [07:08]

Despite Craig's manipulations, Brad steadfastly refuses, asserting his innocence and moral integrity.

• Brad Wallace: "I won't take the blame." [06:31]

The Lone Ranger Steps In

As Brad faces the dire consequences of Craig’s schemes, The Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto begin their investigation. The Lone Ranger discerns inconsistencies in Brad’s story and suspects foul play orchestrated by Snyder and Craig.

• The Lone Ranger: "If there were only something we could." [10:02]

Determined to uncover the truth, The Lone Ranger delves deeper into the case, unveiling the layers of corruption that have ensnared Brad.

Courtroom Drama and Deception

Brad’s trial becomes a spectacle, with Judge Thornton presiding over the case under the shadow of Craig’s influence. Craig manipulates the situation, ensuring that Brad’s plea for a lesser sentence is meticulously arranged but ultimately sabotaged.

• Martin Craig: "You need money... I can't risk an investigation." [06:10]

In a critical moment, The Lone Ranger confronts Judge Thornton, questioning the integrity of the legal proceedings and exposing the judge's susceptibility to Craig’s corruption.

• The Lone Ranger: "You put yourself in a position where a thousand honest citizens... will suspect he's bought you." [22:54]

Unveiling the Truth

The Lone Ranger crafts a strategic plan to expose the truth. By dictating a letter to Judge Thornton, he manipulates the judge into incriminating himself, thereby unraveling Craig’s and Snyder’s deceitful tactics.

• The Lone Ranger: "I dictated it. Thornton wrote it." [28:21]

As the plot thickens, Martin Craig’s true nature and his attempts to manipulate the justice system are brought to light, leading to his downfall.

Climactic Confrontation and Resolution

In the episode’s climax, a tense confrontation ensues at the Kirkwood Hotel. Craig attempts to eliminate Judge Thornton and cover his tracks, but The Lone Ranger intervenes just in time.

• Martin Craig: "You think I'd let any man live who could put me in danger?" [27:21]

A dramatic showdown results in Snyder’s arrest and Craig’s scheme being exposed, ensuring that justice prevails. Brad Wallace is vindicated, and the community's faith in The Lone Ranger is reaffirmed.

• The Lone Ranger: "Men like you think everyone as crooked as themselves." [28:14]

Conclusion

"Brad Wallace Takes the Blame" masterfully weaves a narrative of courage and morality against a backdrop of corruption and manipulation. Through its rich storytelling and dynamic characters, the episode underscores the enduring values of justice and integrity championed by The Lone Ranger.

Notable Quotes:

• Martin Craig: "You're a pretty cool customer, Schneider." [08:08]
• Brad Wallace: "I'll hang to save you." [07:10]
• The Lone Ranger: "Silence. Silence." [15:14]

Final Thoughts

This episode exemplifies the golden age of radio dramas, brought to life with enhanced audio quality that immerses listeners in the Wild West. Andrew Rines’ dedication to digital restoration ensures that these timeless tales continue to captivate new audiences with clarity and depth.

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