Podcast Summary:

Old Time Radio Westerns with Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Buried Gold | The Lone Ranger (04-07-52)
Release Date: October 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the golden days of Western radio drama, presenting a meticulously restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger titled "Buried Gold" (original air date: April 7, 1952). The story centers on a long-lost cache of Confederate gold and a desperate chase as greedy outlaws, a brave young heir, and the legendary Lone Ranger vie to determine its fate. As always, themes of justice, courage, and community ultimate triumph on the wild frontier.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Backdrop: The Lost Gold of Gold Creek

• Setting: End of the Civil War; sympathetic Gold Creek miners collect $1 million in gold bullion to support the Confederacy.
• Inciting Incident: The gold, entrusted to Jim Bledsoe and volunteers for transport, vanishes after a deadly ambush; only Jonathan Drake survives and keeps the secret.

“One million in gold. That'll mean a lot to Jeff Davis.”
— Dave Drake, [05:28]

2. The Dying Confession and the Secret Map

• Jump to 1876: Jonathan Drake, sole survivor, is dying. He entrusts the secret of the gold’s location to his son, David Drake, who is to deliver a map directly to the Lone Ranger via a trusted padre.
• Security Measures: The letter and map are sent separately, with the hope that only the right people will reunite the clues.

“If we see that we can't get through, we'll try to make sure the Northerners don't get the gold... I alone know where the wagons with their gold cargo are hidden.”
— Jonathan Drake, [05:46], [07:10]

3. The Mission and the Lone Ranger’s Promise

• David’s Journey: David embarks westward to deliver the map.
• At the Mission: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the padre discuss the moral purpose of the gold.
  • The Lone Ranger proposes using the gold for the struggling Gold Creek community—funding machinery, a school, and a church for future prosperity.

“If the buried gold is found, it should be used to help the community from which it came.”
— Lone Ranger, [12:29]

“A million dollars will do more than that. There'll be enough left over to build a school and a church and do many other things.”
— Lone Ranger, [12:59]

4. Intrigue: The Plot to Steal the Gold

• Villainous Pursuit: Merkel, Drake’s unscrupulous secretary, teams up with Gorman and a gang to intercept David on the trail. They plan a hold-up and are prepared to commit murder for the map.

“In addition to holding up a stagecoach, we'll have to commit murder... We're playing for high stakes.”
— Gorman & Merkel, [15:44–15:55]

5. The Stagecoach Ambush

• David’s Preparation: On the journey, David stops in Orville to buy the latest Winchester 73 rifle.
• Dramatic Hold-Up: Near Gold Creek, Gorman and his men ambush the stage. A fierce shootout ensues. David is wounded but bravely fights back, using his new rifle’s firepower.

“A man can fire 12 times just as fast as he can work the lever. And every shot goes true to the mark. Hits like a sledgehammer.”
— Storekeeper, [20:02]

6. The Clever Disguise: Hiding the Map

• While Fading From Consciousness: David, desperate to protect the map, rolls it into a cylinder and hides it—though in the chaos, he cannot recall where.
• Gorman’s Search: The outlaws search David but can’t find the map. Just as the Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive, more gunfire and heroics ensue.

7. The Lone Ranger’s Justice

• Resolution of the Ambush: The Lone Ranger subdues Gorman in a dramatic chase and fight, ties up the bandits, and checks the wounded.
• Revelation of the Map’s Hiding Spot: David recalls he hid the map in his rifle, jamming it. The Lone Ranger retrieves the map from the jammed barrel using his knife.
• Plan for the Town’s Future: With the map found and the gold’s location secure, the plan to reinvest in Gold Creek is reaffirmed.

“It will build a school and church and set up mining machinery so everyone in the community will prosper.”
— Lone Ranger, [28:44]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Lone Ranger’s Integrity and Vision:
  • “That gold came from the people in a small community known as Gold Creek... They need help. They deserve it.” [12:02]
• David’s Resourcefulness:
  • “I had it rolled up about the size of a cartridge. I shoved it into the magazine and... jammed the rifle.” [28:20]
• Classic Action:
  • The technical demonstration of the Winchester 73’s rapid-fire capability stands as a true period touchstone. [19:29]
• Final Recognition:
  • “That mask man sure saved our necks. But who is he, driver? He's the one man in all the world who my dad trusted. He's the Lone Ranger.” [29:10]

Major Timestamps

• [04:21] – Classic Lone Ranger opening and setup of the gold’s backstory
• [06:45] – Jonathan Drake’s deathbed confession and secret mission for his son
• [11:13] – Lone Ranger and Tonto at the mission with the padre
• [14:05] – Merkel and Gorman hatch their criminal plan
• [18:45] – David buys the Winchester 73 rifle in Orville
• [22:10] – Ambush on the stagecoach begins; shootout ensues
• [25:40] – Lone Ranger’s pursuit and capture of Gorman
• [28:06] – Map recovered from inside the jammed rifle
• [28:44] – Lone Ranger affirms the gold’s use for the community

Episode Tone and Style

The episode blends high drama, suspense, action, and exceptional period atmosphere typical of The Lone Ranger. Dialogue is earnest and quick, with each character’s motives and values clear. The Lone Ranger’s unwavering morality is foregrounded, while the gleam of Western ingenuity (both good and evil) shines throughout.

For Listeners Who Haven't Heard the Show

If you haven’t listened to this episode, you’ll experience a compelling blend of historical intrigue, classic Western action, and moral resolution. Buried Gold exhibits all the hallmarks of vintage radio storytelling: resourceful heroes, crafty villains, and a satisfying conclusion rooted in communal good.