Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: "Sal Hawkins Comes Home" | The Lone Ranger (06-30-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode showcases a digitally remastered broadcast of the 1952 Lone Ranger radio drama "Sal Hawkins Comes Home." In classic Western fashion, the story follows the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto as they encounter Drew Westcott, a newcomer to the West facing the tyranny of Slugger Hawkins in Rock City. The episode explores the themes of courage, responsibility, redemption, and the impact of personal history on present choices, all set against the lively soundscape and moral clarity of Golden Age radio storytelling.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

Introduction of Main Plot and Characters

• Narrator Sets the Scene (03:13):

  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto spot a riderless horse; Tonto suspects its owner may be in distress.
  • They discover Drew Westcott, who has been run out of Rock City by a man named Slugger Hawkins and his gang.

• Drew Westcott’s Backstory (06:18-10:15):

  • Drew is a newcomer from St. Louis.
  • Doesn’t carry a gun—reveals (at the campfire) his father was a skilled but tragically impulsive gunman, whose "draw and shoot" habit led to accidentally killing his own brother-in-law.

    “He killed his own brother in law because of his bad habit.” — Drew Westcott [09:31]

  • Drew's father, devastated, disappeared to the West, warning Drew never to carry a gun.

    “He begged me in the note never to carry a gun. And to go farther east to relatives in New England where I'd have no need for a gun.” — Drew Westcott [09:38]

The Threat in Rock City

• The Tyranny of Slugger Hawkins (10:34-12:19):
  • Slugger dominates Rock City through fear.
  • Sheriff’s ‘accidental’ death leaves town lawless.
  • Slugger plans to rig a mayoral election, with henchmen as sheriff and deputy.

    “If I was to get myself legally elected as mayor of Rock City, I could appoint Chunky as sheriff and you, Trigger, as deputy. And we could really take this town for everything it's worth.” — Slugger Hawkins [11:57]

• Community Fear and Stirring Resistance (17:12):
  • Stranger arrives and urges townspeople to stand up to Hawkins.
  • Townsfolk fear retaliation due to Slugger’s violent reputation.

The Lone Ranger’s Plan and Drew’s Growth

• Drew’s Training (15:10-15:37):

  • Lone Ranger gives Drew a gun and helps him work on self-control.

    “If you're willing, Drew, I'll spend time with you and try to teach you how to gain control.” — Lone Ranger [15:28]

• Tonto’s Recon and Community Tension (16:02-18:44):

  • Tonto hears about Slugger’s mayoral scheme.
  • Stranger’s boldness angers Slugger and his men, who also suspect the legendary masked man and Tonto are in town.

Showdown at the Meeting House

• The Mayoral Election and Confrontation (19:37-23:14):

  • Town meeting called for the mayoral election; Slugger’s nomination is uncontested until Drew stands up to him.
  • Drew, now armed and more confident, faces off with Slugger in front of the townspeople.

    “You too, Hawkins. Oh, carrying a gun this time, huh? Well, draw your guns, men, and make sure—” — Slugger Hawkins [21:05] “Better look at the two windows behind you before any of you draw.” — Drew Westcott [21:06]

  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto back up Drew from the windows; a shootout ensues. The gang is outgunned and Slugger surrenders.

    “I have you all covered.” — Lone Ranger [21:57]

• Restoring Law and Order (23:14-24:16):

  • Drew is elected mayor.
  • His long-lost father, revealed to be the town’s returning stranger, is appointed sheriff.

    “Well, in that case, I appoint my dad as sheriff.” — Drew Westcott [23:37]

  • They vow to restore justice and end Hawkins’ reign.

    “He'll see that law and order is kept here in [Rock City].” — Drew Westcott [24:08]

• A Nod to the Lone Ranger’s Legacy (24:35-24:42):

  • Drew reflects on the Lone Ranger:

    “He's about the finest man I ever met and the best friend the fellow could hope for.” — Drew Westcott [24:35]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “No need to go that far. But having a gun might have kept you from being mistreated today. Men like Slugger Hawkins respect a gun.” — Lone Ranger [07:09]
• “He begged me in the note never to carry a gun. And to go farther east to relatives in New England where I'd have no need for a gun.” — Drew Westcott [09:38]
• “If you're willing, Drew, I'll spend time with you and try to teach you how to gain control.” — Lone Ranger [15:28]
• “Let’s elect him mayor. What’s his name? His name is Drew Westcott. I nominate Drew Westcott for mayor.” — Townspeople [23:08]
• “He’s about the finest man I ever met and the best friend the fellow could hope for.” — Drew Westcott on the Lone Ranger [24:35]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Classic Intro: 01:02–03:13
• Drew Westcott’s Story: 06:00–10:15
• Slugger’s Plan for Rock City: 11:16–12:19
• Drew’s Gun Training: 15:10–15:37
• Salon/Community Tension: 16:02–18:44
• Showdown at Town Meeting: 19:37–24:16
• Resolution and Farewell: 24:16–24:42

Tone and Style

True to Golden Age Western drama, the episode’s tone is earnest, moralistic, and adventurous—full of tight plotting, plainspoken dialogue, and climactic moments of justice. The Lone Ranger emerges as a quiet mentor, Drew’s journey blends personal redemption with civic courage, and the sound-rich production evokes sunsets, saloon doors, and galloping hoofbeats.

Final Thoughts

This restored classic episode blends action with thoughtful character arcs, culminating in a satisfying restoration of justice to Rock City. “Sal Hawkins Comes Home” stands as both an inspiring individual tale and a celebration of Western storytelling tradition.