Old Time Radio Westerns: "The Tax Collector"

The Lone Ranger (03-21-41)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: February 21, 2026 (Podcast Release)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode revives the 1941 radio drama “The Tax Collector” from The Lone Ranger, digitally restored for modern listeners. It centers on the Lone Ranger's intervention in a lawless Western town dominated by a corrupt tax collector, Larson, who manipulates local officials and oppresses settlers through intimidation and abuse of power. Listeners are swept into a classic struggle of justice versus corruption, with the Lone Ranger orchestrating a plan to unseat the crooked regime and restore lawful governance.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Corruption and Oppression in the Town

• Larson’s Control: The villain Larson has seized power, controlling the sheriff and deputies through bribery and fear. He hikes taxes selectively, targeting those who oppose him and sparing his allies.
• Jack Wilson’s Plight: Jack, a principled rancher, returns from seeking out the Lone Ranger and confides in his wife Sally about Larson’s tyranny and their sense of helplessness.
  • “He owns the sheriff and all the deputies. He’s running things to suit himself. Anyone else lost cattle to his gang. ... There’s no use reporting to the law.” (Jack, 05:45)

2. Jack Wilson’s Arrest and Larson’s Scheme

• Confrontation: Larson arrives at Jack’s home, accuses him of involvement in a murder (likely fabricated), and has him arrested.
• Manipulation of Law: Jack vows to defend himself:
  • “I know my rights and I’ll defend my own case. Now you just try and make that charge of murder stick.” (Jack, 11:05)

3. The Stranger in Town: The Lone Ranger’s Disguise

• The Job Offer: The Lone Ranger, unrecognized, presents himself to Larson seeking the dangerous job of tax collector, feigning willingness to use violence if necessary.
  • “The only authority that carries any weight is the authority that comes from the business end of a six gun.” (Larson, 15:08)
• Larson's Plan: Larson and the sheriff discuss having the “new tax collector” (Lone Ranger) enforce payments from defiant ranchers, unaware of his true identity.

4. Sheriff’s Moral Dilemma and Jack’s Escape

• Sympathetic Sheriff: Alone with Jack, the sheriff reveals regret for his role in Larson’s schemes and arranges for Jack's escape, hinting at a setup where Jack will be shot “escaping.”
  • “You don’t think I’m working hand in glove with Larson because I want to, do ye?... While I’m here, I can at least do something to keep things fair and just. Like with you, for example.” (Sheriff, 21:22)
• Intervention: As Jack prepares to flee, the Lone Ranger arrives, foiling the setup, and reveals the plot to frame Jack.

Notable Moment

• The Lone Ranger reveals his identity:
  • "You should know. You wanted me to come here. The Lone Ranger." (Lone Ranger, 28:15)

5. Turning the Tables: Outwitting the Villains

• A Meeting of Ranchers: The Lone Ranger orchestrates a secret gathering of the victimized ranchers via his companion Tonto, has Jack installed as acting sheriff, and forces the current sheriff to publicly retire and hand over authority.
• Trapping Larson: The Lone Ranger confronts Larson and exposes his abuses, threatening to make him wear Jack’s hat and coat and walk into an ambush intended for Jack, unless Larson confesses.
  • “If that’s not the truth then you surely wouldn’t be afraid to wear Wilson’s hat and coat and walk out that door, would you?” (Lone Ranger, 43:55)
• Larson’s Confession: Faced with the threat, and the imminent arrival of the Texas Rangers (summoned by letter signed by Jack as sheriff), Larson confesses to his plot:
  • “Stop. Wait. I did it. I admit it. Close that door. Don’t let him shoot me.” (Larson, 46:38)

6. Restoration of Justice

• Law Restored: The Texas Rangers enter to arrest Larson and the corrupt sheriff. The Lone Ranger urges the townsfolk to elect honest leaders.
  • “With the Lone Ranger here, we needn’t have brought two of us. One would've been plenty.” (Texas Ranger, 47:45)

7. Signature Style and Sound

• Vivid Audio: The episode features restored authentic soundscapes—horse hooves, saloon doors, and gunfire—evoking the atmosphere of the untamed West.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:45 | Jack | "He owns the sheriff and all the deputies. He’s running things to suit himself... There’s no use reporting to the law." | | 11:05 | Jack | "I know my rights and I’ll defend my own case. Now you just try and make that charge of murder stick." | | 15:08 | Larson | "The only authority that carries any weight is the authority that comes from the business end of a six gun." | | 21:22 | Sheriff | "While I'm here, I can at least do something to keep things fair and just. Like with you, for example." | | 28:15 | Lone Ranger | "You should know. You wanted me to come here. The Lone Ranger." | | 43:55 | Lone Ranger | "If that’s not the truth then you surely wouldn’t be afraid to wear Wilson’s hat and coat and walk out that door, would you?" | | 46:38 | Larson | "Stop. Wait. I did it. I admit it. Close that door. Don’t let him shoot me." | | 47:45 | Texas Ranger| "With the Lone Ranger here, we needn’t have brought two of us. One would've been plenty." |

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [03:25] Overview of Larson’s oppression and town’s hopeless situation
• [08:45] Jack’s confrontation with Larson and arrest
• [15:05] The Lone Ranger (in disguise) offers to collect taxes
• [21:05] Sheriff expresses regret and arranges Jack’s escape
• [28:10] The Lone Ranger intervenes at the jail, reveals identity
• [38:10] Secret meeting with ranchers, Jack made acting sheriff
• [43:45] Lone Ranger’s gambit with Larson’s confession
• [46:30] Texas Rangers arrive, Larson confesses and is arrested

Conclusion

“The Tax Collector” is a quintessential Lone Ranger adventure, cast in the rich sonic tapestry of golden age radio. The classic Western themes of justice vs. corruption, courage, and frontier solidarity are sharpened by tight plotting and the Lone Ranger’s ingenious tactics, culminating in a satisfying victory for lawfulness. The episode’s restoration amplifies its drama, making it accessible and gripping for today’s audience—an evocative reminder of why these timeless stories endure.