
Original Air Date: November 15, 1950Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Brace Beemer (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Rou...
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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode at absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Narrator
A fiery horse with a speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty high O. Silver the Lone Ranger. Before this exciting adventure, a word from our sponsor, General Mills, makers of Cheerios, the Oat cereal that's ready to eat, Benny Crocker mixes and Wheaties, the breakfast of champions present by special recording, the Lone Ranger. You know, one of the best things about summer is those lazy afternoon picnics. And I bet your moms know about one of the easiest snacks ever. A marvelous Betty Crocker Marble cake.
Jed Elmore
Mmm.
Narrator
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Ella Elmore
Come on, Silver. Let's go, big fella.
Narrator
Are you silver away. A creek which flowed southward into the Llano river formed a dividing line between the Jed Elmore land and the vast holdings of the Lazy Y Ranch. Jed and his wife, Ella, were waging a losing battle against the dry, barren soil which they tried so hard to cultivate. And Jed had finally called in his foreman for a discussion. Jed, Ella and Tex. The foreman sat in the living room of the Elmore farmhouse.
Ella Elmore
No use in talking, Tex. We gotta do something or give up altogether. Our crops just wither up and die.
Narrator
Off before they're half grown.
Tex
Now, don't go talking of giving up, Jed. We own this land and we just gotta make it pay, one way or another.
John Pittman
Sure, but how?
Ella Elmore
That's what I'd like to know.
John Pittman
Jed, the boys and me were talking it over this morning and we hit on a good idea.
Ella Elmore
You did?
Jed Elmore
Well, what is it?
John Pittman
There's nothing wrong with your land that irrigation won't cure, Jed.
Tex
Oh, we talked to that, Jed and I. But Jed says it isn't possible to irrigate it.
John Pittman
Why not?
Ella Elmore
Look, Tex, you know as well as.
Narrator
I do that the waters of the.
Ella Elmore
Creek run through a regular gorge all along our property. We couldn't dig irrigation ditches deep enough.
Narrator
To reach the water.
John Pittman
Wait a minute, both of you. Yes, go on. Well, we could dig irrigation ditches across your land. Just a few feet deep, leading from the creek.
Tex
But like Judd just pointed out, the water's fully 10ft below the banks all along our land.
John Pittman
Sure, but if we built a dam across the creek.
Narrator
What?
John Pittman
Those high banks would be natural sides to hold plenty of water to the irrigation ditches.
Tex
A dam across the creek.
Jed Elmore
Thunder.
Ella Elmore
Tex, I think you've got something there. I never thought of doing that.
Tex
But wait a minute, Jed. What about the folks at the Lazy Y Ranch? Wouldn't a dam there cut off the water to keep their cattle from getting what they need?
John Pittman
No, ma'am. They don't use the creek for watering their cattle. The Llano river runs along the south boundary of the Lazy Y and supplies more water than they need for their cattle.
Jed Elmore
Yes.
Ella Elmore
Tell the boys to get material over to the Cricks in the morning. After we get that dam built in the irrigation ditches dug, our land is really going to produce. Well, Ella, it's almost finished.
Jed Elmore
After a week of hard work.
Ella Elmore
Isn't that a sight for sore eyes?
Tex
Oh, Jed, it's grand. And the water's rising already.
Ella Elmore
Sure is.
Tex
What's going on?
Jed Elmore
It's finished, Jed.
Narrator
Where's that dam?
Jed Elmore
We can be mighty proud of too.
Tex
Tell the boys to come to the house and I'll give them all an extra fancy supper. We sure have good reason to celebrate today.
Jed Elmore
Thanks, ma'am. Get up there.
Narrator
That evening, John Pittman, owner of the large lazy wire ranch, reined up in front of his big ranch house with his son Jim, who helped him run the ranch.
Jed Elmore
We sure got a good price for those cattle we took to Austin, Dad.
Jim Pittman
Yeah, but I gotta hand it to you, sir. You sure know how to drive a bargain.
Jed Elmore
Well, here comes West Dad. He went to hunt some strays today up along the creek. Hey, boy.
Narrator
Hey, boy.
Jim Pittman
I found out something you ought to know. What is it?
Jed Elmore
Elmore and his men have built a big dam across the creek quite a.
Jim Pittman
Ways up from here.
Narrator
What?
Jed Elmore
Fire short and all the water's backing up behind us so's he can fill his irrigation ditches.
Jim Pittman
Jed Elmore did that.
Jed Elmore
He should have talked to us first, eh? Well, it's too late now. That dam's built to stay for a long time.
Narrator
Looks like to me.
Jed Elmore
Of course, it won't really affect us dead. Our cat will get plenty of water from the river. But Elmore should have asked it anyway.
Jim Pittman
We can't be soft about a thing like that. I say we ought to do something about it.
Jed Elmore
Yeah, maybe so. Mom would want us to be reasonable about it. She likes the Elmores a lot. They have to irrigate their land or.
Jim Pittman
Give up as far as it's neither here nor there. And what's more, Ma isn't here to raise any objections to what we do about that.
Jed Elmore
Dad, she'll be back from St. Louis in a week. I say wait till she gets home and we can talk it over with his aunt.
Jim Pittman
What you and Ma don't know won't hurt his honor.
Jed Elmore
Dad, what are you going to do about the day?
Jim Pittman
I'll give Elmore a chance to do something first. But if he don't, we will.
Narrator
A week had passed when the Lone Ranger and his Indian companion Tottle made temporary camp in the hills a short distance from the town of Terrett. Totto went for supplies and returned about noon.
Ella Elmore
Any news in town, Taro?
John Pittman
There are plenty of people around town today. Kimo. Tabby?
Ella Elmore
Yes, it's Saturday.
John Pittman
Me here. Men talk in cafe. They're trouble, maybe.
Ella Elmore
Trouble? Why?
John Pittman
Well, it seemed like Farmer named Elmore built big dam up on creek about a week ago.
Ella Elmore
I've heard of Jed Elmore. His land needs water badly.
John Pittman
Ah, but owner of Lazy Y Ranch. Plenty man bought dam.
Ella Elmore
John Pittman owns a Lazy Y His cattle get all the water they need from the river.
John Pittman
Maybe so. But me here Pittman plans a dynamite dam.
Ella Elmore
You say it's a big dam, Totto?
John Pittman
Ah, you hear them say they're regular lake of water behind dams. It's built across wide gorge.
Ella Elmore
Dynamiting it will send tons of water rushing downstream. No telling what damage might be done.
John Pittman
That's right.
Ella Elmore
EL Moore won't stand for Pitman doing that.
John Pittman
Well, me here in Fay Elmore have only few men on farm. Pittman have over 50 at Lazy Y Ranch.
Ella Elmore
Yes, that's true. If I could get two Pittman, perhaps I could make him see reason.
John Pittman
Well, him in town with sons. Them already have dynamite on wagon and start for dam with plenty Lazy Y cowhands.
Ella Elmore
The dam is on the opposite side of town from here. They have a good start by now. They'll have to do some hard riding to get there before they blow it up here.
John Pittman
Silver just be risky, Kimasabi Hitman not no lone Ranger. Maybe you not get chance to explain.
Ella Elmore
We'll take the risk. Let's get moving. T. Later.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger. And moving along the creek trail at a fast pace came within sight of the dam. Off to one side, they could see a small group of men with their hands raised, surrounded by others with drawn guns.
Ella Elmore
Otto Pitman's men are holding Elmore and his men at bay with drawn guns. There's Pittman with his son. Some others near the dam. They're getting ready to set off the blast.
Jim Pittman
That's not good.
Jed Elmore
Pittman. Wait. Wait. Hold this.
Ella Elmore
To the left tunnel. Take cover.
Narrator
Come on, boy.
Jim Pittman
Come on.
Ella Elmore
Too many for us. I could think of a way to reach them before they set that blast.
John Pittman
Then blow up dam Kimatabi. Make a water let loose.
Ella Elmore
Yes. We're too late now. If they've blasted that dam, they'll turn their attention to us. We get away from here now, we'll find out just what damage has been done. As soon as we lose Pitman and his men.
Jed Elmore
Foreign.
Narrator
Ranger adventure in just a moment.
Jed Elmore
Hear that?
Narrator
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Ella Elmore
They're coming, Kado. We're not looking for trouble. You'll have to make a run for it. Let's go, Montil.
Narrator
Come on, big fella.
Jed Elmore
Faster to me.
Narrator
The gallant white stallion Silver and the fleet footed Paint horse Scout soon out distanced their pursuers. Though many bullets had been thrown their way. The Lone Ranger and Tottle fortunately had been just beyond ranged and got away unharmed. After about an hour's fast riding, they drew rein on the shore of the Llano river to the south.
Ella Elmore
The rest of horses a while. Tunnel still enough.
John Pittman
He's got easy look. He mustabi.
Ella Elmore
What?
John Pittman
It seemed like water come up high on bank of river lately. Then go down again.
Ella Elmore
Must have been caused by the blasting of the dam. The creek flows into the river at this point. We know tons of water were let loose by that blast.
John Pittman
That's right. When dam blow up, me see big wall of water go down creek. Me think maybe he must have he look.
Ella Elmore
What's the matter?
John Pittman
Look at railroad bridge. It's tagged down at one end.
Ella Elmore
The railroad bridge. Huno, you're right. The end supports of the bridge have been weakened by the flood waters. Go look it over. Easy Fell bridge has been damaged. All right. Listen.
John Pittman
We hear train whistles. We think it back on this side river.
Ella Elmore
The train from the east. It gets too close. It may not be able to stop. It'll be wrecked at the bridge and going to the river.
John Pittman
That right.
Narrator
And what we do, we try to flag it down.
Ella Elmore
Toto.
Narrator
Racing against time, the Lone Ranger and Toto urged Silver and Scout along the railroad track.
Ella Elmore
Hurry, boy. Usher. Silver.
Narrator
Then as they rounded a bend in the track, they saw the steaming iron horse roaring toward them.
Ella Elmore
Stay here in the middle of the tracks, Toto. They'll be sure to stop then.
Narrator
Meantime, inside the cab of the railroad engine, the engineer called out to the fireman.
Jed Elmore
Hey, Bill, look up ahead there. What do you make of it. That cow hooted on a white horse.
Ella Elmore
Has an Indian with him.
Jed Elmore
Look at him. In another minute we'll run smack into him. And I'll do it too. If they haven't sent enough to get out of the way.
Ella Elmore
Hello. They're not going to stop. They have to get off the track. Come on, Pillar. Easy, easy.
John Pittman
Ready and what we do.
Ella Elmore
They'll slow down for the bridge. I'll ride alongside and get aboard the fuel car behind the engine.
Jed Elmore
Come on, Pillar House.
Narrator
Meantime, John Pitman and his men had given up the search for the Lone Ranger and Tonto and had started for the Lazy Y ranch house. As they approached the place where the trail crossed the railroad tracks, Pitman's son Jim suddenly cried out when he heard the whistle of the train as it headed south toward the river.
Jed Elmore
Dad, there's the train from the east.
Ella Elmore
Stupid catfish.
Jim Pittman
Old moral skinny life. For not riding across the river to town to meet her at the station. She sure will.
Jed Elmore
If it hadn't been for that masked outlaw leaving us so far from the ranch, we'd have him.
Jim Pittman
Look, there's a train coming into sight.
Jed Elmore
And the masked man. Who?
Jim Pittman
It is the mascot who looks like.
Jed Elmore
He'S trying to board the engine. By thunder, that's what he's trying to do.
Jim Pittman
Come on, man. We'll get there just in time to prevent a hold up. My wife's on that tree.
Jed Elmore
Yeah, and we'll grab that masked armbre.
Jim Pittman
Get up.
Narrator
As the train came alongside, the Lone Ranger put Silver into a gallop. Waiting for just a moment, the Lone Ranger judged the distance. Then with a mighty lunge, he grasped the iron handrail and pulled himself from the saddles with a ladder like iron steps. Made it quickly but carefully. The masked man made his way over the piled up fuel to the engine cab. Just as he reached the cab, the fireman saw him.
Ella Elmore
Hey.
Jed Elmore
What? Stop the train. This will stop you.
Narrator
No, it won't.
Jed Elmore
Holy smokes.
Ella Elmore
No. I'm here to warn you. The bridge has been damaged.
Narrator
Stop the train.
Jed Elmore
Hurry. Don't believe me, man? It's a trick.
Jim Pittman
Stop the train.
Jed Elmore
Guess I got to do as you say. Don't think he can stop us all before we reach the bridge. Too close.
Ella Elmore
Get out of the way. I'll stop it.
Jed Elmore
Oh, the bridge is out, mister. We'll all be killed. It can't stop in time. Now I'm jumping.
Ella Elmore
Oh, my.
Jed Elmore
Come on, jump, mister, jump.
Ella Elmore
I'll stop this train before it gets to the bridge. I must do it.
Narrator
Inside the cab of the engine The Lone Ranger, deserted by the fireman and the engineer, worked frantically to bring the fast moving train to a stop before it reached the river and went on to the weakened bridge.
Ella Elmore
Only another 100 yards or so to go.
Narrator
Preparation broke out on his forehead and streamed on his face as he gradually but firmly pulled the brake lever. While his eyes were fixed on the river, which seemed to rush toward him.
Ella Elmore
I must make it stop.
Narrator
The train responded slowly to his efforts until just a few yards from the gaping space where the bridge used to be, it came to a complete stop.
Ella Elmore
Yeah, that was close.
Jed Elmore
Reach within reach. We'll string him up for this. Let's take him over to the. Hey, Jay, look.
Jim Pittman
Say, turn to the bridges second.
Ella Elmore
That's the reason I stopped the train. The fireman and engineer jumped.
Jed Elmore
Here comes the engineer now.
Sarah Pittman
I didn't think it could be done.
Ella Elmore
Neither did I for a few minutes.
Jed Elmore
Mask or no mask, you saved the train, mister. I didn't believe you when you said the bridge was damaged.
Jim Pittman
And if it hadn't been for the mask man, the train would have gone into the river.
Jed Elmore
That's right, Josh. And Mom's on this train, too. There she comes with a train, mate.
Jim Pittman
Hey, Gully. It's your mother, all right. Hey there, Sheriff.
Sarah Pittman
Oh, John. And my boy.
Jed Elmore
Hi, Mom.
Sarah Pittman
Oh, it's so good to see you again. What you all doing here?
Jim Pittman
We were heading for the ranch when we saw the train stopping. The bridge has been badly damaged.
Jed Elmore
The bridge? Damn it.
Narrator
How did it happen?
Sarah Pittman
Just how did it happen, John? I don't understand how that bridge could be taken like that.
Ella Elmore
I'm sure your husband will be able to tell you, Mrs. Pitman.
Sarah Pittman
This MASH man, who is he?
Jed Elmore
Now, don't worry, ma'am. He sure proved he's no outlaw, if that's what you're thinking. He saved the passengers lives by stopping the train. Oh.
Sarah Pittman
Tell me, John, what did make that bridge tag?
Jim Pittman
Well, to tell the truth, I reckon we were cunted to blame for that.
Jed Elmore
You?
Sarah Pittman
To blame? What do you mean?
Jed Elmore
Like I'll tell you, Mom. We blew up a dam that Jed Elmore constructed across the creek up his way. Tons of water were let loose and, well, the bridge supports were torn away.
Sarah Pittman
John Fitzman, did you really do a thing like that?
Jim Pittman
Well, I reckon what Jim told you is too, Sheriff.
Sarah Pittman
But why should you blow up Jed Elmore's dam? They've been good neighbors and I like them. They can't make a living with the land as dry as it is.
Jim Pittman
Maybe that's true.
Sarah Pittman
What's More, John, A dam up on the creek wouldn't affect our land at all.
Jed Elmore
That's right, Mom. But after all, we can't let. Jesus.
Sarah Pittman
You can be quiet, son. John, that mean, foolish act of yours almost caused a big tragedy for the folks on the train. Including me, sir.
Jim Pittman
I know that I shiver when I think of it. And I'm downright sorry to boot. It wasn't for this man.
Jed Elmore
Good thing we didn't catch him in the redskin when we were chasing him, or he wouldn't have saved the train.
Sarah Pittman
Man's sake, what on earth are you chasing him for?
Ella Elmore
We win it the dam, hoping to stop its destruction. But they mistook it for outlaws.
Sarah Pittman
I see. But they didn't try to find out for certain. You know, that's the way it is. When I go away, John and Jim just don't have anyone to hold them down.
Jim Pittman
Well, Sarah, we can discuss this at home. I don't think this is a place.
Sarah Pittman
Maybe not, John. But anyway, you're not going right home and neither am I.
Jim Pittman
We're not? And where are we going?
Sarah Pittman
We're going out to the Elmouth place.
Ella Elmore
What?
Jed Elmore
Where? What?
Sarah Pittman
I'll use one of the ranch hand horses.
Jim Pittman
Own to Jed Elmore's place. I don't serve it.
Sarah Pittman
We're going to tell them that you and the men will rebuild that dam for them.
Ella Elmore
What?
Jed Elmore
Yeah.
Sarah Pittman
And what's more, John, your stubbornness and hasty actions are going to cost you plenty because of that damaged railroad bridge. It'll have to be repaired right away. And you'll have to pay for it.
Jim Pittman
Yes, I reckon you're right as usual, boys. Sherry isn't a very big female, but you can see who's really boss at the lazy Lad. I guess you better head for Elmore's with you while I get to town and fix things up with the railroad.
Ella Elmore
I see my Indian friend on the edge of the crowd with my horse. I'll leave now. Yes.
Jim Pittman
We sure are indebted to you for saving my wife and the other folks on the train. I still don't savvy that mask. But it doesn't matter now.
Ella Elmore
That's right, it doesn't.
Jim Pittman
We don't know how to thank you. If we can do anything for you.
Ella Elmore
Rebuild Elmore's dam, that will be thanks enough. Mr. Pittman, your wife has the right idea. If the west is to prosper, people must pull together. Well, we'll see you again sometime.
Jim Pittman
How do you sleep by? He sure is a fine hombre.
Jed Elmore
But why does he wear that mask?
Narrator
I wonder who he is.
Jed Elmore
Say, I just figured out who that masked hombre is.
Jim Pittman
How in Sunday could you. Well, you see, he's wearing a black.
Jed Elmore
Mask and riding with an Indian.
Jim Pittman
And they help people. We know that, Jeannitwit.
Jed Elmore
Yeah, but I saw the horses they.
Jim Pittman
Were riding close up.
Jed Elmore
A white stallion in the paint. The stallion's name silver. And I found out the Indian's name is Tido C.P.
Jim Pittman
I gotta figure it out now myself. I've heard a lot about that Mach. He's a lone ranger.
Narrator
The Lone Ranger, a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated, is produced by Trendall Campbell Muir Incorporated. The part of the Lone Ranger is played by Brace Beamer, your announcer, Fred Boy. Listen to the Lone Ranger. Brought to you by special recording Mondays through Fridays at this same time.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "The Wash-Out | The Lone Ranger (11-15-50)"
Introduction and Setting
In the episode titled "The Wash-Out" from The Lone Ranger series, hosted by Andrew Rhynes, listeners are transported to the early western United States. The story centers around Jed and Ella Elmore, farmers struggling to cultivate their dry and barren land along the creek that feeds into the Llano River. The lush descriptions of the frontier set the stage for a classic tale of hardship, ingenuity, and justice.
The Struggle for Survival
Jed Elmore (00:45) and his wife Ella (03:59) find themselves in a dire situation as their crops continue to wither despite their relentless efforts. Frustration mounts during a heated discussion with their foreman, Tex (04:07), where Ella laments, “No use in talking, Tex. We gotta do something or give up altogether” (03:59). Determined not to abandon their land, Tex proposes a solution that hinges on irrigation, despite the significant challenges posed by their property's topography.
Ingenious Solution: Building the Dam
John Pittman (04:16), another key figure, introduces an innovative idea: constructing a dam across the creek. He explains, “We could dig irrigation ditches across your land. Just a few feet deep, leading from the creek” (04:41). Despite initial skepticism due to the deep water table, the possibility of leveraging the high banks for irrigation becomes a feasible plan. Ella excitedly acknowledges, “Tex, I think you've got something there. I never thought of doing that” (05:07), marking a pivotal moment of collaboration and hope.
After a week of hard labor, the dam is successfully built. Ella marvels, “Isn't that a sight for sore eyes?” (05:56), as water begins to rise, signaling the potential for their land to flourish. The Elmore family's perseverance pays off, and they celebrate their achievement (06:08).
Rising Tensions: Pittman's Vengeance
However, the peace is short-lived. John Pittman, owner of the Lazy Y Ranch, sees the new dam as a threat to his existing water resources. During a conversation with his son Jim (06:44), Pittman reveals his plan to "dynamite dam" (09:02), aiming to sabotage the Elmores' irrigation efforts. "It’s built across a wide gorge," (09:02) Pittman explains, showcasing his intent to unleash destructive forces against their competitors.
Ella Elmore becomes aware of the impending threat through town gossip and swiftly mobilizes. Determined to protect her family's livelihood, she collaborates with Jed to confront Pittman's men, leading to increased tension between the two families (09:37).
The Lone Ranger to the Rescue
Amidst the escalating conflict, the Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto arrive on the scene (08:04). Their presence is timely as the situation intensifies with Pittman and his men preparing to blow up the dam. The narrative reaches a critical juncture when the Lone Ranger intervenes to prevent a catastrophic outcome.
As the train approaches the weakened bridge, Ella Elmore (16:00) courageously warns the engineer of the impending danger: “Stop the train. This will stop you” (17:02). Her heroic actions, in sync with the Lone Ranger's strategic maneuvers, avert disaster. The train halts just yards before the compromised bridge, saving countless lives and preventing extensive damage (17:58).
Resolution and Redemption
In the aftermath, Jim Pittman realizes the grave mistake he and his father made. Faced with the near-tragedy, Jim confesses, “We were cunted to blame for that” (19:14), acknowledging their wrongdoing. Sarah Pittman, John's wife, intervenes with wisdom and compassion, urging them to make amends by rebuilding the dam (20:49). Ella Elmore extends gratitude to the Lone Ranger, emphasizing the importance of community and cooperation: “If the west is to prosper, people must pull together” (21:43).
Conclusion: The Lone Ranger's Legacy
The episode concludes with Jed Elmore and Jim Pittman reflecting on the Lone Ranger's true identity and his unwavering commitment to justice. Jed muses, “I just figured out who that masked hombre is” (22:08), hinting at the Ranger's legendary status as a protector of the innocent.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Final Thoughts
"The Wash-Out" masterfully intertwines themes of perseverance, ingenuity, and justice, embodied by the iconic Lone Ranger. Through detailed character interactions and high-stakes drama, the episode highlights the enduring spirit of the Wild West and the timeless battle between good and evil. Andrew Rhynes brings this classic tale to life with enhanced audio quality, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in the rich sounds and vivid storytelling of the golden age of radio.