Bad Seed | Gunsmoke (05-29-60)

Summary

Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com - Episode Summary: "Bad Seed" (05-29-60)
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host/Author: Andrew Rines

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Introduction

In the "Bad Seed" episode of Gunsmoke, listeners are plunged into the rugged landscape of Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. Hosted by Andrew Rines, this installment delves deep into themes of responsibility, protection, and the complexities of human relationships amidst the harsh realities of frontier life.

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Plot Overview

Encounter with Trudy Trent
The episode opens with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon returning from Fort Larned, having unsuccessfully attempted to secure the release of a prisoner who subsequently dies. Exhausted and looking forward to some rest, Dillon prepares to camp for the night just a day's ride from Dodge City. His solitude is interrupted when Trudy Trent, a young woman fleeing an abusive home, approaches his camp seeking help.

Initial Interaction
Dillon is initially wary of Trudy's sudden appearance and desperate plea for food. As their conversation unfolds, Trudy reveals her dire situation, explaining that she has run away from her father, Asa Trent, who is an abusive drunkard. Dillon sympathizes but remains firm in his duty, suggesting that Trudy return home safely the following day. Despite his attempts to reassure her, Trudy's desperation leads her to defy Dillon's advice, insisting on accompanying him to Dodge City.

Confrontation with Asa Trent
Their journey takes a tense turn when they arrive at the Trent farm. Asa Trent's volatile nature becomes apparent as he confronts Dillon and Trudy, fueled by alcohol and jealousy over Dillon's influence on his daughter. A heated exchange culminates in Asa attempting to shoot Dillon, but Dillon successfully disarms him, leaving Asa incapacitated.

Arrival in Dodge City
With Asa Trent incapacitated, Dillon and Trudy continue to Dodge City. There, they interact with Kitty, the saloon owner, who takes an interest in Trudy's well-being. Trudy begins working at the saloon, but her presence attracts the attention of Gar Klein, a young man who harbors feelings for her. Gar's jealousy over Dillon intensifies the tension, leading to a confrontation that nearly results in violence.

The Gambler's Entrance
As tensions reach a peak, a gambler from St. Louis enters the scene, further complicating the dynamics. Trudy, seeking love and escape from her troubled past, is torn between Dillon's protective nature and the gambler's allure of a more carefree life.

Climactic Showdown
The episode reaches its climax when Gar confronts Dillon, accusing him of taking Trudy away from her father. A physical altercation ensues, during which Dillon is shot but remains resilient. The ensuing chaos forces Trudy to make a pivotal decision about her future, ultimately choosing to leave Dodge City with the gambler, leaving Dillon to reflect on the events that transpired.

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Character Analysis

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): Portrayed as the steadfast and morally upright U.S. Marshal, Dillon embodies the law and order struggling to maintain peace in the chaotic frontier. His interactions with Trudy highlight his compassionate yet duty-bound nature.

• Trudy Trent (Eve McVeigh): A young woman escaping an abusive household, Trudy represents the vulnerable individuals seeking refuge and a better life. Her internal conflict between loyalty to Dillon and the allure of a new beginning drives much of the episode's emotional tension.

• Asa Trent (Sam Edwards): Trudy's abusive father, Asa's character adds a layer of complexity and darkness to the narrative, illustrating the cycle of violence and its impact on families in the Wild West.

• Gar Klein (Howard McNear): A young man in love with Trudy, Gar's jealousy and inability to accept Dillon's role in Trudy's life lead to the episode's climax, showcasing the destructive power of unrequited love and obsession.

• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): The saloon owner serves as a confidante and a voice of reason, providing a stabilizing presence amidst the turmoil surrounding Trudy and Dillon.

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

1. Trudy's Plea for Help:

   • Matt Dillon (05:17): "Ran away from home."
   • Trudy Trent (05:24): "I've been sitting out there watching your fire. I thought you were asleep."

2. Dillon's Protection:

   • Matt Dillon (05:10): "You really were hungry, weren't you?"
   • Trudy Trent (05:17): "I ran away from home."

3. Confrontation with Asa Trent:

   • Trudy Trent (08:28): "Pa, he gets drunk almost every night."
   • Asa Trent (10:18): "I oughta ten you good girl. Running off that way."

4. Gar Klein's Threat:

   • Gar Klein (25:11): "I'm going to kill you."
   • Matt Dillon (25:03): "I'm not trying to hurt her."

5. Trudy's Decision:

   • Trudy Trent (10:26): "I'm leaving you, Pa, for good and all."
   • Trudy Trent (22:05): "I was just a fence riding cowboy, and that's all he's ever gonna be. I'm not gonna marry a man like that. Like I said, I'm gonna marry you."

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Themes and Insights

Responsibility and Duty: Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to his role as a marshal underscores the theme of duty over personal desires. His interactions with Trudy reflect the moral dilemmas faced by those tasked with upholding the law in a lawless land.

Protection and Vulnerability: Trudy Trent's plight highlights the vulnerability of individuals fleeing abusive situations. Dillon's role as her protector emphasizes the broader societal responsibility to safeguard the innocent.

Jealousy and Obsession: Gar Klein's unrelenting pursuit of Trudy, fueled by jealousy, serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of obsession and its ability to incite violence.

Search for Identity and Independence: Trudy's journey is emblematic of the quest for self-identity and independence. Her struggle between returning to her past and forging a new path with Dillon or the gambler encapsulates the challenges of seeking autonomy in a restrictive environment.

Impact of Alcoholism: Asa Trent's alcoholism illustrates the pervasive issue of substance abuse and its detrimental effects on family dynamics and community stability in the Wild West.

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Conclusion

"Bad Seed" is a compelling episode of Gunsmoke that masterfully intertwines personal drama with the overarching struggle for order in the American frontier. Through nuanced character development and tense confrontations, the story explores profound themes of responsibility, protection, and the human desire for a better life. Matt Dillon's steadfastness contrasts with the tumultuous emotions surrounding Trudy Trent, culminating in a resolution that underscores the harsh realities of life in Dodge City. This episode not only entertains but also prompts listeners to reflect on the moral complexities faced by individuals striving to do good in a challenging environment.

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Additional Information

For more episodes and exclusive content, listeners are encouraged to visit otrwesterns.com, follow their Facebook page, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. Support the series by becoming a ranch hand or donating through the website.

Transcript

[McDonald's Advertiser]

McCrispy strips are now at McDonald's. I hope you're ready for the most dippable chicken in McDonald's history. Dip it in all the sauces. Dip it in that hot sauce in your bag. Dip it in your McFlurry. Your dip is your business. McCrispy strips at McDonald's.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Packages by Expedia.

[Matt Dillon]

You were made to be rechargeable.

[Expedia Advertiser]

We were made to package flights, hotels and hammocks for less.

[Matt Dillon]

Expedia Made to travel.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode at Absolutely Free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Public Service Announcer]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal. And the smell of dragon gun smoke. Gun smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. And the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, but it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[McDonald's Advertiser]

McCrispy strips are now at McDonald's. I hope you're ready for the most dippable chicken in McDonald's history. Dip it in all the sauces. Dip it in that hot sauce in your. Dip it in your McFlurry. Your dip is your business. McCrispy. Strips at McDonald's.

[Public Service Announcer]

Millions of Americans are now crowding our highways, pushing and impatient to get the most out of this weekend. The hundreds of highway deaths and thousands of highway injuries can be avoided provided that every single motorist does his bit. That bit means driving safely and sanely all the time. There's positively no excuse for excess speed. By observing all speed limits, you'll get to your destination almost as soon. Whereas if you speed, you may never get there. Just as important is the necessity of paying strict attention to traffic signs and those white lines on the highway. They were put there for your protection. Never pass unless you're absolutely certain it's safe, that the road is clear ahead. Never pull out of line, slow up, stop or turn without first looking in your mirror, then signaling clearly, well ahead. And don't be afraid to give the other fellow the right of way. If you let him go, you won't crash into him at all times. Drive with caution and courtesy. You'll live longer.

[Matt Dillon]

It had Been a long, hard ride to Fort Larned, and as it turned out, a useless one. The prisoner Colonel Matthews had been holding for me died before I could get there. So I spent the night at the fort and then started back for Dodge the next morning. The trip back was more pleasant. A breeze from the Rockies swept across the high plains. And it was cool for the first time in weeks. And now, camp for the night, just a day's ride out of Dodge. I was looking forward to a bath and a shave at Mr. Teeter's. I must have been asleep for some time when a sound awakened me. Somebody was standing just outside the circle of light cast from the dying fire. All right, hold it. Now, you raise your hands and you walk in here slow. Keep coming right up to the fire. Now just stand it. Is there anybody with you?

[Trudy Trent]

No, I'm alone. Please, mister, I didn't mean any harm.

[Matt Dillon]

What are you doing here?

[Trudy Trent]

I was hungry. Thought maybe I could get some food.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I might have shot you.

[Trudy Trent]

I'm awful hungry, mister. I've been sitting out there watching your fire. I thought you were asleep.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there's some side meat in that fry pan. It's cold, but you can have it if you want.

[Trudy Trent]

Thank you. Mister.

[Matt Dillon]

You really were hungry, weren't you?

[Trudy Trent]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

What did you eat last this morning?

[Trudy Trent]

Just before I ran away.

[Matt Dillon]

Ran away?

[Trudy Trent]

That's right. I ran away from home.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. What's your name?

[Trudy Trent]

Trudy. Trudy Trent.

[Matt Dillon]

But where is it, Trudy? Your home?

[Trudy Trent]

About 40 miles from here. What's your name?

[Matt Dillon]

Dylan. Matt Dillon. I'm the U.S. marshal. And Dodge?

[Trudy Trent]

Dodge. That's right where I'm headed.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, Trudy, Dodge is a long way from here. A whole day's ride. Don't you think you better ride back home tomorrow and think about this a little? Your parents are going to be a little worried.

[Trudy Trent]

That's just me and Pa, Marshall. I sure ain't going back to him.

[Matt Dillon]

He's probably out looking for you right now.

[Trudy Trent]

Pa, he gets drunk almost every night. Ain't likely he's out riding around on the prairie.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Trudy Trent]

He's about the most terrible man ever lived. Marshall, I could tell you things he done to me you wouldn't believe. You want to hear?

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Trudy, a lot of kids don't always get along with their pa.

[Trudy Trent]

I'm not a kid, Marshall. I'm old enough. I've been old enough a long time.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, you're going back home in the morning. I'm gonna ride with you to make sure you get There.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't you like me, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure I like you, Trudy. But you're still going home.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't make me go back there, please. I'll do anything you want, but please don't make me go back.

[Matt Dillon]

I got a blanket for you. You can sleep with a fire.

[Trudy Trent]

Marshall, please.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Trudy, whether you think so or not, you're still just a kid. And I'm taking you home in the morning. In the morning I awakened to a clear, warm day. But the blanket I'd given to Trudy lay crumpled and empty on the ground. For a minute I thought she'd run off. Then I heard splashing from the other side of the willows. She was taking a swim. Few minutes later she was out dressed and we were breaking camp.

[Trudy Trent]

It was wonderful, Marshall. You should have tried it.

[Matt Dillon]

You ready to ride?

[Trudy Trent]

You're mad at me, Trudy.

[Matt Dillon]

You had something to eat, you got some sleep, you had your swim and now you're going home.

[Trudy Trent]

I changed my mind.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Trudy Trent]

I changed my mind. I'm not going home. I'm going to Dodge with you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now look, can you think of one.

[Trudy Trent]

Good reason for not taking me to Dodge?

[Matt Dillon]

That Dodge is no place for a girl like you.

[Trudy Trent]

You still think I'm too young. Will you just wait till you see me all dressed up? You won't think I'm too young.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you belong at home, Trudy. Now let's get mounted.

[Trudy Trent]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Trudy Trent]

If you want, you can marry me. You want to marry me?

[Matt Dillon]

It's not going to work, Trudy. I told you. You belong at home with your pa and that's where you're going.

[Trudy Trent]

And you keep talking about how Dodge is no place for a decent girl.

[Matt Dillon]

We're wasting time. Let's.

[Trudy Trent]

Well, there it is, Marshall. You can see we don't make out too good.

[Matt Dillon]

This is hard land, Trudy.

[Trudy Trent]

Any land's hard for Pa. He had a pretty good farm once, but he left it. Why, he had to. Neighbors run him off for stealing stock. He told me about it one night when he was drunk. He laughed fit to kill. Marshall, will you stay the night and think about taking me away with you?

[Matt Dillon]

We'll see.

[Trudy Trent]

Come on, let's go in. Get this over with. Hey, Pa. Hey.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Where? Where'd you run off to, girl?

[Trudy Trent]

I guess you was worried some, huh?

[Expedia Advertiser]

You sash me and I'll fix your clout.

[Trudy Trent]

This is Marshall Dilling, Pa from Dodge.

[Expedia Advertiser]

What you bringing the law out here for?

[Trudy Trent]

He brought me home, Pa. You what? I ran away yesterday morning. Marshall brought me home.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I oughta ten you good girl. Running off that way.

[Trudy Trent]

Worried about who'd do the chores, weren't you, Pa?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Now, don't you talk like that, girl. I missed you. I missed you something fierce.

[Trudy Trent]

I'll bet you did.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I worried so much that I didn't hardly eat nothing.

[Trudy Trent]

But you sure been drinking enough, though.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Hey, Marshall, don't. Don't you pay her no mind. She's my little girl and I care a whole.

[Trudy Trent]

Listen to him. Don't I make you sick, Marshall, I.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll spend the night like you asked, Trudy. Now, I better take care of the horses.

[Expedia Advertiser]

But you, switchie. Just about spending the night.

[Trudy Trent]

I asked him to, Pa. Where for?

[Expedia Advertiser]

You don't need him around here.

[Trudy Trent]

And I'll tell you something else. Tomorrow I'm riding to Dodge with him to stay.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You what?

[Trudy Trent]

I'm leaving you, Pa, for good and all.

[Expedia Advertiser]

No, not hardly, you ain't.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't you hit me.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, Mr. Trash, you'll.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I. I tell you true, you take her away, I'll come to God. I'll tell people what you done. Young girl like that.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't we wait and talk about all this later, huh? When you're sober.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Well, I don't know as I aim to get sober. But I know one thing for sure is you ain't taking Trudy away.

[Trudy Trent]

Never mind him, Marshall. You go take care of the horses. I'll find something for supper.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Drunk or sober. I'll say just one thing. Just don't mess with me, my cootie. Just don't mess.

[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[Public Service Announcer]

Don't be a forest fire bug. Remember, a careless match, cigarette butt or campfire left to spread can do more than destroy valuable timber acreage. It can lay waste to private property, wipe out homes, animal life and human life as well. One cigarette butt thrown from the window of your car, if the wind is right, can lay waste to what nature took hundreds of years to build. CBS Radio and its affiliated stations offer this. When fire saps America's natural wealth by one forest's potential value, our nation is worth that much less in the marketplace of the world. Don't burn out our great heritage. Take every precaution in or near the woods.

[Matt Dillon]

The Trent farm wasn't much of a place inside or out. The front room where we ate was just a broken stove. A couple of bunks and burlap hung over the two on glass windows. Supper was some boiled greens and sheepherder's bread, which Asa used to sop up his plate.

[Trudy Trent]

You eat like a hog, Pa.

[Expedia Advertiser]

He's got a Real sharp tongue, ain't she, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Now, she can talk, all right. You.

[Expedia Advertiser]

She can do everything?

[Trudy Trent]

Sure. Cook, clean, fetch, care, feed the stock, anything.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Yeah, I. I taught her them things. And a lot more, I bet.

[Matt Dillon]

And it's cheaper than hiring somebody.

[Trudy Trent]

Even cheaper than getting married, ain't, Pa? Cause if you married, you'd have another mouth to feed.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Ah, don't talk like that. No, you're my little girl. We have good times together, don't we?

[Trudy Trent]

It's a palace of joy, Pa. Now, Trudy, girl, you know how we celebrated Christmas, Marshall? Pa got drunk and set me on fire. I had to run out and roll in the snow or I'd have burned up. And he wouldn't let me back in. I near froze to gas.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Ed, I'm going to go out to the barn, get me another jug of whiskey. The one under the bed's empty.

[Matt Dillon]

Get myself a.

[Trudy Trent]

Well, Marshall, what do you think now? Still think I shouldn't go into Dodge with you?

[Matt Dillon]

Is he always like that?

[Trudy Trent]

Not always. Right now, he's kind of on good behavior on account of you being here.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Trudy Trent]

Dodge couldn't be worse than this, could it?

[Matt Dillon]

No, I guess not.

[Trudy Trent]

Tim, will you take me, please? Yeah, I'll take it, honest.

[Matt Dillon]

But your PA is gonna make a fuss. There's gonna be trouble.

[Trudy Trent]

You afraid of him?

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's not that. I just don't want anybody hurt.

[Trudy Trent]

Ain't I worth fighting for? Just a little?

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Trudy, I want you to get something straight. I'd do the same for anybody. Now, look. The first thing in the morning.

[Trudy Trent]

Pa. How long you been standing there?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Marshall, you can sleep in the barn.

[Matt Dillon]

Fine.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You'll find a good spot right at the edge of the loft. You'll like it fine there.

[Matt Dillon]

You'll sleep good, too. The barn was warm and filled with a smell of sweet hay. As I drifted off to sleep, the figures of Trudy and her father turned and twisted in my mind. Then suddenly I was awake again, wide awake because somebody was moving toward me across the bar barn floor. For a moment, I thought it was Trudy. And then I saw the rifle in his hand.

[Expedia Advertiser]

All the Trent guy, blast you.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, sir. Hey, sir.

[Trudy Trent]

Where are you?

[Matt Dillon]

Pa? And the barn? Trudy, what happened?

[Trudy Trent]

Did he shoot you?

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Trudy Trent]

I heard him get up and go out. And I followed his sinner I could. Is he dead?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Trudy Trent]

He shouldn't have tried it.

[Matt Dillon]

Trulia, I'm sorry.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't be. He had it coming.

[Matt Dillon]

You go on back to the house. It'll be dawn in an hour. I got some work to do here.

[Trudy Trent]

I ain't gonna stay on this rotten farm now, Marshall. That's for sure.

[Matt Dillon]

You get your things together, Trudy. We'll leave for Dodge as soon as it's light. Just as the sun was breaking over the horizon, Trudy and I rode away from her father's ranch for the last time. She never once looked back. But I did. The roof sagging at one end, the boarded windows, the unwatered patch of corn. Makeshift barn, small cross now stood over a stone covered grave. It wasn't a hard place to leave in Dodge. I told Kitty about the whole affair and she promised to give the girl a hand. So she put Trudy to work in the long break that you could keep an eye on her that way.

[Kitty]

Hello, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, you're doing quite a business.

[Kitty]

Yeah. Sit down.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, thanks. Well, how's Trudy working out?

[Kitty]

Oh, fine, I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean, you guess?

[Kitty]

It's a little soon to know yet. That girl's got a mind of her own.

[Matt Dillon]

Any trouble with her?

[Kitty]

No, no trouble. She's over there at the bar now, talking with Gar Klein.

[Matt Dillon]

Gar Klein?

[Kitty]

Yeah, that nice looking kid.

[Matt Dillon]

Then how's he?

[Kitty]

I don't know too much about him. Never used to come in here too much. I think maybe he's in love with Judy.

[Matt Dillon]

In love?

[Kitty]

What's the matter? You jealous?

[Matt Dillon]

Don't start that, kiddie.

[Kitty]

Well, I know one thing. Girl's got quite a case on you.

[Matt Dillon]

Just a kid. It won't last.

[Kitty]

I don't know about that. A U.S. marshal's a good catch for a girl.

[Matt Dillon]

She meets a lot of men here. Maybe she'll forget about it.

[Kitty]

From what I can see, God doesn't let her meet many men. He's so jealous, he won't let her out of his sight.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess they're both pretty young.

[Kitty]

Don't underestimate young love, Matthew. Besides, this has been going on for three days now.

[Trudy Trent]

I thought you'd come in, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How are you, Trudy?

[Trudy Trent]

Gar says he never met you.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Marshall. You new in town, Gar?

[Trudy Trent]

Guy hasn't been here much longer than I have, Marshall. But he's staying on, ain't you, Gar?

[Gar Klein]

Yes, I am.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's good.

[Gar Klein]

I've been promised a job of work out at Emmet Bauer's place. Then when I'm able, I'm getting Trudy out of here.

[Kitty]

Well, the long branch isn't that bad. I keep an eye on her when you're not around, Gar.

[Gar Klein]

I thank you for that Miss Kitty. But just the same, girl like Trudy, she shouldn't have come here in the first place. He's not used to being around a saloon.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess you're right.

[Gar Klein]

Like I say, it wasn't fitting to bring her here at all.

[Trudy Trent]

Now, don't talk like that. Marshall knew what he was doing. He wanted to bring me here. Didn't you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know as I had much choice.

[Trudy Trent]

But you did bring me. And now you're responsible for me.

[Gar Klein]

No, I ain't. There's not any such thing. I'm the one who's responsible for you and me only. You keep away from her, Marshall. You keep away from now on. Come on.

[Kitty]

Well, you see what I mean?

[Matt Dillon]

All I came in here for was a quiet drink. Now, the next time, you better have Sam bring a bucket of beer down to my office.

[Kitty]

It's not that bad, Matt. I tell you what. This time it's on the house, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess I'm getting old, Kitty. But somehow it rubs a wrong way to be warned off by a youngster who's not dry behind the ears yet.

[Kitty]

He's just showing off, Ma.

[Matt Dillon]

And I hope you're right. Well, how about that drinker? Hi.

[Public Service Announcer]

This is Dennis James with a longtime favorite.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, the longtime favorites are usually the best, aren't they?

[Public Service Announcer]

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[Matt Dillon]

Try it.

[Public Service Announcer]

Okay. Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Come in.

[Trudy Trent]

Evening, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Trudy. What are you doing here this time of night?

[Trudy Trent]

I came to see you.

[Matt Dillon]

I thought you were supposed to be working.

[Trudy Trent]

I asked Kitty for a few hours off. Said I was sick. I see you haven't been to Long Branch all night.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I've been busy.

[Trudy Trent]

You don't seem very glad to see me.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, Trudy. Let's get this straight, Marshall.

[Trudy Trent]

I came here to tell you something.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Trudy Trent]

I just thought you ought to know. Now I'm gonna get married.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's fine to you. Now, wait a minute. I thought you were talking about Gar Klein.

[Trudy Trent]

Gar why he.

[Matt Dillon]

Cause he's in love with you. He got himself a job at Emmett Bowers so he could save enough money to marry you, get you a place.

[Trudy Trent]

I was just a fence riding cowboy, and that's all he's ever gonna be. I'm not gonna marry a man like that. Like I said, I'm gonna marry you.

[Matt Dillon]

Trudy, you're a foolish, romantic little girl. And I'm sure not about to get married to you or anybody else. Not now or anytime now. Have you got that straight, little girl?

[Trudy Trent]

Am I?

[Matt Dillon]

You asked.

[Trudy Trent]

I'll teach you how to talk to a woman.

[Matt Dillon]

David, stop that. I said stop it. You just calm down. You feeling better?

[Trudy Trent]

Now I'll tell you how I feel. I'm gonna tell everybody and Dodge. You killed my pa. Then you ran off with me. How my PA tried to stop you and you shot him dead and forced me to come with you.

[Matt Dillon]

Trudy, you listen to me. You don't really care about me at. Now, you be honest with yourself. You just want to be a U.S. marshal's wife. Isn't that right, Trudy? Trudy, wait a minute. You try and do good for somebody, and this is what happens.

[Gar Klein]

Matt, you look kind of tired.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Gar Klein]

I say you look tired. Oh, well, just like I've always told you, Chester. You can't burn the candle at both ends and not have it show. Oh, she must be a handful, all right. She's got Matt going, all right. It's a sure sign something's in the wind when they won't even talk about it. Yeah, well, it even happened to me one time, Doc. Yeah, back in Texas it was. And this little old gal, bless her heart, just wouldn't give me a minute.

[Matt Dillon]

She must have been a ridge running beauty.

[Gar Klein]

Well, now, she wasn't too bad. Mr. John. Say, you better get married, Matt. It's a whole lot easier in a man than all this court.

[Matt Dillon]

I just hate to do this to you gentlemen, but I'm gonna have to leave. Don't forget my check when you leave, huh? Steak, eggs and coffee. Thank you.

[Public Service Announcer]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? Oh, God.

[Gar Klein]

I've been looking for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now what's the trouble?

[Gar Klein]

I heard all about it.

[Matt Dillon]

All about what?

[Gar Klein]

Trudy told me last night. She told me everything.

[Matt Dillon]

You've been drinking.

[Gar Klein]

Last night I was, but not now.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Gar Klein]

Last night Trudy told me how you shot her paw so she could run off with it.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, Guard.

[Gar Klein]

Now you gotta hear in Dodge and you don't want her no more.

[Matt Dillon]

Girl, would you listen to me? Trudy's lying to you. You're a fool to believe all that talk.

[Gar Klein]

I love her, Marshall, and she loves me. And I ain't gonna have you make sport of her.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not trying to hurt her. I haven't said anything against her. Can't you see this is what she wants? She's trying to make you jealous. Trying to get back at me for turning her down.

[Gar Klein]

I'm going to kill you.

[Matt Dillon]

You better just go along, son. We can talk about this later. Not hardly. Marel G. Don't be a fool.

[Gar Klein]

This is for Trudy and what you done to him. Why don't you finish me off? Why don't you?

[Matt Dillon]

You're not hurt bad, son. You're going to be all right. What in the world happened?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Mr. John, aren't you all right, Vince.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Doc, see to this boy here. And then Chuck and take him over to the jail till he cools off.

[Gar Klein]

Where are you going?

[Matt Dillon]

Down to the Long Branch. I'm gonna have a talk with Trudy Trent.

[Kitty]

I heard the shooting, Matt. What was it?

[Matt Dillon]

Gar Klein. But I'll tell you later. Right now, where can I find Trudy?

[Kitty]

It won't be too easy, I'm afraid.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, easy or not, I'm gonna find her and I'm gonna run her out of town. Trudy's caused all the trouble she's going to around here.

[Kitty]

She's already gone, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

What.

[Kitty]

What happened to Gar? Did you shoot him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but he'll be all right. What's this about Trudy?

[Kitty]

Well, last night, Gar was in here with Trudy, and she got him pretty drunk. From what I could tell, they were talking about you. Later, Gar passed out, and I had Sam put him in the back room to sleep it off. That's when Trudy met the gambler.

[Matt Dillon]

Gambler?

[Kitty]

Yeah, from St. Louis. He came in last night, late, real late, on his way to San Francisco. Judy was at loose end and she got to talking with him. And they left together just half an hour ago in the morning stage.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. I guess maybe he was a better catch than Gar Klein.

[Kitty]

Looked like he was pretty rich, fancy clothes and all. So I suppose she figured he was better than you two, since she finally figured out she'd never get you.

[Matt Dillon]

It's too bad about Gar, but I guess he was trying to do the right thing. At least the way he saw it.

[Kitty]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Trouble is, she never really cared for him at all. He was fighting for just a lot of shadows.

[Kitty]

Well, maybe that's better than not fighting for anything at all.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess you're right, Kitty. I guess you're right.

[Public Service Announcer]

Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty ice cold Pepsi Cola.

[Trudy Trent]

So she beautiful.

[Matt Dillon]

Charlie all right.

[Public Service Announcer]

Kay.

[Matt Dillon]

How's this?

[Public Service Announcer]

Pepsi is light, refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi right now.

[Trudy Trent]

I'll offer it to everybody.

[Public Service Announcer]

Charlie I will enjoy Pepsi at the fountain. It's delicious at home too. Have one at lunch or with a snack at the beach or at dinner. Wherever you go, wherever you're thirsty, Pepsi is there.

[Trudy Trent]

It's here too, in our be sociable zone.

[Public Service Announcer]

Be sociable.

[Matt Dillon]

Look smart.

[Trudy Trent]

Keep up today with Pentagon. Bring delight, refreshing and free.

[Matt Dillon]

Stay on.

[Public Service Announcer]

Insouciable. Have a Pepsi for the weekend. Have plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today. CK I'm sociable Pepsi.

[Trudy Trent]

Everyone is.

[Public Service Announcer]

Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald's stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Norman McDonald with editorial supervision by John Neston. Featured in the cast were Eve McVeigh and Sam Edwards. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is kidding. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve Technogod and Craig who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon]

It.