Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode: Dan and Bones Milbank | The Lone Ranger (05-28-52)

Date: November 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode presents a digitally restored broadcast of "The Lone Ranger," originally aired in 1952 and centered on Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's nephew, as he encounters "Bones" Milbank and becomes entangled in a stagecoach robbery. The adventure unfolds with themes of courage, cleverness, appearances versus reality, and undercover justice, culminating in a tense showdown with the notorious outlaw Stu Rector and his gang.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Stagecoach Meeting – Setting the Adventure

• Dan Reed, a teenager and nephew of the Lone Ranger, boards a stagecoach to Stockton.
• He meets Bones Milbank, an exceptionally thin man with a self-deprecating sense of humor about his appearance due to illness.
  • Quote: “I had a bad case of typhoid a couple years ago with complications. Ever since then I’ve been a six-foot bag of bones, you might say. Fact is, folks back where I come from got to calling me Bones.” — Bones Milbank (07:15)
• The passengers are held up by masked outlaws, led by Stu Rector. Dan’s prized gold neckerchief holder is stolen.

2. The Outlaw Gang and the Clue of the Mica Dust

• Dan and Bones report the holdup. Dan tells the Lone Ranger and Tonto about the incident.
• Dan notices shiny mica dust on the boots of the gang and later on Denny Milbank (Bones’ nephew).
  • Quote: “I did notice the lower part of their boots had some sort of shiny dust on them. It twinkled in the sun when they moved. Might be mica dust, Tonto.” — Dan Reed (18:32)
• Tonto attempts to investigate in town, but finds no leads.

3. Visiting the Circle M Ranch

• Dan visits the Milbank family: Bones, his sister-in-law Kate, and Denny.
  • Denny is a friendly young man who helps support the struggling ranch with a secretive job.
• Dan sees mica dust on Denny’s boots, raising suspicions about his possible connection to the outlaws.

4. Dan’s Discovery and Capture

• Dan trails Denny, who rides off after their meeting, and secretly follows him into a hidden valley.
• Dan is caught by gang members Tex and Sam, tied up, and brought to the outlaw camp.
  • Quote: “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just following the trail to kill lion.” — Dan Reed (33:45)

5. Suspense at the Gang’s Hideout (Crucial Showdown)

[Key Segment: 40:00–51:00]

• Dan admits noticing mica dust on Denny, revealing why he followed him.
• Denny, actually working undercover for the law, turns against the gang to protect Dan.
  • Quote: “I didn’t join this gang to get tough with youngsters. I’ll not stand by and let you fellas slap this boy around.” — Denny Milbank (46:01)
• A standoff ensues; Denny frees Dan, but they are overpowered when another outlaw, Fingers, surprises them.
• The Lon Ranger and Tonto arrive just in time, guns drawn, to save Dan and Denny, subduing the gang.

6. The Unmasking and Justice Served

• The sheriff arrives, Denny’s true role is revealed: he infiltrated the gang as a deputy to gather evidence.
  • Quote: “Denny’s really working for me as a deputy. He joined the gang to get the goods on them.” — Sheriff (53:02)
• Dan’s stolen gold neckerchief holder, found with the gang leader, serves as evidence of their guilt.

7. Reflections and Character Moments

• Bones reveals he’s an ex-deputy himself and covertly aided the Lone Ranger in the past.
  • Quote: “Being I’m so skinny, he didn’t recognize me. I used to be more than twice this size when I rode in a posse upstate that helped him capture a big gang.” — Bones Milbank (56:13)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto leave the territory, celebrated as mysterious, heroic figures.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Worrying only makes folks get thinner. You can imagine what’d happen to me if I lost any more weight, eh?” — Bones Milbank (08:15)
• “Looks don’t make the man, Dan. People can’t help their appearance in cases like this.” — Lone Ranger (19:14)
• “You watch out you don’t get any bones broke between here and where you’re going, Skinny.” — Outlaw to Bones (14:58)
• “I hope the change does you good.” — Dan Reed (09:12)
• “That mask him up? It isn’t masks that bother me, Kate. It’s what’s behind him that counts.” — Bones Milbank (39:18)
• “I sort of like the commotion I make at ringing. He wants us and everybody else to call him Bones. Dan' l says that’s sorta like his brand, you might say.” — Denny Milbank (24:43)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [07:15] — Bones Milbank introduces himself and humorously discusses his illness.
• [13:30–15:00] — Stagecoach robbery; Dan’s gold neckerchief holder is stolen.
• [18:20–19:30] — Dan relates the incident to Lone Ranger and Tonto; discussion of mica dust clue.
• [23:00–25:00] — Dan meets Denny and Kate at the Circle M; further suspicions arise.
• [33:00–34:30] — Dan is caught by outlaws following Denny.
• [40:00–51:00] — Outlaw camp standoff; Denny reveals true allegiance.
• [53:00–54:30] — Sheriff reveals Denny’s undercover operation; evidence secured.
• [56:10] — Bones reveals his posse past with the Lone Ranger.
• [57:30] — Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Dan depart.

Tone and Style

The episode exemplifies the classic Western storytelling style—direct, action-driven, with moments of humor, warmth, and stoic heroism. The dialogue is sharp and period-authentic, often laced with dry wit, especially from Bones Milbank. The sense of camaraderie, respect, and the necessity of looking past appearances are central themes throughout the narrative.

Summary Takeaways

• The Lone Ranger episode artfully blends suspense with moral lessons about judging by character, not appearance.
• Bones Milbank emerges as a memorable, self-aware supporting character whose past and wit enrich the story.
• Denny’s undercover role highlights classic themes of justice and sacrifice.
• Dan Reed’s observance and quick thinking help drive the investigation forward, with the Lone Ranger and Tonto proving indispensable in the final rescue.
• The show’s attention to atmospheric Western sounds—restored for modern clarity—adds depth to an already engaging tale.

An episode filled with action, clever deduction, and the timeless appeal of the masked rider of the plains.