Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Young Easterner" | The Lone Ranger (01-02-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: August 29, 2025
Classic Radio Drama Restored and Presented

Episode Overview

In this carefully restored episode, Andrew Rhynes shares a classic tale from "The Lone Ranger": The Young Easterner (original air date: January 2, 1952). The story transports listeners to the Wild West, where honor, justice, and deception collide. When a young man from the East travels west to claim an inherited gold mine, he falls victim to a cunning con. Only the legendary Lone Ranger and his faithful companion Tonto can untangle the web.

With crisp, digitally enhanced audio, the episode immerses you in the vivid sounds and storytelling of a bygone era while spotlighting timeless Western themes of bravery, trust, and the quest for justice.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. A Chance Meeting and a Sinister Scheme

[05:38 – 08:59]

• On a train heading west, lawyer Jim Miller spots Buck Moore, a gambler with a shady past.
• Miller proposes a plan: Buck will impersonate 'Bert Sawyer,' a young Easterner set to inherit a gold mine.
• Memorable exchange:
  • Lawyer Miller: “All you’d have to do would be to pose as somebody else. A young Easterner… Sounds plenty easy.” (06:38)

2. Trouble on the Trail – An Ambush

[07:49 – 08:59]

• The real Bert Sawyer (the young Easterner) is ambushed and left for dead on the trail, losing all his credentials.
• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, camping nearby, hear shots and rescue him.
• Quote:
  • Lone Ranger: “He’s alive but unconscious... a bullet wound in his back. We’ll apply bandages and take him to camp.” (08:33)

3. Piecing Together the Plot

[09:15 – 14:22]

• At camp, the wounded Bert recounts his story. He trusted Miller, revealing his inheritance. Miller arranged for Bert’s ambush to steal his identity.
• Tonto reports that Miller is now in town, introducing Buck Moore as “Bert Sawyer” with stolen credentials.
• Lone Ranger resolves to lay a trap and expose the impostors.
• Quote:
  • Lone Ranger: “We’ll let Miller have some leeway for a day or so. Then we’ll put my plan into effect.” (13:55)

4. The Impersonation and the Judge

[14:22 – 17:12] & [19:08 – 21:05]

• Miller and Buck visit Judge Barry, providing “proof” that Buck is Bert Sawyer.
• The judge, urged by the Lone Ranger, asks for a unique family locket to further verify identity—a trap since no such locket exists.
• Quote:
  • Judge Barry: “I was given to understand you always carried a gold locket… If you could show me that, we’d—” (19:35)
  • Miller (aside to Buck): “That’s why we have to go out there and search him again.” (21:23)

5. The Trap is Sprung

[23:13 – 27:43]

• While searching the ambush site for the imaginary locket, Miller and Buck are confronted by the Lone Ranger, Tonto, the sheriff, and posse.
• Miller attempts to escape, leading to a dramatic horseback chase. He falls into quicksand but is saved—only to be arrested.
• Quote:
  • Sheriff: “Should have let him go under, mister. He wasn’t worth saving.” (27:54)
  • Lone Ranger: “The law will deal with him for what he’s done.” (27:59)

6. Justice and a New Start

[28:59 – 31:44]

• With his life and inheritance safe, Bert Sawyer recovers and is advised by Judge Barry to stay in Hilton.
• The Lone Ranger’s heroism is celebrated; justice prevails.
• Quote:
  • Judge Barry: “He’s done more for the west than any other one man I know.” (30:51)
  • Sheriff: “When he's on your side, you really have a friend you can always depend on. The Lone Ranger is the finest hombre I know, bar none.” (31:33)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• “We heard shots and went to investigate. We found you lying on the trail and brought you here…”
  — Lone Ranger, (08:20)

• “If Sawyer were dead, you’d both hang for his murder… You said if he were dead. He’s alive and getting well.”
  — Lone Ranger to Miller, (28:17)

• “No, I’m going to settle down in Hilton. I like it out here.”
  — Bert Sawyer, (29:35)

• “Funny. But even though I stayed at his camp, I still don’t know who he is. Nobody rightly knows, Burt. But one thing I do know, when he’s on your side, you really have a friend you can always depend on.”
  — Sheriff, closing reflection on the Lone Ranger, (31:23)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [05:38] — Miller meets Buck Moore, hatches impostor scheme
• [08:01 – 08:59] — Lone Ranger & Tonto discover wounded Bert
• [10:14 – 13:55] — Tonto investigates in town, impersonation discovered
• [14:29 – 17:12] — Miller and Buck fool the judge; Lone Ranger warns Judge Barry
• [19:16 – 21:05] — Judge’s locket test; Miller and Buck plan to recover evidence
• [23:13 – 27:43] — Confrontation at ambush site, chase, and arrest
• [28:59 – 31:44] — Resolution: Bert recovers; Lone Ranger’s legend affirmed

Episode Themes and Tone

The episode revels in classic Western storytelling: themes of greed, justice, identity, and redemption run throughout. The Lone Ranger embodies integrity and resourcefulness, prevailing over those who exploit trust and innocence. Echoing the friendly, moral tone of the golden-age radio drama, the lines are straightforward, and the atmosphere is rich with the sounds and energy of the frontier.

Listeners are reminded of the Lone Ranger’s enduring mystique and selfless heroism—qualities that set him apart as the quintessential champion of the West.

Summary

The Young Easterner offers a thrilling, tightly woven tale of trust betrayed and honor redeemed. With the Lone Ranger’s sharp mind and swift action, wrongs are set right, and a young man finds both justice and a new home. The episode radiates the warmth, suspense, and timeless values that have made the Lone Ranger an American legend.