Old Time Radio Westerns – Gold Shipment | The Lone Ranger (01-26-53)

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, presents a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger episode "Gold Shipment," originally aired January 26, 1953. The story follows the Lone Ranger, his companion Tonto, and Dan Reed as they work to thwart a gang's plan to rob a gold shipment from an eastbound train near the small town of Mule Hide, Texas. The drama showcases classic Western themes of justice, quick thinking, and thrilling action, set against the backdrop of an attempted gold heist.

1. Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

A. Setting the Scene

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto have already foiled one gold theft attempt and are now heading eastward to meet Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's nephew, in Mule Hide. (01:39–04:45)
• Tonto rides ahead to notify Dan via telegram, illustrating the importance of telegraph communication in the frontier era. (05:01)

B. Arrival in Mule Hide & Introduction of Outlaws

• Dan Reed arrives by train with a newspaper detailing a Denver stagecoach robbery perpetrated by two outlaws, Elk and Brush, both traveling incognito to Mule Hide under the orders of their boss, Cheeto. (06:35–08:35)
• Cheeto confronts Elk and Brush about their botched stage robbery, expressing anger that their actions have attracted law enforcement attention due to a surviving witness. (08:35)

Cheeto (about the robbery): "Well, you figured wrong. Yeah, plenty of wrong... So you took it and shot them." (08:46)

C. The Heist Plan

• The gang’s real target is a $50,000 gold shipment traveling on the eastbound train. They plan to intercept critical telegraph information to time their robbery at Bents Mountain. (09:30–10:28)
• Cheeto assures the men that local townsfolk haven’t seen the wanted descriptions because he destroyed all Denver newspapers—unbeknownst to him, Dan has one. (10:28)

D. The Outlaws Strike

• Dan and Smoky Vaughn, the telegraph operator, are taken hostage when Elk and Brush recognize themselves in Dan’s paper. They tie and gag their prisoners, knocking Smoky unconscious to prevent eavesdropping on the incoming telegram. (13:05–14:38)

Elk: "This brass pounder recognized us, huh? ... You call for help, that goes for you too, youngster. Get your hands up." (13:23)

E. Secret Intelligence

• The vital telegram comes through: Dan, trained in Morse code by the Lone Ranger, listens in and learns the gold shipment’s details as the outlaws transcribe the message. (18:06–18:32)
• The gang departs, confident Dan and Smoky are securely locked away.

F. Escape and Warning

• Tonto finds and rescues Dan and Smoky, who quickly piece together the gang’s plot. Dan rushes to alert Sheriff Hedges, bringing the damning newspaper as evidence. (19:48–22:45)
• Tonto relays the plan to the Lone Ranger, who maps out a counter-move at Bents Mountain—the likely site for the ambush. (24:22–25:04)

G. The Ambush at Bents Mountain

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive just in time, ambushing Cheeto, Elk, and Brush as they attempt to rob the slow-moving train. In a flurry of gunfire, assisted by Tonto, the gang is subdued. (25:35–27:49)

Lone Ranger: "Stop that gun or I'll break your arm." (27:07)

H. Justice Restored

• Sheriff Hedges and his posse arrive to take custody of the outlaws. The sheriff expresses his respect for the Lone Ranger and acknowledges the crucial role Dan Reed and Smoky played in foiling the robbery. (28:00)

Sheriff Hedges: "Well, I'm proud to meet you. And incidentally, the lads waiting for you at the telegraph office with Smoky Vaughn." (28:00)

2. Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Tension in the Telegrapher's Office:
  "You crooks can't get away with breaking into a Western Union office..." – Smoky Vaughn, shortly before being knocked unconscious (15:10)

• Dan’s Courage and Cunning:
  "As long as he remained conscious, there was a chance to learn more about Cheeto's plans." (16:00)

• Clever Use of Morse Code:
  "The Lone Ranger had taught Dan the Morse code several years ago, and the boy had learned the lesson well.” (18:16)

• Sheriff Hedges' Western Stoicism:
  "I reckon you're the masked man Dan Reed told me about." (28:00)

• Western Frontier Humor:
  "A couple of hours ago, I was complaining that nothing ever happened in Mule Hide. Since then, I've had enough excitement to last the rest of my life." – Smoky Vaughn (21:42)

3. Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------| | 01:39 | Episode begins with Lone Ranger and Tonto in Texas | | 04:45 | Camping near Mercersville and sending telegram | | 06:35 | Dan Reed arrives in Mule Hide; picks up newspaper | | 08:35 | Outlaws gather in Silver Dollar Café; heist plan revealed| | 11:33 | Dan meets Smoky, discussion of western crime | | 13:05 | Elk and Brush take Dan and Smoky hostage | | 18:06 | Dan deciphers the heist telegram via Morse code | | 19:48 | Tonto rescues Dan and Smoky | | 22:45 | Dan informs Sheriff Hedges | | 25:35 | The Lone Ranger ambushes outlaws at Bents Mountain | | 28:00 | Sheriff arrives, outlaws arrested, justice prevails |

4. Atmosphere and Tone

The episode sustains a classic western tone—brisk, suspenseful, and action-packed—layered with the camaraderie and dry humor typical of Lone Ranger stories. Smoky Vaughn, the telegraph operator, adds a note of comic relief and reluctance that contrasts with Dan’s plucky resourcefulness and the Lone Ranger’s stoic heroism. The villains are menacing but ultimately outsmarted by teamwork, quick thinking, and a little western luck.

5. Conclusion

“Gold Shipment” is a tightly plotted adventure highlighting how split-second decision-making and unexpected ingenuity—Dan’s Morse code skills—can foil even the most carefully orchestrated criminal schemes. The episode combines authentic period flavor with exciting set-pieces, offering listeners a fast-paced journey through the dangers and triumphs of the mythic Wild West.

Notable Closing Quote:
"Not just a masked man, Elk. That man’s the Lone Ranger." (28:18)

For more classic western audio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com.