Old Time Radio Westerns — The Bearded Killer | The Lone Ranger (11-24-52)

Main Theme & Episode Overview

In this digitally restored presentation of "The Bearded Killer," the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast immerses listeners in a classic Lone Ranger adventure originally aired November 24, 1952. Set in Modoc City, the story follows the scheming Colonel Dodge (a.k.a. the notorious John Black) and his partner Amos Harlan as they attempt to swindle the wealthy Ma Hank, only to find themselves entangled with the Lone Ranger, his nephew Dan, and the ever-meddling local orphan, Inky. Through suspense, mischief, and Western justice, the episode explores classic themes of law versus outlaw, deception, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Setup: Swindlers in Modoc City (05:05–09:00)

• Colonel Dodge and Amos Harlan are introduced as conmen plotting to swindle Ma Hank, exploiting her wealth and her husband's absence.
• Dodge is revealed to be a fugitive wanted for murder and swindling in New York, now disguised with mutton chop whiskers and glasses.
• Amos expresses concern: "I've been doing some investigating myself, Colonel. And I found out that Ma Hank and her husband Homer are good friends of the Lone Ranger." (07:01)
• Their plan: sell worthless railroad stock or, if that fails, rob the hotel safe.

2. Dan Reed & Inky’s Discovery (09:10–14:12)

• Dan Reed, the Lone Ranger's nephew, stays across the hall from Dodge and befriends Inky, a local orphan.
• The boys find an old newspaper with an artist's sketch of a wanted murderer resembling Colonel Dodge. Inky jokes: "I'm giving this gent a set of whiskers. ... Now take a look at the killer, Dan. That's what the actor looked like. He's a funny looking feller, isn't he?" (10:23)
• Dan grows suspicious of Colonel Dodge's identity but cautions, “Lone Ranger always says a man's innocent until he's proved guilty.” (11:38)
• Inky can’t resist a prank: he puts the altered newspaper page with Dodge’s image on the Colonel’s hotel room door.

3. Confrontation and Kidnapping (14:12–22:30)

• Dodge is alarmed by the newspaper page and deduces Dan is onto him: “Those whiskers were obviously penciled by a youngster. ... It's the work of Dan Reed.” (16:12)
• Amos and Dodge forcibly take Dan to their room at gunpoint. “You walk ahead of me or I'll crack your head with a gun barrel and carry out.” (20:39)
• Dan refuses to reveal what (or who) he knows; he is knocked unconscious, tied up, gagged, and spirited away to a trapper's shack outside town.

4. Ma Hank, the Lone Ranger, and the Return of Justice (22:30–28:30)

• Ma Hank is nearly swindled by Dodge, but the timely arrival of the Lone Ranger and Tonto interrupts the scheme.
• The Lone Ranger learns Dan is missing. Inky sheepishly admits his prank with the newspaper picture: “Gosh, Ma, I'm sorry. I won't do it again.” (25:22)
• Homer Montgomery, Ma Hank’s husband, returns and identifies the old newspaper photo as John Black, confirming his criminal past.
• The Lone Ranger deduces the rope in the Colonel’s room was used to tie up Dan and that a buckboard was used for his abduction.

5. The Final Confrontation and Capture (28:31–32:00)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto track Dodge and Amos to the old shack. As the criminals attempt to flee, gunfire is exchanged.
• Dodge and Amos are wounded and captured. Dan is rescued unharmed.
• Classic Western justice is served as they’re delivered to Marshal Fraser in town.

6. Resolution & Western Justice (30:58–32:15)

• Ma Hank, Homer, and Inky discuss the outlaws’ fate as the criminals are put behind bars.
• Amos turns on Dodge, offering to turn state’s evidence: “I'll turn state's evidence. I'll tell everything I know about the Colonel.” (31:13)
• The episode ends with the Lone Ranger, Dan, and Tonto riding off as order is restored.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Amos warns Dodge:

  "That masked man's double barrel poison to anyone on the wrong side of the law. And if he finds out we swindled his friends... well, I reckon you know what that'd mean." (07:04)

• Inky's irrepressible humor:

  "Let's put this picture and story on his door. ... It’ll be fun to see what he does about it." (13:38)

• Dodge’s alarm over the prank:

  "Who could have penetrated my disguise? Who could have guessed my identity?" (15:29)

• Marshal justice declared:

  "He and Amos will hang at the same time. ... Amos Harlan, the Colonel, will be out of circulation from now on." (31:01) — Uncle Homer

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 05:05 — Introduction of Colonel Dodge and Amos Harlan’s scheme
• 09:10 — Dan and Inky find the old newspaper; suspicion forms
• 14:12 — Inky plays his prank on the Colonel
• 20:23 — Amos and Dodge force Dan into their room; kidnapping ensues
• 22:36 — The Lone Ranger arrives; Ma nearly falls for the stock swindle
• 25:22 — Inky confesses to the Lone Ranger about the prank
• 26:45 — Homer identifies John Black as a murderer and swindler
• 28:16 — Lone Ranger tracks the criminals to the shack
• 30:03 — Guns drawn, the Lone Ranger disarms and captures the villains
• 31:00 — Resolution and fate of Dodge and Amos

Summary Tone and Style

The episode captured the playful, suspenseful, and moralistic tone that defined golden-age Western radio drama. With vivid sound design and an ensemble of expressive characters, “The Bearded Killer” delivered both thrills and humor, particularly through the character of Inky, whose mischief ultimately helped bring about justice. The Lone Ranger’s steely resolve and readiness to act epitomize classic frontier heroism, and the ensemble’s spirited dialogue kept tension and entertainment high throughout.

For more episodes and classic adventures, visit otrwesterns.com.