Old Time Radio Westerns: The Lone Ranger – “Prisoner Returns” (05-21-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Prisoner Returns | The Lone Ranger
Date: October 29, 2025 (original broadcast 1952)
Restoration: Digitally restored classic audio

Episode Overview

This episode of The Lone Ranger, titled “Prisoner Returns,” presents a gripping tale of justice, retribution, and redemption in the American West. Jack Allen, a young ex-convict, is released from prison and sets out on a personal mission of vengeance against the men who murdered his father. His journey intersects with the investigative heroics of the Lone Ranger and Tonto, as secrets about family, loss, and the true meaning of justice are unraveled.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Summary

1. Jack Allen's Release and Vengeful Vow

• [04:47–07:51]
  • Jack Allen is released from a five-year prison term for killing Pete Egan, one of three brothers who murdered his father and stole their cattle.
  • Despite the pleas of Chaplain Davis, who encourages Jack to seek peace and trust in higher justice, Jack is determined to finish his “vow”:

    “I swore I’d get the men who killed him. … If you take the law into your own hands, you’ll hang.”
    — Chaplain Davis & Jack Allen [05:01–07:51]

  • Chaplain Davis shares his own story of loss, underscoring the risk of vengeance.

2. Bob Egan’s Plight and the Lone Ranger’s Discovery

• [08:23–12:13]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto encounter young Bob Egan, who’s running away from his uncles, Amos and Ozark Egan.
  • Bob reveals he’s neglected and physically abused, kept locked in the cabin, and suspects his uncles are involved in cattle rustling.

    “They kept me locked in the cabin all the time. … My Uncle Amos beats me if I try to go away from the cabin.”
    — Bob Egan [09:59]

  • Amos retrieves Bob and denies any wrongdoing while displaying suspicious hostility.

3. Lone Ranger and Tonto Investigate

• [12:13–13:57]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto decide to help Bob, suspecting his uncles of cattle rustling.
  • Tonto questions the local sheriff and learns of ongoing small-scale cattle thefts, indicating a small group of rustlers (likely Amos & Ozark).

4. Plans and Double-Cross

• [14:31–16:44]
  • Inside the Egan cabin, Amos and Ozark discuss the visit by the masked man and quickly realize he must be the Lone Ranger.
  • They plan to ambush the Lone Ranger and Tonto.

    “If the masked man’s the Lone Ranger, he’ll put two and two together. … We’ll hunt him and his Indian friend and kill him before they have a chance.”
    — Amos Egan [15:58]

5. Ambush and Heroics

• [18:49–22:26]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto approach the cabin and come under fire.
  • Jack Allen aligns with the Lone Ranger after clarifying their shared opposition to the Egans.
  • In the ensuing chaos, Amos shoots at the Lone Ranger, but Bob intervenes.
  • The cabin catches fire during the shootout; Amos and Ozark escape to a hidden canyon hideout with a stash of stolen cattle.

6. Confrontation at the Canyon Hideout

• [23:13–27:15]

  • Bob leads the Lone Ranger and allies to view the canyon hideout, noting only one narrow entrance.

  • The Lone Ranger devises a stealthy plan: Tonto will bring the sheriff and a posse, while he and Jack will infiltrate the hideout from above using tied lariats.

  • The plan succeeds; the Egan brothers are taken by surprise and arrested by the sheriff and his posse.

    “You already have a wounded shoulder, Amos. You want a broken arm?”
    — The Lone Ranger [26:28]

7. Family Revelations and Resolution

• [27:23–29:57]

  • Bob, now orphaned, reveals he has another uncle, Tom Davis — the chaplain who counseled Jack at the beginning.

  • Emotional reunion as Chaplain Davis recognizes Bob as his sister’s son, promising to care for him:

    “Oh, gosh, I’m glad to find you, Uncle Tom. I want to stay with you, if you’ll let me.”
    — Bob Egan [29:42]

  • Jack Allen credits the Lone Ranger for helping him find justice without resorting to murder.

    “Don’t thank me, Chaplain. Thank the Lone Ranger.”
    — Jack Allen [29:57]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jack Allen’s vow:

  “I made that vow over my dad’s dead body. I swore I’d get the men who killed him.” — Jack Allen [05:02]

• Chaplain Davis’ wisdom:

  “In helping others, I’ve helped myself. I found peace of mind. And son, I’ve learned that there is retribution. There is a higher court that meets out justice.” — Chaplain Davis [07:05]

• Bob’s plea:

  “Mister, please let me stay with you and Tano.”
  — Bob Egan [11:19]

• The Lone Ranger’s righteous approach:

  “If they’re guilty, they should be.”
  — The Lone Ranger [22:17]

• Uncle and Nephew Reunited:

  “We’ll be together from now on.”
  — Chaplain Davis [29:57]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 04:47 – Jack Allen’s release, conversation with Chaplain Davis
• 08:23 – Lone Ranger & Tonto meet Bob Egan
• 12:13 – Lone Ranger’s plan to help Bob, Tonto visits sheriff
• 14:31 – Egans realize masked man is Lone Ranger, plot ambush
• 18:49 – Shootout at Egan cabin, cabin set afire
• 23:13 – Locating the Egan brothers’ canyon hideout
• 26:28 – Capture of Amos and Ozark Egan
• 28:32 – Bob meets Chaplain Davis; happy reunion

Overall Tone & Language

The episode carries the classic, earnest tone of Old Time Radio Westerns, balancing action, suspense, and heartfelt moments. Dialogue remains direct and emotional, emphasizing values of justice, redemption, and the importance of family.

Final Reflection

“Prisoner Returns” exemplifies the best of The Lone Ranger, blending pulpy adventure with deeper questions of morality and justice. It serves as a reminder of the show’s appeal: a hero who upholds the law, brings families together, and solves problems with integrity — always leaving behind a “Hi-yo, Silver!” for listeners.