Shooting Star | The Lone Ranger (07-04-51)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Shooting Star | The Lone Ranger (07-04-51)
Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: July 25, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents a digitally restored classic episode of The Lone Ranger titled "Shooting Star." This episode transports listeners to the tumultuous days surrounding the Battle of the Little Bighorn, showcasing the timeless heroism of the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Toto. Through meticulous digital restoration, the podcast enhances the original audio, bringing vivid soundscapes and richer dialogue to life, allowing both new listeners and longtime fans to experience the adventure with unprecedented clarity.

Plot Summary

Setting the Scene
The episode opens with the Lone Ranger preparing for action alongside his trusty horse, Silver. The narrative quickly sets the stage for a critical military confrontation:

• [00:48] The Narrator describes the dynamic entrance of Silver, emphasizing his speed and the Lone Ranger's readiness:
  "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi."

Tensions Rise Among the Troops
General Turner is depicted grappling with his ambitions and the impending battle against the Sioux:

• [04:00] Toto approaches the general with crucial intelligence:
  "By convincing you that you should wait for General Turner before you attack the Sioux."

• [05:15] The General reveals his personal motivations:
  "I'm ambitious. I was a general. Now I'm a lieutenant colonel. I must win back my place in the sun."

Lone Ranger's Intervention
As General Turner plans a surprise attack, Toto and the Lone Ranger step in to provide strategic insights:

• [10:17] Toto warns the General of the overwhelming odds:
  "We see 150 soldiers against a thousand Sioux. We must warn them."

• [12:14] Toto emphasizes the dire situation:
  "There are no more soldiers crossing the river. The rest of your regiment is heading along the far bank toward the north."

The Battle Unfolds
The episode vividly narrates the ensuing conflict:

• [08:18] Troop movements and initial skirmishes set the stage for a chaotic battle, with troop commanders making critical decisions under pressure.

• [12:40] The Major sustains a head injury, showcasing the peril faced by soldiers:
  "A bullet creased his scalp and he would have fallen to the ground if the Lone Ranger had not lifted him to Silver's back."

Climactic Confrontations
As the battle intensifies, the Lone Ranger and Toto work tirelessly to alter the course of events:

• [15:08] Toto informs the General of impending reinforcements:
  "General Turner will reach the mouth of the Little Bighorn tomorrow morning."

• [16:03] The Colonel recounts the aftermath of the battle, highlighting the total defeat of his command:
  "Their share in the Battle of the Little Bighorn was over. The colonel had made his last stand."

Resolution and Reflection
The episode concludes with a somber reflection on heroism and sacrifice:

• [22:16] Toto reflects on the true meaning of heroism:
  "He was a brave man, and I salute his courage. But because of him, many brave men lived."

• [22:38] The General acknowledges the Lone Ranger's pivotal role:
  "Here's Sergeant was referring to the Lone Ranger."

Notable Quotes

• Toto on War Strategy ([04:00]):
  "By convincing you that you should wait for General Turner before you attack the Sioux."

• General Turner's Ambition ([05:15]):
  "I'm ambitious. I was a general. Now I'm a lieutenant colonel. I must win back my place in the sun."

• Toto on Overwhelming Odds ([10:17]):
  "We see 150 soldiers against a thousand Sioux. We must warn them."

• General's Realization ([05:58]):
  "I realize that I've been wrong in listening to you at all. I should have called the guard and had you taken into custody."

• Toto on Sacrifice ([22:16]):
  "He was a brave man, and I salute his courage. But because of him, many brave men lived."

Key Discussions and Insights

Heroism Redefined
The episode delves deep into the nature of heroism, contrasting personal ambition with selfless duty. General Turner's initial motivations are rooted in personal glory, but through Toto and the Lone Ranger's intervention, he confronts the moral implications of his actions.

Strategic Warfare and Intelligence
The dialogue between Toto and the General underscores the importance of intelligence and strategy over sheer force. Toto's insights into the Sioux's numbers and plans highlight the value of informed decision-making in military engagements.

Sacrifice and Leadership
The characters grapple with the costs of leadership and the burdens of command. The Colonel's ultimate sacrifice and the General's acknowledgment of the Lone Ranger's assistance portray the sacrifices leaders must make for the greater good.

Conclusion

"Shooting Star" encapsulates the enduring allure of The Lone Ranger tales, blending action, strategy, and profound moral questions within the rugged backdrop of the Wild West. Through expertly restored audio, the episode offers listeners an immersive experience, bringing to life the drama and heroism that have made these stories timeless. Andrew Rines' dedication to preserving and enhancing these classic radio dramas ensures that the legacy of the Lone Ranger continues to inspire and entertain new generations.

Transcript

[The Lone Ranger]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now, let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hio.

[The Lone Ranger]

Silver.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the oat cereal that's ready to eat, Betty Crocker mixes and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions. Present by special recording, the Lone Ranger. When the weather's bad, do you and your friends ever hang around the house wondering what to do? I'll bet it happens lots. Well, you know where you can have the most fun? In the kitchen. With a package of the new Betty Crocker Brownie Mix. That's right. It's easy as can be to bake up a big batch of luscious, chocolatey brownies with Betty Crocker Brownie Mix. Everything you need is right in the package. Just add one egg if you like the chewy, fudgy kind of brownies. And two eggs if you want them soft and tender like cake. Add nuts, too, if you like. Either way, Betty Crocker Brownies are the gee, I can't eat them fast enough kind. Even if you've never baked before, you'll turn out scrumptious, chocolatey, perfect brownies the very first time. And what fun you and your gang will have eating brownies that you baked yourselves. Have mom get Betty Crocker Brownie Mix next time she shops. Then invite your friends over for some fun. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful Mask Rider of the Plains led the fight for law and order in the early western United States. Nowhere in the pages of history can one find a greater champion of justice. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse. Silver.

[The Lone Ranger]

The Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. Let's go. Big fellow, are you? Silver? Away.

[Colonel]

Shortly before midnight, the colonel left his tent and climbed to the high ground above the river. He found a rock near a grove of trees and sat down, gazing toward the west, considering his plans for the coming battle. Suddenly, he realized that someone was watching him.

[General]

He turned his head and saw a.

[Colonel]

Man standing at the edge of the grove to his left. The moonlight was full on his face. He was wearing a mask. For a moment, there was silence. And then the colonel spoke.

[General]

I Think I know who you are. My Crow scouts have seen you.

[Toto]

I've talked with some of them. A lone Ranger.

[General]

Why are you here?

[Toto]

I want to help you, if I may.

[General]

How, sir?

[Toto]

By convincing you that you should wait for General Turner before you attack the Sioux.

[General]

How do you know anything of my plans?

[Toto]

One of your Crow scouts told my friend Toto that you march at one o' clock to the west. That can only mean you intend to attack tomorrow. And if we do, you'll be beaten.

[General]

I doubt that.

[Toto]

You must be underestimating Sitting Bull's forces.

[General]

He can't have more than a thousand men.

[Toto]

He has at least three times that many.

[General]

My scouts have given me different information.

[Toto]

They may not have been as close to the Sioux encampment as Toto and I.

[General]

3000 at least. Still a surprise attack.

[Toto]

You can't hope for any surprise. The Sioux know exactly where you are and where Turner is.

[General]

I'm sure. You give them too much credit.

[Toto]

I've read their smoke signals. Sitting Bull was warned the moment you started up the Rosebud. And General Turner started up the Bighorn.

[General]

Then he won't be expecting an attack until we're both in position. He will be surprised.

[Toto]

The odds are too great.

[General]

There's no glory in winning if the odds are in your favor.

[Toto]

Is that what you're thinking of? Glory?

[General]

Is there any other reward for a soldier?

[Toto]

Isn't the satisfaction of doing your duty enough?

[General]

Sir, I salute you. It may be enough for you. It isn't for me. I'm ambitious. I was a general. Now I'm a lieutenant colonel. I would have been relieved of my command if this campaign hadn't been coming up. Simply because I was fool enough to get mixed up in politics. I must make the president forget that. I must win back my place in the sun.

[Toto]

I ask you to think of your men.

[General]

They'll share in the credit.

[Toto]

And if there's only blame, that will be mine alone.

[General]

It's a chance, a mistake. And I confess I like taking chances.

[Toto]

With other men's lives.

[General]

For the sake of your own interests, that's enough.

[Toto]

I'm only trying to make you realize.

[General]

I realize that I've been wrong in listening to you at all. I should have called the guard and had you taken into custody.

[Toto]

Do you intend to do that now?

[General]

No, I didn't really mean that.

[Toto]

If there's any way I can help.

[General]

You've given me your information. I'll make my own decision as to its value.

[Toto]

You're free to go. Very well.

[General]

A man must follow his star, sir.

[Toto]

Look. Up in the sky.

[General]

A shooting star.

[Toto]

If one followed such a star.

[General]

Good night.

[Toto]

Oh, wait. Good night, General.

[Colonel]

The troopers were silent as they mounted and rode into the rough country west of the Rosebud. At one o' clock that morning, B Troop was in the lead and the colonel rode beside the captain.

[General]

Sir. Yes, Captain? I talked with a scout just before we left camp.

[Toto]

Yes?

[General]

A mask man, sir.

[Toto]

Is that so?

[General]

He said that he'd already talked with you. He wanted me to pass along some more information about the Indian camp. Information? You didn't give him a chance. Very well. What is it? It's located on the west bank of the Little Big Horn, just above Medicine Creek. The Cheyenne lodges are to the south. Pursuit of the north. He suggested that the best place to attack would be to the north. Have you mentioned talking with the Lone Ranger to anyone else? No, sir. Please don't. Mentally. I won't. S.

[Colonel]

The regimen crossed the divide between the Rosebud and the Little Bighorn at dawn and began to follow a creek that flowed through a shallow gully. Shortly after noon the country became more open and the men could see the tree bordered banks of the Little Bighorn. To the north there was a series of hills along the river and to the south, some low bluffs.

[General]

Captain Benton. Yes, sir. Take your own troop and troops D and K. Patrol those bluffs to the south. The camp is to the north, across from those hills, sir. I want to be sure there are no enemy hostiles on the bluffs. When you've completed your mission, return to me. Yes, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

Troop B, Group B. Group D. Troop K. H.

[Colonel]

When the main column was still two miles from the river.

[The Lone Ranger]

Column, halt.

[Colonel]

A band of a hundred Sioux broke out of the grove of willows at the water's edge.

[Narrator]

They drew rein in the open, their.

[Colonel]

Hideously painted bodies dreaming in the sun, and shouted insults at the soldiers. It was then the colonel made his first mistake.

[Toto]

Major.

[General]

Yes, sir. Troops AM and G are in your command. Pursue those Indians. What if they cross the river? Follow them. The main force is probably on the other side. Of course, they won't be in the open though. We'll support you with the rest of the regiment when they show themselves. Yes, sir.

[The Lone Ranger]

Troop A, Troop G. Troop M. Orange ho. Hold the charge, bugler.

[Colonel]

The three troops under the Major's command raced toward the river. The Indians melted into the trees. The Major picked a point where there were only a few trees to make his crossing and the cavalry mounts flashed through the shallow stream with no trouble. On the far Side there was a wide valley and the Indians were headed heading across it toward a line of wooded hills. The Major and his troop took after them. The Lone Ranger, with Tottle by his side, was watching the action through binoculars.

[Toto]

The commander of those troops must be acting under orders. Toto. But he must realize the Indians. He's following a Romeo decoy.

[Colonel]

Many Indian waked in hill.

[Toto]

The soldiers will have to make a swift retreat to get back to this side of the river before they're cut off. I don't understand the Colonel's tactics. You look.

[General]

Indians come out of hills now.

[Toto]

Yes, now. The soldiers will turn back and not do that. They're stopping. They're going to make a fight of it.

[General]

Maybe they'll not see all Indians.

[Toto]

We see 150 soldiers against a thousand Sioux. We must warn them.

[The Lone Ranger]

Let's go across the river Montau.

[Narrator]

We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.

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[Narrator]

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[Colonel]

Now to continue. When the Indians swept down from the wooded hillside, the Major ordered his men to stand and fight. Expecting reinforcements from the Colonel at any minute. He soon realized that the Indians could outflank him and cut off his retreat to the river. But he was determined to carry out his orders until the Lone Ranger and Tuttle raced up to the battalion.

[Toto]

We're friends, believe me. We've been watching from the high ground. You'll be surrounded in a few minutes.

[General]

I have my orders.

[Toto]

You'll be cut off.

[General]

We hold our ground here until the support reaches us.

[Toto]

There are no more soldiers crossing the river. The rest of your regiment is heading along the far bank toward the north.

[Colonel]

What?

[General]

That can't be.

[Toto]

We just saw them and you can't fight any longer here in the open. At least withdraw to that grove of trees by the river.

[General]

The General promised support.

[Toto]

There's none coming. And if you stay here, you'll be wiped out.

[General]

You're right.

[The Lone Ranger]

Back to the river, men. Take cover in that grove of trees.

[Colonel]

The Sioux closed in on the troopers as they made their desperate dash for the grove of trees by the river. Half a dozen men were dropped from their saddles. Many more were wounded. One of them was the Major. A bullet creased his scalp and he would have fallen to the ground if the Lone Ranger had not lifted him to Silver's back. Then, as the troopers took up their fire from the edge of the woods, the Major was lowered to the ground and tottle bandaged his head.

[Toto]

What happened to the general? I told you, Major.

[General]

He promised support.

[Toto]

Perhaps he decided to cross the river to the north of the village.

[General]

How are things going?

[Toto]

The men are holding their own.

[General]

I'm not able to do that long.

[Colonel]

Indians creep into woods soon. Any Indian time? Maybe.

[Toto]

But they're plenty Sioux. Major, Tunnel's right about the Indians. They'll try to infiltrate these woods no matter how many men they lose doing it. You better withdraw your troops across the river where there's a line of bluffs on the other side and hold out on top of that them for a long time. It's your only chance.

[General]

I see that. I'll give the order.

[Colonel]

The Major rallied his dwindling force and mounted once more. The troopers thundered out of the woods and down the bank to the river. On the far side. They urged their tired mounts up the steep slope of the bluff. Through a hail of bullets and arrows. The top was reached and they prepared to defend their hard won citadel. Unaccountably, the Indians withdrew and as they did, another band of troopers rode up the slope.

[Toto]

That's Captain Benton the lead, isn't it? Yes.

[General]

He was sent to patrol these bluffs.

[The Lone Ranger]

Over here, Captain. Hello, Major.

[General]

Howdy, mister.

[Toto]

Howdy.

[The Lone Ranger]

This is.

[General]

I know who he is, sir. I was at Fort Kearney at the time of the Fetterman massacre. Have you had any word from the general? Yes, sir. Sergeant Cook brought me a message. We were ordered to rejoin him. Then we heard the firefight across the river and I figured he must be over there. No, he wasn't. We'd no more cross than we saw your battalion breaking from the woods. So we came back here to join you. Where is the General, Sir? The masked man says he was heading north. Shouldn't we go after him?

[Colonel]

You Listen, Kimosabe, there are plenty firing to north.

[Toto]

Yes. All the Indians across the river are riding in that direction.

[General]

We must join him. Perfectly correct. We must support him. Though how we're going to fight our way through thousands of Indians to do it is more than I can see. We must try to join him, then.

[Toto]

Let Taro and me scout his position. We may be able to find a safe route to him.

[General]

We must start at once.

[Toto]

And I'd suggest that you head away from the river for at least half a mile before you start north.

[General]

That's what we'll do.

[Toto]

We'll ride on ahead.

[Colonel]

Let's go, Toto.

[Toto]

Easy.

[Colonel]

Ready, big fellow. Lone Ranger and Tottle pick their way north through the rough country to the east the of.

[Toto]

Of the river.

[Colonel]

As they rode, the sounds of the battle grew louder and louder. And then suddenly there was no more shooting. Still, the yells of the Indians continued. And finally the Lone Ranger and Tottle reached a high ridge from which they could see a hill that rose from the banks of the Little Bighorn. The hill was swarming with Sue. Their painted bodies brilliant in the light of the setting sun. And on the ground there were hundreds of dead. The dead wore uniforms. The colonel's command had been wiped out to the last man. Their share in the Battle of the Little Bighorn was over. The colonel had made his last stand.

[Toto]

Not a soldier left. No. The Sioux will be going after the major's men as soon as they've finished here. We must stop the troops. Get them back to the bluff where they can defend themselves.

[General]

Come on.

[Colonel]

When the Lone Ranger stopped the major's column, the major refused to turn back at first. But the masked man's grim testimony convinced him at last. And the troops reached the top of the bluff only just in time. All the Sioux swept down from the scene of their massacre and tried to storm the soldier's last stronghold. It was a bitter fight. Even the wounded fought desperately. And one savage charge after another was driven back. Finally, it was night and the attacks ceased. Indian campfires sprang up all around the bluff and the Sioux celebrated their victory. Balloon Ranger and Toto risked their lives twice that night. First it was to bring water to the wounded. Their second mission was more hazardous.

[Toto]

Major, as I understand it, General Turner will reach the mouth of the Little Bighorn tomorrow morning.

[General]

That's right.

[Toto]

He'll probably camp there until he gets word from you.

[General]

True enough. If there were only some way I could get a message through to him.

[Toto]

There is. At least Tottenham, and I will try to make it.

[General]

You haven't a chance.

[Toto]

What chance do your men have if relief doesn't reach them soon? They're running out of ammunition. They have no food and they're cut off from the river. Soon their canteens will be empty. How long can they fight under such conditions?

[General]

We'll fight to the last.

[Toto]

We'll try to bring relief in time.

[Colonel]

Silver and Scout were saddled. Then, as the sky clouded over, the Lone Ranger and Toto led them down the slope of the bluff straight toward the circle of Indian campfires. The fires were over a hundred yards apart and the Lone Ranger picked a spot between two of them where a grove of trees would lend cover. Ian Tahoe mounted, Silver and Scout were given their heads.

[Toto]

Come on, Silver.

[General]

Come on, Scout.

[Colonel]

The thunder of hoofs was obscured by the Indians chanting. The light from one of the campfires caught them just as they were disappearing into the woods. They were seen. A hundred voices shouted the alarm. A hundred warriors sprang to the saddle and started in pursuit. The darkness of the night, the rough wooded country and Silver and Scout speed save the Lone Ranger and Toto in their brush. With sudden death, the pursuit was left behind and the Lone Ring Toronto rode all night through the tangled hills. Toward morning, they cut back to the banks of the Little Bighorn and very nearly ran into an ambush. A band of Sioux scouts broke from the COVID of a wooded hillside and opened fire on them. The Indians were nearly out of range, and once more, Silver and Scout carried them out of danger. But the Lone Ranger clutched his side. A stray shot had struck home.

[The Lone Ranger]

He was happy. You hit? Yes, and then we stopped. No, there's a camp just ahead. We'll deliver our message first. Montoy. Let's come.

[Colonel]

The sun was rising as the sentry challenged the masked man in the Indian.

[General]

Get your hands up or I'll shoot.

[The Lone Ranger]

Hold your fire.

[General]

Trippy. This outclass, he's new outlaw. We've met before.

[Toto]

Good. Good morning, General.

[General]

What brings you here?

[Toto]

Sir, bad news. The general, that is, the colonel, is dead. Killed in action. Half of his command has been destroyed. The rest of the regiment is surrounded by Sue. They must have relief at once.

[General]

Toto, what's the matter with him?

[Colonel]

Him wounded.

[General]

Here, I'll help you with him. We must see that he's cared for at.

[Colonel]

The general's troops were moving. In less than half an hour. The news of their approach reached Sitting Bull and Crazy Wolf. And late that afternoon the embattled troopers on the top of the bluff watched the Indians streaming south. They were the victors, but it was to be their last victory. And as the dust cloud raised by their horses faded into the distance, the Sioux faded into history.

[General]

The Lone Ranger must have gotten through, Major. Relief must be on its way. Yes. Shall we go to meet General Turner, sir?

[Toto]

No, These men are too exhausted to move.

[General]

We'll stay here and thank God that we can rest.

[Colonel]

There were funeral services on the hill above the Little Bighorn the following morning. A volley was fired, and as taps were sounding, the general bowed his head over the colonel's grave.

[General]

He was a hero, wasn't he, General?

[Toto]

A hero. That's a strange word. He was a brave man, and I salute his courage. But because of him, many brave men died. I'm thinking of another man who might.

[Colonel]

Be called a hero.

[Toto]

Because of him, many brave men lived. There he is, sir.

[General]

Glad you were speaking of the mask man.

[Toto]

Weren't you?

[General]

There he is. Up. Up in the ridge.

[Toto]

Yes, we should be thankful he wasn't badly wounded. Here's Sergeant was referring to the Lone Rang.

[Narrator]

The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by.

[Colonel]

Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated.

[Narrator]

The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Foy. Listen to the Lone Ranger. Brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to OTR westerns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Toto]

Ra.