Podcast Summary: The Fifth Condemned Man | The Lone Ranger (02-06-42)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Air Date: January 21, 2026
Restored Drama: The Lone Ranger – "The Fifth Condemned Man" (originally aired 02-06-1942)

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored broadcast of “The Fifth Condemned Man”—a gripping Lone Ranger adventure set against the backdrop of a post–Civil War West where the shadowy Legion of the Black Arrow threatens law and order. In this tale, the Lone Ranger risks everything, infiltrating a group of condemned men in hopes of uncovering the ringleaders and thwarting a high-stakes jailbreak orchestrated by the Legion’s cunning mastermind, Sydney Drake. The episode is rich in suspense, subterfuge, and explosive reversals, faithfully capturing the golden-age drama and intrigue of classic Western radio.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Legion of the Black Arrow’s Sinister Plot (03:21–10:30)

• Background on the Legion: Hostile and secretive, the Legion of the Black Arrow exerts corrupt influence throughout the West, seeking to build a despotic empire.
• Sydney Drake’s Machinations: Drake, an enigmatic and chilling figure, instructs his henchmen, Vine and Zeke, to spread rumors of the Lone Ranger’s ring being stolen and to sabotage a bridge so that it “collapse[s] with the weight of the first man and horse to cross” (04:07, Sydney Drake).
• Objective: The orchestrated bridge collapse is meant to eliminate the U.S. Marshal, who stands as the Lone Ranger’s only alibi and safeguard.

2. The Lone Ranger’s Bold Gamble (10:30–13:20)

• Secret Meeting: The Lone Ranger reveals his plan to the Marshal—to be jailed with four Legion members sentenced to hang, hoping to glean secrets (11:54).
  • “There are two reasons why I want to be with them. I might be able to learn who the organizers of the Black Arrow are, and the location of the headquarters. But I might also be able to spoil any plans to save those crooks from hanging.” (12:32, The Lone Ranger)
• Risks: The Marshal is warned that records must be altered to show five condemned men (“More risk in not changing the records,” 13:01).
• Symbol of Identity: The Lone Ranger entrusts the Marshal with orders from the President, hidden in his ring—a crucial plot detail.

3. The Bridge Sabotage and Death of the Marshal (Part 1 Conclusion, 15:30)

• Suspenseful Execution: As the henchmen lie in wait, the Marshal approaches the sabotaged bridge and falls victim when it collapses (“Our job is done.” 15:26, Zeke).
• Ramifications: The Marshal’s death eradicates the Lone Ranger’s chance of exoneration and intensifies the peril.

4. Prison Cell Dynamics (19:10–22:00)

• Tense Interrogation: The Lone Ranger, undercover, probes the condemned men for information, using subtle cues and insider knowledge.
• Trust and Distrust: The men are leery but hint at knowledge about the Legion and their expectation of rescue (“We had promises, that’s how.” 20:53).
• False Hope: The convicts place faith in Drake’s promise—a critical moment as rescue plans ramp up.

5. Tonto and Allies Race Against Time (23:30–27:10)

• Tonto’s Dilemma: After tending to the wounded Marshal, Tonto and a young female ally strategize to save the Lone Ranger from imminent execution.
  • “If the Marshal can’t speak, maybe one to two hours—too late to help!” (24:50)
• Desperate Measures: Tonto rigs a wagon to hurry the unconscious Marshal toward San Lemay.

6. Unraveling the Jailbreak (29:00–32:00)

• Crowd and Execution Scene: As dawn breaks, the five men are led to the gallows. The four Legion men expect a last-minute rescue, but the Lone Ranger remains silent, aware he faces death without alibi.
• Climactic Rescue: Tonto crashes the wagon into the execution crowd with the revived Marshal at his side (30:59).
  • “There’s one man you don’t hang—the man that wears the ring. Here is the ring!” (31:05, Marshal)
  • The Marshal produces the President’s orders and the mask, revealing the Lone Ranger’s true identity.

7. Aftermath, Revelations, and Justice Served (32:00–34:30)

• Identity Restored: The Lone Ranger is vindicated before the assembled townspeople. The Marshal affirms the plot: “Four can hang as originally planned. Fifth was added to be sure they didn't escape. Want to be convinced who that man is? Just look at him now—that mask!” (32:48, Marshal)
• Drake Unmasked: It’s revealed that Sydney Drake, operating from Washington, is a chief Legion leader—and will soon face justice.
• Return to the Trail: Tonto reassures the Marshal and, with the Lone Ranger’s mask and disguise restored, the pair prepare to ride on.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Sydney Drake’s menace: “You’ll go to jail with the four already there… If you don’t follow instructions.” (04:17, Sydney Drake)
• The Lone Ranger’s commitment: “There’s more risk in not changing the records. I’ll be in jail unarmed with four murderers.” (13:04, Lone Ranger)
• On the Marshal’s fate: “The Brigid fell, and the United States Marshal was on it when it happened. The Marshal is dead.” (15:16, Townsperson)
• Tonto’s steadfastness: “But wait. Me got a plan. A wagon near here, maybe hitch Scout and Silver to wagon, put Marshal in!” (24:51, Tonto)
• Marshal’s revelation at the gallows: “There’s one man you don’t hang—the man that wears the ring! Here is the ring!” (31:05, Marshal)
• Dramatic unmasking: “Just look at him now—that mask!” (32:48, Marshal)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Legion’s Introduction & Mission: 03:21–08:00
• Lone Ranger’s Plan with Marshal: 10:10–13:20
• Bridge Sabotage & Marshal’s Fate: 14:20–16:00
• Prison Cell Intrigue & Plans: 19:10–22:00
• Tonto’s Race to Save Marshal: 23:30–27:10
• Execution Scene & Rescue: 29:00–32:00
• Final Revelations & Justice: 32:00–34:30

Episode Tone and Style

The episode stays true to the brisk, suspenseful, and sometimes ominous atmosphere of classic Western radio dramas. Dialogue is packed with urgency—underscored by clipped exchanges, sharply defined character motivations, and a mounting sense of danger. The voice performances immerse the listener in a tense, high-stakes showdown between good and evil.

In Summary

In “The Fifth Condemned Man,” the Lone Ranger risks disgrace and death to infiltrate the Legion’s condemned ranks, banking on courage and a secret ring to expose Sydney Drake and the Black Arrow conspiracy. With the Marshal’s life hanging by a thread, and justice moments from being overrun by villainy, the story races to a pulse-pounding, triumphant conclusion—a quintessential Western adventure, lovingly restored for a new era of listeners.

“Hi-yo Silver, away!”