Old Time Radio Westerns — "Moffet’s Move" (The Lone Ranger, 02-04-42)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Moffet’s Move | The Lone Ranger
Release Date: January 20, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored broadcast of The Lone Ranger from February 4, 1942. In “Moffet’s Move,” the Lone Ranger and Tonto intercept a perilous plot orchestrated by the secretive Legion of the Black Arrow to ambush an army detachment led—or so they think—by Colonel Moffet. The Lone Ranger’s identity, a mysterious ring, and an urgent race through the wilderness add layers of suspense, with the fate of the army’s men and the broader Western frontier hanging in the balance.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Threat of the Legion of the Black Arrow

• The narrator establishes a post–Civil War setting, framing the Black Arrow as a clandestine organization with ambitions of revolt and despotism.
  • Quote: “A powerful secret organization called the Legion of the Black Arrows sprang up in the western United States. Its members were to be found everywhere, defying the law or using the law for their own purposes.” (02:38)

2. Midnight Camp Intrusion — A Secret Mission Unfolds

• The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and Tonto detecting an intruder at their camp by the absence of cricket sounds and Silver’s warning:
  • Quote: Tonto: “Cricket, katydid stop sound when man come near.” (03:58)
• The intruder, Amos, turns out to be a messenger tasked with delivering a letter after confirming the Ranger’s identity by a special ring.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • Lone Ranger: “You better have a good reason for sneaking up this way. What do you want?”
    • Amos: “You. That’s all. ... I was only trying to get close enough to see if you was wearing a ring on your finger.” (04:52–05:05)

3. The Urgent Message — An Army Ambush Planned

• The message warns: Colonel Moffet’s troops are to be ambushed in the Powder River woods. The Lone Ranger and Tonto set out immediately to avert disaster.
  • Quote: The Lone Ranger: “This good friend is the most dangerous task you’ve ever had. An army may depend on your success.” (06:43)
• Amos is recruited to help and pressed for details—he reveals the mysterious woman who orchestrated the message, indicating her intelligence network is strong.
  • Quote: “She certainly is well informed.” (07:48)

4. The Unknown Woman’s Role — The Ring’s Secret

• Shortly after, Amos meets the woman, confirms his message was delivered, and discusses Colonel Moffet’s absence from the army detachment.
• She learns a captain is in charge, not the colonel—a complication that could spell disaster if the lone Ranger can’t convince the captain of the trap.
  • Quote: Girl: “The captain may not know the Lone Ranger. He might think the mask means outlaw. He might put the Lone Ranger under arrest.” (10:28)
• She gives Amos an urgent secondary mission:
  • Quote: Girl: “Get word to the Lone Ranger. Tell him to open the ring. Remember that. Open the ring.” (11:04)

5. Amos’s Grueling Ride and Capture

• Amos rides all night to deliver the message, but is intercepted by outlaws in the woods and tied to a tree, despairing over his failure.
  • Quote: Amos: “I failed him. Maybe they've got their own Ranger prisoner too.” (14:01)

6. The Lone Ranger’s Attempt to Warn the Army

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto reach the army camp, only to discover Colonel Moffet is absent. Captain Blake, suspicious of masked men, demands the Lone Ranger unmask.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • Captain Blake: “If you were what you claim, a friend of the army, you’d be quite willing to submit to arrest, unmasking and investigation.” (19:52)
    • The Lone Ranger: “Captain, there are reasons you can’t possibly understand why I cannot be unmasked.” (20:01)

7. Standoff and Flight — Desperate Measures

• Blake orders the Lone Ranger arrested; the Ranger draws his guns and seizes the captain as a hostage to force his way into the woods, intent on proving the threat is real.
  • Quote: The Lone Ranger: “Much as I hate to. I'm leaving and you're coming with me. … Fire and you’ll hit your captain. Hold your fire!” (20:20–20:33)

8. The Final Confrontation — Battle with the Black Arrow

• In the woods, the Lone Ranger uses himself as bait, drawing enemy fire so the soldiers are convinced. Captain Blake finally realizes the truth.
  • Quote: “Do you think he was telling the truth?” “Let me listen. … Someone said, get the Lone Ranger. … The Black Arrow pay handsome. I heard that.” (23:46–24:00)
• The army emerges to fight the Black Arrow outlaws, scattering them and securing victory.

9. The Ring’s Secret Revealed

• Post-battle, Amos delivers the mysterious message: “Open the ring.” The Lone Ranger discovers a hidden compartment in the ring.
  • Quote: The Lone Ranger: “There it is. There’s a secret compartment here.” (26:08)
  • Inside is a message: “This message will assure anyone who sees it that the bearer is acting at the personal request [of the] President.” (26:44)
• The authority and legitimacy conferred by the ring explain the woman’s plan and ensure the Lone Ranger’s credibility in urgent situations.

10. Epilogue — The Elusive Ally

• Amos wishes to thank the woman, but the Lone Ranger predicts she’ll disappear, remaining in the shadows until needed again.
  • Quote: Lone Ranger: “I think she’ll drop out of sight until she’s needed again. Good luck, Lone Ranger. Adios.” (27:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Silence of the Night:

  • Tonto: “Cricket, katydid stop sound when man come near.” (03:58)

• Unique Detailing:

  • The Lone Ranger: “A ring? What do you know about a ring?” (05:05)

• Amos’s Frustration (Comic Relief):

  • “Mister, tell this redskin that my neck breaks easy, will ya? Stop dragging me. I’ll come.” (04:28)

• The Lone Ranger’s Integrity:

  • “Captain, there are reasons you can’t possibly understand why I cannot be unmasked.” (20:01)

• Epitome of Heroic Sacrifice:

  • “My life doesn’t matter. The life of your troopers is what counts. They must not be massacred. They must carry on.” (21:53)

• The Big Reveal:

  • The Lone Ranger: “There it is. There’s a secret compartment here... This message will assure anyone who sees it that the bearer is acting at the personal request of [the] President.” (26:08–26:44)

Timestamp Guide for Key Segments

• Introduction of the Black Arrow: 02:38
• Camp Intruder & Ring Identification: 03:31–06:02
• The Girl’s Secondary Mission: 09:32–11:09
• Amos Captured in the Woods: 12:09–14:01
• Lone Ranger at Army Camp (Standoff): 16:22–20:35
• Lone Ranger Seizes Blake: 20:09–20:44
• Battle with the Black Arrow: 24:00–25:28
• The Ring’s Secret Revealed: 26:00–26:44
• Conclusion & Farewell: 27:03–27:16

Episode Tone & Style

Classic, suspenseful, and crisp, filled with vivid soundscapes and rapid-fire dialogue. The Lone Ranger remains stoic and heroic, Tonto resourceful, and Amos provides comic relief and relatable awe. The tone alternates between high-stakes tension and moments of warmth or lightness, characteristic of Golden Age radio Westerns.

In Summary

“Moffet’s Move” delivers a thrilling tale of loyalty, secret societies, and the fine line between lawman and outlaw, with the Lone Ranger and his allies racing against time and suspicion. The mysterious woman’s ring, the desperate rides, and the final confrontation encapsulate the mythic grandeur of the Old West radio tradition—restored here in sparkling audio detail for modern listeners.

Signature sign-off:
“Hi-yo Silver! Away!”