Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Dodge City or Bust | The Lone Ranger (04-25-41)

Date of Release: April 12, 2026
Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Overview

This episode is a digitally restored rebroadcast of the classic 1941 radio drama "Dodge City or Bust," featuring the legendary Lone Ranger. The story follows Peggy Andrews, a determined ranch owner, and her crew—most notably the troubled but honorable Tex Cameron—as they risk everything to drive a crucial cattle herd from Texas to Dodge City. Their journey is beset by sabotage, natural dangers, and the threat of outlaws. The Lone Ranger and his steadfast companion, Tonto, intervene to protect Peggy and Tex, ensuring justice prevails on the perilous Chisholm Trail.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

Setting the Scene: Hard Times on the Frontier

[04:03–05:00]

• Post-Civil War Kansas, cattle drives bring both opportunity and danger—outlaws, hostile Native Americans, and natural obstacles.
• The Lone Ranger is introduced as a heroic protector of the cattle trails.

Notable Moment:

"The Lone Ranger knew that the future of Texas depended on the safety of that trail, and with all his strength and courage...he fought to preserve it." – Narrator (04:10)

Tex Cameron’s Crossroads

[05:15–07:00]

• Tex, a gunman with a checkered past (acquitted for killing in self-defense), is offered a chance to work for a notorious rancher, Borneo Smith, but refuses a life as a ‘hired killer.’
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto encourage Tex to redeem himself:

  “Are you going to live it down or get yourself a bigger reputation?” – Lone Ranger (05:48)

• Tex is determined to "make people trust him," even if it means hardship.

Peggy Andrews’ Gamble & Trail Drive

[07:07–11:00]

• Peggy Andrews faces financial ruin unless she can sell her herd in Dodge City.
• Borneo aims to force her into selling out cheap, but Peggy refuses, declaring,

  "I'll sell them if I have to drive the herd to Dodge City myself!" – Peggy (08:42)

• Tex steps in, volunteering as her foreman; the two form a trail crew against the odds.

The Lone Ranger’s Warning

[11:01–12:02]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto warn Tex and Peggy of Borneo’s plot to sabotage the drive, including potential stampedes and theft.
• The Lone Ranger promises to meet them near the end of the trail to help against direct threats.

Trials on the Trail

[12:02–13:34]

• Continuous trouble: attempted stampedes, horses stolen, gunfire at night.

  “They aren’t gonna beat us. It’s Dodge City or bust.” – Tex (12:37)

• The herd survives multiple river crossings and faces a tense negotiation with Black Crow, an Apache chief, resolved diplomatically by the Lone Ranger:

  “If you gave him guns and bullets, you'd be inviting a massacre.” – Lone Ranger (15:22)

An Escalating Threat: Borneo’s Desperation

[19:23–21:19]

• Borneo and Dirk plot to destroy Peggy's herd by stampeding a massive nearby buffalo herd into her cattle.

  “We stampede the buffalo and that's all there is to it.” – Dirk (20:51)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto detect the impending disaster by listening for the distant rumble of a bison stampede.

Race Against the Stampede

[22:36–26:51]

• The Lone Ranger advises Tex:

  “Not unless you stampede your own herd.” – Lone Ranger (24:24)

• Amidst a thunderstorm, Tex and Peggy’s herd is driven at a breakneck pace to outdistance the buffalo, culminating in a harrowing river crossing.
• Victory:

  “Good work, Silver. Good work, boy.” – Lone Ranger (26:51)

Showdown in Dodge City

[27:46–30:16]

• Borneo and Dirk, humiliated, plan to rob Peggy and Tex as they collect their cattle money, only to be thwarted by the masked man and the sheriff.
• The Lone Ranger disarms Dirk with a single shot:

  "The masked man just shot the gun out of your hand." – Sheriff (30:04)

• Both villains are arrested for attempted murder.
• Tex and Peggy, their lives and fortunes saved, decide to return to San Jose together.

  “A promise from the Lone Ranger is as good as gold.” – Tex (30:38)

• The Lone Ranger departs as quietly and heroically as he arrived.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Personal Redemption:

  “It may be a long time before you can make people trust you.” – Lone Ranger (06:33)
  “It’s worth it, isn’t it?” – Tex (06:36)

• Peggy’s Determination:

  "I'll sell that cattle... if I have to drive the herd to Dodge City myself." – Peggy (08:42)

• Lone Ranger’s Leadership:

  "If you gave him guns and bullets, you'd be inviting a massacre." – Lone Ranger (15:22)

• Dodge City’s Transformation:

  "There's a law in Dodge City now. And you're going to find out that it works fast." – Sheriff (30:17)

• Legacy of the Lone Ranger:

  “He saved the herd and then he saved our lives.” – Peggy (30:31)
  “A promise from the Lone Ranger is as good as gold.” – Tex (30:38)

Important Timestamps

• [04:03] – Introduction to the perils and significance of the cattle trail
• [05:15] – Tex’s confrontation with his past
• [07:07] – Peggy Andrews faces down Borneo in the saloon
• [11:01] – Lone Ranger warns of Borneo’s sabotage
• [12:21] – The herd is attacked at night
• [13:07] – Parlay with Apache chief Black Crow
• [20:51] – Borneo’s plan to use a buffalo stampede
• [22:29] – Lone Ranger and Tonto discover the stampede
• [24:24] – Lone Ranger’s advice: stampede their own herd
• [27:46] – Arrival in Dodge City, villainous plot foiled
• [30:38] – “A promise from the Lone Ranger...” closure
• [30:47] – Lone Ranger rides off: “Hi-yo, Silver! Away!”

Recap & Takeaways

This episode captures the spirit of the Old West: resolve in the face of adversity, the struggle for personal redemption, and the unwavering deliverance of justice by the Lone Ranger. The vivid, enhanced audio restoration amplifies the excitement and heart of the classic drama, making this episode a must-listen for fans of Western storytelling or those discovering it anew.