The Lone Ranger – Rochester-Avon Historical Society

Presentation from November 5, 2015, with Larry Zdeb and Chuck Daugherty

Recommended Reading:

The Lone Ranger (The Classic TV Series)

A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust, and a hearty “Hi Yo, Silver” – The Lone Ranger!

Relive the nostalgia, the thrilling adventure, the inspirational friendship, and the astounding heroism and courage of those original icons of American culture, the authentic Lone Ranger and Tonto.

With a Foreword by Dawn Moore, Clayton Moore’s Daughter!

Discover:

• why the original radio show was a smash hit for over 21 years and over 3,300 episodes, broadcast live, 3 days a week.
• why The Lone Ranger was the first cowboy show ever produced for the infant television industry.
• why The Lone Ranger TV show was the first television show ever syndicated for nation-wide re-runs, which continue to be re-run to this day.

This book contains detailed reviews of 13 of the classic TV episodes, plus 6 illustrations by the author, and numerous photos, along with 7 essays on general topics relating to the Masked Man and Tonto, and 3 “geeky” lists.

Each of the 13 episodes was chosen to be reviewed because it is memorable or unusual in some way. Each consists of a detailed synopsis of the episode, quotes of noteworthy dialogue, and commentary, questions and criticisms.

The Reviews Include:

• The 3 origin episodes
• An episode that affected Tonto personally and…
• One in which the Indian really got a chance to shine – all while tied in a chair
• The most duplicitous, double-crossing, man-eating villainess the Ranger ever faced
• A Lone Ranger impersonator and a case of amnesia for the Masked Man
• Arguably the smartest and most patient villain The Lone Ranger ever came up against
• A man who didn’t believe in The Lone Ranger, the father of a boy who knew the real Lone Ranger when he saw him

What Made The Lone Ranger and Tonto Beloved American Heroes?
The 7 essays in this collection make the reasons abundantly clear.
The following topics are covered with great love and respect for the characters and in great detail by one of the foremost experts on the content of The Lone Ranger radio and TV episodes.

• The Lone Ranger’s authentic origin story is re-told again in this volume in depth. But was it ever important to WHO the Masked Man was and what he represented? The producers of the three BAD films (1981, 2003, 2013) seemed to think so, but no one else ever did.
• The spotlight is focused on Tonto: his creation and evolution, his relationship with the Masked Man, his heroic nature and the positive influence he had on racial equality.
• Who was the recurring mystery woman who shared in the closest thing the Ranger ever had to a romantic relationship?
• Many fans have fewer questions about our heroes than they do about their trusty steeds. All your questions about their horses are answered here.
• What is The Lone Ranger most known for? Why his mask of course. Why does he wear it? What does it symbolize? And why should you never try to pull it off?

Why was the original radio creation so popular it lasted almost 22 years and spun off:

• 18 novels by Fran Striker, the Masked Man’s principal creator
• two 12-part movie serials in 1938 & 1939
• many comic book treatments – even Silver had his own comic title!
• 221 television episodes, from 1949 to 1957
• two good feature films 1956 & 1958, starring Clayton Moore & Jay Silverheels
• two animated series
• a bad feature film – 1981
• an even worse made-for-TV-movie – 2003
• and Johnny Depp’s hideous travesty – 2013

Meet The REAL Masked Rider Of The Plains!