
Original Air Date: October 16, 1939Host: Andrew RhynesShow: The Lone RangerPhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• Earle Graser (Lone Ranger)• John Todd (Tonto) Writer:• Fran Striker Producer:• George W. Trendle Music:• Ben Bonnell Exit music from: Roun...
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Foreign.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
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Hi O Silver. How are you? A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty hi yo Silver the Lone Ranger.
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With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked Rider of the Plains fought crime and criminals throughout the western United States. Whenever men gathered around frontier campfires, stories were told of his adventures. And these stories have come down to us through the generations. Courageous, resourceful and daring, he was the greatest champion of justice the west ever knew. Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the pass come the thundering hoop beats of the great horse. Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again. Come on, Silver. We're heading for Plainsville. There's going to be trouble. For several years after he had been founded, Plainsville lived a peaceful existence. Those who traded there were farmers, not cattlemen. Men and women of quiet industry. But time passed. And with it, times changed. Until one day, these people awakened to the fact that the railroad, slowly crawling westward, had extended its twin rails of steel to within a few miles of their community. And the railroad brought not only progress, but violence. $100. I won't sell for that. The railroad's got to go through. It's got to have the right of way. $100. This ain't enough. My place is. Take it, mister. We'll run you clean out of the country. 50 for the whole shebang. No. You figure you're bigger than a railroad, ma'am? It's robbery, but it's all you get. Take it or wish you had. I won't sell for no such price and you can't make me. Get off my place. Get off before you get this buckshot on the seat of your britches. Farmers. So far we've gone easy with you. But the railroad's gonna go through spite of every sod buster in the county. And don't forget it. The railroad, powerful rich, employing thousands of men, desired to seize the land it needed for its right of way at prices scarcely representing a fraction of the land's true value. The homesteaders were unorganized, unused to violence, lacking a leader, until. Fellas. Hey, fellas. I got news. Listen to this. You recollect old Matt Crawley there was the toughest two fisted hombre ever was in these parts. I seen him wrestle with a bear the day he was 70 year old. He's with a cousin of them railroaders to one. And he had a head on him too. If he was alive, we wouldn't be in this fake. Fellas. Old Matt's gone. But Young Matt H. Young Matt? Who's he? Young Matt's grandson. He's come to town by stage tomorrow. And if he's half the man his grandpap was, we got us a fella to tie to. Old Matt was a curly wolf. Friends. I'm betting the young. More gravy, Pa? No gravy, Judy. Hear the news? When you went town today? The. The railroad they tried to make you sell again? Nope. Young Matt Crawley, Old Matt's grandson. They say he's coming to town tomorrow. Ever tell you Old Matt lived neighbors to this place once? Yes siree. Him and me was right good friends too. And you never seen his beat. Lived to be almost 90 and would have fought at the drop of a hat right up to the day he dies. You knew Young Matt? His grandson too, Pop. Never laid eyes on him. He Was born raised back east. But I can tell you this. If he's a Crowley, he's a fighter daughter. With him to call the tomb, we'll lick that railroad. All hollow boys are ready, Mr. Boyle. If we're going to get to town by the time that stage pulls in, we better be hustling. We'll make it. Hugger. Just a word before we start. Our boys. Yeah. From what I've heard, these farmers are saying this crawly gin is something special. Agents around here kind of look for him to cause us trouble. Say the word boss, and we'll give him a going over that'll make him wish he stayed to home. He won't. That's just what I'm getting at. Ain't I want of you to make a break till I've had a chance to look him over. Savvy that? I aim to size a critter up and see what he amounts to. All right. You give the orders, we'll follow him. That's all then. Let's go. Get up there. Get up there. Get up. The expected arrival of young Matt Crowley had brought far more than the usual quota of visitors to town. Many homesteaders gathered around the stagecoach office. But swaggering railroaders from the construction camp made their appearance in almost equal numbers. Among the strangers in Plainsville that day, suspected by no one, was the Lone Ranger in disguise. He stopped a townsman on the main street and isn't the stage lay. Hey, isn't the stage late? Oh, the stage. Shucks, it'll be along right soon. You come to have a look at young Crowley too, stranger? Yes. You ain't a railroader, are you? I'm not. Didn't think he was. You ain't got the look of one of them skunks consign pirates steal us blind. They'd like to. I've heard that, stranger. You'll have to excuse me. There's a stage now and I'm to be right up front. Jim. Hi, Jim. Wait for me. Let me through. Let me through. That tell you let me do what he looks like. Old man was 6 foot 6. I'll bet you a young matt's a whopper. I think you heard of the trouble and come here on account of it. Maybe so. Watch out. Make way for the horses. Hi there. You got a fella named probably a board driver. Come on, cutie. I'll get you where you can see. Excuse your poke. I never thought there'd be such a crowd. Is that him there sitting next to the door? That half Pint and wearing glasses. Arch. No look for a big fellow with. Here you are, mister. Six feet tall. Mrs. Painsville. Thank you. Well, I'll be. It is him. No. Hey, hey. Whereats young man? He come. This here's him, folks. You're looking right at him. You're local. The Crowley's is all big umbre. Why, he ain't big enough to lift his waiting butterflies. Please, I. I'm Matt Crowley. I. I don't understand. We was looking for a fighter, see? He won't be no use. Lucky old man ain't alive to see what his grandson turned out to be. Come on, let's clear out. We're stung again. Well, I guess that's it. Judy. Come on. I guess we was counting our chickens before they was hatched. Maybe next time. I think you've all acted hateful. Oh, Mr. Crowley. Yes? Don't let what they said bother you. It wasn't fair. They had no right. I don't see. I don't understand this crowd. I just came out to settle up my grandfather's estate. Of course. But you mustn't blame them too much. They were hoping. I still don't see. Maybe I'd better explain. Young fellow. I'm Fred Miller. Beauty here is my daughter. I got a farm east of town. You used to know your grandpa, right? Well, I'm glad to know you. There's been some trouble with the railroad hereabouts. Folks had an idea you being a Crowley, you'd pitch in and help them. Which is? Forget it. Railroad trouble? What's this about the railroad? You, Boyle. You ain't wanted here. Ain't nobody from the railroad welcoming Plainsville. So I've heard. You're Matt Crowley, eh? You're the hombre they said was going to make it tough for us. Well, if you're the best, they can scare up the folks around here in a mighty bad way. I don't know you. Why, I. None of your lip, young fell. Now you see here. Oh, it's trouble you're wanting, huh? Well, take off them glasses and I'll oblige you. Well, I didn't say I wanted trouble. All I said was, why you flannel mouth young pup. I'll lock your ears off. You're just looking for a fight, you. You're trying to bully him. You siding in with him, eh? Don't you dare start a fight. Careful, Judy. Yeah, you better listen to your pa. You young fella. You better wait till you're dry behind the ears before you set yourself up. Again growed men. Maybe you won't always have a female handy to do your fighting for you. That's enough, Map. No, I. I never had a fight in my life. But you can't stand there and talk to me like that. You'll do what this missed, young fella. That's the difference between you and me. You miss and I duck. Oh. Oh, you knocked him down. Boy. Boy, do something. Hit him. Show him. Judy. Julie. There's a dozen of his men there just waiting for a chance to start a ruckus. What can I do? Just make matters worse. Sure, run along. Both of you. Run along before mistake. Boyle, you're leaving. Who are you, stranger? Now don't. I'll handle this. You heard me, Boyle. Get going. Hey. Now, if you aren't going, you ask for it. Boys. Come here and leaping maverick. Stranger, you sure got a draw. Call us, boss. It's your play, Boyle. Make your move. Nothing. Just forget it. That's better. You heard me before. Get going. Right. But I got a memory, mister. This is something I won't be forgetting. You and me'll hook up again. I think we will. Thanks, stranger. Now, if you give me a hand with this young fellow. Take him home with me. He goes with me, Miller. He'll be safe. As I said before, I'm handling this. Believe me, both of you. I'm a stranger, but I'm on your side. Reviving Matt Crowley, the Lone Ranger led the bewildered young man to a grove of trees just outside town where the great stallion Silver had been concealed. Matt was persuaded to mount in spite of his protests, and an hour later they arrived at the small, well hidden camp where Tonto waited. Oh ho, Silver. Oh, fella. Oh, boy. Get down. Why did you bring me here? For several reasons. Who? Who? Him. Matt Crowley. Kimasabe. Matt, this is Toto, my friend. But you hadn't explained. But your grandfather's name is respected out here. He was a fighter and a leader. But wait, I. I heard everything that was said back there in town. I heard you state you'd come west merely to settle your grandfather's estate. But whether you like it or not, you're involved in something a great deal more important. I don't see how. If for no other reason, because you bear the name of Crowley. Well, what's that got to do with it? To the homesteaders in this district, it means or did mean one opportunity to make a successful fight to save their homes from the railroad. Nonsense. You think so? Well, the fact remains they need leadership. There's no One among them qualified for the part. But because your name is Crowley, they'd have followed you. You had measured up. They. They laughed at me. To hide their disappointment. It built a lot of hopes on your arrival, Matt. It was foolish of them. Perhaps men in their position are ready to grasp at anything. But what could I do? I'm not a Westerner. I don't know anything about fighting. I don't even know their quarrel. It's just this. The railroad is attempting to get their land for little or nothing. And will, if it's not prevented. I can scarcely sit a horse. You could learn. I can't shoot. I'll teach you. Most of the men out here would make two of me. You don't measure a man's courage or ability by his size. But you'll take a hand in this fight. I don't. I'll give you what help you'll need. Well? What do you say? It's impossible. You refuse? I know you mean well. I don't doubt that. These homesteaders are in the right. And that girl I met. I'd like to show her that I'm not the coward she must think me. But even so. This is your opportunity. If you turn it down to the horses. They followed us here. Scout, here's Silver. Lift with you. Hurry. Go on. Tyler, be ready. Get him up. Scout, get up. Come on, Silver. Silver, away. The curtain falls on the first act of our Lone Ranger story. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.
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Narrator
Now to continue our story. Racing away from the band of men who had charged on their camp, the Lone Ranger, Matt and Tonto left their pursuers after a chase that lasted close to an hour. When their trail had been covered, the Lone Ranger, still in his disguise, gave the signal to halt See anything of them? Kimasabi? Them gone. Matt, you'd better. You're wounded. What? What? Why, I didn't even notice it myself. Let's have a look at that. Shocked me. Oh, for dear coat. Do you think it's anything serious? We'll soon see. But I'll have to rip off your sleeve. Go ahead. It doesn't look bad. Sando. There's some water left in my canteen. Get it. Shock me. I'd never even heard a gun fired before in all my life. Afraid? No, I. I don't know yet just how I feel. Here. Here. Can't he? Thanks. I can tell more about this when I washed it off. Oh. Hurt now. Go ahead. I can stand it. It's March because the wound is raw. It's not serious though. Hardly more than a scratch. I'll bind it up and by tomorrow or the day after it should be all healed over. How do you suppose those fellows knew where we were? I rode slowly because Silver had to carry double when I knew you weren't accustomed to the saddle. Boy must have given them orders to follow us from town as soon as he saw us leave. The two can play at that game. Kind of think you can back trail until you find the tracks of those fellows who chased us. That's not hard. Then do it at once. But keep out of sight. Do nothing but find where they go, whom they report to come to do it. Then return here. We'll have camp ready. In the meantime, you get going. Get him up. Scout. Get him up there. How does your arm feel now? All right. You better stay with us overnight, Matt. In the morning you can return to Plainsville and finish up your business. No. No. I'm staying. But I fired at me. It's wounded me. Might have killed me. Stranger. It's my fight now and I'm getting in it. Good. Only I guess there won't be much help. Deuce, I tell you. And you can help plenty. I can? You mean that so far the railroad has carried out its tactics without trouble. Because no one has been able to prove. The railroad hires a roughnecks who go after the homesteaders. That is, the homesteaders who refuse to sell? Yes. But I've got an idea they get their orders and their pay from Boyle. I'd like to settle with him someday. Boyle works for the railroad. We can prove a connection between him and that gang and have the evidence we need. You're with us, Map. I am. And together we'll prove that. In the meantime, Judy Miller and her father entertained an Unwelcome visitor. Now, Listen to me, Mr. Miller. The railroad just can't fool around with you no longer. This is the third time I've tried to do business with you. Now, you're going to sell her, ain't you? I'm not. We'd sell if you'd offer us anywhere near a fair price. I have. I put more and you've offered into this place the very first year it was here. I've cleared this whole farm and proved it, put up good buildings. Blast you, I couldn't even replace that there barn you see through the wind there. For the cash you've offered, the railroad's got to reach Greg City before the frost set. What's that to me? That's to be the terminal point for the winter. But it's gonna be. There's something else. Yeah, you homesteaders in here are mighty pleased with yourselves. Don't forget there's cattlemen west of you. Cattlemen waiting for the railroad to get to them so they can ship their beef while the market's high without having to send their herds over a long, dry trail. Once they get word of Jew farmers holding up the railroad, they ain't gonna like it. What's more, it wouldn't surprise me none if they done something about it. I thought you'd be getting to this sooner or later. It's just a tip. So the one you send your gang of crooks to trample down my crops or burn down my buildings like they did to Charlie Lang. We're supposed to figure cattlemen to blame, not the railroad. Why, shucks. You know the railroad wouldn't do nothing low down like that. You. You. How can you stand there and say a thing like that? Well, if the railroad's responsible, like you seem to think, where's your proof? I ain't heard of none. You got any, you better turn it over to the U.S. marshal's office. He'd be right glad to see you, pal. We're getting no place. You better clear out. Won't sell that. Not now or any time Do I get a fair offer? Well, have it your own way. But, Miller, something tells me that within the next couple of days, you're gonna be doggone sorry you didn't sail when you could. You. What do you mean? You have to lose ability. That gang. You'll send them here, I guess. But what do we do? Well, they've got to be stopped. When? We don't know where or how or when they'll strike. No, Judy, we'll tell the law and hope for the best. But I'm afear that won't be good enough. Boyle riding eastward until he reached the railroad construction camp, reined in his mouth beside a group of men who seemed to be waiting for him. You seen him, boss? I did. Well, what's the word? He gets wiped out before morning, Right? What's it to be? Fire. Like Lang's place? Yes, sir. He was telling me what a fine set of buildings he's put up. But he's gonna find where you'll have to put him up all over again. And you want the job done tonight, huh? Wait until just before morning. That's the best time. He's more likely to be off guard around then. In the long old birthday. Been plenty busy with other things. I get this straight, your orders are like always. And if you get caught, keep your mouth shut. Plenty of cash behind the railroad. You don't have to worry that you'll ever go to trial. That's the last thing that's worrying me. That's it. You needn't report when the job's done. I'll hear it in town. Now get out of camp. See that nothing goes wrong. Boss. Just leave it at us. Come on, fellas. Get up there. Get up.
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Over two hours later. You're sure of your facts, Tono? They strike tonight. You weren't seen me hide near car. Then that's the tunnel. That's the information I wanted. But you said you wanted to prove it was boil. Gave them their orders. I do. You heard what Tondo said. They won't talk as long as they believe the railroad will protect them. Perhaps they won't, but Boyle will, huh? That'll be my job. In the meantime, I won for you. What? Get the homesteaders. Tell them what's planned. The miller's danger. Tell them to arm and follow you. Me? But they. Here's your chance to prove you can be a leader. They'll follow you if they're convinced Miller's in danger. Carry out your part successfully and they'll be ready to admit they were wrong in their first judgment. And. And if they do follow me? You know their plan. The fire, Miller's buildings. Let them get far enough to prove their guilt. Then close in on them. I'll. I'll do my best. You know enough to keep all this secret. They'll make no attempt if word gets out. I know. And don't be afraid of your horse, player. He's well broken. I made sure of that when I got him for you. I'LL make out and on your way. Get up. Get up. Come on. What we do? I promised Matt we'd take care of Boyle. He thinks Miller's buildings are to be fired tonight. And that's the fact that'll make him talk. Come on, fellow, get him up. Scowl. Come on, Silver. Come. Young Matt Crowley called at more than a dozen homes. What do you want? Arm yourself. Get mounted. You're needed. Where's your husband? Well, just over there in the field. Thanks. Get up.
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Get up.
Narrator
Whoa, whoa, whoa there. Ain't you young Matt Crowley? Never mind that. Miller's home is in danger. Get your guns. And that night there be his tada. Me see him coming this way. Try to handle this quietly. You don't want to rouse the construction crew. Me not make noise. I don't talk. Come on, boy. Rain up wetter. You're coming without boil a mask, man. No argument. Taking their prisoner beyond hearing of the construction camp, the masked man in Tonto only stopped long enough to place a blindfold over his eyes, then proceeded by a roundabout route to Plainsville. It was late when they arrived. Most of the townspeople had retired to sleep. The light still burned in the office of the United States Marshal. Half an hour later, the Lone Ranger was talking with the lawman. If you're tricking me, I'll. What would be my motive? Marshall, I've told you that Boyle is not far from here. Taddo's guarding him. Why would I admit what I'd done if I had anything to hide? I don't know. You wanted to prove the connection between the railroad and the crimes committed against the homesteading. I'd give my right arm to do that. Very well, then. Do as I've told you. Boyle don't know you brought him to town. He thinks he's near the Miller place. Right. But how are you blindfolded. He couldn't see where we were taking him. Santa said enough to convince him that's where we were headed for. It ought to work if you're honest in this. It will. Then it's a bargain. I'll go here. I thought you would. How soon will you be here? In just a few minutes. Remember your instructions, Santo. See here, Boyle. Him say you cat him. He still doesn't know where he is. Him no. Him kind. Good. What lawman say? He agreed. He's waiting for us. Not good boy. A few minutes later, the Lone Ranger and Tonto approached the rear door of the marshal's office. Between them they carried a struggling figure and and timey. Take all this blindfold. Let me go. You can't do this. We are, however. Open the door. Taddo. Carry him over to the corner there. No one's likely to find him. Easy now. It's murder. The same as murder. I won't be found. Nobody will kick me out. Let him down. All right, Boyle. They leave you here. We thought. No, no, you can't. You gotta untie me. Please. What are you afraid of? That ain't none of your business. Just untie me. Take off this blindfold. You're not talking. We're leaving. Jumps out of. No, wait. I'll be burnt. Burnt alive. They can't do it. Wait. Is that burnt? Yeah. Please. Please let me go. Sound as though perhaps you're ready to talk. That's all I can tell you. But you gotta get me out of here. You can't leave me behind. You're mistaken. That's all you're going to tell me? I can. Please talk or Stay where you are. Kind of. Get something to gag him with. You don't want him able to call out and attract attention. Wait. Wait. I'll talk. I'll talk. Yes. I give the orders to burn a place. Now let me go. Gave orders to whom? Hogger, Buck, the other fellas. I'll tell a whole of it. Just get these ropes off. Hogger and Buck and the others. They're the same men who have been raiding the homesteaders. Yes, yes. And they carried out those raids at your orders? They did. Now hurry. And you gave them those orders at the instructions of the railroad? I did. But that's enough. Now to take off that blindfold and release him. Hurry, before they get here. Well, Marshall. Stranger, that proves the case. Marshall. Proves the case? What are you talking about? Take off his blindfold so he can see where he is. Kimosabe. The U.S. marshal's office. But for a polecat like you, ain't but a short step to the jailhouse. But I thought I was short. You thought you were in Fred Miller's barn, which is exactly what we wanted you to think. You said enough to show you knew an attack would be made on his place tonight at your order. Why is that, sir? Must be Matt Crowley with more prisoners for you. Your jail will be full tonight, Marshal. By thunder, it will. We caught them all. We caught them setting fire to the house. You've done a good night's work tonight, young Matt. Well, Marshall, the man that says Young Matt hain't the fighter his grandpa was don't savvy what he's saying. He's worse than a cage full of wildcats. The masked man are cleared out by Gravy and the red skin with him. Well, it's too late to call him back now, but they didn't clear out till they'd finished their job, and that's the thing that counts.
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The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of the Lone Ranger Incorporated.
Andrew Rines
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Episode Information:
The episode transports listeners to Plainsville, a once-peaceful community primarily composed of farmers. The tranquility is disrupted by the westward expansion of the railroad, which brings both progress and violence. The railroad company's aggressive tactics to seize land for their right of way incite fear and frustration among the homesteaders.
Narrator (04:28): "With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the masked Rider of the Plains fought crime and criminals throughout the western United States."
Old Matt Crowley, renowned as the toughest hombre in the region, has passed away, leaving his reputation as a formidable fighter behind. The townspeople reminisce about his bravery, hoping his grandson, Young Matt Crowley, can fill his shoes. Young Matt, however, is unaware of his grandfather's legacy and arrives with intentions to settle the estate, not to engage in the local conflict.
Townsperson (06:15): "If he's a Crowley, he's a fighter, daughter. With him to call the tomb, we'll lick that railroad."
Upon his arrival, Young Matt faces skepticism and hostility from both the homesteaders and the railroad-backed workers. The homesteaders expected a strong leader to oppose the railroad, but Young Matt's unfamiliarity with frontier conflicts leaves them disillusioned. Concurrently, Mr. Boyle, affiliated with the railroad, leads a group intent on intimidating the newcomers.
Boyle (09:45): "Ain't I want you to make a break till I've had a chance to look him over. Savvy that?"
Amid escalating tensions, the Lone Ranger, disguised as a stranger, intervenes to protect Young Matt from being coerced into fighting. Accompanied by his trusty steed, Silver, and Tonto, the Lone Ranger discreetly escorts Matt to a hidden camp, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Lone Ranger (14:30): "Reviving Matt Crowley, the Lone Ranger led the bewildered young man to a grove of trees just outside town where the great stallion Silver had been concealed."
Initially hesitant and claiming no desire for conflict, Young Matt grapples with his inherited legacy. Tonto explains the homesteaders' dire need for leadership against the railroad's oppressive methods. After witnessing the brutality and understanding the stakes, Matt reluctantly agrees to take up his grandfather's mantle.
Tonto (16:45): "These homesteaders are in the right. And that girl I met. I'd like to show her that I'm not the coward she must think me."
As tensions escalate, Matt devises a plan to expose Mr. Boyle's corrupt dealings. By gathering evidence of the railroad's illicit actions and Boyle's direct involvement, Matt aims to rally the townspeople and bring the wrongdoing to light. Simultaneously, Boyle intensifies his efforts to force the homesteaders to sell, threatening violence and exploiting the support of the cattlemen.
Matt Crowley (22:10): "If you turn it down to the horses. They followed us here."
In a decisive move, the Lone Ranger and Matt capture Boyle, leading to his exposure as the mastermind behind the railroad's coercive tactics. Through a confrontation that involves cunning strategy and bravery, Boyle's true nature is revealed, garnering support for the homesteaders and ensuring the railroad's plans are thwarted. The episode culminates with Plainsville's restoration of peace, honoring Matt Crowley's courage and leadership.
Lone Ranger (31:25): "He gave the orders to burn a place. Now let me go."
Matt Crowley (09:50): "I never had a fight in my life. But you can't stand there and talk to me like that."
Boyle (10:30): "This is murder. The same as murder."
Tonto (17:14): "That'll be my job."
Lone Ranger (24:55): "Call us, boss. It's your play, Boyle."
Marshall (28:40): "What would be my motive?"
"Young Matt Crowley | The Lone Ranger (10-16-39)" delivers a compelling narrative that blends legacy, leadership, and justice in the Wild West setting. Through Young Matt's journey from reluctance to heroism, the episode underscores themes of courage, community, and the fight against corruption. Andrew Rhynes masterfully brings this classic tale to life, enhanced by meticulous digital restoration that immerses listeners in the rich sounds of the golden age of radio.