Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode Summary: “Flag in the West | The Lone Ranger” (Aired 03-07-1941, Restored Release 2026-01-31)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Main Theme:

A gripping tale of courage, cunning, and patriotism unfolds in “Flag in the West,” as The Lone Ranger and Tonto try to save an isolated army outpost from a gang of outlaws intent on stealing valuable furs and dishonoring the United States Army. The duo must improvise and act alone when help from the distant fort is impossible, embodying the classic Western motifs of individual heroism, loyalty, and frontier justice.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Frontier in Danger

• Backdrop: Post-Civil War Kansas Territory, where government outposts defend against outlaws and Indian uprisings ([03:26]).
• Outlaws, led by Larkin, plot to seize an isolated outpost to intercept fur trappers and steal their valuable pelts.

2. Larkin’s Raid on the Outpost

• Under cover of a stampeding herd, Larkin's men storm the fort, surprising its minimal garrison.
  • “We got 10 men right in there ready to start shooting as soon as we get inside.” (Larkin, [04:13])
• Captain and soldiers are overpowered; Lt. Summers is wounded and imprisoned.

3. Introduction of the Lone Ranger and Tonto

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto discover Mrs. Summers fleeing from pursuers ([06:23]).
  • “This isn't a man. It's a woman.” (Lone Ranger, [06:47])
  • Mrs. Summers relays Larkin's plan to ambush the fur trappers disguised in army uniforms.

4. Seeking Help: No Reinforcements Available

• The Lone Ranger rides desperately to Fort Carsey seeking help, but the fort’s troops are away ([08:15]).
  • “We've got just enough men to man the fort... Orders are orders.” (Lt., [09:10])
  • “If you're going to save the outpost, mister, you'll have to do it yourself.” (Lt., [09:17])

5. The Lone Ranger’s Plan

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto resolve to attempt a rescue with no backup ([10:00]).
  • “We’re taking that chance, Mrs. Summers.” (Lone Ranger, [10:11])
  • Mrs. Summers insists on joining: “My husband's in danger right now, mister, that’s all I care about.” ([10:27])

6. Lone Ranger’s Daring Night Operation

• At night, they infiltrate the outpost to confer with Lt. Summers in the guardhouse ([13:15]).
  • “You’ll have to play a lone hand, Summers. How many soldiers are in the guardhouse with you?” (Lone Ranger, [13:48])
• Plan: Wait until Larkin opens the guardhouse to steal uniforms, then strike.

7. Tension & Close Calls

• Tonto’s rope is discovered; outlaws hunt for the intruders.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto narrowly escape, leaping from the stockade onto Silver ([17:53]).
  • “Jump for the saddle… Hold your fire… They’re gone and we can’t stop them.” (Outlaws, [17:54])

8. Strategy and Waiting for the Right Moment

• Lone Ranger decides Mrs. Summers must warn the fur trappers personally ([19:44]), instructing them to keep to their route and be ready for trouble.
  • “You tell them about Larkin. Tell them to head straight for the outpost. Tell them to be ready for anything.” (Lone Ranger, [20:02])

9. Confrontation and Resolution

• Larkin opens the guardhouse to acquire uniforms as the fur trappers approach ([24:32]).
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto strike during this chaos, quickly outmaneuvering and disarming the gang ([25:14]).
  • “You won’t get away with this, Larkin.” (Summers, [24:34])
  • “Get your kid. Don’t. I surrender, mask man. Don’t shoot.” (Larkin, [25:32])
  • Soldiers retake control, Larkin’s gang is imprisoned, and the outpost is saved ([25:36]).

10. Patriotic Climax

• As the dust settles, the sunset bugle sounds. The flag is lowered — and justice, as well as the American spirit, prevails.
  • “The flag is being lowered. Stars and stripes… Long may she wave.” (Lone Ranger & Tonto, [25:52])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Larkin’s ruthless practicality:
  • “We’re taking over this fort. Savvy? We’re taking it over right now.” (Larkin, [05:28])
• The Lone Ranger on appearances and justice:
  • “I told you, I’m no outlaw. Would I ride straight into your fort if I were?” ([08:24])
• Resourcefulness under pressure:
  • “We’re taking that chance, Mrs. Summers. As for you, it’s not far to Fort Carsey. Your horse is rested. You can go there.” (Lone Ranger, [10:11])
  • “Mrs. Summers, you can’t come with us. There might be danger.” ([10:24])
  • “My husband’s in danger right now, mister. That’s all I care about.” (Mrs. Summers, [10:27])
• Lone Ranger’s command and understanding:
  • “Before the fur trappers arrive, Larkin will open the guard house to get the uniforms from the prisoners. When that happens, we start moving.” ([20:34])
• Victory at the end:
  • “Thanks to you and your Injun partner, we got them where they belong.” (Summers, [25:50])
  • “That flag will keep on waving!” (Lone Ranger, [25:58])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:26] — Opening narration; setting the stakes.
• [04:13] — Larkin’s men storm the outpost.
• [06:23] — Lone Ranger and Tonto rescue Mrs. Summers.
• [08:15] — Lone Ranger learns no help is coming from Fort Carsey.
• [10:00] — Lone Ranger, Tonto, and Mrs. Summers team up.
• [13:15] — Lone Ranger infiltrates the stockade to confer with Summers.
• [17:53] — Daring night escape from the outpost.
• [19:44] — Mrs. Summers dispatched to warn the fur trappers.
• [24:32] — Larkin opens the guardhouse; the ambush is set.
• [25:14 - 25:58] — Lone Ranger and Tonto lead the charge, capture the outlaws, and restore order.

Tone and Style

Throughout, the episode is characterized by its suspenseful pacing, classic radio drama sound effects, and the earnest, stoic heroism of the Lone Ranger and his allies. The dialogue is direct, frontier-flavored, and full of resolve. Loyalty, resourcefulness, and love power the characters’ actions, and the episode closes with a stirring celebration of the American flag and justice served — “Long may she wave.”

For newcomers and old fans alike, this is a classic Lone Ranger story:
Cunning villains, daring heroics, and the echo of hoofbeats carrying the banner of liberty across the Wild West.