Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Distress Signal | The Lone Ranger (11-26-52)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode plunges listeners into an electrifying tale of justice and deception set in the Old West. In “Distress Signal,” the Lone Ranger and his loyal companion, Tonto, pursue the ruthless Beaumont gang across state lines after a deadly bank robbery. The plot thickens when the gang concocts a daring scheme involving weather forecasts to pull off a railway heist, only to be confronted by the quick-thinking Lone Ranger. With themes of ingenuity, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice, this restored classic showcases the drama and atmosphere that defined Golden Age radio Westerns.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Titusville Bank Robbery (05:01 - 06:33)

• Rush Beaumont and his gang storm the Citizens Bank in Titusville.
• The attempted heist turns deadly when a cashier, grabbing a hidden gun, is fatally shot after wounding Slim, one of the gang members.
• The gang flees amidst chaos and splits up, heading for Colorado.

Notable Quote:
“This is a holdup. Slim, get the cash from the cashier.”
— Rush Beaumont (05:01)

2. The Governor’s Intervention & Lone Ranger’s Summons (07:24 - 10:23)

• The Governor, arriving for a school dedication, quickly becomes involved, recognizes the need for the Lone Ranger’s expertise, and arranges a discreet meeting.
• The Governor clarifies the Lone Ranger’s reputation to the sheriff, smoothing the way for his investigation.

Notable Quotes:
“He’s no outlaw, Sheriff. In fact, he’s done more to help the law in this part of the country than any man I know.”
— The Governor (07:54)

“You may have heard of him. He’s called the Lone Ranger.”
— The Governor (08:37)

3. The Gang's Railroad Heist Plan (10:51 - 14:47)

• Reunited in Empire City, the gang targets an express train carrying gold and silver.
• They hear of a new Army weather station nearby and see its forecasts as key to timing their heist so the rain hides their tracks.
• Rush produces a fake deputy’s badge, planning to bluff the weather station sergeant for classified information.

Notable Quotes:
“If we could tell a day or so ahead when there’d be a heavy general rain, we could make plans for the holdup and be sure our trail would be wiped out.”
— Rush Beaumont (11:57)

“I figured I’d fool him with this mail order badge.”
— Rush Beaumont (13:40)

4. The Weather Station Infiltration (19:33 - 23:21)

• The gang arrives at the Eagle Plateau Army weather station, posing as lawmen.
• Master Sergeant Bob Bones, suspicious, demands identification beyond Rush’s badge and tries to verify their story, but the gang draws their guns.
• The outlaws force him to give the forecast: rain starting at 5:00 PM, lasting 24 hours—perfect cover for their heist.
• Bert, an ex-telegrapher, stays behind to monitor the sergeant and prevent any alarms.

Notable Quotes:
“It’s a federal offense to come here and pull guns on me. You’re our prisoner, Sergeant. You’re smart. You’ll tell us what we want to know.”
— Rush Beaumont (20:26)

5. The Lone Ranger Detects the Distress Signal (24:07 - 27:38)

• Sergeant Bones attempts to signal distress by instructing Bert (his guard) to raise the American flag upside down—a traditional sign of dire peril.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, tracking the gang, spot the signal as they approach and realize something is amiss.

Notable Quotes:
“No army man would make that mistake with the American flag. Tonto, it must have been done intentionally!”
— The Lone Ranger (25:38)

6. Rescue and the Prevented Heist (27:03 - 30:03)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto disarm Bert, free Sergeant Bones, and learn the gang is preparing to rob the express train at Morgan’s Gap.
• Using the element of surprise, the Lone Ranger and Tonto confront the gang at the barricaded tracks, stopping the robbery.
• The train roars safely past, and the army arrives to take the criminals into custody.

Notable Scene (Action & Dialogue):
“You were warned, Beaumont. Do you two want gunplay?”
— The Lone Ranger (28:53)

7. Justice Served & Epilogue (30:03 - 31:38)

• The army detachment takes the gang away; the Lone Ranger and Tonto decline a formal ride back, heading south to report to a friend.
• Beaumont laments his fate, blaming the masked man for their failure—a classic closing exchange referencing the Lone Ranger’s legend.

Notable Quotes:
“We’d have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for that mask man.”
— Rush Beaumont (31:21)

“A lot of crooks said the same thing about the Lone Ranger. Hi-yo Silver, away!”
— Lone Ranger (31:35)

Timed Highlights & Memorable Quotes

• Governor Introduces the Lone Ranger: (08:37)
  “You may have heard of him. He’s called the Lone Ranger.”
• Gang’s Rain Plan Crystalizes: (11:57)
  “If we could tell a day or so ahead when there’d be a heavy general rain, we could make plans for the holdup and be sure our trail would be wiped out.” — Rush
• The Lone Ranger Recognizes Distress: (25:38)
  “No army man would make that mistake with the American flag. Tonto, it must have been done intentionally!” — Lone Ranger
• Standoff at the Gap: (28:53)
  “You were warned, Beaumont. Do you two want gunplay?” — Lone Ranger
• Beaumont’s Final Grumble: (31:21)
  “We’d have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for that mask man.” — Rush
  “A lot of crooks said the same thing about the Lone Ranger. Hi-yo Silver, away!” — Lone Ranger

Overall Tone and Style

With crisp, vintage dialogue and swift-paced action, this episode captures the earnest, heroic spirit of Old Time Radio. The performances are energetic, painting an immersive picture of the Western landscape, its restless lawbreakers, and the steadfast resolve of the Lone Ranger and Tonto.

Conclusion

“Distress Signal” is a thrilling slice of classic radio that delivers suspense, clever plotting, and the triumphant ring of justice in frontier America. The digital restoration enhances every gallop, gunshot, and catchphrase, preserving the timeless magic of one of the West’s great radio legends.