Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: Turnabout | The Lone Ranger (02-02-53)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: January 30, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a digitally restored classic broadcast of The Lone Ranger: "Turnabout," originally aired on February 2, 1953. The adventure follows the masked hero and his companion Tonto as they aid a pair of lost settlers and foil the escape plans of the notorious outlaw Luke Murdoch. The story encapsulates the iconic themes of justice, resourcefulness, and frontier drama that defined the golden age of radio Westerns.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Aiding the Lost Settlers

• [04:15–07:03]
  • Jess and Clara Stoddard, new arrivals in Kansas, are lost while attempting to join a wagon train.
  • They encounter the Lone Ranger and Tonto, initially mistaking them for bandits because of the mask.
  • The Lone Ranger reassures them:

    “Clara, don’t be frightened. Tonto and I are not outlaws. See? We’ve no intention of using our guns.” – The Lone Ranger (05:24)

  • The duo agrees to guide the Stoddards safely to the Chisholm Trail.

2. The Outlaw Luke Murdoch’s Capture

• [07:04–09:19]
  • In Caryville, Deputy Fritz Emden alerts Sheriff Wagner about sighting Luke Murdoch, a dangerous fugitive.
  • The sheriff and deputy quickly arrest Murdoch without incident, surprising the townsfolk by how easily it’s accomplished.

    “Man, was he surprised when we took him so easy.” – Sheriff Wagner (08:44)

3. The Plot to Free Murdoch

• [09:19–11:42]
  • Dave Foster, Murdoch’s partner, and Rosalie, an entertainer, conspire in Tex Carter’s Café.
  • Foster manipulates Rosalie into assisting with Murdoch’s escape, relying on his anonymity in Kansas:

    “The only place I’m wanted is in Texas, so nobody knows who I am around here. That’s why I'll be able to do my part without having to worry.” – Dave Foster (10:08)

  • Their plan involves feigning an emergency (Rosalie's “dying father”) to secure a spot on the guarded stagecoach transporting Murdoch.

4. Stagecoach Turnabout and Escape

• [11:43–15:49]
  • Rosalie’s dramatic fainting distracts the deputies, enabling Dave Foster to seize their guns and free Murdoch.
  • The trio quickly overpower Sheriff Wagner and Deputy Fritz, commandeering the stagecoach.

    “Sit back, Sheriff, or I’ll drill you.” – Dave Foster (12:17)

  • As they attempt to force the lawmen off, the stagecoach driver thwarts the plan by driving off, stranding the outlaws.

5. Desperate Measures: The Stoddards’ Wagon Seized

• [16:37–18:41]
  • Murdoch, Foster, and Rosalie, needing transport and still fleeing, discover the Stoddards’ wagon.
  • They bind and gag the settlers and steal the wagon, plotting to travel east on an old, little-known trail to evade pursuit.
  • Murdoch’s plan for disguise:

    “Rosie, honey, you’ll be my wife. And Dave, you’ll be my brother.” – Luke Murdoch (18:33)

6. The Lone Ranger’s Rescue

• [19:30–22:03]
  • The Lone Ranger and Tonto, recognizing the stolen wagon, set a trap along the trail.
  • Tonto engages the outlaws to distract them, while the Lone Ranger stealthily boards the wagon.
  • An action-packed confrontation ensues:

    “Take that gun, Foster!” – The Lone Ranger (21:25)
    “You knocked him out.” – Rosalie (21:55)

  • The masked hero and Tonto subdue the outlaws and secure Rosalie, then liberate Jess and Clara Stoddard.

7. Justice Restored and Closing Reflections

• [22:13–24:20]
  • Sheriff Wagner and his posse, alerted by Tonto, arrive and take Murdoch, Foster, and Rosalie into custody.
  • The Stoddards are thanked and promised safe passage to their wagon train.
  • Final reflections highlight the Lone Ranger’s lasting impact on frontier justice:

    “There’s no sense being an outlaw out here. Not as long as there’s an hombre like the Lone Ranger.” – Sheriff Wagner (24:50)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Clara, don’t be frightened. Tonto and I are not outlaws. See? We’ve no intention of using our guns.”
  – The Lone Ranger, reassuring the settlers (05:24)
• “Man, was he surprised when we took him so easy.”
  – Sheriff Wagner, after arresting Murdoch (08:44)
• “The only place I’m wanted is in Texas, so nobody knows who I am around here. That’s why I’ll be able to do my part without having to worry.”
  – Dave Foster, explaining their advantage (10:08)
• “Sit back, Sheriff, or I’ll drill you.”
  – Dave Foster, during the stagecoach heist (12:17)
• “Rosie, honey, you’ll be my wife. And Dave, you’ll be my brother.”
  – Luke Murdoch, plotting their escape disguise (18:33)
• “Take that gun, Foster!”
  – The Lone Ranger, seizing control inside the wagon (21:25)
• “There’s no sense being an outlaw out here. Not as long as there’s an hombre like the Lone Ranger.”
  – Sheriff Wagner, in praise of the masked hero (24:50)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [04:15] – The Stoddards meet the Lone Ranger and Tonto
• [07:04] – Murdoch is sighted and arrested in Caryville
• [09:19] – Dave Foster and Rosalie hatch their plot
• [11:43] – Stagecoach is hijacked; Murdoch escapes
• [16:37] – Outlaws seize the Stoddards’ wagon
• [19:30] – Lone Ranger and Tonto set a trap
• [21:25] – Showdown in the wagon; outlaws subdued
• [22:50] – Sheriff and posse arrive, justice prevails
• [24:50] – Sheriff’s reflection on the Lone Ranger

Closing Tone & Style

The episode authentically recreates the nail-biting suspense and triumphant justice emblematic of classic Western radio. From dramatic chases to sharp-witted plans and the steadfastness of the Lone Ranger, the narrative is laced with period-appropriate dialogue, moral certainty, and a flair for the theatrical.

“Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear…”
– Narrator (01:48)

For more restored classic Western radio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com.