Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Mesa Manhunt | The Lone Ranger (09-12-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: November 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the digitally restored 1952 broadcast of "Mesa Manhunt," an action-packed installment of The Lone Ranger. Set in the rugged Western frontier, the story centers on notorious outlaw Blaze Broderick’s daring escape, his quest for revenge, and a perilous manhunt across Big Tree Mesa. With vivid soundscapes and spirited performances, the episode revives classic themes of justice, cunning, and loyalty as the Lone Ranger and Tonto pursue fugitives in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. The Prisoner Transfer and Broderick’s Escape

[04:02 – 06:54]

• Blaze Broderick is being transported to prison, guarded closely due to his reputation and past gang leadership.
• Conversation builds tension, hinting Broderick still has connections and schemes in motion.
• Quote:
  “You may as well know it right now, Deputy, I'm not gonna rot in any jail.” — Broderick ([04:16])
• Ambushed by Broderick's gang, the deputies are killed or incapacitated, and Broderick regains his freedom.
• Broderick vows to take revenge on the Lone Ranger, declaring:
  “Before I do anything else, I'm going to even the score... We're going to the hideout shack on Big Tree Mesa. We'll head south after we've killed the Lone Ranger.” ([06:29])

2. The Aftermath: Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

[06:54 – 09:38]

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto track the stagecoach, discovering the aftermath of the ambush.
• A gravely injured deputy relays critical information before dying: the outlaws are hiding at “Big Tree Mesa.”
• Concerned the coming rain might wash away all tracks, the Lone Ranger sends Tonto to alert Sheriff Clay while he pursues the gang.

3. Organizing the Manhunt

[09:51 – 12:26]

• Sheriff Clay coordinates a massive search, dividing the mesa into zones for seven different posses.
• The community joins forces, determined to bring the killers to justice.
• Quote:
  “I'd trust this man (Tonto) with my life.” — Sheriff Clay ([10:24])
• Plans are made for a thorough, multi-day search:
  “Tell your men to meet here at 4 in the morning. Bring food for at least two days.” ([11:42])

4. Tonto Captured: Setting the Trap

[13:39 – 14:40]

• While searching alone, Tonto stumbles upon the outlaws’ shack and is swiftly captured.
• Broderick recognizes Tonto and decides to use him as bait in a trap for the Lone Ranger.
• Quote:
  “We’ll use him to bait a trap for the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([14:16])

5. The Lone Ranger in Disguise

[15:04 – 17:59]

• The Lone Ranger is nearly mistaken for an outlaw and arrested by another posse; the misunderstanding is resolved by Sheriff Clay.
• Fearing more mistaken identity, the Lone Ranger dons an effective disguise as an Indian, cleverly altering his appearance with makeup and props.

6. Outlaws’ Trap and Tonto’s Resourcefulness

[18:45 – 25:04]

• The outlaws attempt to use Tonto’s horse, Scout, to lure the Lone Ranger.
• The disguised Lone Ranger is brought before Broderick, who mistakes him for an Indian.
• In a tense ruse, the Lone Ranger secures a knife for Tonto under the guise of “killing” him.
  Memorable Moment:
  “Tonto, I'll leave the knife with you. Free yourself and follow us.” — Lone Ranger, whispered while pretending to stab Tonto ([24:51])
• Tonto later escapes, setting up the conclusion of the manhunt.

7. The Final Showdown

[25:56 – 28:17]

• The disguised Lone Ranger leads Broderick and his gang toward Sheriff Clay’s advancing posse.
• Sensing the posse’s approach, the Lone Ranger orchestrates chaos, allowing the lawmen to ambush the outlaws.
  “Silver!” — The iconic command as the Lone Ranger makes his move ([26:33])
• A furious gunfight ensues; Broderick is wounded, one gang member killed, and others captured.
• Broderick curses the “double-crossing Indian,” oblivious he was outwitted by the Lone Ranger in disguise.
• Quote:
  “That fake redskin fooled us. I never suspected he was the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([28:18])

8. Resolution

[28:00 – 30:10]

• Sheriff Clay and his posse secure the outlaws for justice.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto reunite, having once again triumphed through quick wit, courage, and teamwork.
• The episode closes with classic signatures and credits, marking another victory for law and order in the Old West.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Broderick’s defiance:
  “I'm not gonna rot in any jail.” ([04:16])

• Sheriff Clay’s trust:
  “I'd trust this man with my life.” ([10:24])

• Tonto as bait:
  “We’ll use him to bait a trap for the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([14:16])

• Quick thinking:
  “Tonto, I'll leave the knife with you. Free yourself and follow us.” — Lone Ranger ([24:51])

• Showdown command:
  “Silver!” — Lone Ranger ([26:33])

• Outlaw’s realization:
  “That fake redskin fooled us. I never suspected he was the Lone Ranger.” — Broderick ([28:18])

Timestamped Segment Highlights

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 04:02-06:54| Broderick’s escape and vow of vengeance | | 09:51-12:26| Sheriff Clay rallies posses and town for the manhunt | | 14:06-14:40| Tonto is captured and the trap is laid | | 17:59-18:45| Lone Ranger disguises himself as an Indian | | 24:51-25:04| Lone Ranger covertly provides Tonto with escape knife | | 26:33-28:18| Final trap is sprung; Broderick and his gang are taken| | 28:00-30:10| Justice restored; Lone Ranger and Tonto prevail |

Tone and Style

True to the golden age of radio, the episode blends suspenseful storytelling, vivid sound design, and clear-cut morality. The Lone Ranger and Tonto work seamlessly, embodying courage, cleverness, and loyalty. The villains’ bravado is matched by their hubris and ultimate downfall. Period dialogue and authentic audio effects immerse listeners in the untamed frontier, honoring the classic Western tradition.

For Listeners Who Missed the Show

"Mesa Manhunt" is a gripping Lone Ranger adventure brimming with suspenseful twists—a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio drama. The episode’s heart lies in the interplay of wits between the legendary masked hero and a cunning outlaw, brought to life through spirited performances and meticulous sound restoration. Even for newcomers, the story stands as an accessible, archetypal Western showdown, illustrating why The Lone Ranger’s tales remain beloved decades later.