Old Time Radio Westerns: "Contraband from Cuba" | The Lone Ranger (05-02-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Air Date: October 20, 2025
Original Show Air Date: May 2, 1952

Episode Overview

In this thrilling digitally restored classic, “Contraband from Cuba,” the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto travel to Galveston, Texas to investigate a sophisticated smuggling operation running contraband gunpowder from Cuba. Set just after the Civil War amidst the bustling docks, railroad tracks, and shadowy saloons, the episode delivers a story of deception, danger, and quick thinking on the untamed Texas frontier. The Lone Ranger must use his wits—and his fists—to outsmart a cunning gang that has managed to outfox authorities at every turn.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

Setting the Stage in Galveston (04:17–07:03)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive on Galveston Island, suspicious about recent smuggling operations.
  • Lone Ranger: “The reports we've had of smuggling along the coast leads me to believe a strong gang have headquarters somewhere near Galveston Bay.” (04:45)
• They discuss logistics: smugglers bring in small kegs—suspected to be gunpowder from Cuba—possibly by boat, then transport them via the railroad.
  • Tonto: “If them bring in contraband to island, them have to take it over bridge or... take it to mainland and railroad.” (05:13)

Investigating Railroad Operations (07:03–08:47)

• Observing soldiers inspecting outgoing trains, the Lone Ranger questions crew members under a disguised identity.
  • Joe, Train Engineer: “This one leaves every evening about this time... There are just two trains a day.” (08:10-08:30)
• Discussion reveals routine patterns that the gang may exploit.

First Brush with Danger (09:04–09:33)

• Lone Ranger and Tonto are warned away by a suspicious soldier:
  • Soldier: “It isn't healthy for strangers to hang around the docks. If you want to keep out of trouble, stay uptown.” (09:09)

Smugglers' Scheme Unveiled (09:38–12:24)

• Rusty and Carlos—members of the smuggling gang—discuss the Lone Ranger and Tonto’s suspicious behavior.
  • “The tall stranger and the Indian, they were very much interested in the train, eh, Rusty?” (09:48)
• Luke Powell, mastermind, explains their method:
  • Contraband kegs are hidden under wood in the train tender, bypassing soldier inspections.
  • Offloaded at a remote town while the engine takes on water:
    • Luke Powell: “We unload the wood that's left in the tender. Put the kegs in, and pile the wood back on top.” (11:11)
    • Rusty: “Soldiers never think of looking under the kindling logs in the tender. That's very clever, Luke.” (11:31)

Narrow Escapes & Pursuit (13:02–16:01)

• Rusty tails Lone Ranger and Tonto at the cafe; they evade him, only for the tables to turn.
• The duo is ambushed by Luke’s men and forced at gunpoint onto their boat.
  • Luke Powell: “We're taking you aboard that boat yonder. If you or the Indian try any tricks... we'll plug both of you...” (15:30)
• Memorable Line: “You couldn't fight your way out of this crowd, so you might as well loosen your gun belts and drop them.” (18:37, Luke)

The Lone Ranger’s Escape (17:40–22:36)

• Tied up and left in a cabin, Lone Ranger notes the captors’ mistake of leaving both together.
  • Lone Ranger: “They should each be tied to something stationary, isn't that right?” (20:25)
• They work together to loosen ties and escape.
• Silently subduing a guard, they conceal him and begin to gather proof of the operation.

Summoning the Law (23:10–24:22)

• The Lone Ranger sends Tonto to alert nearby soldiers stationed on the mainland.
  • Lone Ranger: “Go to the place where we left the horses, right across the bridge. Give the note to one of the guards...” (23:12)

Breaking the Smuggling Ring – The Climax (24:22–28:57)

• Lone Ranger stealthily incapacitates Rusty and Carlos, key henchmen guarding the train.
• Recalling engineer’s words about the always-half-empty tender, he deduces the kegs’ hiding place.
  • Lone Ranger: “The tender under those logs, Sergeant, I'm almost certain that's where you'll find the contraband.” (27:29)
• Soldiers discover the smuggled gunpowder; simultaneous raids lead to the arrest of all conspirators, including corrupt crew members.
• Justice is served as the ringleaders are disarmed.

Resolution & Classic Wisdom (28:17–29:31)

• The Lone Ranger’s intervention is praised.
  • Sergeant: “Thanks to you, sir. We found the engineer and fireman who were implicated... I'm sure the others at the water tower will be taken without trouble.” (28:17)
  • Soldier: “Most of them in this country have [heard of him, the Lone Ranger]. And believe me, mister, they always regret it when they tangle with the Lone Ranger.” (29:00)

Notable Quotes

• “The reports we've had of smuggling along the coast leads me to believe a strong gang have headquarters somewhere near Galveston Bay.” —The Lone Ranger (04:45)

• “Soldiers never think of looking under the kindling logs in the tender. That's very clever, Luke.” —Rusty, Smuggler (11:31)

• “You couldn't fight your way out of this crowd, so you might as well loosen your gun belts and drop them.” —Luke Powell (18:37)

• “The tender under those logs, Sergeant, I'm almost certain that's where you'll find the contraband.” —The Lone Ranger (27:29)

• “Most of them in this country have [heard of him, the Lone Ranger]. And believe me, mister, they always regret it when they tangle with the Lone Ranger.” —Soldier/Sergeant (29:00)

Timeline of Key Scenes

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:17 | Introduction and arrival in Galveston | | 07:03 | Train inspection; chatting with engineer and soldiers | | 09:38 | Smuggler suspicion grows; internal gang discussion | | 11:11 | Luke Powell explains the contraband plan | | 13:02 | Lone Ranger and Tonto stakeout; cafe and pursuit | | 15:30 | Taken at gunpoint to the smugglers’ boat | | 20:25 | Escape from bonds in the cabin | | 23:12 | Tonto sent to fetch soldiers | | 27:29 | Discovery of the kegs under kindling in train’s tender | | 28:17 | Smugglers arrested; the operation ends | | 29:00 | Lone Ranger’s mysterious reputation reinforced |

Episode Tone & Presentation

The storytelling is classic, tense, and briskly paced, with tightly woven action and suspenseful pauses. The Lone Ranger’s confidence and coded camaraderie with Tonto contrasts with the bravado and ruthlessness of Luke Powell’s gang. The digitally enhanced sound design immerses listeners in the sounds of the docks, galloping hooves, and the gritty world of the early Texas frontier.

Conclusion

“Contraband from Cuba” exemplifies the ingenuity and justice-mindedness that made The Lone Ranger a legend. With sharp wit and heroic resolve, the Lone Ranger and Tonto break a daring smuggling ring and restore order yet again—reminding both listeners and would-be outlaws that evil schemes cannot stand in the face of true heroism.

— Summary by Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, hosted by Andrew Rhynes