Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode Summary: "Rainbow Stampede | The Lone Ranger" (11-29-50) Host: Andrew Rines Release Date: April 29, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines delves into a meticulously restored classic Western radio drama, "Rainbow Stampede," featuring the iconic Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto. This episode transports listeners to the tumultuous days of the Wild West, highlighting themes of justice, betrayal, and the preservation of treaties between settlers and Native Americans.

Plot Overview

The episode centers around Jed and Tex Webster, two brothers who have inherited a prosperous ranch. However, mismanagement leads them into severe debt, forcing them to make a dire decision to sell either their land and buildings or their last 500 head of cattle. Desperate and scorned by their neighbors, the Websters contemplate moving their herd to the Rainbow Hills—a region designated as Indian territory and protected by treaty.

Jed Webster expresses regret over their predicament:

[03:18] Jed Webster: "We sure made a mess of things. Maybe we should have sold the cattle and kept the landing house."

Despite knowing the Rainbow Hills are off-limits, Tex Webster believes they can exploit a loophole in the treaty, hoping to force the Indians to break peace and open the land for grazing.

Rising Tensions and Conflict

As the Websters prepare to move their cattle, they encounter the Lone Ranger and Tonto, who are on a mission to uphold justice and protect the sanctity of the treaty. Suspicion arises when the Lone Ranger questions the Websters' intentions:

[06:20] Tex Webster: "You seem to know a lot, don't you?"

The Websters' attempts to deceive the townsfolk of Smokyville with fabricated stories about discovering gold lead to increased tension. Their actions inadvertently ignite a gold rush, causing chaos and drawing unwanted attention to the Rainbow Hills.

Climactic Confrontation

The plot reaches its peak when the Lone Ranger and Tonto uncover the Websters' scheme to manipulate the treaty and seize the Rainbow Hills for their cattle. A confrontation ensues at the hotel in Smokyville, where Tonto reveals the Websters' deceit:

[19:17] Tonto: "No doubt about that. These men are not miners."

The evidence mounts as Tonto presents the missing gold nuggets from the Websters' watch chain, conclusively proving their involvement in the fraud:

[19:10] Jed Webster: "Hey, just look at that watch chain. It's loaded with nuggets and two of them are missing."

[19:20] Tonto: "Cattlemen from Pecos County. They need open range for the cattle. They knew if the Indian treaty could be broken, the Rainbow Hills would be thrown open for grazing."

Resolution and Restoration of Justice

Acknowledging their wrongdoing, the Websters are forced to abandon their plans, ensuring that the Rainbow Hills remain protected. Tonto emphasizes the importance of adhering to the law and respecting treaties:

[19:45] Tonto: "You almost broke an Indian treaty. You'd have had the army to deal with if you'd done so. Don't make another mistake."

The episode concludes with the Websters accepting their fate and committing to leave the region, allowing peace to return to the Rainbow Hills.

Key Quotes

• Jed Webster reflecting on their failure:

  [03:18] "We sure made a mess of things. Maybe we should have sold the cattle and kept the landing house."

• Tex Webster confronting Tonto:

  [05:33] "Let me do the talking. You'll be ready for trouble if they start anything."

• Tonto unveiling the Websters' deceit:

  [19:17] "No doubt about that. These men are not miners."

• Tonto stressing the importance of the treaty:

  [19:45] "You almost broke an Indian treaty. You'd have had the army to deal with if you'd done so. Don't make another mistake."

Conclusion

"Rainbow Stampede" offers a riveting narrative that underscores the enduring legacy of the Lone Ranger as a symbol of justice and integrity in the Old West. Through the astute characterizations of Jed and Tex Webster, the episode explores the perils of greed and the vital importance of honoring agreements. Andrew Rines' digital restoration work shines, bringing clarity and depth to this timeless tale, ensuring that new generations can appreciate the rich storytelling and heroic deeds of the Lone Ranger and Tonto.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Old Time Radio Westerns, "Rainbow Stampede" serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of these classic Western dramas. Dive into the Wild West with every episode, expertly restored for a modern audience.