Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Cave | The Lone Ranger (10-27-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: December 9, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode revives a classic 1952 Lone Ranger radio drama, “The Cave,” newly remastered for clarity. It delivers a suspenseful tale centering on a wounded Lone Ranger hiding out at Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch. When Thunder Martin mistakenly reveals the Lone Ranger’s whereabouts to two outlaws bent on revenge, Clarabelle, Tonto, and Thunder must concoct a clever plan to outwit the would-be killers, Red Kincaid and Trigger Maxim. The story is rich in frontier character, quick-witted banter, and classic Western tension.

Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. The Lone Ranger’s Peril

• Setting: The Lone Ranger, gravely wounded and feverish, recuperates at Clarabelle Hornblow’s ranch under the watchful care of Tonto and the concern of ranch hands.
• Threat Emerges: Thunder Martin reveals he let slip to Baldy (and thus a bar full of strangers) that the Lone Ranger is incapacitated and at Clarabelle’s—information overheard by notorious outlaws Red Kincaid and Trigger Maxim, former prisoners who have sworn revenge on the masked man.
• Quote:
  Clarabelle: “You jabbering baboon... What if the word spreads and some of the Lone Ranger’s enemies learn he’s here and helpless?” (06:15)

2. Frantic Strategies and Outlaw Schemes

• Thunder’s Regret & Brainstorm: Overwhelmed by guilt, Thunder suggests hiding the Lone Ranger in a local cave, but Tonto points out the danger of moving such a frail patient. Clarabelle delivers biting wit in response.
• Clarabelle’s Resolve: With no option to move their patient, Clarabelle arms herself, vowing to protect her friend if trouble arrives. Tonto and Clarabelle begin to scheme for defense, leading to a brilliant decoy plan with dummies.
• Quote:
  Clarabelle: “Oh, Thunder, I could brain you. Why, for two cents, I’d disconnect your head and unravel your spine.” (07:12)
  Tonto: “We not move Lone Ranger to cave. Him too weak. Move him hundred yards, maybe him die.” (09:09)

3. Outlaws Close In

• Thunder’s Desperate Bluff: Thunder goes back to town, attempting to convince the outlaws (and then the sheriff) that his tale was pure nonsense. The outlaws, unconvinced, decide to storm the ranch.
• Sheriff’s Hands Tied: The sheriff can’t act unless the outlaws break the law, foreshadowing the stakes for the coming confrontation.
• Quote:
  Sheriff: “If Kincaid and Maxim shoot anyone, I’ll make sure they pay in full. That’s not going to help the Lone Ranger.” (14:47)

4. Ambush and Captivity

• Thunder Ambushed: Thunder tries to tail the outlaws but is ambushed himself. He’s captured, tied, and used as leverage to negotiate with Clarabelle.
• Showdown at the Hornblow Ranch: Kincaid confronts Clarabelle at gunpoint, demanding to search for the Lone Ranger and offering Thunder’s life in exchange.
• Clarabelle’s Defiance: Clarabelle stands her ground with a shotgun, hurling insults and delaying tactics to buy time.
• Quote:
  Clarabelle (brandishing a shotgun): “I use this for rattlesnakes and polecats. Which are you?” (22:28)

5. Decoy, Trap, and Resolution

• The Cave Ruse: Kincaid is distracted by what he believes to be the tracks of the Lone Ranger and Tonto at a cave. He and Maxim fire into what appear to be sleeping figures—a fatal mistake.
• The Trap Springs: The “bodies” are actually dummies; Tonto and Clarabelle trigger a rockslide at the cave’s mouth, trapping the outlaws inside until the sheriff arrives.
• Justice and Closure: The outlaws, now helpless, beg to be released in exchange for promises. Clarabelle, Tonto, and Thunder ensure law and order will be restored.
• Quote:
  Kincaid: “Let us out, we’ll promise to go away and leave you and the Lone Ranger alone.” (30:06) Tonto: “Them inside. Trick work plenty good.” (30:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Clarabelle’s Insults:
  “You jabbering baboon. You clinker brain gorilla...” (06:15)
• Thunder’s Self-Admonishment:
  “I’ve been a double distilled fool.” (07:26)
• Clarabelle’s Defense:
  “I use this for rattlesnakes and polecats. Which are you?” (22:28)
• Kincaid’s Realization:
  “Nothing but a log. Same here. It was a trick.” (29:35)
• Tonto’s Victory:
  “Them inside. Trick work plenty good.” (30:24)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [04:47] The Lone Ranger’s condition and the initial plan to deal with the threat.
• [06:10] Thunder confesses to spilling the secret.
• [08:01] Debate over hiding the Lone Ranger in the cave.
• [10:04] Thunder brainstorms ways to mislead the outlaws.
• [14:20] Thunder seeks help from the sheriff.
• [15:52] Thunder is ambushed by Kincaid and Maxim.
• [21:55] Confrontation between Kincaid and Clarabelle at the ranch house.
• [24:41] Kincaid searches the house, distracted by evidence at the cave.
• [29:26] The cave’s trap is sprung; dummies are discovered and the outlaws are trapped.
• [30:24] Tonto confirms the ruse worked and instructs what happens next.

Tone and Style

The episode blends high tension with humor, particularly in the banter between Clarabelle and Thunder. The Western setting is evoked through colorful insults, frontier pragmatism, and the unwavering commitment to justice embodied by Tonto and Clarabelle.

Summary

“The Cave” delivers a classic Lone Ranger adventure, pitting wit and courage against revenge-fueled outlaws. The combination of misdirection, homemade justice, and resilient camaraderie makes this restored episode a glowing tribute to old-time radio Westerns.