Podcast Summary: Colorado Gold | The Lone Ranger (Old Time Radio Westerns, 01/01/2026)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode, Colorado Gold from "The Lone Ranger" (originally aired 12-05-1952), host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners into a newly restored version of the iconic Western radio drama. The episode revolves around a search to recover $1 million in lost Confederate gold hidden during the Civil War, featuring themes of adventure, bravery, and the ever-mysterious Lone Ranger. Through ambushes, daring rescues, and a climactic showdown in Red Rock Canyon, the story spotlights the frontier spirit, loyalty, and a quest for justice in the untamed West.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. The Lost Boonville Gold (02:44–04:30)

• John Bledsoe, a white-haired Civil War veteran, recounts to his son Jim the tale of “Boonville gold,” hidden decades prior to keep it from Union forces.
  • The gold, meant to support the Confederacy, was hidden in a sealed cave after an Indian attack killed all but one in the escort—John himself.
  • Quote:

    “All but one man. He was badly wounded. I was that man.” — John Bledsoe (03:40)

• John tasks Jim Bledsoe with heading West to retrieve the gold and return it to its rightful owners, entrusting him with a hand-drawn map and instructions to contact the Lone Ranger.

2. The Lone Ranger Mobilizes (04:30–05:42)

• The Lone Ranger and his trusted friend Tonto receive a telegram about Jim’s mission and agree to intercept him at Red Rock Canyon.
• Tonto acknowledges the importance of the gold’s recovery for the struggling town of Boonville post-war.

3. Villainous Schemes Unfold (05:43–06:23)

• Meanwhile, two crooks (Slade and Merkel) overhear news of the gold and devise a plan to attack the stagecoach.
  • They convince a local renegade Indian chief to stage an “authentic” Native attack to obscure their involvement.
  • Memorable exchange:

    “We’ll make it look like Indians attack the stage. As a matter of fact, that’s just what’ll happen. I know a renegade chief who’ll help us.” — Slade (06:14)

4. Stagecoach Ambushed in Red Rock Canyon (08:30–10:24)

• Jim Bledsoe, alone on the westbound stage, stays vigilant with his new carbine and the precious map.
• The Lone Ranger spots renegade Indians lying in wait; Tonto tries to warn Jim while the Lone Ranger races for cavalry support.
• As the ambush unfolds:
  • Tonto, Jim, and the driver fortify behind boulders, under siege by the attackers led by Black Bear and the scheming Slade and Merkel.
  • They run desperately low on ammunition—until the sounding cavalry bugle signals hope.
  • Quote:

    “We can’t hold out much longer. I’m nearly out of ammunition.”
    “He just fired last shot. The last of mine is in my rifle now. I’m out. We’re through. We’re at their mercy.” — Jim Bledsoe and Tonto (10:15) “What’s that? It’s bugle. It means soldier!” — Jim (10:42)

5. Rescue and Justice (11:00–12:00)

• Cavalry, led by the Lone Ranger, sweeps in, repelling the ambush and dispersing Black Bear’s renegades.
• After the skirmish, Tonto tends to the wounded, and Jim gives the map to the Lone Ranger, expressing profound gratitude.
  • Quote:

    “The people of Boonville will be everlastingly grateful to you. And to you, sir.” — Jim Bledsoe, to the Lone Ranger (12:09) “I reckon the soldiers will be mighty grateful too, after capturing those crooks and Black Bear’s renegades.” — Stagecoach driver (12:15) “There’s a lot of folks grateful to the Lone Ranger.” — Narrator (12:19)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You may have heard of him. He’s known as the Lone Ranger.”—John Bledsoe (04:18)
• “I thought he was a legend. Is he really a flesh and blood individual?” — Jim Bledsoe (04:21)
• "We'll stick up the stage. Oh, no, not that. Why not? If that map is stolen, there'll be an investigation... We'll make it look like Indians attack the stage." — Scheme between Slade and Merkel (05:59-06:16)
• “We’re through. We’re at their mercy. What’s that? It’s bugle. It means soldier!” — Jim Bledsoe (10:19-10:42)
• “There’s a lot of folks grateful to the Lone Ranger.” — (12:19)

Important Timestamps

• 02:44–04:30: The legend of the Boonville gold is revealed; Jim accepts his mission.
• 04:30–05:42: The Lone Ranger and Tonto learn of Jim’s journey and make their plans.
• 05:43–06:23: Slade and Merkel plot the ambush with Black Bear.
• 08:30–10:24: The stagecoach is ambushed; tense firefight as heroes make their last stand.
• 11:00–12:00: Cavalry charges in with the Lone Ranger; villains are brought to justice; gratitude expressed.

Tone and Style

• The episode maintains the classic, suspenseful, straight-shooting tone of 1950s radio Westerns:
  • Heroism and ingenuity are celebrated without irony.
  • Dialogue is clear, dramatic, and forward-moving.
  • The Lone Ranger remains a near-mythical figure whose true nature inspires awe.

Final Thoughts

This digitally restored broadcast delivers on its promise to bring the frontier West to vibrant sonic life—horses, gunfire, and boulder skirmishes rendered with new clarity. For fans of Western drama or curious newcomers, Colorado Gold stands as a crystal-clear, action-packed sample of old-school radio storytelling, made even more compelling by sharp restoration and the timeless presence of the masked hero.

For more classic episodes, visit: otrwesterns.com
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Featured characters: The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Jim Bledsoe, John Bledsoe, Slade, Merkel, and Black Bear