
Original Air Date: September 29, 1950Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Ro...
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Narrator
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Geico Spokesperson
I need like 24.
Narrator
Seven claims, I'm on cloud nine. Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human.
Tonto
What's happening?
Narrator
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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Narrator
A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a.
Geico Spokesperson
Hearty Hio Silver the Lone Ranger General.
Narrator
Mills, makers of Cheerios, the ready to eat Oat cereal that gives you Go power, and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions, present by special recording the Lone Ranger.
Melissa Powell
Diving Doris is 13 and she is a diving queen. She can do a flip because she knows she's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, she's got Go power.
Geico Spokesperson
There she goes.
Melissa Powell
She's feeling her Cheerios. Cheerios.
Tonto
Cheerios.
Melissa Powell
Cheerios.
Narrator
That's a mighty good idea for you. Just make sure you eat a big bowl of Cheerios and milk every breakfast. And you'll get Go power too. Because a Cheerios breakfast is loaded with proteins, vitamins and minerals. The very things that help build healthy bodies, strong bones, good red blood and muscles. Why, they'd be the sort of breakfast you'd go for even if they didn't taste so good. And they do taste delicious. Cheerios are a real oat cereal already cooked with that delicious toasted oat flavor. So that's for you swell tasting Cheerios and milk for Go Power. Eat them every morning and you'll hear.
Melissa Powell
She'S feeling her Cheerios.
Narrator
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With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful mask writer of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver.
Geico Spokesperson
The Lone Ranger rides again.
Tonto
Horse Silver. Let's go, big fella.
Geico Spokesperson
Are you Silver?
Narrator
Melissa Powell, a woman about 40 years of age, was considered by the townspeople of Laredo to be one of their most unusual and cherished attractions. When Melissa drove from her large ranch house to town, her appearance there never failed to cause a bit of a sensation. For unlike the usual western woman, Melissa not only rode in a shiny black carriage drawn by a pair of high stepping, glossy black horses, but when she alighted, the sheen of silk and satin gown, the plumed velvet hat and and the dainty lace parasol drew gasps from the women and admiring glances from the men. At such a time, she was center of attention and the sole topic of conversation.
Geico Spokesperson
Great day. She sure is a mighty fine lady. Yep, she sure is. She's like something out of picture book. Her ranch house has got plush furniture here and even the plan that they say. Where did she come from, anyway? Well, as I hear, the old man owned a silver mine up near Denver. When his wife died, he sold out, came down into this territory, sent his daughter east to school. When she come to live with him on that big ranch, he brought red plush carpets and furniture all the way from St. Louis. And he brought out that fancy carriage, too, so she could live in style.
Tonto
Well, I'll be doggone.
Geico Spokesperson
Of course, that's the story I heard from a foreman, Randy. Seems like when the old man died, she just continued on. Never did get married. Now, what supplies do you want to get?
Narrator
But the town's people of Laredo would have been filled with consternation and disbelief if they could have seen and heard the Melissa Powell who, after dark emerged from her silks and satins to don Levi's blouse and sombrero, and who strode like a man to the bunk house on her ranch.
Geico Spokesperson
That you, boss?
Melissa Powell
Yes.
Geico Spokesperson
Just a second.
Tonto
I'll let you in.
Melissa Powell
Well, boys, did Randy tell you the plans for tonight? Good. Those prize horses on the Circle X spread will bring a big price across the border. We'll leave in half an hour.
Tonto
We'll be ready to hit leather, boss. Say, I still don't think you should.
Melissa Powell
I know what you're going to say. Randy. You think I shouldn't wear this sapphire bracelet?
Tonto
That's right.
Melissa Powell
Well, I've told you before, I won't go without it. When dad had his gang in Colorado, he took this from a real lady. The kind I always wanted to be. Gave it to me, and I intend to wear it all the time.
Tonto
But if somebody recognized it.
Narrator
When you ride with a gang, my.
Melissa Powell
Sleeves cover it so no one's going to see it. Except when I'm dressed like a lady. So stop worrying.
Tonto
Laugh it your way. You sure got everybody fooled with that lady stuff you pulled in the daytime.
Melissa Powell
Now listen, you. I'll have you know when I dress up, I'm as much of a lady as any other woman.
Tonto
Sure, sure. Anything you say. A fellow.
Geico Spokesperson
Sure.
Melissa Powell
Good. I'll meet you at the corral in half an hour.
Narrator
A few days later, the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Tottle followed the trail that led to Laredo. As they rode at a leisurely pace, the Lone Ranger was saying.
Tonto
According to the report given us by the Padre Tonneau, there's a ruthless gang of outlaws operating in the vicinity of Laredo. Ahre say lawmen not able to get trace. Outlaws? Maybe them hide in mountains to south. Could be. Seems the members of the gang are always masked. A week ago, they held up the stage from Corpus Christi. And a few nights ago, they stole some prized horses from a spirit spread near Laredo. Padres say them kill drivers stage. Since they must realize they'll all hang for murder, they'll stop at nothing to prevent being captured. Isn't that right? We'll pitch camp in the hills near town. Then we'll decide just what we'll do.
Narrator
A couple of miles from town, the Lone Ranger and Tottle found a suitable campsite in a secluded hollow. It was late afternoon when Toto went into town for a few supplies. Before long, he returned to the camp.
Tonto
Any news in town, Toto? Well, she may not hear much news, but we see fine lady in store. Kimasabe. Oh, her beautiful. The way you talk, she must have been unusual. Ah, her wear plenty fancy clothes. Wear pine necklace, have bracelet of gold set with blue colored stone. Her leaving fine carriage. I've heard of a woman who lives near Laredo in the style of an Eastern lady. Her name is Powell. Ms. Melissa Powell. Me here feller in store call her Ms. Melissa. Her style of living is out of place here in the far southwest. Wonder why she doesn't go back east to live. Well, it seem like people in town like power Woman. After supper it may be wise for you and me to ride to Laredo. They might get some news that will give us a lead to the outlaw game.
Narrator
It was still light when the Lone Ranger and Tottle reached the outskirts of town and stopped in a grove of trees. The masked man waited while the Indian went into Laredo. Toto drew rein in front of the cafe and dismounted.
Tonto
When he saw a.
Narrator
Stage coach turn into the main street at breakneck speed.
Tonto
Cage comes pretty fast.
Narrator
As the stage passed, Toto noticed the guard slumped in his seat on the booth. So he hurried with the crowd to the stage.
Tonto
Stop.
Geico Spokesperson
Get the sheriff, somebody. We were held up by outlaw. You better get a doctor, too. How many were there when it happened? Hey, here comes the sheriff now. What's going on here?
Tonto
What's happened?
Geico Spokesperson
Got held up outside the bridge by 6 o'clock they plugged the guard in the shoulder. Hey, they're going off our gang again. And they shot a passenger, too. Only one?
Narrator
We had a man.
Geico Spokesperson
He's dead as far as I can tell. All right. Somebody to help the guard get down. I'll look in Shag. All right, boys. Here, I'll let you down. He's dead, all right. I can see that from here. How come they shot him? Well, sir, after they took the money box, two of them dismounted and looked inside the coach. One of them, smaller and slimmer than the rest, poked the gun in the open window and said something I didn't hear. Then what? Well, the passenger said out loud, you don't get my wallet. Then I heard a tussle. The outlaw said, let go of my arm in a sort of a young voice and, well, like a boy almost. Then I heard a shot and they all mounted in less than a hurry. And they were all mad. Well, as soon as we attend to the wounded guard and move this body, we'll form a parsee and guat to the bridge. Maybe we can pick up that trail. I'll go right out there with you.
Narrator
Quickly left the crowd and mounting. Scout reached the grove where the Lone Ranger was waiting. Within a few minutes.
Tonto
Oh, Scotto, fella. Easy, Scott. Easy, fella. What's happened, Otto? Stage come in other end of town. Drivers say they may have hold up briefly.
Narrator
The Indian told what he had heard. When he had finished, the Lone Ranger spoke.
Tonto
Tado, this may be our chance to get a line on those outlaws. It'll be 20 minutes or half an hour before the posse leaves town. I think ah, we'll ride out to the bridge and look the ground over before the sheriff and the posse get there. And spoil the trail. Here's over.
Narrator
A short time later, the masked man and Indian reached the spot where the holdup had taken place.
Tonto
Easy, feller. Oh me you see plenty sign Kimasabi outlaws ride to river. Look like we'll follow their trail while it's fresh. Of course the border's close and they may. What's this? What you playing? Kimasabi woman's bracelet. Oh, that look like bracelet lady in store have on today. You mean Melissa Powell? Me sure that like one she wear been ripped apart. See there the catch held but one of the links is pulled loose. Would take quite a tug to make it come apart like that. That price strange that we found the bracelet here. The stage was held up and robbed. I think I'll wait. Look come in with that rise back there. Sheriff and posse. If not good we be found here. All right, let's mount. Hurry. Easy.
Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.
Geico Spokesperson
All over the country in every direction. How you, how you doing? Is a question. And here's what the happy people have to say. Wheaties are Wheaties and do, do, do an okay, okay.
Tonto
Sure enough, take Midwestern champions for instance. When Bobby Feller takes the mound, the outfield boys sit on the ground. That Wheaties pitching leaves them there watching batters fan the air. And when we name our Wheaties crew, Big Ted Klosewski's in there too. He'll face those hurlers day or night and knock their fastballs out of sight. Bob Feller and Ted Glasiewski both know that Wheatie's magic.
Geico Spokesperson
There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake.
Tonto
Wheaties breakfast of champions.
Geico Spokesperson
Keep on eating your Wheaties.
Narrator
Now to continue. When the Lone Ranger and Tottle were at the scene of the hold up looking at the bracelet they'd found, they suddenly saw the sheriff and the posse coming over a rise in the trail. Quickly, the two men galloped away. As the sheriff and the posse men opened fire. The posse pulled rein at the scene of the recent hold up.
Geico Spokesperson
He was too far away to plug those two outlaws now. It's funny. They came back here to the place where the stage was held up. What are we stopping for, Sheriff? Are we going to follow them? They went off in the same direction the gang took after they held us up. Well, in that case we'll get after him and we'll Keep after him. They lead us to the gang's hideout. Let's get you on. Get up.
Narrator
Meantime, the Lone Ranger and Toto followed along the trail left by the outlaw gang. Soon they reached the Rio Grande and.
Geico Spokesperson
Pulled to a halt.
Tonto
Look like outlaws go through water to other side. Kimasari. They must have crossed the border all right. Trail leads right into the river. Ah, river plenty shallow here. Posse will follow us, so we might as well go on across. Sheriff won't cross the border, I'm sure. Me not think so. Our lawmen have no authority over there. There's nothing to stop us from keeping on that gang's trail. All right, let's get going. Come on, Silver. Get him up, Scout.
Narrator
Meantime, Melissa and her gang had returned to a ranch, where she quickly assumed the attire which she considered turned her into a lady. Randy and the men were in the bunkhouse when the door opened suddenly and Melissa entered with a swish of silken skirts.
Tonto
Something wrong, boss?
Melissa Powell
Yes, there is. My bracelet's missing.
Tonto
I told you.
Melissa Powell
Well, I wore it and that's that. The fact is I lost it, and we have to get it back.
Tonto
But it'd be suicide for any of us to go back there now.
Melissa Powell
None of you have to go. Go back. The moon is bright now. I'll go myself. Jim, get the carriage and bring it around to the ranch house door.
Geico Spokesperson
All right, man.
Tonto
Now wait a minute.
Narrator
People wonder if they see your carriage.
Tonto
Stopped at that place where the stage was held up. They'll wonder more about your driving out at night. They know you never do.
Melissa Powell
Well, this can be the first time then. And let them wonder. Nobody would suspect Ms. Melissa Powell of being connected with outlaw.
Tonto
Well, let's hope not. But remember, an hombre was killed in that holdup, and folks will be ready to suspect anybody.
Melissa Powell
Oh, shut up. Go get the carriage, Jim.
Geico Spokesperson
You all right? I'll have it ready in 10 minutes.
Narrator
After a careful and tiring search, the Lone Ranger and Tottle finally picked up the outlaw's trail once again. And it led them to the back of Melissa's ranch. The moonlight was extremely bright, so that they were able to see sufficiently to follow the hoof marks. They approached a barn from the rear and stopped in a grove of trees.
Tonto
This ranch must be where those outlaws are staying. Dara. Ah, I wonder who owned ranch. I don't know. We leave the horses here. Wait.
Geico Spokesperson
Keep me.
Tonto
Something carries go from barn around to front of ranch house. It carriage of lady we see in town. Carriage is going up the front way to the main trail. We'll follow us and find out where she's going.
Narrator
At a distance, the Lone Ranger and Tottle followed Melissa's carriage. As they chopped a rise, they saw the carriage stop where the holdup had taken place. The masked man and Indian turned off the trail into an arroyo which ran parallel to the trail. They dismounted and left their horses ground hitched. Then they quietly went on foot along the arroyo until they were opposite the carriage and close enough to hear Melissa talking to Jim. As the two searched for the missing bracelet, that voice of the whole woman.
Tonto
Kimasabe. Wait. Listen.
Geico Spokesperson
I don't see any bracelet. He sure fell off when I passed in. Your grab your arm.
Melissa Powell
Of course I do.
Geico Spokesperson
You think I'd risk coming out here to hunt for it if I didn't feel sure.
Tonto
You fool her not talk nice. Now you hear him mention about passengers grabbing iron? I'm sure now that woman one of the gang be ready to draw GR out of this arroyo and take them by surprise. Come on.
Geico Spokesperson
Hey, what is this?
Tonto
Holy fact on a couple other hoops?
Geico Spokesperson
They got the drop on us, too.
Tonto
Were you hunting for this?
Melissa Powell
Where did you find that?
Tonto
I found it right about here.
Melissa Powell
Give it to me. It's mine. And tell that Indian to hold to that gun.
Tonto
Ms. Melissa Pal has lost the sweetness in her voice.
Melissa Powell
Now look, mister, no masked outlaw like you can laugh at me. If that Indian didn't have that drawn gun, I.
Geico Spokesperson
Horses.
Tonto
Help. Miss. My good K can't get to our horses now.
Geico Spokesperson
The two men we were helping.
Tonto
Now hold on, Sheriff.
Melissa Powell
Oh, Sheriff, I'm so glad you came along when you did. These bandits stopped my carriage and made me get out. They were just about to shoot James, I'm sure.
Tonto
No, wait a minute.
Melissa Powell
Look there in his hand, Sheriff. My freak. The gold one with the sapphire setting.
Geico Spokesperson
He can covet me all right. Give me that bracelet. Hey, Gully. I've seen this on your arm, Miss Melissa. He must have snatched it off the way it's broken. Yes, yes, he did.
Melissa Powell
The brute. I was so frightened.
Geico Spokesperson
We ought to string him out. There wasn't for murder anyway. We know the masked homily's one of the gangs. Calm down, boys. We'll take the guns, men, and we'll repay. The gang is moving in on us.
Melissa Powell
I'm getting away from this awful place.
Geico Spokesperson
You wait.
Narrator
You'll not leave.
Geico Spokesperson
Let go of my arm. What's the men Let go of Engineer. Hey, Sheriff. That's the voice I heard say those very words at the time of the holdup.
Tonto
This woman is one of the Gang, those are her men attacking these guns.
Geico Spokesperson
I told you it. Hey, he's shooting that diablo.
Melissa Powell
I told you to let me go.
Geico Spokesperson
Let me go, you fool.
Melissa Powell
Redkin.
Geico Spokesperson
That's the voice.
Narrator
That's it.
Tonto
Watch her. Don't let her get away.
Geico Spokesperson
I don't know what.
Narrator
The excitement. The Lone Ranger and Tahoe, though detained by the sheriff and the men grouped near them fought against the outlaws. Some of the posse had ridden off to get behind the gang. And soon Randy and the others were herded back to the carriage, some of them wounded, all of them disarmed.
Tonto
Gosh, boss, did the best we could trying to rescue you.
Geico Spokesperson
It was your own fault for coming.
Tonto
Back to get that darn bracelet.
Geico Spokesperson
Shut up, you.
Melissa Powell
Sheriff, I heard. I told her.
Geico Spokesperson
That is the voice I heard. Yes, sir. She was with that gang.
Melissa Powell
How could you say that? In fact, that masked man is the leader of these outlaws. He must have had these ruffians wait back in hiding while he and the Indian held up my carriage. They frighten me, Sheriff. I'll drive home.
Geico Spokesperson
Now, you listen to me, Melissa Powell. You don't go free and let us.
Tonto
Hang for your murders.
Geico Spokesperson
What?
Tonto
You let our gang pose her like a lady during the day, but tough as any man when you led this gang at night.
Geico Spokesperson
So she foolish all, eh?
Melissa Powell
Pulling you bunch of tin horns was easy, even for a lady.
Tonto
Lady, that's a hot one.
Geico Spokesperson
Shut up. You shut up, do you hear? Really? Looks like Lady Melissa has sort of gone tough all of a sudden, eh? Say, mister, just how did all this come about anyway?
Narrator
Briefly, as the sheriff and the men listened, the Lone Ranger explained what had happened. When he had finished, the sheriff spoke again.
Geico Spokesperson
Let me dug on. He sure was a smart one trying to turn the table on you. But. But now we got them all. And they all see that they hang, including the lady. Well, we'll take them to town.
Tonto
I'm glad we were able to be of help, Sheriff. I tried to explain at the time, but. Well, it all turned out for the best. Let's leave now, Taro. We'll go get our horses. Adios.
Geico Spokesperson
Adios. Gee, I let them go and I don't even know who that mascombary is. Well, he gave me this bullet, Sheriff. Who said you'd know if. It don't look like silver to me. A silver bullet. Holy cow. Hey, you sure made a mistake if you tried to hang him. You know that masked man is the Lone Ranger.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger, Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell. Muir Incorporated a part of a Lone Ranger. Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer Fred Boy. Listen to the Lone Ranger brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.
Tonto
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary
Episode: El Capitan | The Lone Ranger (09-29-50)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: March 27, 2025
In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines transports listeners back to the thrilling days of the Wild West with a digitally restored radio drama from September 29, 1950. Entitled "El Capitan," this episode of The Lone Ranger showcases the valor and resourcefulness of the iconic masked hero and his trusted companion, Tonto. Leveraging advanced digital restoration techniques, the podcast enhances the original audio, immersing listeners in vivid soundscapes that bring the frontier to life.
"El Capitan" centers around the Lone Ranger and Tonto as they confront a notorious gang of outlaws terrorizing the town of Laredo. The episode weaves a tale of deception, courage, and justice, highlighting the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to law and order in the untamed western frontier.
Introduction to Laredo's Struggles ([06:13] - [07:02])
The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and Tonto receiving reports of a ruthless gang causing havoc in Laredo. Described as masked outlaws who leave no trace, they have recently committed a stagecoach robbery near the town. Determined to end their reign, the duo decides to investigate further ([07:02]).
Encounter with Melissa Powell ([05:37] - [05:56])
Melissa Powell is introduced as a refined and unusual woman in Laredo, admired for her elegant appearances and luxurious lifestyle. However, beneath her genteel exterior lies a connection to the outlaw activities plaguing the town ([04:46] - [05:56]).
Discovery at the Stagecoach Hold-Up ([09:17] - [12:48])
While investigating, Tonto discovers evidence at the scene of a recent stagecoach robbery—a distinctive bracelet associated with Melissa Powell ([11:46]). This clue deepens the mystery, linking Melissa to the criminal activities.
Confrontation and Revelation ([17:02] - [22:46])
Following the trail, the Lone Ranger and Tonto confront Melissa Powell and her gang. A tense showdown unfolds as Melissa attempts to defend herself, revealing her true allegiance to the outlaws. The confrontation culminates in the unmasking of the gang's leader, affirming the Lone Ranger's role in restoring justice ([17:02] - [22:46]).
The climax occurs during the intense standoff between the Lone Ranger, Tonto, Melissa Powell, and the sheriff's posse. Through strategic maneuvering and bravery, the Lone Ranger manages to subdue the outlaws, ensuring they face justice for their crimes. Melissa Powell's duplicitous nature is exposed, reinforcing the themes of good triumphing over deceit and lawlessness.
Andrew Rines ([01:00] - [01:32]):
"Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free."
Melissa Powell ([06:18]):
"I know what you're going to say. Randy. You think I shouldn't wear this sapphire bracelet?"
Tonto ([07:18]):
"According to the report given us by the Padre Tonneau, there's a ruthless gang of outlaws operating in the vicinity of Laredo."
Sheriff ([14:24]):
"What are we stopping for, Sheriff? Are we going to follow them?"
Lone Ranger ([22:21]):
"When he had his faith factor, well, it all turned out for the best."
Tonto ([20:41]):
"This woman is one of the gang. Those are her men attacking these guns."
The episode benefits immensely from the podcast's commitment to digital restoration. Sounds are richly layered, from the creaking of saloon doors to the galloping of horses, creating an immersive listening experience. These enhancements allow listeners to fully engage with the narrative, feeling as though they are part of the unfolding drama.
"El Capitan" is a testament to the enduring legacy of The Lone Ranger. Through meticulous restoration and engaging storytelling, the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast brings this classic tale to a modern audience, preserving the charm and excitement of the golden age of radio. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to these timeless westerns, this episode offers a compelling journey into the heart of the Wild West.
Listen to the episode here.
For more summaries and to explore over 80 episodes, visit otrwesterns.com.