Old Time Radio Westerns:

The Lone Ranger – “The Cigar Band” (02-16-53)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
[Originally aired: February 16, 1953 | Podcast release: February 9, 2026]

Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns dives into a classic Lone Ranger adventure, “The Cigar Band.” Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored broadcast, immersing listeners in the golden age of radio drama. The Lone Ranger, his loyal companion Tonto, and Dan Reed unravel a stagecoach robbery, uncovering a conspiracy led by Mort Pierce, a scheming stage line owner. Through clever deduction, a signature cigar band, and teamwork, justice prevails once more on the frontier.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

The Stagecoach Robbery & the Scheme (04:30–07:54)

• Setting the Plot: Mort Pierce, owner of the Pecos freight and stage line, conspires with the outlaws Smokey, Blinky, and Al to rob his own company’s coach.

  • Pierce: “My stagecoach is bringing 10,000 a new guy bill to the Pecos bank. I want you men to get it.” (05:00)
  • The outlaws joke about the profitability: “Never let’s rob your own freight and stage line. Sure is profitable.” (05:08)

• The Cigar Band Clue: Mort’s fancy Cuban La Marina cigars are noted, and a cigar band is left in the outlaw hideout, setting up a key clue.

  • Blinky: “Sure, a fancy band on those cigars. What kind are they?”
  • Pierce: “La Marina cigars. Get them all the way from Havana.” (05:32–05:35)

Dan Reed’s Involvement & Discovery (06:14–10:09)

• Hold-Up Witness: Dan, the Lone Ranger’s nephew, is on the coach during the robbery, noticing odd gray dust on the outlaws’ boots.

  • Dan: “I noticed a strange gray dust on the outlaws’ boots.” (07:53)

• Sheriff’s Office: Dan helps the sheriff review wanted posters and notices a cigar band—matching Mort Pierce’s usual cigars—on the floor.

  • Sheriff: “But it’s just a circle of fancy paper… came off one of the cigars Mr. Pierce, the freight line owner, smokes.” (08:55)
  • Sheriff: “He’s the only one smokes them in town. Has them sent in special from Cuba.” (09:10)

Dan Captured & Resourceful Escape (10:09–17:46)

• Dan’s Capture: While following Smokey out of suspicion, Dan is caught by the outlaws, who decide to keep him alive until Pierce gives orders.

  • Outlaw: “Maybe we ought to drill him and dump his body in the river.” (12:15)
  • Blinky: “Knowing the boss, I’ll say this young maverick will be dead before morning.” (12:22)

• Escape Sequence: Left tied up and gagged, Dan ingeniously uses his horse, Victor, to free himself.

  • Narrator: “He nibbled at the knot that held the gag. Finally, the knot gave and the gag came loose.” (16:36)
  • Dan: “Good boy, Victor. Now come inside… Get me loose fella. Untie me, boy.” (16:44–17:26)

• Key Clue Secured: Dan discovers the La Marina cigar band at the hideout, confirming Mort Pierce’s involvement.

  • Dan: “Cigar band on a cigar stove… La Marina. That’s the brand the freight line owner smoked. He must have been here.” (17:56)

The Lone Ranger’s Plan & Final Confrontation (18:27–24:12)

• Strategizing: The Lone Ranger and Tonto confirm Pierce’s guilt and lay a trap. The Ranger disguises himself to lure Pierce out.

  • Lone Ranger: “I’ll remove my mask and disguise my features. Then I’ll go talk to Pierce.” (18:57)

• Pierce Warned: Disguised, the Lone Ranger warns Pierce:

  • Lone Ranger: “Well, not yet, but they found tracks… Sheriff figures he’ll find the hideout within an hour or so.” (19:58–20:09)

• Climactic Showdown: Pierce and his gang return to the hideout to finish off Dan, but are surprised by the sheriff and posse, along with the Lone Ranger.

  • Pierce: “Shoot him and hide his body in the thicket. We can’t take any chances now.” (21:28)
  • Lone Ranger (storming in): “Drop your guns, all of you.” (21:55)

• Pierce’s Arrest: The outlaw gang turns on Pierce, exposing his orders, and evidence of the loot in his office safe.

  • Blinky: “You planned the whole lips and told us to kill the young hombre.” (22:51)
  • Sheriff: “We’ll take him in with the rest of you when we get to town. We’ll get the evidence from his safe.” (22:59)

• Case Solved: Dan’s clever deduction with the cigar band gets special mention.

  • Lone Ranger: “The credit really goes to Dan. He was sharp enough to realize Mort Pierce was a leader when he found a cigar band here in the shack.” (23:09)
  • Sheriff: “That young fella’s gonna turn into a mighty clever lawman someday.” (23:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Cigar Bands:

  • Sheriff (regarding the band): “He’s the only one smokes them in town. Has them sent in special from Cuba.” (09:10)

• Clever Deduction:

  • Lone Ranger: “The credit really goes to Dan. He was sharp enough to realize Mort Pierce was a leader when he found a cigar band here in the shack.” (23:09)

• Classic Masked Justice:

  • Sheriff (explaining to Pierce): “You see, Pierce, that fella who tricked you into coming here is really the Lone Ranger.” (24:12)

• Compliment to Dan:

  • Sheriff: “He’s a smart alec, all right. A darn sight smarter than all of you put together.” (23:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [04:30–05:49]: Mort Pierce reveals his plan to outlaws; discussion of La Marina cigars
• [06:14–07:54]: Stagecoach hold-up; Lone Ranger and Tonto join the investigation
• [08:29–09:16]: Dan finds the cigar band at the sheriff’s office
• [10:09–12:22]: Dan follows Smokey and is captured by the outlaws
• [13:42–17:46]: Dan’s resourceful escape with Victor’s help; finds cigar band at the shack
• [18:27–19:04]: Dan returns to camp, and the Lone Ranger devises a plan
• [19:42–20:21]: Lone Ranger in disguise misleads Pierce about the posse’s progress
• [21:17–21:55]: Showdown at the outlaw shack; Lone Ranger and sheriff swoop in
• [22:46–23:59]: The gang turns on Pierce; sheriff gathers evidence; Dan’s role recognized
• [24:12]: Sheriff reveals the masked stranger is the Lone Ranger

Classic Old Time Radio Western Hallmarks

• Immersive Soundscape: Digitally restored effects of thundering hooves, gunfire, and lively banter make the West come alive.
• Suspense and Wit: Dialogue is lively, with playful quips—especially about Mort’s expensive cigars and the wit of young Dan Reed.
• Ambience: The episode weaves authentic frontier tension, family-friendly adventure, and Western justice in the Lone Ranger tradition.

Relive the “thrilling days of yesteryear” with this smartly restored episode, where deductive logic, integrity, and quick thinking keep the plains just—and the Legend of the Lone Ranger shines brightly.