Old Time Radio Westerns – Episode Summary

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: “Murder Wears Skirts” | The Lone Ranger (Aired: 01-21-42)
Date Released: January 12, 2026

Overview

This episode presents a digitally restored version of “Murder Wears Skirts,” a classic Lone Ranger adventure originally broadcast in 1942. In a tale entangling deception, murder, and mistaken identity, the Lone Ranger faces his ultimate test: can he clear an innocent woman's name and unmask the true killer manipulating the shadows of the Old West? The episode delivers an intricate narrative, vividly conjuring the moral dilemmas and suspense that made The Lone Ranger legendary.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Conspirators' Plot

• [00:52 – 04:21]
  • Butch Williams and Truxton, two outlaws, hatch a plan to bring down the Lone Ranger by manipulating circumstances around a mysterious young woman who previously aided him.
  • They aim to capture the girl and use her as leverage:

    “The Lone Ranger's life was saved by that girl... He'd give his life to save her, wouldn't he?” (Narrator, 02:42)

  • Truxton believes that by framing the girl for a crime, the Lone Ranger will be forced to come to her rescue.

2. Jailhouse Murder

• [05:20 – 07:25]
  • Bill Tatum, a lawyer and gang leader, is in jail and plotting to use legal technicalities to escape conviction.
  • Suddenly, chaos erupts—a disguised figure, believed to be an old woman, murders Tatum and knocks out the guard, stirring confusion and panic.
  • The presence of a woman’s bonnet at the scene further clouds the investigation.

    “Sheriff, I found something out in the road. Look at this. It’s a woman’s bonnet, Sheriff." (Unnamed townsman, 07:17)

3. Suspicion Falls on the Girl

• [07:25 – 12:01]
  • The sheriff and townsfolk quickly suspect the girl living with Mrs. Penny (“Ma Penny”), given the bonnet and her close connection to the Lone Ranger.
  • Lone Ranger, aware of the girl’s innocence, tries to intervene discreetly at Mrs. Penny’s home.
  • Despite his pleas, Mrs. Penny, loyal to the girl, maintains silence and refuses the Lone Ranger’s request to speak to her.

    “I gave my word. I mustn’t say any more.” (Mrs. Penny, 09:10)

  • The sheriff interrogates Mrs. Penny, who, rather than seeing the girl blamed, dramatically confesses to the murder herself.

    “What else can I do? Take me away if you must. I’m ready.” (Mrs. Penny, 13:08)

4. Sheriff’s Realization and Search

• [14:06 – 16:12]
  • The sheriff doesn't believe Mrs. Penny’s confession, seeing through her attempt to shield the girl.
  • A search of the house leads to the discovery of a mysterious letter—one meant for the Lone Ranger, left by the missing girl.

    “Please hand the enclosed envelope to the masked man who rides a white horse…” (Narrator reading note, 16:43)

  • Tonto, the Lone Ranger’s trusted companion, retrieves the letter to deliver to him.

5. Unveiling the Deception

• [17:30 – 23:26]
  • The saloon becomes a hub of speculation and rumor as the community discusses the murder.
  • The Lone Ranger (in disguise) confronts Butch and Truxton, claiming he has evidence that could hang the real murderer.
  • The outlaws, suspicious, lead him out of town at gunpoint, intent on killing him and destroying the evidence.
  • Suspense heightens as the Lone Ranger outwits his captors, revealing that the true evidence is the physical force used against the deputy—something “a girl could not have struck that hard.”
  • He cunningly manipulates Butch, accusing him by referencing a distinctive horseshoe-shaped pin still worn by Butch (and believed to have been lost at the scene):

    “You’re the murderer. I thought that little trick would make you show your guilt.” (Lone Ranger, 22:03)

6. Climax and Resolution

• [23:26 – 24:28]
  • The sheriff and deputies appear at a decisive moment, capturing Butch and Truxton before they can harm the Lone Ranger.
  • The Lone Ranger, discarding his disguise mid-scene, is recognized to great surprise:

    “That’s right, Butch… that sure enough is the Lone Ranger!” (Deputy/Sheriff, 24:28)

  • The plot to frame the girl fails; the real culprits are arrested, and the girl’s innocence is affirmed.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On justice and the law:

  “I always thought it was up to the law to prove a party guilty. Not up to the party to prove herself or himself innocent.”
  — Ma Penny (11:26)

• On deception and courage:

  “I sure take my hat off to you. You have a heap of spunk. But I know better than to believe any such yarn as you’ve just told me.”
  — Sheriff to Ma Penny (14:06)

• On clever deduction:

  “The evidence was a deputy who had been knocked down. A girl could not have struck that hard. That’s talking enough.”
  — Lone Ranger, revealing the true murderer (23:00)

• The big reveal:

  “Why, that’s him. That’s right, Butch… that sure enough is the Lone Ranger!”
  — Deputy upon recognizing the Lone Ranger (24:28)

Notable Timestamps

• [00:52] – Episode narrative opens: The Legion of the Black Arrows and the mysterious plot begins.
• [02:43] – Outlaws discuss leveraging the Lone Ranger’s dedication to his friends.
• [05:21] – Jailhouse murder shocks Clifton; sheriff begins his investigation.
• [07:25] – Bonnet found; suspicion turns toward Mrs. Penny’s young lodger.
• [09:46] – Intense Lone Ranger/Mrs. Penny exchange.
• [13:08] & [14:06] – Mrs. Penny’s dramatic (false) confession.
• [16:43] – Letter for the Lone Ranger discovered; Tonto intervenes.
• [23:00–24:28] – Final confrontation; Lone Ranger unmasks the killer, law arrives.
• [24:28] – The Lone Ranger’s identity revealed to all.

Tone and Language

The episode maintains the formal, earnest, and often heightened dramatic tone typical of Golden Age radio westerns. Dialogue is direct, with sharp questions and moral clarity, and an undercurrent of suspense and righteousness runs throughout.

Conclusion

“Murder Wears Skirts” is a quintessential Lone Ranger episode, rich in intrigue, clever twists, and classic western justice. The restored audio immerses listeners in a suspenseful, atmospheric tale, where loyalty, deception, and quick wits decide the fates of heroes and villains alike. Even for those new to The Lone Ranger, this episode serves as a riveting introduction to the enduring appeal of radio’s masked justice rider.