The Lone Ranger

A popular radio show before becoming a successful television series in 1949, The Lone Ranger storyline follows a masked Texas Ranger and his sidekick Tonto as they keep a lookout for those who stray from the law.

The Lone Ranger has also been adapted to film, comic books, cartoons, toys and video games throughout the years.

Fast Facts

1. Network: NBC
2. First radio airing: January 30, 1933
3. Seasons: 8
4. The Lone Ranger's horse is named Silver
5. Radio show originated in Detroit in 1933
6. Tonto called The Lone Ranger "kemo sabe" which means "trusty scout"

Cast

• Clayton Moore
• Jay Silverheels

Story Behind the Mask

Six Texas Rangers are ambushed by Butch Cavendish and his band of outlaws, with only one survivor. A Native American Indian named Tonto finds him and recognizes him to be John Reid, the man who once saved his life. Tonto nurses Reid back to health, and Reid decides to conceal his identity from Cavendish and dedicate his life to "making the West a decent place to live." Tonto and Reid dig an extra grave so that Cavendish assumes all six Rangers perished. Only Tonto knows the Lone Ranger's real identity.¹

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