
Original Air Date: November 25, 1953Host: 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 Director:• Fred Flowerday Music:• Ben Bo...
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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 hi Silver the Lone Ranger before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor.
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Narrator
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Child Voice
Cowboy Tom is a boy of six. He knows all kinds of cowboy tricks. He can rope a steer because he.
Narrator
Knows he's got Go power from Cheerios.
Child Voice
Yes, he's got Go power.
Tonto
There he goes.
Child Voice
He's feeling his Cheerios.
Narrator
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Tonto
You bet.
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Lone Ranger
Come on, Silver.
Tonto
Let's go, big fella.
Narrator
Are you s? Early one afternoon in late November, the Lone Ranger and Toto were traveling east toward Modoc City, where they plan to meet the masked man's teenage nephew, Dan Reed.
Lone Ranger
How soon? Dan reached Modoc City, Kimasati, late Wednesday night. Tono.
Tonto
That day before Thanksgiving.
Lone Ranger
Yes. He'll have a holiday from school.
Tonto
It's plenty good to spend Thanksgiving together.
Lone Ranger
It'll be good to see him.
Tonto
Me miss Dan.
Lone Ranger
So do I, Toto.
Tonto
You say word, Dan. Be glad to stay with us, not go back to school.
Lone Ranger
I like that even more than Dan would. But I want him to get an education.
Tonto
Gunfire, sound. Make it come from State's trail.
Lone Ranger
You see what it means, Monstro?
Narrator
The outlaw who had stopped the stage, held a gun on the disarmed guard and driver and ordered them throw the strongbox to the ground.
Tonto
There's the strong box.
Lone Ranger
You ornery skunk.
Tonto
You won't get away with this. Hold up like you have the other two jobs, you fool. Shut up and get going.
Narrator
The masked outlaw fired at the lock on the heavy strongbox. As the bullet smashed the lock, he heard the Lone Ranger and Tanto approaching. Rather than risk being trapped in the open, the stage robber ran to the COVID of a huge boulder on the far side of the trail. At that moment, the Lone Ranger and Tonto reached the bottom of the wooded slope. The hidden gunman fired and shouted.
Tonto
That shot was just a warning. Clear out of here.
Lone Ranger
Easy. Steady, big fella. Behind that boulder. Toto, you'll have to show himself to fire accurately.
Narrator
Isn't that right?
Tonto
Get going before I let you have it.
Lone Ranger
We're ready for gun play.
Narrator
If you want it, you ask for it, mister.
Lone Ranger
My next shot will do more than put a hole through your hat.
Child Voice
You've got me trapped.
Lone Ranger
You trapped yourself when you picked that boulder for cover. Now throw down your gun.
Narrator
The concealed outlaw took a desperate chance. He showed himself to fire. But the Lone Ranger anticipated the move. A silver bullet smashed the outlaw's gun.
Lone Ranger
You're covered.
Tonto
No match.
Lone Ranger
Keep your hands up. I'll keep him covered, Tono. While you put the contents of the strongbox into our saddlebag. I'll take that bandana from your face.
Tonto
As long as you're covering me, I've no choice. There.
Lone Ranger
Who are you?
Tonto
Client Halliday. Money and gold in strong box came a cubby. He put it in saddlebags.
Lone Ranger
When you're finished, we'll tie Halliday's hands and take him to Marshall Fraser in Modoc City.
Tonto
There's no price on my head. You'll not get anything for turning me in.
Lone Ranger
You have a crime to answer for.
Tonto
I have a 15 year old brother to take care of.
Lone Ranger
Where are his parents?
Tonto
Killed in an engine raid when Bobby was two.
Lone Ranger
I'm sorry. He.
Tonto
He doesn't know about me turning crook. I don't want him to know any more than you would if you were in my place.
Lone Ranger
Is he in Modoc City?
Tonto
No, he's at my cabin in Dunesville.
Lone Ranger
We'll try to help him.
Tonto
You expect me to believe that? You'll not worry about boys. Lone Ranger make promise to help him and him keep word. Don't try to tell me this mass gent's the Lone Ranger. Me tell Crew him Lone Ranger? I don't believe it.
Lone Ranger
Well, whether you do or not, just try to help you and your brother. Now Todd will tie your hand and we'll help you mount and start for Modoc City.
Narrator
Marshal Jim Fraser was an old friend of the Lone Ranger and taught. After the contents of the express box had been returned to Wells Fargo and the prisoner was behind bars, the masked man sat in the marshal's lamp lit office and explained the situation.
Lone Ranger
In view of the fact that his brother Bob needs him, a judge and jury might be lenient, replied Halliday.
Tonto
Yeah, they might be if this were the first time he stopped the stagecoach misses but according to the report, the garden driver Gave me. He's the man who pulled two other holdups.
Lone Ranger
That changes things.
Tonto
Yeah. I'm sorry about the youngsters.
Lone Ranger
So am I. I don't know. I'll ride to Dunesville to see him.
Tonto
You coming back to town mister?
Lone Ranger
Yes. We'll be back Wednesday to meet Dan Reed.
Tonto
Oh, then you'll be here for Thanksgiving?
Lone Ranger
Yes, Marshall.
Tonto
Good. We'll be looking for you.
Narrator
Two days later the Lone Ranger and Toto reached the small railroad town of Dunesville, some distance west of Modoc City. The masked man waited on the outskirts of town while Toto went to look for young Bob Halliday. When the Indian rejoined his friend, he brought bad news and a copy of the Dunesville Herald.
Tonto
May find out. Bob Halliday leave town early this morning.
Lone Ranger
You know where he went?
Tonto
No one in town know that but me. Think newspaper explain why him leave you. Look there. Front page.
Lone Ranger
Let me see. Clyde Halliday of Dunesville jail in Modok City.
Tonto
Paper come out this morning. After Bob read it, him leave towns.
Lone Ranger
How'd the news reach Dunesville so soon?
Tonto
Well, it come by telegraph. You think Bob go see Clyde?
Lone Ranger
He may have. They go back to Modoc City to look for him. Easy fella.
Tonto
Easy fella.
Lone Ranger
Monsieur mon.
Narrator
Mid afternoon on the day before Thanksgiving, the masked man and Tonto reached the hills above Modoc City. The Lone Rangers sent Tonno to town to make inquiries about Bob Halliday. Unaware of the fact that the 15 year old boy was already in the community. Deeply troubled by his brother's capture, Bob went to the jail with a small derringer concealed in the sleeve of his jacket. Assuming that the Lone Ranger and Tanto had brought him to town, the marshal greeted Bob warmly then took him to Clyde's cell.
Tonto
Call me when you're through talking, Bob. Oh yes sir. I'll come and let you out.
Narrator
Bob.
Tonto
How did you find out I was here? I read it in the Herald. How'd they get the news? I don't know. You shouldn't have come, young son. I had to come, Clyda. I wanted to ask you if it's true what it said in the paper about you being a cook. You're not, are you? Of course not, Barbara. It's all a mistake. I'll be out soon. You can get out now. Not daring, Jack. It's loaded, Clyde. I brought it from home. Didn't the marshal search you before he let you see me? No. You're here, Clyde. I'll need a horse to get away from here. I rented one for you at Delivery stable. It's at the hitch rack outside with mine. Good boy. Now call the marshal.
Narrator
A few minutes later, Marshal Jim unlocked the cell door to let Bob Halliday out.
Tonto
There you are.
Narrator
The boy left the cell. Then.
Tonto
Now I'm coming out. What? Where'd you get that gun? I gave it to him. I'll keep him covered. Bob take his gun. Then we'll tie and gag him and lock him in the ce.
Narrator
Clyde and his brother were ready to leave the marshal's office when Toto entered holding Marshal Jim's gun. Clyde said, you're covered, engine.
Tonto
You step inside. Oh, you get free. My brother Bob freed me. Close the door and lock it, Bob. Right. We gotta get out of here, Clyde. Not before I deal with this redskin. Hail break. Big mistake. Lone Ranger capture you once and him get you again. Lone Ranger? That's right. Clyde, is that true? Of course it isn't. Take the engine's gun. We'll give him the same treatment we gave the marshal. Then we'll clear out of here.
Narrator
We'll continue our Lone Ranger adventure in just a moment.
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Tonto
This was life altering. And if I can do it, I.
Lone Ranger
Feel like anybody can do it.
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Tonto
Over the country in every direction. How you. How you doing? Is a question. And here's what the hab happy people have to say. Eating our weedies and do, do, do and okay, okay. That goes for the star, wherever you are. Take Barbara Ann Scott, figure skating champion from the Northland. Watch her on this one. Barbara Ann's good. Now there is a champ who's a real Wheaties fan. Sure helps to keep a gal up on her toes. A guy, too. Take Bob Lemon, who pitches a lot of ball for the Cleveland Indians. Lemon knows what champions know. Wheaties for breakfast. Away you go. Gosh, no wonder the champs of tomorrow are eating Wheaties today. There's a whole kernel of wheat in every Wheaties flake. Keep on eating your wheelies and you do an okay.
Lone Ranger
Okay.
Narrator
Now to continue leaving Tonto tied and gagged with a marshal, Clyde and Bob rode out of town under cover of early darkness. As they headed for the hills east of Modoc City, the two brothers were silent and thoughtful. Remembering, the unmistakable honesty in the Indian's voice disturbed Bob. For the first time in his life, he doubted his brother's word. They drew rein in the hills sometime later.
Tonto
Quill camp here for the night. Bob, no one will find us here. Steady. I hope not.
Narrator
In his eagerness to see Dan Reed as soon as possible, the Lone Ranger left his camp in the hills and late that night entered Modoc City. He saw Tonto's horse Scout at the hitch rail in front of the marshal's office. As he drew reinforcements, he heard muffled shouts from inside the darkened building. The masked man dismounted quickly and hurried into the office. He found a lamp on the marshal's desk. As he struck a match to light it, Marshal Jim called from the cell block.
Lone Ranger
Just a moment, Marshall. Jim, he must let me. Hello.
Narrator
What happened?
Tonto
Halliday's brother Bob came here. I thought you sent him to. I let him see Clyde. The youngster smuggled a gun to that crutch.
Lone Ranger
Oh, that's it.
Tonto
Yeah. Clyde tied and gagged us and locked us up. He get hands free of ropes? A few minutes ago, Antonio freed me.
Narrator
Where's the key to the cell?
Tonto
Aladay probably took it with him. But I have an extra one on my desk drawer.
Lone Ranger
All right, I'll get it.
Narrator
When the door was opened, the Lone.
Lone Ranger
Ranger asked how Long have you been here?
Tonto
Three or four hours. Everyone in town wants a dog gone. Busy getting ready for the holiday tomorrow. We might have been found before this.
Lone Ranger
Dan's due to reach town in half an hour.
Tonto
That's right. You go ahead and meet him, mister. I'll go after Halliday and his brother.
Narrator
The reunion with Dan Reed was a happy one. Standing in the darkness near the station platform, the masked man gripped Dan's hand.
Lone Ranger
Dan, I'm glad you're here.
Tonto
It's good to be here. We might be glad to see you, Dan. Before I left the East, I had a letter from Mahane. She said you left Victor at the Henry House stable. Me? Go get him now.
Lone Ranger
We'll wait for you, Toto.
Narrator
But mo Hank, the 200 pound landlady of the Henry House Hotel refused to let Tottle take Dan's horse until the Indian made a promise.
Child Voice
Thanksgiving's the time for friends to get together.
Tonto
That's right. Tono.
Child Voice
You and the masked man and Danil are the best friends I've got. I'm planning a little private party. A feast fit for a king. And you three had better be here to eat it.
Tonto
That sounds heap plenty good.
Narrator
When he rejoined his friends, Tato told Dan and the Lone Ranger what Ma said.
Lone Ranger
I'll bet Ma's Thanksgiving dinner will be.
Tonto
Fit for a king.
Lone Ranger
Would you like to accept your invitation then?
Tonto
I want to be with you and T. Sir.
Lone Ranger
Then we'll all go to Ma's place for dinner.
Tonto
Fine.
Lone Ranger
Now we'll head for camp easy.
Narrator
In the hills. On their way back to the well concealed camp, the masked man and Toto caught sight of a distant campfire. The Lone Ranger studied it for a moment, then signaled a halt. The masked man and his companions cautiously approached the fire.
Tonto
You look at face a feller near fire.
Lone Ranger
Clyde Halliday.
Tonto
Bob Halliday with them? Are they friends of yours?
Lone Ranger
Halliday broke out of jail in town then.
Tonto
Oh, Clyde, lie to Bob. Tell him him praying for state robbery.
Lone Ranger
It'd be better for the boy to know the truth.
Tonto
That's what me think it not good young boy travel with crook dodge and law.
Lone Ranger
Come on.
Narrator
Neither Clyde nor Bob were aware of their presence until they stepped into the firelight.
Lone Ranger
Don't reach for your gun, Clyde. Mine's hosted. I'll accommodate you if you want gunplay.
Tonto
Are you a mask?
Lone Ranger
Yes, but I'm not an outlaw. Bob, are you.
Tonto
Are you the Lone Ranger?
Lone Ranger
That's right.
Tonto
I figured that Indian was telling the truth.
Lone Ranger
Huh?
Tonto
He tell truth, Bob. I. I'VE heard the Lone Ranger uses silver bullets in his guns.
Narrator
Without replying, the masked man slipped a cartridge from his gun belt and handed it to Bob while Toto watched Clyde. For a moment, the boy studied it.
Tonto
It is silver, Bob. Why didn't you tell me the truth, Clyde? I didn't want you to know about it.
Lone Ranger
You couldn't have concealed the facts indefinitely, Clyde. He was bound to learn the truth sooner or later.
Tonto
Maybe so.
Lone Ranger
You're not the first man to make a mistake. You'll not be the last. Now, if you go to jail, pay your debt to the law and go straight when you get out, you'll be all right.
Tonto
I wanted to take care of Bob.
Lone Ranger
I have a good friend in Modoc City who'll be glad to take care of him till you're free.
Tonto
Who's that?
Lone Ranger
Ma Hank, the owner of the Henry House Hotel.
Tonto
Don't reach for your gun, holiday. Ho, ho, ho. Hold on, boy.
Lone Ranger
Hello, Marshal. Jim.
Tonto
Where'd you come from, mister?
Lone Ranger
We were on our way back to our own camp when we saw Clyde's fire.
Tonto
Yeah, I've been following his trail, but I lost it. I was riding through the hills trying to pick up his tracks again when I saw the fire. How are you, Marshal Jim? Oh, fine, Dan. Easy, city boy. Keep your hands clear of your horses while I take those guns, Clyde. Don't worry, I'll not try a fast move. I know what I'm leaking. You're not leaked. Clyde, I. I'm sorry about this, Claude. Clyde, just promise me things will be different when you get out of jail. Different? Promise me you'll. You'll stay on the Lone Ranger side of the law. I'd promise anything if I thought you wouldn't hold things against me. Partner, let's. Let's shake on that client.
Child Voice
Thanks, Bob.
Tonto
Guys, I guess I'm in trouble too for helping you bust out of jail. That's right, youngster. From now on, you'd better not let me catch you carrying a gun.
Lone Ranger
Bob. Well, the marshal takes Clyde back to town. Why don't you spend the night in our camp? But with you and Tonneau and Dan Reed?
Tonto
Gosh, I'd like that.
Lone Ranger
Is it all right with you, Marshall Jim?
Tonto
Sure, if you say so.
Lone Ranger
We'll bring Bob to town with us tomorrow. We have an appointment with Ma Hank for Thanksgiving dinner.
Tonto
Good enough, mister. I'll see you at the Henry Hots.
Narrator
Late the next day, the Lone Ranger, Dan Toto and Bob Halliday reached town. While Bob went to the jail to see his Brother. The masked man entered Ma Hank's kitchen and explained the boy's situation to the big hearted landlady.
Lone Ranger
He's too proud to accept charity, but he needs a home.
Child Voice
Why, land sakes alive, Mr. Homer. And I'll be glad to keep the boy with us till his brother's out of jail. By doing chores around here, he'll be able to earn his room and board.
Lone Ranger
Thanks, Mrs. Henry. Bob's a good boy. And with someone to keep him on the right track, I think he'll be a fine man.
Child Voice
Don't you worry about him. I will look after him as if he were our own son.
Lone Ranger
You say?
Child Voice
I hope you brought him along for dinner.
Lone Ranger
He'll be here right now. He's at the jail with his brother.
Child Voice
I already sent a trait to the jail for the prisoner.
Lone Ranger
In that case, I know he'll eat well.
Child Voice
Thanks for the compliment, mister. And now, as soon as the lad comes, we'll be ready to eat.
Narrator
When Bob arrived at the hotel, the Lone Ranger took him to the dining room and introduced him to Ma Hank and Uncle Homer, who sat at the large table with Toto, Dan Reed and Marshall Jim. As he looked at the incomparable feast Ma had prepared, Bob's eyes misted with tears. He choked back a sob of gratitude as he sat down between Marshall Jim and the Lone Ranger.
Child Voice
I'm glad to see you, Bob. I want you to eat hearty when we start.
Tonto
Just thanks, ma'am. I'm mighty hungry. Friends.
Child Voice
I'm mighty happy. We're all together now, mister.
Lone Ranger
Yes.
Child Voice
How about saying a few words of grapes before we start?
Lone Ranger
Very well.
Child Voice
We'll bow our heads.
Lone Ranger
Our Heavenly Father. As we bow our heads in our prayer of thanksgiving, we hope that Americans everywhere will remember the true meaning of this day and give thanks not only for the bounty of our land, but for the many blessings we enjoy. We are thankful for those men and women who came before us to clear a wilderness and plant it with seeds of freedom. We are grateful that the founders of our country sought Thy guidance before they set down the principles by which Americans have lived and for which they still bravely die. May we forever cherish the custom of humbly giving thanks to Thee.
Tonto
Amen. And please, God, bless the Lord. Righteous.
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Narrator
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated is produced by Trandall 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 the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rines
Episode: Thanksgiving in Modoc City | The Lone Ranger (11-25-53)
Release Date: November 28, 2024
In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rines presents the classic The Lone Ranger episode titled "Thanksgiving in Modoc City." This episode masterfully captures the essence of the Wild West, blending thrilling action with heartfelt moments of camaraderie and redemption.
Journey to Modoc City
The episode opens with the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion, Tonto, journeying east toward Modoc City to meet the Lone Ranger’s teenage nephew, Dan Reed, who is scheduled to visit for the Thanksgiving holiday (05:04).
Encounter with Outlaws
As they travel, the Lone Ranger and Tonto encounter an outlaw attempting to rob a stagecoach. A tense standoff ensues, showcasing the Lone Ranger's quick thinking and mastery of gunplay. A notable exchange occurs when the Lone Ranger warns the outlaw:
Lone Ranger (06:44): "You're covered."
This confrontation ends with the outlaw, Clyde Halliday, being subdued and taken into custody.
Conflict with Clyde and Bob Halliday
Clyde reveals his troubled past and his responsibility towards his 15-year-old brother, Bob Halliday. The Lone Ranger empathizes with Clyde's situation, expressing a desire to help:
Lone Ranger (07:31): "You have a crime to answer for."
Clyde reluctantly agrees to assist them, leading to a complex relationship between the characters as they navigate loyalty and redemption.
Rescue and Revelation
Clyde and Bob attempt an escape, resulting in further confrontations. The Lone Ranger demonstrates his iconic use of silver bullets, reinforcing his legendary status:
Lone Ranger (20:39): "You couldn't have concealed the facts indefinitely, Clyde."
Through strategic maneuvers and heartfelt conversations, the Lone Ranger persuades Clyde to amend his ways, emphasizing the importance of integrity and the rule of law.
Thanksgiving Reunion
The episode culminates in a heartwarming Thanksgiving gathering orchestrated by Ma Hank at the Henry House Hotel. Themes of forgiveness, family, and community are highlighted as characters come together to celebrate:
Lone Ranger (24:50): "Our Heavenly Father. As we bow our heads in our prayer of thanksgiving..."
Bob Halliday’s emotional acceptance of support from Ma Hank signifies his path toward redemption and a brighter future.
Lone Ranger on Responsibility:
Lone Ranger (05:14): "It'll be good to see him."
Tonto on Trust:
Tonto (05:22): "You say word, Dan. Be glad to stay with us, not go back to school."
Dramatic Confrontation:
Lone Ranger (06:44): "You're covered."
Clyde’s Plea:
Clyde Halliday (08:39): "I have a 15 year old brother to take care of."
Tonto on Truth:
Tonto (20:56): "I didn't want you to know about it."
Lone Ranger’s Wisdom:
Lone Ranger (21:03): "You're not the first man to make a mistake. You'll not be the last."
Final Thanksgiving Prayer:
Lone Ranger (24:52): "We are grateful for those men and women who came before us to clear a wilderness and plant it with seeds of freedom."
Redemption and Forgiveness
The episode deeply explores themes of redemption through Clyde Halliday's transformation from an outlaw to a man seeking a better path for himself and his brother. The Lone Ranger embodies the ideal of forgiveness, offering Clyde a chance to make amends.
Family and Responsibility
Bob Halliday’s devotion to his brother highlights the importance of family bonds and personal responsibility. His journey reflects the struggles and sacrifices inherent in safeguarding loved ones.
Community and Support
Ma Hank’s role as the compassionate landlady underscores the significance of community support in fostering personal growth and healing. Her acceptance of Bob signifies the power of kindness and understanding.
Courage and Integrity
The Lone Ranger’s unwavering commitment to justice and integrity serves as a moral compass for the characters, illustrating the impact of steadfast principles in overcoming adversity.
"Thanksgiving in Modoc City" is a quintessential The Lone Ranger episode that seamlessly blends action with profound emotional narratives. Through its richly developed characters and enduring themes, the episode offers listeners a timeless tale of courage, redemption, and the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
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