Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "Fair Trial" | The Lone Ranger (11-12-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 18, 2025

Overview

In this digitally restored classic episode of The Lone Ranger—titled “Fair Trial”—listeners are transported to the lawless town of Ashland, where corruption has taken root and an innocent man faces a rigged trial for murder. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto must unravel a web of deceit involving the town’s marshal, judge, and a criminal cabal, while racing against time to ensure justice prevails for young Johnny Morton.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Corruption in Ashland (05:45–08:10)

• Pete Barrow and Marshal Ben Steele discuss their grip over Ashland, aided by a crooked judge.
• Concern arises when a drifter, Jed Wilkins, recognizes them and tries to blackmail them. Ben kills Wilkins to silence him, orchestrating a plan to frame Johnny Morton for the murder.
• Quote:
  • Ben Steele: “Maybe I want his body to be found. There’s someone else I’d like to get rid of. Young Johnny Morton.” (07:37)

2. Framing Johnny Morton (09:10–13:17)

• Johnny and Sally Lane secretly plan to escape Ashland together, but Sally warns Johnny of the danger he would face by defying Ben.
• The two are confronted by Ben and Pete, and Johnny is swiftly arrested for Wilkins' murder with Ben concocting false evidence, claiming Wilkins named Johnny as his killer on his deathbed.
• Sally insists Johnny was with her at the time, but her witness is dismissed by Ben as the lie of a woman in love.

3. The Lone Ranger Investigates (14:15–18:50)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto know something is amiss.
• Tonto’s reconnaissance in town convinces them of deep corruption: “Me believe her. But him not get fair trial. And there no good lawyer in town.” (17:23)
• The Lone Ranger devises a plan: enlisting retired lawyer Jonathan Ashland—the town’s founder and a symbol of honesty—to defend Johnny. Ashland initially doubts his abilities but agrees, inspired by the masked man’s appeal.
  • Jonathan Ashland: “I imagined that the days of my usefulness were past. But called to duty such as this... makes me feel better than I’ve felt in years. I’ll take the case.” (18:50)

4. Sabotage & Kidnapping the Lawyer (22:14–25:52)

• Pete Barrow intercepts Ashland on the way to town, abducting him to prevent a fair defense for Johnny.
  • Pete Barrow: “I gagged him, bound him hand and foot, and left him [at the old mill].” (25:10)
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, with information from the hesitant stagecoach driver, realize the plot and set off to rescue Ashland.

5. A Rigged Trial Begins (27:12–33:41)

• The courtroom drama unfolds with Judge Rogers and Ben eager for a swift conviction. Sally is initially too scared to testify due to threats from Ben.
• Ashland’s dramatic arrival—facilitated by the Lone Ranger’s intervention—signals hope. The masked man covertly forces Judge Rogers to conduct a fair trial at gunpoint behind the scenes.
  • Lone Ranger (from offstage): “Judge Rogers, find you covered... arrest of this trial according to law, or I’ll use this gun.” (33:07)

6. Justice Restored – The Truth Unveiled (33:41–End)

• Sally bravely testifies, providing Johnny’s alibi and exposing Ben’s threats.
  • Sally Lane: “I was told that if I kept quiet, Johnny would be let off with a jail sentence. And that if I testified, he’d never leave the courtroom alive.” (35:20)
• Under cross-examination by Ashland, Pete and Ben’s story falls apart. Pete cracks and admits it was Ben who killed Wilkins to keep him from revealing Ben’s criminal past.
  • Pete Barrow: “It was you who shot Wilkins. I didn’t. Ben shot him. Jed knew Ben was wanted for a bank robbery in St. Joe and Ben shot him to keep him quiet.” (37:10)
• Ashland requests the defendants' acquittal, deputies are sworn in, and the corrupt officials are taken into custody.
• Jonathan Ashland inspires the townsfolk to restore honor to Ashland.
  • Ashland: “Gentlemen, how could you let your town fall into the hands of these scoundrels?... I hope you realize now that what happened to Johnny Morton might have happened to any one of you.” (39:12)
• The Lone Ranger quietly slips away, lauded as “the greatest champion of justice the West has ever known.” (finale)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Steele: “We’ve been running this town as we like for the past year. Now that coyote has to show up.” (05:47)
• Jonathan Ashland: “Your presence in the courtroom would assure it. And if you’ll come back to Ashland, you’ll bring new courage to the honest people of the town.” (18:40)
• Sally Lane: “He has no friends here. Sally. Believe this. I want to help him.” (29:54)
• The Lone Ranger: Conducts the trial’s justice from a hidden vantage: “First you’ll order Ben and Pete to hand over their guns... Do as I say, Marshal.” (33:15)
• Pete Barrow (confessing): “It was you who shot Wilkins. I didn’t. Ben shot him.” (37:10)
• Ashland (to the crowd): “You might have been falsely accused of murder, condemned without a fair trial and hanged. Well, what are you going to do about it?” (40:00)

Important Timestamps

• 05:45 – Corruption revealed and plotting of Wilkins’s murder.
• 09:10 – Sally’s secret meeting with Johnny, Ben’s jealousy and framing plot.
• 14:15 – Lone Ranger and Tonto’s suspicion and mission to recruit Ashland.
• 18:50 – Lone Ranger convinces Ashland to return to defend Johnny.
• 22:14 – Pete abducts Ashland to prevent a fair trial.
• 27:12 – Trial commences; Johnny’s fate seems sealed.
• 33:07 – Ashland’s arrival, masked intervention, courtroom drama.
• 35:20 – Sally testifies, breaking marshal’s intimidation.
• 37:10 – Pete’s confession exposes the conspiracy.
• 39:12 – Ashland inspires townsfolk and orders lawful action.
• Finale – Lone Ranger departs, justice restored.

Tone & Atmosphere

The audio restoration brings out the vivid soundscape of the Old West—thundering hooves, tense courtroom quiet, and the emotional highs and lows of a people rediscovering their courage. The episode’s dialogue is spirited and direct, blending frontier justice with urgent suspense and a moral lesson on the dangers of apathy and the necessity of standing up against corruption.

Summary

"Fair Trial" is a gripping episode pitting entrenched corruption against the Lone Ranger’s relentless pursuit of justice. With tight plotting and memorable characters, it dramatizes both suspenseful detective work and courtroom theatrics, ultimately restoring law and order in Ashland and celebrating the enduring need for courage and vigilance in the face of injustice.