Old Time Radio Westerns

The Lone Ranger: "Set a Thief" (Original Airdate: 02-03-41)

Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: December 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored classic adventure from “The Lone Ranger” radio drama, titled "Set a Thief." The story immerses listeners in the intrigue following a violent bank robbery in the town of Claymore, instigated by Bat Benson and his notorious gang. Against a backdrop of suspicion and ruined livelihoods, the Lone Ranger employs daring strategy and deception to restore justice, clear an innocent man's name, and bring the outlaws to heel.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Bank Robbery in Claymore (03:56–05:45)

• Setting the Scene:

  • The town of Claymore is introduced as sleepy and unsuspecting.
  • The Stockman’s Bank is abruptly held up by Bat Benson’s gang.
  • The robbery is swift and violent; the townspeople and bank staff are helpless.

• Notable Moment:

  • Banker Tom Craig demonstrates defiance, while clerk Sam Kramer and others try to maintain composure.
  • Two Gun, one of Bat’s men, is shot in the chaos, providing a possible lead for the law.

2. Fallout and Suspicion (07:11–12:11)

• Personal Financial Ruin:

  • Tom Craig reveals to his wife Bess that he liquidated the bank’s investments due to poor economic news from the East.
  • The robbery wipes out the bank, devastating Claymore.

• Sowing Doubt:

  • Suspicion about Tom’s involvement in the heist emerges, fed by Sam Kramer’s remarks and Tom’s recent financial moves.
  • The Lone Ranger appears, masked and enigmatic, questioning Tom and Bess about the rumors.
  • Tom is forced to defend his actions and intentions, while Bess stands by him.

• Notable Quote:

  • The Lone Ranger: "Well, certain people are hinting that Tom might have known about this hold up ahead of time. That everything possible had been turned into cash so that a fake robbery could be staged..." (09:37)

• The Lone Ranger’s Departure:

  • Leaves a silver bullet as his calling card, confirming his identity to the Craigs.
  • He hints at a plan to recover the stolen money and warns the couple not to judge by appearances.

3. Ingenious Plan: Using a Thief to Catch Thieves (12:27–17:19)

• Lone Ranger’s Ruse:

  • The Lone Ranger breaks Two Gun out of jail, staging the escape to gain the gang’s trust.
  • The act also casts further suspicion on Tom Craig in town, complicating his predicament.

• Lone Ranger’s Strategy:

  • Tonto, disguised as a bystander, trails Two Gun’s return to the gang’s hideout without being detected.
  • The Lone Ranger’s manipulation is a calculated risk aimed at getting inside Bat Benson’s operation.

• Notable Quote:

  • Sheriff (to Two Gun): "Next time one of Bat Benson’s gang is caught, you’d better hang him on the spot because he’ll never be kept in jail." (14:37)

4. Locating the Outlaw Hideout (17:46–22:00)

• Covert Tracking:

  • Tonto successfully follows Two Gun and reports back, drawing a map to the well-defended hideout.
  • The outlaws have chosen a location protected by a narrow, guarded pass, making it virtually impenetrable.

• Sheriff’s Dilemma:

  • Tom Craig is questioned again by the sheriff, now suspected by the townsfolk of colluding with the bandits.
  • Tom maintains his integrity, expressing faith in the masked man’s true intentions.

5. The Trap and the Double Bluff (25:08–29:00)

• The Setup:

  • The Lone Ranger approaches the hideout openly and is challenged to join the gang, but only if he unmasks.
  • He refuses but outsmarts Bat and Two Gun by feinting compliance, then draws his gun and turns the tables.

• Showdown:

  • As the gang is distracted by the approaching posse (which the Lone Ranger has led to the hideout), he takes Bat prisoner and clears the way for lawmen to arrest the rest.
  • The real criminal mastermind is exposed, and the gang is apprehended.

• Notable Moments & Quotes:

  • Bat Benson: “You’ll have to take off that mask and show us your face.” (28:01)
  • The Lone Ranger, bluffing: “The mask stays on. ... Very well then, it was the rule of your game.” (28:09, 28:27)
  • Tom Craig, vindicated: “Sheriff. I told you that was the Lone Ranger. Don’t you see what he’s done? He pretended to be a crook just to find where Bat was. And he found out in the only way possible by letting Two Gun lead him here.” (29:21)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Lone Ranger to Tom Craig:
  "You’ve seen that appearances can lie. You’ll probably hear something that may convince you I’m an outlaw. But reserve judgment. You’ll find it pays." (11:39)

• Bess Craig, on recognizing the Lone Ranger:
  "Tom, don’t you remember those stories... a man with a mask. A horse called Silver." (11:16)

• Bat Benson plotting:
  "We’re going to make him take off his mask. We’re gonna be the first fellas that ever seen what he looks like underneath that covering of his. ... Then he gets drilled." (25:35)

• The Lone Ranger, foiling the outlaws:
  "Don’t make a move now. Walk ahead of me. I’m following on Silver. Walk to your men at the pass. Hurry..." (28:37)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening narration and bank heist setup: 03:56–05:45
• Suspicion cast on Tom, Lone Ranger visits: 07:11–12:11
• Lone Ranger’s plan in action: 12:27–17:19
• Tonto trails Two Gun, plotting the rescue: 17:46–22:00
• The trap is sprung, Bat Benson captured: 25:08–29:21

Episode Style and Tone

The original radio drama tone is earnest, suspenseful, and rich with Old West atmosphere. Dialogue maintains classic heroic and villainous archetypes, with the Lone Ranger calm, cunning, and moral; townsfolk fearful but resilient; and outlaws ruthless yet ultimately outwitted.

Summary

"Set a Thief" exemplifies why "The Lone Ranger" holds a beloved place in classic American radio. This artfully restored episode brings to life a narrative of strategy, courage, and the power of reputation. The Lone Ranger’s bold use of subterfuge and trust in character ultimately redeems the unjustly accused and brings notorious criminals to justice—reminding listeners that in the Old West, it often takes a clever hero to outsmart both villainy and doubt.