Podcast Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Drexel’s End | The Lone Ranger (03-09-42)
Date: February 9, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the classic Lone Ranger radio drama “Drexel’s End” (originally aired in 1942), presented in digitally restored audio. The story revolves around the fall of Clark Drexel, a ruthless syndicate leader who has terrorized Deadwood. The Lone Ranger, aided by Tonto and the town’s sheriff, navigates a web of escape, cunning red herrings, arson, and double-crossing deputies to bring Drexel to justice. The episode is noted for its rich atmosphere, suspenseful pacing, and insightful commentary on justice and frontier ethics.

Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Drexel’s Arrest and the Anxiety of the Sheriff

• Background: Clark Drexel, notorious for corruption and intimidation, is finally imprisoned thanks to the Lone Ranger’s efforts.
• Sheriff’s Worry: Sheriff Glenn Bush is uneasy, fearing Drexel’s wealth will corrupt even the best men in town and facilitate escape.
  • “There’s mighty few men that can’t be tempted if there’s enough money around. And Drexel knows he’ll probably be sentenced to hang.”—Sheriff, [04:05]

2. Drexel’s Jailbreak

• Drexel eludes capture once again, sawing through the bars with outside help, confirming the sheriff’s suspicions.
  • “He’s free. He got out of the jail. I knew it.”—Sheriff, [04:58]
• The hound dog tracks Drexel to the livery stable, where the Lone Ranger and Tonto discover Jackson, the stablekeeper, was knocked out.

3. False Trail and Drexel’s Deception

• The posse believes Drexel has fled into the hills, but a chance encounter with Lem Callaway reveals Drexel double-backed to town using a horse-switching ruse.
  • “That means that Drexel went right straight back to Deadwood. He’s throwed us off the trail as neat as you please.”—Sheriff, [12:26]

4. The Syndicate Office Fire

• Flames erupt in the Drexel Mining Syndicate building—a key plot twist.
  • “Another do but let it burn. Look at those flames to the roof. They must be a mile high.”—Townsman, [13:24]
• All records and supposed Drexel himself seem to perish in the fire. Personal effects are found, suggesting his demise.

5. The Lone Ranger’s Suspicion and Plan

• The Lone Ranger deduces Drexel faked his death, mailing the vital records east to retain control of his wealth and land.
  • “I mean that Drexel set that fire on purpose. That’s why he doubled back to town after he got away...”—Lone Ranger, [18:14]
• He devises a sting: fake robbing the eastbound stage carrying Drexel’s records, then pose as an “Easterner” in town to draw out Drexel or his accomplice.
  • “I’m going to rob the stage.”—Lone Ranger, [19:04]
  • “Drexel won’t let me get away with that. He’ll either come himself or send someone to get me out of the way.”—Lone Ranger, [20:04]

6. The Double-Cross and the Sheriff’s Trap

• Deputy Buck, Drexel's accomplice, tells the stage guard to shoot for real during the holdup, hoping to kill the Lone Ranger.
• The sheriff confronts Buck, unraveling the betrayal when Buck refuses to ride with the Lone Ranger, fearing deadly crossfire.
  • “You wouldn’t go because the guard was going to shoot to kill. That guard was told to play along with whoever approached him.”—Lone Ranger, [26:03]

7. Deadwood’s Lawmen Close In

• Buck confesses and leads the sheriff and posse to Drexel’s hideout, a remote hunter’s cabin.
• Drexel tries to escape but is cornered and killed in a final attempt to flee.

8. Justice Restored and Departure

• With Drexel’s syndicate finished, the Lone Ranger and Tonto quietly take their leave, their mission complete.
  • “Well, that’s it, Tonto. Ah, work here. All done now.”—Lone Ranger, [27:25]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sheriff’s Realism About Corruption:
  “There’s mighty few men that can’t be tempted if there’s enough money around. And Drexel knows he’ll probably be sentenced to hang. At least you get life in jail. He can spend any amount of cash for his freedom and consider it worthwhile.”—Sheriff Glenn Bush, [04:05]

• Lone Ranger’s Deductive Insight:
  “I mean that Drexel set that fire on purpose. That’s why he doubled back to town after he got away… he put all the important records into a bundle because he didn’t want to lose his property. Then burned his self… I don’t think Drexel was near the fire after he started it.”—Lone Ranger, [18:14–18:27]

• The Classic Plot Twist:
  “That means that Drexel went right straight back to Deadwood. He’s throwed us off the trail as neat as you please.”—Sheriff, [12:26]

• Revelation and Confrontation:
  “You wouldn’t go because the guard was going to shoot to kill. That guard was told to play along with whoever approached him. You want to confess or go with me and see what happens?”—Lone Ranger, [26:03]

• Resolution:
  “Well, that’s it, Tonto… work here. All done now. Yes, Clark Drexel is finally paid in full. Come, Tonto. They don’t need us now.”—Lone Ranger, [27:25]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:28] – Opening narration and set-up for Drexel’s arrest
• [04:05] – Sheriff expresses concern about Drexel’s resources
• [04:58] – Drexel’s jailbreak and the first tense mobilization
• [11:10] – The posse discovers Drexel’s ruse and change of direction
• [13:01] – Fire at the Drexel office discovered
• [16:01] – Aftermath of the fire; discovery of jewelry
• [18:14] – The Lone Ranger’s deduction and plan revealed
• [19:04] – Outline of the fake stage robbery scheme
• [22:11] – Drexel and Buck’s secret meeting, treachery solidified
• [25:57] – Confrontation of Buck by the sheriff and Lone Ranger
• [27:03] – Final showdown at the cabin; Drexel’s end
• [27:25] – The Lone Ranger and Tonto depart, justice served

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers classic Lone Ranger suspense and moral clarity, enhanced by meticulous audio restoration and brisk, immersive storytelling. The narrative’s twists (Drexel’s escape, the arson/red herring, a mole inside law enforcement) and the Lone Ranger’s clever stratagem drive home the ethos of relentless justice often glorified in OTR Westerns. The interplay between the Lone Ranger, Tonto, and the world-weary but honest sheriff provides a compelling depiction of frontier honor and cunning.

For listeners old and new, this is a standout Lone Ranger adventure — full of tension, plot reversals, and that signature call: “Hi-Yo Silver, away!”