Old Time Radio Westerns – The Lone Ranger: “The Big Blow-up” (1/28/1953)

Episode Overview

This episode, “The Big Blow-up,” spotlights the timeless adventure and high stakes of the Old West as presented by The Lone Ranger. The story unfolds around a wagon train journeying west under the threat of an impending attack by a large force of Native American warriors. The Lone Ranger and Tonto, central figures of justice, must devise a daring plan—marked by quick thinking, explosives, and diplomacy—to avert a bloody conflict and ensure the safety of settlers and soldiers alike.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. Wagon Train in Peril ([04:39]–[05:46])

• Emmett Gardner leads a heavily armed wagon train toward Fort Jackson, declining extended military escort.
• The local fort’s captain warns of possible attacks, but the settlers are confident in their numbers and skill.

2. Indian War Camp Discovered ([05:16]–[06:44])

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto observe Chief Crazy Bear’s tribe—over a thousand warriors painted for war.
  • “Those are Chief Crazy Bear’s tribes, and they're in war paint.” – Lone Ranger [05:46]
  • Tonto confirms the council tents, identifying an imminent large-scale attack.

3. Ambush and Capture ([06:44]–[07:56])

• The army advance guard is ambushed and captured by a large force of warriors—no warning will reach the wagon train.
  • Lone Ranger and Tonto witness wounded soldiers being brought to the Indian camp.

4. Desperate Warning ([08:29]–[10:21])

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto hurry to intercept the unsuspecting wagon train, urgently warning of an Indian ambush ahead.
  • “We're not highwaymen. Stop pointing the guns at us. Get them ready for the Indians. They're in ambush less than a mile ahead of you.” – Lone Ranger [09:51]
• The wagon train initially doubts them, then scrambles to defensive positions moments before attack.

5. The Siege and the Explosives ([10:46]–[12:18])

• The pioneers withstand the first attack; the Lone Ranger learns of explosives—blasting powder and new dynamite—being transported.
• Lone Ranger devises a bold, last-resort plan:
  • “You'd have to be a miracle man to do a thing like that… Doggone it, you're welcome to them.” – Emmett Gardner [12:25]
• Plan: Use explosives to create confusion and barrier, buying time for help.

6. Sending the Message ([15:10]–[17:18])

• Under covering fire, the Lone Ranger and Tonto dash into the night, seeking to tap the telegraph wires and warn Fort Jackson.
  • “I'll climb a pole, cut the wires and touch them together and send a message.” – Lone Ranger [11:55]
• The message is sent as Indian reinforcements begin to move.

7. The ‘Big Blow-up’ ([17:54]–[20:09])

• Lone Ranger and Tonto sneak into the Indian camp, set dynamite charges, and set up blasting powder to ignite a trail of fire.
  • The first explosion causes panic; a second explosion cuts between the warriors and their chiefs.
  • “Big fella, here we go, Silver. This is our big play!” – Lone Ranger [20:09]
• Tonto pours blasting powder, then the Lone Ranger lights it, sending a sheet of flame across the field.

8. Capturing the Chiefs and Diplomatic Solution ([20:12]–[22:41])

• Crazy Bear and his chiefs are captured in the chaos.
• Soldiers are released; captured Indian horses are used to make a speedy escape.
• Back at the wagon train, the Lone Ranger compels Crazy Bear to address his people and urge peace.
  • “Me believe what man who covers face say. Whatever troubles you’ve had will be handled in good faith by the Great White Father. I promise you that.” – Lone Ranger [22:41]
  • Crazy Bear relents, tells his tribe to throw down arms, and calls off the war.

9. Aftermath and Peace ([23:14]–[24:01])

• Soldiers arrive to find a peaceful settlement and a new brotherhood pact between settlers and Indians.
  • “So Crazy Bear called off the band that attacked us. When morning came, we all sat around with Crazy Bear and made a brotherhood pact.” – Emmett Gardner [23:30]
  • Crazy Bear explains that peace is secured thanks to the Lone Ranger:
    • “Only white man Injun trust. Always him. Lone Ranger.” – Crazy Bear [24:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Instant Recognition:
  • “Only white man Injun trust. Always him. Lone Ranger.” – Crazy Bear [24:01]
• On Defensive Ingenuity:
  • “You'd have to be a miracle man to do a thing like that… Doggone it, you're welcome to them.” – Emmett Gardner [12:25]
• Ethics and Leadership:
  • “Me believe what man who covers face say. Whatever troubles you’ve had will be handled in good faith by the Great White Father. I promise you that.” – Lone Ranger [22:41]
• Explosive Tactics:
  • “Big fella, here we go, Silver. This is our big play!” – Lone Ranger [20:09]

Important Segment Timestamps

• First Warning: [09:51]
• Wagon Train Under Attack: [10:46]
• Dynamite Plan Outlined: [12:18]
• Run to Telegraph Pole: [15:10]
• Explosions in Indian Camp: [19:23]–[20:09]
• Capturing Crazy Bear: [20:35]
• Crazy Bear Calls Off War: [22:41]
• Tribute to the Lone Ranger: [24:01]

Tone and Style

The episode’s language is direct, period-authentic, and painted with urgency and respect for Western heroics and diplomacy. The interplay of suspense, action, and negotiation is relayed through sharp dialogue and rapid plotting, with the Lone Ranger always centered as the calm, quick-thinking agent of justice and peace.

Conclusion

“The Big Blow-up” encapsulates all the thrilling elements of classic radio Westerns: perilous journeys, sudden ambushes, heroic intervention, and the possibility of peace through courage and wisdom. As always, the Lone Ranger and Tonto fuse daring action with a deep sense of fairness, turning impending disaster into lasting harmony on the frontier.