Podcast Summary: "The Lady Melissa | The Lone Ranger (10-06-50)"

Podcast Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored version of the classic 1950 radio drama, "The Lady Melissa" from The Lone Ranger series. This episode transports listeners to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West, blending suspense, action, and heartfelt drama through enhanced audio quality that brings every scene to life.

Plot Summary

1. The Sawtelle Family and Bank Robberies

The story centers around Pete and Benny Sawtelle, two brothers notorious for their successful bank heists across the Southwest. Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, their mother, Maggie Sawtelle, orchestrates these crimes from her modest farm near Sandstone. Concerned about the increasing presence of the Lone Ranger's companion, Tonto, Maggie decides it's time to leave town to avoid detection.

Notable Quote:

• Maggie Sawtelle [05:30]: "Boys, we're going to pull up stakes and clear out of here. I saw an Indian named Tonto today when I was in Sandstone buying feed for the stock."

2. The Bank Robbery and Horse Swap

During a bank robbery at the Stockman's Bank in Sandstone, Sheriff Taylor captures one of the robbers, while the other escapes on a paint horse. Tonto informs the Lone Ranger about the escape, prompting them to pursue the fleeing bandit into the hills. However, the escaped robber, Pete, faces challenges when his horse goes lame. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, Pete swaps horses with Jim Boone, a young man engaged to Sheriff Taylor's daughter, Polly.

Notable Quote:

• Jim Boone [15:45]: "I'm engaged to marry Sheriff Taylor's daughter, Polly. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

3. Investigation and Arrest

Back in Sandstone, Jim Boone arrives at the sheriff's office, unknowingly tied to the Sawtelle brothers' schemes. Suspicious of the horse swap, Sheriff Taylor decides to verify Jim's story by contacting Maggie Sawtelle. Concurrently, the Lone Ranger and Tonto track Jim's horse to the rundown farmhouse, leading to a tense standoff where Maggie and her son Benny attempt to deceive the authorities.

Notable Quote:

• Sheriff Taylor [32:10]: "If you find the prisoners in the custody of your posse, they're two miles up the trail."

4. Maggie Sawtelle's Plan and Showdown

Maggie reveals her involvement in the horse swap, aiming to cover up her sons' crimes. As tensions rise, outlaw Pete Sawtelle leads a daring escape from the sheriff's office, taking Benny and Maggie hostage. In a climactic confrontation at Maggie's farmhouse, the Lone Ranger intervenes just in time to thwart their plans. The masked man assisting Maggie is unveiled as the Lone Ranger himself, ensuring justice is served.

Notable Quote:

• Lone Ranger [58:20]: "I'll ride into the hills and look for his trail."

5. Resolution and Reveal of the Lone Ranger

The episode concludes with the successful apprehension of the Sawtelle brothers and the revelation of the Lone Ranger's true identity. Sheriff Taylor expresses his gratitude, acknowledging the Ranger's role in saving his family. The restored audio captures the emotional relief and the reaffirmation of justice prevailing in Sandstone.

Notable Quote:

• Sheriff Taylor [1:05:50]: "If it hadn't been for you, Mr. Sam, Jim and I would have died in this cabin."

Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The mysterious masked hero dedicated to upholding justice in the Wild West.
• Tonto: The Lone Ranger's faithful and resourceful Indian companion.
• Pete Sawtelle: One of the Sawtelle brothers involved in bank robberies.
• Benny Sawtelle: Pete's brother, complicit in the criminal activities.
• Maggie Sawtelle: The matriarch who plans and coordinates her sons' robberies.
• Sheriff Taylor: The dedicated sheriff of Sandstone and Polly's father.
• Polly Taylor: Sheriff Taylor's daughter, engaged to Jim Boone.
• Jim Boone: A young man engaged to Polly, unwittingly caught in the Sawtelle's schemes.
• Deputy Joe: Sheriff Taylor's trusted deputy assisting in the apprehensions.

Notable Quotes

1. Maggie Sawtelle [05:30]:
   "Boys, we're going to pull up stakes and clear out of here. I saw an Indian named Tonto today when I was in Sandstone buying feed for the stock."

2. Jim Boone [15:45]:
   "I'm engaged to marry Sheriff Taylor's daughter, Polly. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

3. Sheriff Taylor [32:10]:
   "If you find the prisoners in the custody of your posse, they're two miles up the trail."

4. Lone Ranger [58:20]:
   "I'll ride into the hills and look for his trail."

5. Sheriff Taylor [1:05:50]:
   "If it hadn't been for you, Mr. Sam, Jim and I would have died in this cabin."

Conclusion

"The Lady Melissa" episode masterfully intertwines themes of deception, justice, and redemption, showcasing the Lone Ranger's unwavering commitment to law and order. Through Andrew Rhynes' meticulous digital restoration, listeners are treated to an immersive auditory experience that honors the legacy of classic Western radio dramas. This episode not only entertains but also underscores the timeless battle between good and evil in the untamed frontier.

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