Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The New Commissioner | The Lone Ranger (04-09-52)
Date: October 9, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns offers a gripping, digitally restored adventure from the classic radio drama, The Lone Ranger. Titled “The New Commissioner,” the story follows a scheme to steal a large cash fund meant for a government post near the border. The Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto must intervene when a gang of outlaws attempt to impersonate a government official, endanger innocent lives, and pilfer $50,000 intended for frontier security. Themes of justice, loyalty, and clever deception abound in this thrilling tale from radio’s golden age.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. [03:10] Arrival of the New Deputy Commissioner

• Charles Webster arrives from Washington and is welcomed by Commissioner Grady, who assigns him to oversee military and civilian affairs near the border.
• Webster is to retrieve $50,000 in government funds from Fort Taylor for his new assignment.
• Grady: “They told you in Washington what your duties will be?”
• Webster: “Oh, yes, sir. But I'd like to review all that with you.” (04:01)
• Plot tension is set with the mention of the valuable funds and Webster’s plans.

2. [07:00] Domingo’s Secret & The Outlaws' Plot

• Grady’s servant, Domingo, feigns a family emergency and secretly reports Webster’s arrival and mission to Jack Morrow, leader of a local outlaw gang.
• Morrow devises a plan: his associate Wynn Cooper will impersonate Webster using stolen identification to claim the money at Fort Taylor.
• Morrow to Cooper: “How would you like to be the new United States Deputy Commissioner for this territory?” (09:30)

3. [13:40] The Ambush and Identity Theft

• As Webster travels to Fort Taylor, Domingo and the outlaws ambush him.
• Webster is bound, gagged, and left in the wilderness, while Cooper takes his papers to Fort Taylor to claim the money.
• Webster pleads: “You lay a hand on me, you’ll…” (19:05), highlighting his shock at the betrayal.
• Morrow coldly promises: “If things go wrong, it’s just too bad for him.” (20:10)

4. [21:30] The Lone Ranger to the Rescue

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, traveling nearby, discover the bound Webster thanks to Silver’s instincts.
• Lone Ranger: “Don't thank me. Thank my horse. He led us to you.” (22:40)
• Upon learning the story, the Lone Ranger and Tonto head to intercept the impostor and warn Fort Taylor.

5. [24:30] The Impostor at Fort Taylor

• Cooper (posing as Webster) and Domingo are welcomed at the fort by Major Conway and his wife, Irene.
• Scout Lee Hanna recognizes Cooper’s deception: “You're not Charlie Webster. I met Charlie Webster when I went with the delegation to Washington.” (31:30)
• Conway wisely insists on confirmation from Washington, causing Cooper to reveal his true intentions.
• Cooper brandishes a gun: “You’ll get your hands up, Major. You too, old man.” (33:10)

6. [36:00] A Hostage Situation

• Cooper threatens the safety of Irene Conway, forcing her to accompany Domingo to the outlaws, with Cooper and the Major to follow.
• Major Conway is forced to cooperate under duress: “My wife is more dear to me than my life. What is it you want us to do?” (36:50)

7. [38:40] Allies Unite

• The Lone Ranger, Tonto, Webster, and Irene meet on the road after stopping Domingo and freeing Irene.
• Webster introduces himself; Irene quickly explains the plot and what’s at stake.
• Lone Ranger’s plan: “We’ll tie Domingo and ride our horses over there behind those boulders.” (40:10)

8. [41:00] The Showdown and Capture

• Cooper, traveling with Major Conway, is confronted by the masked man and Tonto.
• Action-packed moment: “That man coming from behind the boulders… that's Charles Webster. The real Charles Webster!” (42:30)
• Cooper is quickly disarmed and tied up. Domingo confesses the full outlaw plot.

9. [44:20] The Final Roundup

• Major Conway leads troops to surround Jack Morrow’s gang at the pass.
• The outlaws are captured, with the stolen funds recovered and the hostages safe.

10. [47:10] Reflections and Farewell

• In the aftermath, Irene and Major Conway express awe and gratitude for the Lone Ranger’s heroism:
  • Irene: “You should have seen how he and his friend Tonto handled Domingo.”
  • Lee Hanna: “There’s only one great masked man in the West, and that’s the Lone Ranger.” (49:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jack Morrow: “I've had Domingo planted in Commissioner Grady's house ever since the old man came out here. I figured someday he'd come across some information that I could use. Well, he finally has.” (09:50)
• Lone Ranger: “Don’t thank me. Thank my horse. He led us to you.” (22:40)
• Lee Hanna (to the imposter): “You’re not Charlie Webster. I met Charlie Webster when I went with the delegation to Washington.” (31:30)
• Major Conway: “My wife is more dear to me than my life.” (36:50)
• Irene Conway: “You should have seen how he and his friend Tonto handled Domingo.” (47:20)
• Lee Hanna: “There’s only one great masked man in the West, and that’s the Lone Ranger.” (49:10)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:10 – Introduction of Charles Webster and assignment from Commissioner Grady
• 07:00 – Domingo’s spy work and outlaws’ initial scheme
• 13:40 – Webster’s ambush and identity theft
• 21:30 – Lone Ranger and Tonto find Webster
• 24:30 – Impostor arrives at Fort Taylor
• 31:30 – Lee Hanna exposes the impostor
• 33:10 – Cooper reveals his criminal intentions
• 36:00 – Hostage plan revealed
• 41:00 – Lone Ranger’s intervention
• 44:20 – Major Conway captures the outlaws
• 47:10 – Reflection and finale with Lone Ranger’s legacy affirmed

Summary & Listener Takeaways

This episode exemplifies the spirit and excitement of old-time Western radio. The layered plot delivers suspense, courageous intervention, and clever reversals worthy of the Lone Ranger’s legend. Listeners experience a vivid rescue, brave acts, classic Western villainy, and the unifying force of justice—all with the impressive clarity of digitally restored audio. The story resonates with timeless themes and celebrates the masked hero’s lasting place in American folklore.

“There’s only one great masked man in the West, and that’s the Lone Ranger.”
(Lee Hanna, 49:10)