Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – “Wyoming Outlaw | The Lone Ranger (12-17-52)”
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: January 8, 2026

Episode Overview

In this digitally restored episode of The Lone Ranger from December 17, 1952, listeners are transported into a gripping tale of justice on the frontier, titled “Wyoming Outlaw.” The story centers on the daring capture and subsequent courtroom drama surrounding Red Fenster, a notorious outlaw pursued by The Lone Ranger and his loyal companion Tonto. With evocative sound design and immersive storytelling, this episode captures the tension, action, and sense of justice that made old-time radio Westerns a household favorite.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Classic Lone Ranger Introduction

[01:45–04:00]

• The show opens with the iconic narration:
  “A fiery horse with the speed of light... The Lone Ranger rides again!”

2. The Pursuit and Capture of Red Fenster

[04:00–07:00]

• Red Fenster, on the run for robbery and murder, attempts to outpace the legendary masked man.
• A dramatic chase ensues, bullets fly, and The Lone Ranger deftly avoids harm:
  • “You think that would be a mistake? A fatal one! You’d die for it.” — Red Fenster [06:10]
• The Lone Ranger subdues Fenster after a tense physical struggle, retrieves any hidden weapons, and prepares to transport him to Laramie for trial.
• Tonto is instructed to signal the sheriff of their arrival.

3. Law and Order in Laramie

[07:15–10:00]

• Sheriff Clausen expresses disbelief and admiration as Red Fenster is delivered into custody:
  • “I couldn’t believe it! …I’m proud to meet you, mister.” — Sheriff Clausen [08:35]
• The townsfolk are depicted as eager for justice to be served.

4. The Outlaw’s Partners Plot Revenge

[11:30–15:30]

• Fenster’s criminal partners, Blaze Dorgan and Lefty Bilbo, reunite in a cave near Laramie and discuss the charges and their next move.
• They worry Fenster will betray them if facing the gallows and contemplate an escape or intervention plan.
• Counterfeit money from the Deadwood robbery is a key point of evidence against Fenster.

5. Courtroom Drama and Scheming

[17:40–20:45]

• As the trial begins, Fenster’s unscrupulous lawyer discusses the difficulty of bribing the jury and hints at desperate measures.
• Fenster is determined to escape and pressures his lawyer, threatening, “You try any monkey shite with me, and you’ll be a dead duck.” — Red Fenster [19:35]
• Concern grows about Tonto and The Lone Ranger’s presence, with the outlaws plotting to capture the masked man as leverage.

6. Kidnapping Tonto & The Lone Ranger's Disguise

[22:00–26:00]

• Blaze and Lefty follow Tonto from the courthouse, ambush him at camp, and bind him.
• They soon capture The Lone Ranger, who is in disguise as an Eastern newspaper man, and tie him alongside Tonto.
• The plan emerges to force The Lone Ranger to write a note threatening the jury in hopes of saving Fenster.

7. A Daring Escape and Twist of Identity

[26:00–28:50]

• Realization dawns on the pair: “You suppose the Lone Ranger is here in camp right now…dressed like an Easterner?” — Blaze Dorgan [27:30]
• Before they can act, The Lone Ranger and Tonto break free, subdue the outlaws, and reclaim control.
  • “You see the man you were waiting for, Blaze. I’ll wear my mask and my own guns when I take you and your pal.” — The Lone Ranger [28:00]

8. Justice Served

[28:50–30:28]

• On the morning of sentencing, Fenster learns of his partners’ capture and confessions. His fate is sealed:
  • “Those bungling fools. How did they get caught? They were brought in by the same man who got you. The Lone Ranger.” — Fenster’s lawyer [29:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Red Fenster’s desperate bargaining:
  “Wouldn’t it be better to go on riding for maybe a long time than to end your usefulness by jailing me? …You’d die for it!”
  ([06:10])

• Sheriff Clausen on capturing Fenster:
  “I couldn’t believe it... I’m proud to meet you, mister.”
  (08:35)

• Blaze and Lefty on the Lone Ranger’s fate:
  “He wants the Lone Ranger to be in danger of being murdered. He wants to capture the masked man. Then what? He’s a hostage wrecked Fenster’s life.”
  (21:40)

• Fenster’s frustration upon learning his partners’ fate:
  “Those bungling fools. How did they get caught? They were brought in by the same man who got you. The Lone Ranger.”
  (29:50)

Key Timestamps

• [01:45] – Start of original Lone Ranger serial
• [04:00] – Action sequence: Lone Ranger captures Fenster
• [07:15] – Arriving in Laramie, handing Fenster to the sheriff
• [11:30] – Outlaws plot in their hideout
• [17:40] – Courtroom drama, lawyer’s schemes
• [22:00] – Tonto kidnapped at camp
• [26:00] – Lone Ranger’s disguise and capture
• [27:30] – Outlaws suspect the disguised Easterner is the Lone Ranger
• [28:00] – Lone Ranger and Tonto fight back
• [29:50] – Fenster learns his partners confessed

Tone & Style

The episode is a classic Western adventure, marked by suspenseful action, stoic heroism, and dialogue rich in period slang and bravado. Through its immersive sound design, restored audio clarity, and dramatic performances, “Wyoming Outlaw” reaffirms why The Lone Ranger remains an icon of American radio drama.

For listeners seeking a cinematic audio journey into frontier justice, this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns delivers white-knuckle tension, clever twists, and a stirring sense of right triumphing over wrong.