Old Time Radio Westerns — “War Horse” | The Lone Ranger (04-18-52)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: October 13, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode features the classic radio drama “War Horse” from The Lone Ranger series, originally broadcast on April 18, 1952. The story centers on themes of resilience, community, and redemption, as a retired army horse and a young boy team up for a pivotal race that could secure a hopeful future for the boy’s struggling family. The episode is digitally restored to capture the evocative soundscape of the old West, immersing listeners in the golden age of radio.

Main Characters

• The Lone Ranger: The masked champion of justice
• Tonto: The Lone Ranger’s loyal Native American companion
• Jeb Grundy: Down-on-his-luck former army bugler and owner of the horse, Solitaire
• Billy Winters: An earnest, hopeful eleven-year-old who buys Solitaire
• Billy’s Mother: A widowed mother dreaming of opening a restaurant
• Solitaire: The war horse, symbolizing courage and loyalty

Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

1. Arrival at the Grundy Ranch (03:14–08:03)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto, weary from travel, stop at a dilapidated ranch and encounter Jeb Grundy, who is suspicious and armed.
• Jeb has just lost nearly all he owns—including his treasured army horse, Solitaire—due to an auction forced by debt.
• Quote: “The minute I saw you wearing that mask, I figured you were the answer to my problem.” – Jeb Grundy (04:52)
• The Lone Ranger assures Jeb he’s not an outlaw and listens to Jeb’s story of hardship and loss after a failed wheat crop.

2. Billy’s Hope and the Big Race (09:06–12:51)

• Billy Winters, a young boy, buys Solitaire inexpensively at the auction, hoping to race him in the upcoming Frontier Day race to win prize money for his mother.
• Quote: “If we win the Frontier Day race, we'll give the prize to Mom. Then she'll have the restaurant she wanted.” – Billy (11:32)
• Billy’s mother, while worried, is proud of her son’s determination and love.

3. The Lone Ranger’s Plan to Help (12:51–14:44)

• The Lone Ranger and Tonto discuss Solitaire’s prospects in the race and resolve to help both boy and horse reach their potential.
• Tonto investigates town gossip, learning most consider Solitaire outclassed.

4. Training for Frontier Day (14:44–19:19)

• Jeb is recruited by Tonto to assist in training, overjoyed to help his old companion.
• The Lone Ranger reveals his identity to Billy, inspiring him with faith and guidance.
• “If Solitaire puts his heart into that race, he'll not finish last.” – Lone Ranger (14:23)
• A rigorous regimen of training begins, focusing on strategy, stamina, and confidence-building.

5. Race Day and the Community (19:19–22:43)

• Town excitement builds for Frontier Day, as people gossip about favorites for the big race.
• Jeb displays humor and humility about his own prospects: "I'd rather throw balls at the stuffed cats. Maybe I'll win a Sophie Pillar." (20:38)
• Billy lines up anxiously, reminded by friends and his mother to be careful and remember his training.

6. The Race: Adversity and Triumph (22:43–25:54)

• Billy faces rough jostling at the start but sticks to the Lone Ranger’s advice to pace Solitaire.

• As Solitaire trails at the halfway mark, the Lone Ranger and Jeb provide morale support. Jeb’s bugle call—familiar from army days—spurs Solitaire to a burst of speed.

• Memorable Moment: The sound of the bugle marks the emotional turning point, empowering horse and boy to overtake competitors.

• In a thrilling finish, Billy and Solitaire win the race, securing the prize for his mother’s restaurant.

  • Quote: “You did it, Mom. You'll have your restaurant!” – Billy (25:43)
  • Quote: “The greatest race I ever saw. And the greatest horse. Old Solitaire.” – Jeb Grundy (25:49)

7. Resolution and a New Beginning (26:09–27:38)

• That evening, Billy’s mother offers Jeb part of the prize money, which he declines.
• Jeb proposes working for her at the new restaurant, suggesting the name “Bugle Call Cafe."
• Quote: “I'd even loan you my bugle to hang outside so you could name it the Bugle Call Cafe.” – Jeb Grundy (27:01)
• The Lone Ranger’s final wisdom soothes Billy’s hope for the future: “When fine people like you and your mother and Jeb Grundy work together, Billy, everything is sure to be all right.” (27:31)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Jeb’s Cynicism, Turned to Hope:
  “They left my rifle, my army bugle, and some clothes. Well, your engine pal has a rifle. Go inside and take the rest. Make it a clean sweep.” (06:25)

• Billy’s Pure Motivation:
  “If we win the Frontier Day race, we'll give the prize to Mom. Then she'll have the restaurant she wanted.” (11:32)

• The Lone Ranger’s Encouragement:
  “If Solitaire puts his heart into that race, he'll not finish last.” (14:23)

• Triumph Powered by Friendship:
  The bugle call (24:34) acts as a rallying cry, symbolizing loyalty, memory, and love, pushing Solitaire and Billy to victory.

TIMESTAMPS for Key Segments

• 03:14 – Masked man’s arrival; introduction to Jeb’s hardship
• 09:06 – Billy buys Solitaire; family aspirations revealed
• 12:51 – Lone Ranger and Tonto decide to help
• 14:44 – Training montage, Jeb rejoins his old horse
• 20:34 – Town prepares for race; lighthearted banter
• 22:43 – Frontier Day race begins
• 24:34 – Bugle call triggers comeback; race climax
• 25:43 – Race results; reunion and celebration
• 26:24 – Jeb’s new role; “Bugle Call Cafe”
• 27:31 – Lon Ranger’s final reflection on hope and community

Tone and Experience

The episode captures a spirit of sincerity, hope, and camaraderie reflective of classic Western storytelling. The dialogue is earnest; the characters’ struggles and dreams ring true. The excitement of the race and the catharsis of triumph are heightened by immersive sound design—restored for today’s listeners—making this not just a nostalgic listen, but an emotionally affecting journey through the frontier values of perseverance and friendship.

Episode Impact

Whether you’re a fan of classic Westerns or new to Old Time Radio, this restored episode—complete with memorable characters, a stirring underdog triumph, and a heartwarming resolution—reminds us that strength, kindness, and community spirit endure long after the dust of the plains has settled.