Old Time Radio Westerns – Ranger in Danger

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Ranger in Danger | The Lone Ranger (10-29-52)
Date: December 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this remastered broadcast of the 1952 Lone Ranger radio drama “Ranger in Danger,” listeners are transported back to the golden age of Western storytelling. The iconic masked hero is gravely wounded, putting him and the vital government documents he carries at the mercy of a gang of outlaws and a cadre of renegade Native Americans. With his life and the security of the frontier hanging in the balance, Clarabelle Hornblow, Tonto, Thunder Martin, and the citizens of a nearby town must rally to defend their hero against overwhelming odds. The suspenseful episode blends themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and frontier justice in a barnstorming tale of good versus evil.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. The Lone Ranger’s Peril: Setting the Stage

• [04:57] The Lone Ranger, severely wounded from a bullet, is being nursed back to health at Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch, assisted by Tonto, Clarabelle, and Thunder Martin.
• The group is tense, fearing the nearby town—if word of the Ranger’s weakness spreads, their enemies might make their move.

Notable Quote:

• “The Lone Ranger was fighting for his life. It was a fight against fever and infection resulting from a bullet wound.” – Narrator ([04:57])

2. The Conspirators’ Plot

• [05:29 – 08:40] In the Silver King Cafe, Joe Reno, an outlaw, meets with gunslingers Cleve and Baldy Lennox, and the telegraph operator Lefty Lee.
• Lefty reveals that Clarabelle sent a mysterious and urgent telegram to Washington, D.C.—it was, in fact, a message from the Lone Ranger, who is unable to deliver secret government papers due to his wounds.

Notable Quote:

• “That message was sent by the Lone Ranger... He's got some important government papers... He was supposed to deliver them to someone. But he’s badly wounded.” – Joe Reno ([08:08])

• The gang decides to capture the Lone Ranger and ransom both him and the papers to the government, hoping to secure money and amnesty for past crimes.

3. The Barkeep’s Daring Escape

• [10:39 – 12:20] The barkeep, overhearing the conspiracy, attempts to warn the others but is discovered and narrowly escapes after being shot in the arm.
• His warning raises the stakes, as the gang realizes their plot has been exposed and escalates to recruiting a small army.

Notable Quote:

• “You can’t go through with your plans. Who said so? I do. Robbing a stagecoach is one thing, but when you plot against the government and the Lone Ranger, that’s going too far.” – Barkeep confronting Joe Reno ([11:00])

4. Rallying Defenses: The Town Unites

• [14:06 – 15:37] The barkeep, Sam Fuddy, staggers to Clarabelle’s ranch to warn her and Tonto, revealing the plot and the coming danger.
• Tonto suspects Joe Reno may rally a large force of renegade Native Americans and agrees that urgent action and reinforcements are needed.

Notable Quotes:

• “By Jupiter, I’ll spread the word that the Lone Ranger's in danger and every man in town will be here!” – Sam Fuddy ([15:24])

• “Joe Reno bad Indian. Him know plenty other band... Maybe bring them.” – Tonto ([15:17])

• Thunder Martin and Clarabelle make preparations—both tactical (stockpiling ammo) and personal (Clarabelle hides her prized china).

5. Renegades Ride: Joe Reno’s Alliance

• [21:00 – 21:47] Joe Reno persuades over a hundred renegade Indians to join his cause in return for permission to loot the town after the battle.
• The coming attack will be at daybreak to maximize surprise.

Notable Quote:

• “Those Indians will follow us to attack the Hornblow house... I told them they can massacre the townsmen... There’ll be no one to stop them when they raid the town.” – Joe Reno ([21:47])

6. Preparing for Siege

• [22:41 – 23:42] Townsfolk arrive at the ranch to form a defensive line. Tonto, Clarabelle, and Thunder coordinate, though they are outnumbered.
• The defenders brace themselves for what may be the final stand.

Notable Quote:

• “Every man here will be glad to lay down his life to protect the Lone Ranger.” – Clarabelle ([23:42])

7. The Attack at Dawn

• [24:37 – 25:41] The renegades attack before sunrise, circling and firing at the ranch house. The townsmen and Clarabelle hold the line while casualties mount.
• Even as wounded, Clarabelle fires from the front line, and Thunder Martin narrowly escapes a bullet.

Notable Quotes:

• “They’re surrounding the house! Watch for them on the east side, boys!” – Defender ([24:56])

• “Plenty time you get hurt for others. Give me strength... Lie back, Kimosabe.” – Tonto refusing to let Lone Ranger surrender ([26:41])

• Inside, the Lone Ranger, wracked with guilt, tries to surrender himself to save others, but Tonto compassionately prevents him, urging him to stay in bed and promising that his friends will protect him.

8. Turning Point: The Cavalry Arrives

• [28:01 – 29:10] As the situation grows desperate, a bugle is heard. Colonel Blake and the U.S. Army charge over the hill, routing the attackers and saving the besieged ranch.

Notable Quotes:

• “Say, what’s that?... I heard a bugle... Look, soldiers see ‘em coming over the hill!” – Townsfolk ([28:01])

• “You come like answer to prayer. I’m... I’m glad we made it, Tano. Yep. Tano has been mighty worried. You have, eh? Well, don’t worry any longer, Tano. The good Lord willing, we’ll save your friend. Our country needs the Lone Ranger.” – Colonel Blake ([30:29])

• Colonel Blake reveals he was summoned by the Lone Ranger’s telegram and brings along an Army surgeon to treat the wounded hero.

9. Resolution and Restoration

• [29:10 – 31:37] As the episode concludes, the wounded are tended, the Lone Ranger's unique bond with the townspeople is celebrated, and hope returns with the arrival of medical help.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Lone Ranger was fighting for his life. It was a fight against fever and infection resulting from a bullet wound.” – Narrator ([04:57])
• “That message was sent by the Lone Ranger... He’s got important government papers... He was supposed to deliver them... but he’s badly wounded.” – Joe Reno ([08:08])
• “You can’t go through with your plans... Robbing a stagecoach is one thing, but when you plot against the government and the Lone Ranger, that’s going too far.” – Barkeep ([11:00])
• “By Jupiter, I’ll spread the word that the Lone Ranger’s in danger and every man in town will be here!” – Sam Fuddy ([15:24])
• “Every man here will be glad to lay down his life to protect the Lone Ranger.” – Clarabelle ([23:42])
• “Plenty time you get hurt for others. Give me strength... Lie back, Kimosabe.” – Tonto ([26:41])
• "You come like answer to prayer. I'm... I'm glad we made it, Tano... The good Lord willing, we'll save your friend. Our country needs the Lone Ranger." – Colonel Blake ([30:29])

Segment Highlights & Timestamps

• [04:57] — The Lone Ranger’s fragile state explained and the cautious care at Hornblow ranch.
• [05:29 – 08:40] — Reno’s plot uncovered and Lefty exposes the Lone Ranger's weakness.
• [10:39 – 12:20] — Barkeep overhears plot and manages a dramatic escape to warn the defenders.
• [14:06 – 15:37] — Sam Fuddy desperately warns Clarabelle and Tonto.
• [21:00 – 21:47] — Joe Reno recruits a hundred renegade fighters for the dawn attack.
• [22:41 – 23:42] — The outnumbered town assembles, united to defend the Lone Ranger.
• [24:37 – 25:41] — The attack at dawn begins; house under siege.
• [26:41] — Lone Ranger tries to sacrifice himself to save others; Tonto intervenes.
• [28:01 – 29:10] — The cavalry arrives, turning the tide.
• [30:29] — Colonel Blake promises hope and medical help.

Tone & Language

The episode is classic in tone: earnest, stirring, and rich in the high drama of Western heroism. The narration is vivid and urgent, and the dialogue is full of colorful Old West idioms (“double distilled sidewinder,” “by Jupiter”), while moments of tension are punctuated with heartfelt loyalty and courage.

Conclusion

“Ranger in Danger” captures the spirit of classic radio Westerns—an outsized drama of villainous plots, frontier loyalty, and communal sacrifice. With a high-stakes siege, a stirring cavalry rescue, and the heartfelt devotion of the Lone Ranger’s allies, this episode is a thrilling reminder of why heroes like the Lone Ranger endure.