
This has been the story of one of the most famous legends of all time: a fabulous individual that brought fear to the lawless, but hope to those who wanted to make the West their home and a safe place to live. A cloud of dust, a speed of light, and a hearty “Hi-Yo Silver!” came the greatest champion of justice.
Premiered on September 15, 1949, The Lone Ranger aired on ABC with Clayton Moore as the masked rider/deputy. The survivor of the ambush at Bryant’s Gap, he was nursed back by health by Tonto, the Indian he saved as a boy. Now, Reid vowed to dedicate his life to bring lawbreakers like Butch Cavendish to justice. Wearing a mask out of the vest that was worn by his late brother Dan, he sets out to honor his memory and the memories of the Texas Rangers who died that day at Bryant’s Gap. With the ever-faithful Tonto (Jay Silverheels) by his side, Reid is on a mission to bring law and order in the Old West as The Lone Ranger: riding the plains dispensing justice with his trusty steed Silver.
The series was an instant hit.
Moore played the Ranger for the first two seasons and was succeeded by John Hart (who made two guest LR appearances) for only one season (1952-53), but Moore came back the next season and continued the role until the show ended in 1957 after eight years, five seasons and 221 episodes. Moore and Silverheels reprise their roles in two big-screen films: The Lone Ranger (1956) and The Lost Ranger and The Lost City of Gold (1958).
The success of The Lone Ranger on ABC led to Guy Williams as Zorro; Adam West as Batman, with Burt Ward as Robin, and Van Williams as The Green Hornet alongside future martial arts icon Bruce Lee. It also inspired latter-day shows like Knight Rider (1982-86, NBC), Hardcastle & McCormick (ABC, 1983-86), Walker Texas Ranger (1993-2001, CBS), and Viper (1994, NBC’ 1996-99, syndication).
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. The Lone Ranger Rides Again!
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