Old Time Radio Westerns – "Murder at Tricorn Ranch" | The Lone Ranger (11-26-51)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: November 26, 1951
Podcast Episode Date: August 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode from the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast presents a suspenseful installment of "The Lone Ranger," titled "Murder at Tricorn Ranch." Meticulously restored for modern audiences, it transports listeners to the rugged West, immersing them in a tale of murder, mystery, mistaken identity, and ultimately justice. The story revolves around the murder of a wealthy French ranch owner, George Durant, and the ensuing efforts of the Lone Ranger, his companion Tonto, and the local sheriff to solve the case and save an innocent man from a vengeful mob.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Tricorn Ranch and Main Characters

• [05:37] Narrator introduces George Durant, his daughter Annette, and their life at the Tricorn Ranch after emigrating from France. Durant’s inexperience ranching leads him to depend on his young foreman, Wade Hatton.
• Annette's concerns: Durant refuses to use banks and carries large sums of money ("He carries on him always great sums of money in his money bag.” – Annette, [07:31]).
• Light romantic tension between Annette and Wade Hatton.

2. The Murder of George Durant

• [08:38] Durant leaves to meet someone in Little Canyon. He is confronted and fatally shot by an unseen assailant.
• [09:16] The Lone Ranger and Tonto, passing nearby, hear the shots and discover the dying Durant.
• Durant, unable to speak, tries to communicate the name of his killer by drawing a picture in the dirt: a hat (sombrero/chapeau).
• Quote: “Don’t try to speak. We want to know who shot you. Use the end of the stick to write the man’s name in the dirt.” – The Lone Ranger ([10:20])

3. Initial Investigation and Misdirection

• [11:44] The Lone Ranger brings Durant’s body to the ranch, where daughter Annette is devastated.
• The sheriff, Tom Roswell, and neighboring rancher Chapman "Chap" O’Neill arrive. Suspicion quickly falls on Hatton, who was not seen at dinner and knew about the money belt.
• [15:29] Interpreting the dirt drawing as a hat, O'Neill suggests ‘Hatton’ is the intended name: “Did you hear what this masked man said? Hat on. Get it.” – O’Neill ([15:52])
• Annette defends Hatton’s character.

4. Hatton’s Interrogation and Community Tensions

• [17:39] Hatton is arrested as he returns from town, stunned to hear of Durant's murder.
• [19:29] Under intense questioning, Hatton provides a strong alibi: “I was out at the C-Bar-L Ranch and there are five cowpokes out there who swear I was with them all night.” – Hatton ([19:41])
• O’Neill tries to provoke Hatton into anger, but the sheriff intervenes.
• Mob formation: As word of the murder spreads, O’Neill and his henchman Red Bissell stir up the townsfolk, pushing for frontier justice (mob lynching).

5. Mob Justice Confronted

• Red Bissell rallies the crowd: “Let’s hang the murderer... break down the doors of the sheriff’s office and get Hatton. Come on!” – Bissell ([24:01])
• [24:19] The Lone Ranger intervenes, dramatically holding off the mob: “Stop right where you are. The first man who comes forward will be shot.” – Lone Ranger ([24:19])
• Deputies fire over the mob, wounding Bissell. The crowd disperses.

6. The Clue Unveiled – Chapeau (Hat) Means Chap

• Bissell, wounded and desperate, begins to confess.
• The Lone Ranger connects the French word for hat, “chapeau,” with “Chap O’Neill”:
  “You don't have to speak French to know what their word for hat is, do you?” – Lone Ranger ([26:01])
  “French for hat is chapeau.” – Sheriff Roswell ([26:11])
• The dying Durant was trying to finger O’Neill, not Hatton.

7. Unmasking the Real Killer

• The Lone Ranger tricks O’Neill by warning that Bissell has confessed, prompting O’Neill to recover the hidden money belt.
• [28:46] O'Neill is caught red-handed by Sheriff Roswell and deputies:
  “Drop it right there, O’Neill. Get your hands up. You’re under arrest for the murder of George Durant.” – Deputy ([29:14])

8. Resolution and Justice Served

• O'Neill’s motives are revealed: desperation for money and eradication of the loan/favor Durant had extended him.
• Annette is told the truth and learns that Wade Hatton will be freed, his innocence proven.
• Sheriff Roswell pays tribute: “For what's happened tonight, we're all grateful to the Lone Ranger.” ([31:04])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “If you're able, use the end of the stick to write the man's name in the dirt.” – The Lone Ranger [10:20]
• “Did you hear what this masked man said? Hat on. Get it.” – Chapman O’Neill [15:52]
• “Stop right where you are. The first man who comes forward will be shot.” – The Lone Ranger [24:19]
• “You don't have to speak French to know what their word for hat is, do you?” – The Lone Ranger [26:01]
• “French for hat is chapeau.” – Sheriff Roswell [26:11]
• “Drop it right there, O’Neill… You’re under arrest for the murder of George Durant.” – Deputy [29:14]
• “For what’s happened tonight, we're all grateful to the Lone Ranger.” – Sheriff Roswell [31:04]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [05:37] – Introduction to Tricorn Ranch, Durant family, and foreshadowing of murder.
• [08:38-10:33] – Murder in Little Canyon, Durant’s death, cryptic clue drawn.
• [11:44-15:18] – Investigation at the ranch, analysis of clue, suspicion on Hatton grows.
• [17:39-19:47] – Hatton’s arrest and interrogation, alibi provided.
• [21:13-24:23] – Mob stirs; Lone Ranger standoff with the mob.
• [25:35-26:38] – Bissell's confession; realization about "chapeau"/Chap.
• [28:46-29:14] – Sting at the cabin, O'Neill’s apprehension.
• [29:51-31:04] – Resolution and gratitude expressed to the Lone Ranger.

Summary & Episode Flow

The episode masterfully weaves classic Western motifs – ranch life, greed, betrayal, frontier justice – with elements of mystery and deductive reasoning. The red herring of Hatton, insights around language (French “chapeau” as “Chap”), and the Lone Ranger's cunning intervention build suspense and deliver a satisfying resolution. Memorable exchanges underscore themes of loyalty, justice, and community, honoring the tradition of the Lone Ranger as “the masked rider for justice.”

If you missed the episode:
Expect an engaging story that blends Western action, community drama, and clever detective work—with a linguistic twist—presented in the vibrant, immersive audio style that Old Time Radio Westerns is known for. The episode pays tribute to classic radio storytelling, with the legendary Lone Ranger riding into (and out of) action to ensure the real killer faces justice.