
Original Air Date: April 23, 1951Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Roundu...
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Lone Ranger
Packages by Expedia.
Narrator
You were made to be rechargeable. We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less.
Lone Ranger
Expedia.
Narrator
Made to travel.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Oldtime 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 high on Silver, 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 presents by special recording the Lone Ranger. Say, I'll bet everyone in your gang loves a chocolate malt, right? Who doesn't? Well, here's a real treat you can plan sometime soon. Invite the gang over for a chocolate malt and then surprise them with a Betty Crocker chocolate malt cake mix. Cake. Imagine all the excitement when they taste their favorite flavor in a cake. A big, delicious, I think you're the best gang in the world kind of cake. You see, Betty Crocker has put real malted milk right in the mix. It's the first chocolate malt cake mix ever. And it's so easy. Mom will have fun baking it. Or you can bake one yourself. Just add water and two fresh eggs. That's all for a perfect cake. Every time you bake cake after cake after cake, it's guaranteed perfect by Betty Crocker of General Mills, Minneapolis. Bake up Betty Crocker's chocolate malt cake mix. Soon it's the newest taste in cake. With his faithful Indian companion, Toto, the daring and resourceful masked 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 rides again.
Lone Ranger
Come on, Silver. Let go. Be cold. I am.
Sheriff
Silver.
Lone Ranger
Away.
Narrator
Many people were shocked and the news spread rapidly when a tall masked man and a stalwart Indian led an outlaw gang in an attack on a stage coach near Sage Rock.
Lone Ranger
Hey, you, driver. Throw down the money box. Make it fast.
Sheriff
Hold on, mister. You can't. It's not good.
Lone Ranger
You argue. All right, you get up there and toss down the money box. While the others line up with passengers.
Narrator
The settlers in the same territory were even more shocked a few days later when the masked man and Indian led their gang into the express office in Sage Rock.
Lone Ranger
Make it fast, fellas. We got everything, boy. All right, hurry up. Let's get out of here.
Narrator
Time after time, the masked man and the Indian successfully led their gang in a series of robberies and killings. The sheriff of Sage Rock met with his deputies early one afternoon in his office. He was saying, we'll keep trying to.
Sheriff
Pick up their trail, but since we lost their trail at the river last night, we ought to go see if we're able to find it. That's what we'll do. Maybe we'll have better luck in daylight. Frankly, I believe they're hiding out close by to get some of the townsmen to go along in a posse with us this afternoon. Sheriff, I've heard the men in town talking. They say if we catch that masked man, an Indian, they're for stringing him up pronto. As lawmen, it's up to us to let the law take its own course. Remember that. Be ready to help calm down any townsmen who might be riding with us if we do catch those outlaw leaders. Now, go out and get your men together, and we'll all meet out front in half an hour.
Narrator
While the sheriff and his men were preparing to form a posse, the outlaws were gathered in a natural cave at the base of a cliff along the brazos. A tall man who had ridden the white stallion was saying, man, I told.
Lone Ranger
You if you joined Keela and me, you'd make plenty. It seems like everybody in the territory is talking about the masked man in redskin who led the game. Yeah, yeah.
Narrator
Keela did a good job in getting a white stallion and a paint from his Indian friends.
Lone Ranger
You sure are ruining the reputation of that masked man. His Indian friend had sent you to prison two years ago. A lone ranger and his friend TO will have plenty of reason to remember Phil Barry.
Narrator
If what people are saying continues to.
Lone Ranger
Spread, the time will come when they'll.
Narrator
Have to get clear out of Texas. Late that afternoon, the lone ranger and Taco who were passing through the territory on their way to pay a visit to the padre at the mission. Rain to a stop at a clearing back from the trail.
Lone Ranger
This will make a good campsite, Toto. It's not far from Sage Rock.
Narrator
Ah, Kimi, maybe while you fix lean.
Sheriff
To it better me ride to town for supplies.
Lone Ranger
All right, Toto. I'll have the camp ready by the time you get back. Me not be gone long.
Narrator
If not Far big scouting. Take him up.
Sheriff
Get up there. Come on, get up there.
Narrator
The shadows and the large posse moved along the trail from town as they headed toward the river to take up their search for the outlaw gang.
Sheriff
Well, they sure managed to keep hidden. So far we haven't had a chance. Hey, sheriff. Coming on that bend. Jumping Jupiter. The Indian on the paint. Let's gun him down. Hold your fireman. Draw your guns and we'll stop here. What the idea, Sheriff? He might get away. He saw us as soon as we saw him. He keeps right on coming. It might be some sort of a trick. There's too many of us for him to pull any tricks. Reach Indian. We got you covered.
Lone Ranger
Me not savvy guns.
Sheriff
Are you going to reach or shall I? Make me reach.
Lone Ranger
Why do you point guns?
Sheriff
You're under arrest for robbery and murder.
Narrator
Mean not rob or kill anyone.
Sheriff
Let's swing him up right here. Yeah, that's what he's. I'll calm down all of you. I'm in charge here and I say there'll be no hanging Savvy? Take his guns, Jim. All right. Yeah, I got him, sir. Good. Now, a couple of you take this redskin and lock him in jail. The rest of us will backtrack on his trail while he's still fresh. And that way we ought to be able to find out where he come from.
Lone Ranger
Good idea, sheriff. Let's get after that mad tumblery in the gang.
Sheriff
No, no.
Narrator
You wake.
Lone Ranger
Wait. You made mistake.
Sheriff
Him not with gang. Let go on you before you get a. Pull it in. You go on. Head for town.
Narrator
Get him up.
Sheriff
Come on. Get it.
Lone Ranger
Get it.
Narrator
Get it.
Sheriff
All right, now we follow the trail this Indian left. Keep your guns handy and watch out for an ambush. Let's get going.
Narrator
After. As Totto left camp, the Lone Ranger cut a few saplings and gathered branches to make a lean to. Within a short time it was completed. He went to where Silver was ground hitched and was about to remove the saddle when the great stallion raised his head and with ears pointed forward, he whinnied softly.
Lone Ranger
What is it, Silver? You hear something? I do. Two now. I'd like several horses. Come, Silver. We're going to the gully back there. Until they pass, I use having them question my mask. Come on. Let's go, fellas. I can see them through the trees. Looks like a posse after they pass out.
Narrator
No stopping.
Lone Ranger
Quiet. Quiet, Silver.
Sheriff
And if you trail that here at the lean suit. They must have just built the last man. The gang don't seem to Be around. We already got the Indian. He's in the jail by this time.
Lone Ranger
Don't understand, Silver. There's no time for questions. We better leave while we have the chance. And fast. Eddie, Easy. All right, let's go. Silver.
Sheriff
Silver.
Narrator
Hey.
Sheriff
I saw somebody who was hiding in the building.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger rode the great white stallion, Silver, at a fast pace along the gully. Momentarily taken by surprise, the men in the posse fired through the trees after the fleeing masked man and then started in pursuit. The Lone Ranger headed away from the direction of town until after losing the posse and covering his trail by riding some distance in a creek, he circled back towards Sage Rock. It was dark when he reached the edge of town.
Lone Ranger
Easy.
Narrator
Easy now.
Lone Ranger
Very safe enough now. That posse's hunting for us west of here. Must have Tahto in jail. They're going to town the back way and try to talk to him. Come on.
Sheriff
Phil.
Narrator
Who had been locked in one of the cells in the back of the jailhouse, was puzzled by what had taken place. Suddenly, the Indian rose silently to his feet and turned toward the window as he heard a welcome whisper.
Sheriff
Taro. Taro, keep us lobby.
Lone Ranger
Are you all right?
Narrator
You posse take guns and put me in here. Them say me killers. Them ask that masked man on white horse. Then say him killers.
Sheriff
Then say we rob and kill with outlaw gang. Then go cry find.
Narrator
You rest. The gang be not savvy.
Lone Ranger
They came to the camp, but I got away. They're still hunting west of here. What do you make of all this, Dotto?
Narrator
Well, me listen. Deputy say masked man on white horse.
Sheriff
And Indian on pink horse lead outlaw.
Narrator
Gang that rob kill.
Lone Ranger
I see. That means that two who do lead the outlaws are imitating us. Ah. I'll talk to you again soon, Taro.
Sheriff
Adios. Adios.
Narrator
The Lo Ranger left the cell window and rode out into the hills a short distance from town. Then, finding a secluded spot, he pulled to a stop.
Lone Ranger
I'll get my disguise kit and a candle from the saddlebag.
Narrator
Opening one of the saddlebags, the masked man took out a candle and a makeup kit. Then, removing his mask, he carefully disguised his features. Then he rubbed silver with dirt and clay until the stallion's gleaming white coat became discolored and dull. Satisfied with the result, the Lone Ranger, now looking like a rancher, decided it was safe to return openly to town.
Lone Ranger
Easy, said a big fella. Monsoon.
Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment. Sailor Sam is the smartest boy. Whoever shouted jibble high. He can weather anything. Storm that blows, he's got Go power from Cheerios. Yes, he's got Go power. There he goes. He's feeling his Cheerios. Cheerios. Cheerios. Good old Cheerios. They got Go so nourishing. Cause they're made from oats with minerals, vitamins and proteins that your body needs. Yes, indeed. A bowl of Cheerios and milk really starts your day off right. Does all sorts of good things for your body. Helps you have strong bones and muscles, good red blood and healthy nerves. So every morning take on a bowl of Cheerios and milk for real Go power. You like that wonderful toasted oat flavor too? Downright delicious. Come to think of it, Cheerios is one of the tastiest muscle building foods you can eat. Try Cheerios and you'll hear he's feeling his Cheerios. Now to continue. The sheriff and posse followed the Lone Ranger for some time, until once more they lost the trail at a creek. Meantime, the Lone Ranger in his disguise as a rancher rained to a halt in front of a cafe in town.
Lone Ranger
Oh, easy.
Narrator
Should it be color.
Sheriff
Something for you? St you?
Lone Ranger
Just a bit of information. Wonder if you can tell me when the stage from Rock Hill gets here.
Sheriff
Well, let's see now. Seems to me it gets in around noon tomorrow. Wait a minute. I'll make sure it take him. Yeah, what do you want, Steve? The stranger here wants to know when the Rock Hill stage gets in town. Expecting someone on that stage, mister?
Lone Ranger
Nope.
Sheriff
Why do you want to know?
Lone Ranger
Well, I could be expecting a shipment of cash.
Sheriff
Oh, well, it's due here at noon, just like I said.
Lone Ranger
Thanks. Say, I've heard about an outlaw gang around here lately. I hope their shipment comes through all right.
Sheriff
We caught one of them outlaws. Got him in the jailhouse. Sheriff and posse's out on the trail of the others right now.
Lone Ranger
Oh, good. I'll go at the hotel and wait for the stage to get here. Good night.
Sheriff
Good night.
Narrator
The old ranger left the cafe and crossing the street, stood in the shadows. Soon he saw a figure come out of the cafe and mount at the hitch rack. It was the outlaw Red, dressed as a cowhand, wearing a broad brimmed hat.
Lone Ranger
Maybe he's the one I was hoping to find. Worth taking a chance anyway. Come on, Silver.
Narrator
For some time, the Lone Ranger followed the outlaw in the bright moonlight. When Red finally entered the shallow part of the Brazos river and headed cautiously upstream, the Lone Ranger stopped on the bank and watched.
Lone Ranger
Turning in toward the bank now too steep for him to come out there. Means it must be a cabin under the Cliff or perhaps a cave of some sort. Come on, Silver.
Narrator
Instead of going upstream after the outlaw read, the Lone Ranger swung around and rode back toward the trail to town. Once more he found a secluded spot near a creek where he stopped and brushed the clay from Silver's coat. Then, putting on his mask, he mounted again and continued toward town. Within a short time he stopped on the edge of Sage Rock and looked down the main street.
Lone Ranger
All those horses in front of the jail means the posse's return. My plan works without law. Should soon be caught. Come on.
Narrator
Meantime, in the sheriff's office, several of the men who had ridden with the posse were talking over the events of the day.
Sheriff
Too bad that masked man got away from us. Don't see him. Right. We should get so close and then have him escape. He and the gang will find a new camp. Hey, what's that? The mass man on the white horse. He's alone. Let's get after him. Man. Head ladder. Get up.
Narrator
Meanwhile, Red had gone to the hideout cave. He told Phil Barry and the others what he had overheard in the cafe.
Lone Ranger
The stranger said he expects a big.
Sheriff
Money shipment on the Rock Hill steak.
Lone Ranger
Good with them having that Indian in jail and thinking it's Keela. The sheriff won't expect us to pull a hold up. We'll ride the trail toward Rock Hill and meet that sting. It's better if we meet it a long way from Stage Rock.
Sheriff
Then we'll get out of this territory for good.
Lone Ranger
I figure they'll hang the Indian they have in jail. Oh, come on. We'll pack our saddlebags and we'll start out. Let's get busy.
Sheriff
Right.
Lone Ranger
Come.
Narrator
When the Lone Ranger rode out of town with a sheriff and posse trailing in, he kept out of range of their guns but didn't try to lose them. He gathered toward the river when he reached it, Easy way headed Silver into the shallow water. He rode upstream until he saw a heavy growth of bushes a short distance below the entrance to the Alpha Outlaws cave. Turning Silver shoreward, the Lone Ranger left the water and pushing through the bushes, stopped behind them.
Lone Ranger
The posse will soon be along. Bound to find the outlaws. Hide out a little further upstream. Quiet, fellow, quiet. Here comes the posse now.
Narrator
Watching from his hiding place, the Lone Ranger saw the posse come into view. The moon was bright and it was easy to see. As they passed in the water. The masked man could hear their voices. As the Lone Ranger watched, the posse neared the cave. Then suddenly he heard shout.
Lone Ranger
Out.
Sheriff
There are several of them. Let him get away, man. I saw his White horse in the.
Narrator
Moonlight, concealed by the deep shadow. As the Lone Ranger heard the approaching hoofs of Phil's horse, he realized the outlaw leader would pass within a few feet of where he was hiding. As the masked outlaw was about to pass, the Lone Ranger charged forward on Silver, the great horse. Silver galloped forward and swung alongside Phil ber's horse. Taking the outlaw completely by surprise, the Lone Ranger reached out and dragged him from his saddle.
Lone Ranger
Are you.
Narrator
The two men fell from their saddles and sputtered to the ground.
Lone Ranger
Get to your feet. I'll fix you further. Oh, you missed.
Narrator
The outliner rage began slugging wild. The Lone Ranger, remaining cool headed, waited his chance, then swung with a right and a left to the jaw.
Lone Ranger
I'll settle this right now.
Sheriff
Yeah, and then got all the others at the cave, Sheriff. Now we get this.
Lone Ranger
Now wait a minute, Sheriff. Here's the man you want lying on the ground.
Sheriff
Hey, they're both masked and there's two white stallions.
Lone Ranger
I think you'll find the Indian partner of this outlaw leader back there in the shadows.
Sheriff
Oh, I did see. Shoot the man with a sidelaw. But the Indian is already in jail.
Lone Ranger
You have the wrong Indian in jail.
Sheriff
Hey, look here, Sheriff. Here's a wounded Indian. He's the one who started to escape with the masked man. He rode this paint horse. Hey, what is this? Two tall masked men, two white stallions and two paint horses.
Lone Ranger
Obvious, Sheriff. The masked outlaw on the ground and the wounded Indian were imitating us.
Sheriff
You better take all of them. After all your word amassed Me?
Lone Ranger
Maybe this will explain who I am, Sheriff.
Sheriff
Bullet shines the moonlight like silver.
Lone Ranger
It is silver.
Sheriff
Silver bullet, you say? Hey, Sheriff, Marshal in Eagle Rock told me the masked envoy who rode to uphold the law carried silver bullets. Then you must be that man, mister.
Lone Ranger
That's right. The Indian you have in jail is my friend Toddo. I'll remove that outlaw's mask and see if we know him.
Sheriff
Hey, he looks familiar.
Lone Ranger
That's Bill Barry, notorious outlaw. My Indian friend Tot and I helped put him in prison.
Sheriff
Then that accounts for all this. Barry got an Indian, then got a white stallion and a paint so they could lead that gang and bring discredit on you, mister.
Lone Ranger
Me not to blame Bill Barry. Him tell me what to do.
Sheriff
You'll do a lot more talking when we get you to jail, Indian mister. Now send a deputy ahead right now to let your Indian friend out of jail.
Lone Ranger
Good, I'll go along with him, Sheriff. Hell, I'm glad this mix up is straightened out.
Narrator
A while.
Lone Ranger
It really had me worried.
Sheriff
Yeah, and now this territory will be able to rest easy with that gang of killers caught.
Lone Ranger
I'm sure we meet again sometime, Sheriff. Adios.
Sheriff
Goodbye big fellow. You Indian peacock. Who is that master hombre? Your friend Phil Barry wanted to get back at him fellow who ride for.
Lone Ranger
Long with Indian friend Tonto. Him called Lone Ranger Sam.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. 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, Technogod and Craig 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 otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Narrator
Sam.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Episode Summary
Episode Title: Stand-Ins for Murder | The Lone Ranger
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: June 27, 2025
In the episode titled "Stand-Ins for Murder," hosted by Andrew Rines, listeners are transported back to the rugged terrains of Sage Rock. This installment of the "Old Time Radio Westerns" podcast showcases a gripping tale from the classic "The Lone Ranger" series, enhanced by meticulous digital restoration. The restoration process breathes new life into every sound, from the neighing of Silver the horse to the crack of a gunshot, providing an immersive experience that surpasses the original recordings.
The narrative centers around the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, who arrive in Sage Rock only to discover that their identities are being impersonated by a deceitful gang. These impostors, mimicking the Lone Ranger and Tonto, carry out a series of robberies and murders, causing chaos and tarnishing the heroes' reputations. The episode delves into themes of identity, justice, and loyalty as the Lone Ranger endeavors to unveil the truth and restore order to the town.
The Lone Ranger and Tonto arrive in Sage Rock, a town currently beleaguered by a gang of outlaws impersonating them. The impostors, led by a masked man on a white stallion and his Indian accomplice, Keela, have executed several high-profile robberies, including an audacious attack on a stagecoach and an express office. These actions have confused and frightened the townspeople, who mistake the impostors for the genuine heroes.
Notable Quote:
"Many people were shocked and the news spread rapidly when a tall masked man and a stalwart Indian led an outlaw gang in an attack on a stage coach near Sage Rock." [03:24]
The Sheriff of Sage Rock, determined to restore peace, convenes with his deputies to form a posse. He emphasizes the importance of adhering to legal procedures despite the town's frustration and desire for immediate retribution against the impostors.
Notable Quote:
"As lawmen, it's up to us to let the law take its own course. Remember that." [04:22]
In a critical misstep, the posse mistakenly apprehends Tonto, believing him to be the gang's Indian member. This error heightens the tension as the Lone Ranger realizes the impostors' cunning strategy to discredit them by framing trusted allies.
Notable Quote:
"Me not rob or kill anyone." [07:37]
To uncover the truth and rescue Tonto, the Lone Ranger adopts a rancher's disguise. This strategic move allows him to investigate the gang without revealing his true identity, showcasing his ingenuity and commitment to justice.
Notable Quote:
"I'll get my disguise kit and a candle from the saddlebag." [11:48]
The Lone Ranger skillfully maneuvers through Sage Rock, leading the posse into a trap set by the impostors. A climactic confrontation ensues by the Brazos River, where the Lone Ranger finally unravels the deception. He captures Phil Barry, the real leader behind the masquerade, and exposes the impostors' scheme to misuse their identities.
Notable Quotes:
"It is silver." [21:02] – Referencing the Lone Ranger's signature silver bullets, pivotal in revealing his true identity.
"That's Bill Barry, notorious outlaw. My Indian friend Tonto and I helped put him in prison." [21:26]
With the impostors defeated and Tonto exonerated, peace returns to Sage Rock. The Sheriff acknowledges the Lone Ranger's role in uncovering the truth, and the town's trust in their genuine heroes is restored. The Lone Ranger and Tonto ride off, their bond strengthened by overcoming adversity together.
Notable Quote:
"I'm sure we meet again sometime, Sheriff. Adios." [22:06]
Sheriff's Leadership:
"As lawmen, it's up to us to let the law take its own course. Remember that." [04:22]
Tonto's Plea:
"Me not rob or kill anyone." [07:37]
Lone Ranger's Strategy:
"I'll get my disguise kit and a candle from the saddlebag." [11:48]
Revealing the Truth:
"It is silver." [21:02]
Final Farewell:
"I'm sure we meet again sometime, Sheriff. Adios." [22:06]
Identity and Deception:
The episode underscores the fragility of reputation and how easily it can be manipulated. The impostors' ability to mimic the Lone Ranger and Tonto highlights the challenges heroes face in maintaining their identities against those who seek to tarnish them.
Justice and Legal Integrity:
The Sheriff's insistence on following legal protocols, despite public pressure, emphasizes the importance of lawful justice over mob retribution. This theme is pivotal in contrasting the ethical approaches between the genuine lawmen and the impostor outlaws.
Loyalty and Friendship:
The unwavering bond between the Lone Ranger and Tonto serves as the moral backbone of the story. Their mutual trust and support enable them to overcome the deceit and challenges posed by the impostors.
Cunning and Strategy:
The Lone Ranger’s use of disguise and strategic thinking showcases his resourcefulness. These traits are essential in navigating and dismantling the impostors’ elaborate schemes.
Restoration of Order:
The resolution of the episode reinforces the triumph of truth and integrity over deception and chaos, restoring peace and trust within Sage Rock.
"Stand-Ins for Murder" is a compelling episode that masterfully weaves themes of deception, justice, and loyalty into a classic Western narrative. Through the Lone Ranger's strategic prowess and unwavering dedication, the episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on the importance of integrity and lawful conduct. Andrew Rines' expert digital restoration amplifies the storytelling, making the episode accessible and riveting for both longtime fans and new listeners. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of "The Lone Ranger" and the golden age of radio dramas.
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