Episode Summary: "The Faceless Bandit | The Lone Ranger (04-07-50)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode Title: The Faceless Bandit | The Lone Ranger (04-07-50)
• Release Date: January 17, 2025

Introduction

In this riveting episode of The Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhynes transports listeners back to the golden age of radio with a classic Lone Ranger adventure. The episode, titled "The Faceless Bandit," breathes new life into timeless tales of the Wild West through meticulously restored audio. Listeners are immersed in the intense pursuit of justice led by the iconic Lone Ranger, his faithful horse Silver, the silent companion Toto, and the brave nephew, Dan Reed.

Setting the Scene: The Threat of the Faceless Bandit

The episode opens with the narrator vividly describing the Lone Ranger and Silver's relentless fight for law and order in the untamed western United States.

[00:49] Narrator: "A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty HI O. Silver, the Lone Ranger...the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains."

The tranquility of Rimstone is shattered by the menacing presence of the Faceless Bandit, an outlaw leader whose identity remains concealed beneath a black stocking hood, rendering his face entirely unrecognizable.

[03:18] Narrator: "The Faceless Bandit...his head and features were completely covered by a black stocking...held up a stage carrying a payroll from the Rimstone bank."

The Outlaws' Reign of Terror

The Faceless Bandit's gang unleashes a series of robberies, targetting ranchers, bank shipments, and trains laden with valuables. The community of Rimstone lives under the shadow of fear as the outlaws execute their daring heists with precision and impunity.

[03:55] Sheriff: "Get up here. Get up."

Amidst these crimes, Sheriff struggles to maintain order, grappling with the intelligent and elusive nature of the Faceless Bandit.

[08:14] Dave Gridley: "Well, maybe you could try to figure out who's out of town about the time the hold-ups take place."

Arrival of the Lone Ranger and Allies

Responding to the growing threat, the Lone Ranger, accompanied by Toto and his nephew Dan Reed, rides into Rimstone to investigate the Faceless Bandit's activities. Their keen investigative skills and unwavering commitment to justice set the stage for a showdown.

[05:56] Dan Reed: "We'll make camp as soon as we get a little closer to Rimstone, Totto."

Gathering Clues: The Glittering Dust

As the Lone Ranger and his team delve deeper into the mystery, Dan Reed observes a crucial detail that could unravel the Faceless Bandit's identity—the presence of glittering dust on the outlaws' boots.

[14:06] Dan Reed: "I noticed there was a fine dust sort of glittered in the sunlight like gold does."

This observation becomes the linchpin in identifying the gang members, particularly pointing towards individuals within Rimstone itself.

Tensions in Rimstone: Suspicions Arise

Back in Rimstone, the community's frustration peaks as key figures like Dave Gridley and Will Gorman confront Sheriff about the rising insecurity.

[07:51] Dave Gridley: "Seems to me, Sheriff, you should have been able to pick up the trail of that faceless bandit and his gang by now."

Their suspicions create an atmosphere of distrust, complicating the Sheriff's efforts to identify and capture the outlaws.

The Confrontation: Unmasking the Faceless Bandit

The episode builds to a climactic confrontation when the Lone Ranger and his allies corner the Faceless Bandit's gang. Utilizing the clue of the glittering dust, they methodically expose the true identities of the outlaws.

[20:14] Dan Reed: "I can explain my mask, Sheriff. As a matter of fact, in regard to the gang, I am in no."

In a display of strategic prowess, the Lone Ranger disarms the Sheriff and his posse, leveraging the situation to facilitate the capture of the misled townsmen.

[21:18] Dave Gridley: "Gun to scallion, somebody."

The revelation culminates when it's uncovered that prominent townspeople, including Gorman and Gridley, were inadvertently aiding the Faceless Bandit by harboring stolen goods, thus tying the local community directly into the gang's schemes.

Resolution: Justice Restored

With the evidence of the glittering dust leading back to the gang's hideout—a cave filled with fool's gold—the Sheriff realizes the depth of the betrayal within Rimstone. The Lone Ranger's intervention ensures that justice is served, with the outlaws apprehended and the Sheriff's trust restored.

[26:55] Dan Reed: "That must be the gang's hideout. Then it explains the glittering dust on Gorman's boots."

In the aftermath, Sheriff acknowledges the Lone Ranger's pivotal role in resolving the crisis, hinting at a newfound respect and the cessation of hostilities.

[27:03] Sheriff: "We'll stick Gorman, the Faceless Bandit, into jail. Then I'll take a big posse and grab the others without much trouble."

Conclusion

"The Faceless Bandit" episode masterfully captures the essence of classic Western tales, blending action, mystery, and moral clarity. Through sharp dialogue, strategic plot developments, and the timeless heroism of the Lone Ranger, listeners are treated to an engaging narrative that underscores themes of justice, community, and vigilance. The episode not only entertains but also reinforces the enduring legacy of the Lone Ranger as a symbol of righteousness in the Wild West.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [08:14] Dave Gridley: "Well, maybe you could try to figure out who's out of town about the time the hold-ups take place."

• [14:20] Toto: "What do you think of Kimasabe?"

• [20:23] Dave Gridley: "Watch out, sheriff. Get him from the side so he can't grab you."

• [26:16] Sheriff: "And you're the brave lad the pioneer told about one who went to trail them. Outlaws?"

• [27:28] Sheriff: "Fill them three sure faces down the Faceless Bandit, eh, boys?"

These quotes highlight pivotal moments in the episode, showcasing character dynamics and turning points in the narrative.

Final Thoughts

Andrew Rhynes successfully resurrects a classic Lone Ranger story, enhanced by superior digital restoration that enriches every nuanced sound—from the creak of a saloon door to the thunderous gallop of Silver. "The Faceless Bandit" stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Old Time Radio Westerns, offering both nostalgia and fresh engagement for modern listeners.