Podcast Summary: "The Roundup at Coronado" | The Lone Ranger

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Broadcast Date: February 14, 1941
Podcast Release Date: December 28, 2025
Restoration by: OTRWesterns.com

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents “The Roundup at Coronado,” a digitally restored classic Lone Ranger adventure. The drama centers around the struggles of ranchers in the drought-stricken Coronado Valley, where outside cattlemen aim to seize land by exploiting natural hardship and sowing division. The Lone Ranger and Tonto appear just as a feud threatens the settlers’ future, guiding them toward resilience and unity—and ultimately, justice.

Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: Drought and Despair in Coronado Valley

• Coronado Valley’s ranchers are beaten down by drought, disease, and dying cattle.
• Major character, Bart Kimball, gives a rousing speech in the café in defense of standing their ground despite overwhelming adversity ([04:00-07:00]).
  • “The weather can be beat just like men can. Now, let’s stay on and prove it, eh?” – Bart Kimball ([06:20])

2. Tension Rises: Outsiders and Schemes

• Deke Quigley and his associates (outsider ranchers) plot to force the settlers out and take the land for themselves once drought drives the locals away.
• They stage confrontations and lay groundwork for more aggressive action ([07:30-09:00]).
  • “Bart Kimball or no Bart Kimball, we get it.” – Deke Quigley ([08:58])

3. The Lone Ranger Investigates

• Tonto becomes involved, delivering a pivotal message that confirms the settlers have lost their court case—sheepmen can now use the range, increasing pressure on the cattlemen.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto deduce that violence aimed at Bart Kimball is imminent.
  • “One man stands between them and what they want… Bart Kimball.” – The Lone Ranger ([11:40])

4. Bart Kimball in Peril

• Kimball is lured away from his ranch via ruse and nearly killed by being tied to his horse’s stirrup—intended to make his death appear accidental. ([18:30-21:00])
• Intervention by the Lone Ranger and Tonto saves him at the last minute.
  • “Careful… there you are. Oh, thanks, stranger—thanks a heap. If you and the Injun hadn’t shown up, I’d have been a goner.” – Bart Kimball ([22:20])

5. The Settlers’ Crisis of Spirit

• News of the attack and the coming raid breaks the last of the settlers’ resolve; most prepare to leave, convinced the valley is doomed.
  • “I ain’t looking for a fight. What’s the use of fighting for a range so dry you can’t graze cows on it?” – Settler ([23:25])

6. The Turning Point: Frontier Resourcefulness

• The Lone Ranger demonstrates that, despite the drought, the valley is not barren—with ingenuity, cattle can survive on cacti and palo verde trees ([25:30-27:00]).
  • “That isn’t the only source of food. You can cut the green tops off the palo verde trees… enough to see you through.” – The Lone Ranger ([26:45])
• Reinvigorated, settlers resolve to make a stand for their homes.

7. The Showdown: Defending Coronado

• Deke Quigley and his men enter what appears to be an abandoned town, only to enter an ambush set by the settlers under the Lone Ranger’s guidance.
  • “You see the trail that brought you here? You’re going back where you came from—all of you, afoot. Don’t argue.” – The Lone Ranger ([29:00])
• Realizing resistance is strong and rainstorms are on the horizon, Quigley’s group flees in defeat.

8. Rain and Resolution

• As victory is secured and hope returns, rain finally falls, promising a new start for the ranchers.
• Bart Kimball gives credit where it’s due:
  • “When you got them things, just remember there’s the man you owe them to—Silver!” ([30:01])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kimball’s rally at the café:
  • “The weather can be beat just like men can. Now, let’s stay on and prove it, eh?” – Bart Kimball ([06:20])
• Lone Ranger on Bart Kimball’s importance:
  • “One man stands between them and what they want… Bart Kimball.” – The Lone Ranger ([11:40])
• Rescue scene:
  • “Careful… there you are. Oh, thanks, stranger—thanks a heap.” – Bart Kimball ([22:20])
• Settlers discouraged:
  • “I ain’t looking for a fight. What’s the use of fighting for a range so dry you can’t graze cows on it?” – Settler ([23:25])
• The Lone Ranger’s practical wisdom:
  • “You came here from eastern farms… here, wherever you settle, you must expect [dry spells]… when you get rain, you’ll find you have some of the finest grazing land in the state.” – The Lone Ranger ([26:55])
• The Commanding Ultimatum:
  • “You see the trail that brought you here? You’re going back where you came from—all of you, afoot. Don’t argue.” – The Lone Ranger ([29:00])
• Celebratory attribution:
  • “When you got them things, just remember there’s the man you owe them to—Silver!” – Bart Kimball ([30:01])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:00–07:00]: Bart Kimball’s café speech—rallying settlers.
• [11:00–12:00]: The Lone Ranger and Tonto deduce plot against Kimball.
• [18:30–22:30]: Kimball’s abduction and rescue.
• [23:00–24:30]: Settlers give up hope, begin to leave the valley.
• [25:30–27:30]: Lone Ranger reveals cattle can survive—turning the tide.
• [28:00–29:30]: Ambush in town—villains are defeated and sent away.
• [30:00–31:00]: Rain comes and the community rallies together.

Episode Tone and Style

The episode delivers classic Western drama and camaraderie, mixing somber realism (hardship and loss) with uplifting heroics and frontier ingenuity. Dialogue carries the grit and rural wisdom of its characters, and the Lone Ranger’s calm authority inspires action and courage in others.

Conclusion

“The Roundup at Coronado” is a quintessential Lone Ranger tale of frontier hardship, villainy, and redemption. Upholding Western values, the story champions resourcefulness, communal action, and the belief that even in the direst circumstances, justice—and rainfall—can prevail, thanks to the guidance of true heroes.