Old Time Radio Westerns – Trail’s End | The Lone Ranger (02-09-42)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Airdate: February 9, 1942 (Digitally restored by OTRWesterns)
Podcast Release Date: January 22, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode brings listeners into the climactic pursuit and takedown of the "Black Arrow" gang, a shadowy organization threatening post-Civil War order in the American West. The episode, "Trail's End," showcases the Lone Ranger's ingenuity and leadership as he rallies some of the West's legendary figures to dismantle the gang once and for all. Carefully plotted deceptions and classic detective work lead to an explosive confrontation, blending suspense, classic Western archetypes, and radio drama at its best.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Setting the Stage: The Black Arrow Threat (01:53–03:50)

• The narration sets up the post-Civil War unrest, highlighting the rise of the Black Arrow, a secret rebel organization.
• The Lone Ranger is introduced as the leading force against this criminal syndicate, whose leadership is known for their cunning and brutality.
• Memorable Quote:
  “It was the Masked Rider of the Plains who led the fight against this band of outlaws and traitors. For once, his great strength and courage, his daring and resourcefulness were taxed to the utmost in the cause of democracy.” (01:53)

2. Sidney Drake’s Escape and the Ranger’s Response (03:51–07:20)

• Marshal and Sheriff discuss Sidney Drake's escape from jail, which jeopardizes their investigation.
  • Marshal is furious, blaming the Sheriff's lack of vigilance.
  • The Lone Ranger, however, remains calm and strategic, focusing on solutions.
• The Lone Ranger identifies a potential search area using a wall map and proposes gathering an elite posse of famed frontiersmen.
• Notable Western Names Assembled: Bill Cody, Bill Hickok, Dan Jurgen, Arizona Pete, Jim Sherman, and Native allies.
• Notable Quote:
  “We need men who can make a broken twig tell...men with eyes so keen that they can follow a trail no matter how difficult. They must be men without fear." (05:10)

3. Rallying the Posse (07:21–09:15)

• Montage-style narrative as the Lone Ranger and Tonto split up to recruit allies across the West.
• Ranchers, Native Americans, scouts, woodsmen, and iconic Western figures quickly assemble, ready for action.

4. Inside the Black Arrow's Hideout (09:16–13:50)

• Sidney Drake arrives in a hidden valley cave, headquarters of the Black Arrow.
• Drake and Grimes, current leaders, plot to wipe out the Lone Ranger and his hand-picked posse via a trap.
• They plan to lure the posse into a false sense of victory, leading them into a deadly ambush inside the cave.
• Notable Villainous Hubris:
  "They won't find this hideout in five years of hunting..." (11:50)
  "Let's assume they will find this hideout. Let's plan on their finding it and in one stroke wipe out all our dangerous enemies." (12:45)

5. The Mysterious Note and Drake’s Disguise (13:51–17:30)

• The Lone Ranger receives a cryptic note, warning that Drake is adept in theatrical disguise.
• This information shapes the Ranger and Tonto’s approach—cautious and wary of deception.
• Quote:
  “Drake may be skilled in the use of disguise... No makeup on his face wouldn’t hide his footprints.” (15:33)

6. Discovery and the Trap Unfolds (17:31–21:30)

• The Ranger's careful tracking leads them through dense forest and eventually to Drake, feigning injury, claiming betrayal by his own men.
• Upon signaling the other posse members, the group advances toward the cave, with Drake suggesting there are only a handful of defenders inside.

7. Double-Cross and the Realization (21:31–25:30)

• The Lone Ranger, Cody, Hickok, and Tonto check for a trap and capture the hidden ambushers.
• However, the simplicity of the situation raises the Ranger’s suspicions—bolstered by memory of the makeup note.
• A critical moment: the Ranger orders Drake’s face thoroughly washed, uncovering that his injuries were purely makeup.
• Drake’s plan had been to lure the heroes into a bigger trap.
• Key Realization Moment:
  “He wasn’t injured as badly as he tried to make us think... he wanted us to trust him by telling of the ambush. But he told the truth and why? So we would go to that cave, not looking for more men.” (25:05)

8. Turning the Tables: Smoking Out the Black Arrow (25:31–27:45)

• Instead of entering the cave, the posse uses smudge fires to force the Black Arrow’s men out.
• The plan succeeds; overwhelmed by smoke and surprise, the gang surrenders.
• Grimes, another leader, tries to save himself by revealing the remaining top conspirators and hidden evidence in the cave.
• Revelatory Confession:
  “Drake is one of the six men that directed the hold of the Black Arrow. There’s five more of them. If Drake is going to get off easy, I am too... Kimberly, the railroad man, is one. Webster, the fur trader, is another. There’s Steel the cattleman, Baxter, the gold syndicate, and Page, the army contractor. Get them, you’ll find proof against each inside that cave.” (27:00)

9. Resolution: Justice Restored (27:46–28:40)

• The Lone Ranger heads to bring the sheriff and arrange the removal of all evidence and prisoners.
• The fall of the Black Arrow marks not just a tactical win but the restoration of hope and safety to the West.
• Triumphant Send-Off:
  “This is the end of the Black Arrow, honey boy. Welcome. Back.” (28:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Lone Ranger's Code & Leadership:
  “I don’t think any great harm has been done... I have a general idea where the headquarters is.” (05:00)
• On Trail Tracking:
  “We need men who can make a broken twig tell... men with eyes so keen that they can follow a trail no matter how difficult.” (05:10)
• On Deception and Suspicion:
  “I can’t get rid of the feeling that it’s important. Something seems to keep telling me…” (24:30)
  “Drake’s not hurt at all. He wanted us to find him. He wanted us to follow his back trail and find that cave.” (25:05)
• Western Justice in Action:
  “Fire your guns and come forward with your hands up.” (27:35)
• Villains Outed:
  “If Drake is going to get off easy, I am too. I’ll name the others…” (27:00)

Key Timestamps for Segments

• 01:53 – Iconic opening narration & premise
• 03:51 – Drake’s escape and the marshal’s fury
• 05:10 – The Lone Ranger maps out the search
• 07:00 – Ride to rally the famous posse
• 09:16 – Drake’s plan revealed among Black Arrow
• 13:51 – Lone Ranger analyzes the mysterious note
• 17:31 – Drake found, feigns betrayal
• 21:31 – Ambush of Black Arrow sentries
• 25:05 – Revealing Drake’s disguise and true intentions
• 27:00 – Confession of Black Arrow’s leadership and plan
• 27:46 – Final roundup and Lone Ranger’s departure

Conclusion

“Trail’s End” is a masterful display of classic Western storytelling, where the Lone Ranger’s vigilance, reliance on trusted allies, and skepticism of easy answers lead to the undoing of a criminal organization. The use of disguises, coded warnings, and tactical reversals highlights the drama’s sophistication, while the colorful cast of historical and legendary figures creates a tapestry of frontier myth. Fans of the Lone Ranger—and the old time radio western genre—will find this episode a quintessential adventure of good triumphing over evil through teamwork, courage, and wit.

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