Barton Boy | Gunsmoke (10-01-55)

Summary

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Gunsmoke: "Barton Boy" (Original Air Date: October 1, 1955)

Podcast: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode: Barton Boy | December 20, 2025

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Overview

In this episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon investigates a brutal train robbery that leaves Ed Barton dead and his young son Billy gravely wounded. The episode follows Dillon’s meticulous efforts to protect Billy—the only witness to the crime—and unravel a plot that digs unexpectedly close to home. Centered in Dodge City’s gritty realities, “Barton Boy” is a classic Western morality story of betrayal, greed, and the pursuit of justice.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. Train Robbery and Its Aftermath

• Setting: The episode opens with Matt Dillon and Chester witnessing a new record-length train arrive in Dodge City. (05:28)

• Discovery of Crime: The usually uneventful task of collecting a strongbox takes a dark turn when they find Ed Barton, the baggage clerk, murdered and his son Billy wounded in the baggage car.

  "There he is, laying over there in the corner." – Chester (07:37)

• Immediate Suspicions: Dillon quickly deduces that the killer locked the baggage car behind himself and likely escaped near the Walnut Creek crossing when the train slowed. (08:00-09:10)

2. Billy Barton’s Testimony

• Billy’s Condition: The boy survives a graze but his grief is palpable.

  "Oh, it ain't the hurting, Doc." – Billy Barton (11:13)

• Identification by Voice: Billy confides that while he never saw the gunman’s face, he’d recognize the unique, “kind of weak” voice if he heard it again. (12:49)

  "I'd know his voice all right, even if he's trying to fool me... it's kind of weak like." – Billy Barton (12:49)

3. The Search for the Killer

• Protecting the Witness: Dillon places Billy in a jail cell for his safety, recognizing the risk the killer poses to the only eyewitness. (13:15, 14:04)
• Suspect Roundup: Over the ensuing days, Matt and Chester parade possible suspects past Billy, with each attempt fruitlessly ending in, "It ain't him, marshal." (15:36-16:48)
• The Town Grieves: Laura, Ed’s fiancée, is devastated, and Kitty hints at town intrigue and prior relationships (10:00-10:44, 19:21).

4. Subtle Clues and Rising Tension

• Motivation Comes Clear: Matt reasons the robbery required inside knowledge—only he, Ed, and Mr. Botkin of the bank knew the shipment schedule. (21:00)

  "That killer knew... exactly which trip to hit. Now, it was somebody from this town. Had to be." – Matt Dillon (21:00)

• Laura’s Actions: Laura tries to comfort Billy, offering him a special treat: a slice of rum cake. She also hints at wanting to adopt him. (18:27-19:54)

• Poisoned Cake: When Billy gives the cake to a stray dog—which dies—Matt recognizes an attempt on the boy’s life and acts swiftly.

  "The dog... it's been poisoned." – Matt Dillon (23:47)

5. The Culprit Unmasked and Justice Served

• Piecing it Together: Discussions reveal Laura has resumed seeing Taggart, who has a distinctive, husky voice—the very detail Billy noted. (21:43)

• Confronting the Guilty: Matt and Chester confront Taggart at Laura’s place. When Taggart runs, Matt kills him as he resists arrest. (27:20-27:38)

• Laura’s Desperation: In a grimly poignant moment, Laura, armed and unhinged, confronts Matt. He coolly talks her down.

  "If you'd have had your way, it had been a kid instead. So you better put that gun down and take your chances with a jury." – Matt Dillon (28:49)

• Moral Conclusion: Laura admits defeat, acknowledging the turning point:

  "That kid. That's what beat us. The minute I heard he was alive, I knew it was starting to go wrong." – Laura (29:21)

• Matt’s Final Word: He delivers a classic Western admonition:

  "It started long before that, Laura... The day you were born." – Matt Dillon (29:37)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely." – Matt Dillon, on being a marshal (04:13)
• "I don't know exactly. It's kind of weak like. Or something. It's hard to explain, but I'll know it anytime I hear it." – Billy Barton describing the killer (12:57)
• "Somebody's gonna pay for it, Kitty." – Matt Dillon, on pursuing justice for Ed and Billy Barton (20:43)
• "The killers here in Dodge, and the money's here. And sooner or later, I'm going to find them both." – Matt Dillon (21:21)
• "If you'd have had your way, it had been a kid instead... You're under arrest." – Matt Dillon, confronting Laura (28:49)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Opening & Robbery Discovery: 05:28–08:27
• Billy’s Testimony: 11:13–13:07
• Witness Protection & Suspect Parade: 14:04–16:55
• Laura’s Rum Cake & Betrayal: 18:27–19:54; 21:43
• Poisoned Cake Realization: 23:15–23:47
• Climactic Showdown: 26:28–29:37

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains the brooding, methodical tone characteristic of Gunsmoke’s best, with Marshal Dillon’s relentless pursuit of justice and a town wrestling with its own undercurrents of greed and vulnerability. Dialogue is terse, plainspoken, and often heavy with foreshadowing and subtext; emotion simmers beneath the surface but always feels real and immediate.

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Conclusion

"Barton Boy" exemplifies Gunsmoke’s strengths: morally complex storytelling, authentic Western atmosphere, and a commitment to justice—even when it comes at great personal cost. Matt Dillon’s investigation brings heartbreak and closure, but no real victory—only the resolve to keep standing guard over a “lonesome town” that’s never quite as quiet as it seems.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

A new phone for Billy, a necklace for Sam, all the while on the lookout for scams. A swipe here and tap there. Better make it go far. Turns out mom didn't know she needs.

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[Matt Dillon]

7.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original air dates October 1, 1955 and the title is Bar Barton Boy. Let's get into it and thanks for listening.

[Martha Stewart]

I'm Martha Stewart and I believe the best gifts are not only beautiful, but useful every single day. And Lennox has brought timeless beauty and lasting quality to our tables for generations, and their Lenox Spice Village is the perfect holiday gift for someone you love or for yourself. Spice Village transforms everyday spices and into inspired memories filled with warmth and joy all year long. Give a gift that lasts beyond the holidays. Discover the [e-mail] SpiceVillage While holiday shopping.

[MyFico Advertiser]

Is almost always fun, credit can be confusing. Download the MyFico app now and shop with confidence, knowing that you can stay on top of your credit 24. 7. Get your FICO score straight from the people that created it. Plus free free credit monitoring and a free credit report every month. No credit card required. FICO scores are used by over 90% of lenders, so trust the MyFico app to keep you in the know. Visit myfico.com free or download the MyFico app today.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Limu Emu and Doug Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally Doug.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera.

[Matt Dillon]

They see us.

[Liberty Mutual/Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty. Liberty.

[Laura]

Liberty.

[Liberty Mutual/Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Liberty Savings. Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates excludes Massachusetts.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Gunsmoke brought to you by l m filters. Make today your big red letter day. Your l m red letter day. Change to l. M. 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 gun smoke. Gunsmoke, starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved 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, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely. A lonesome town, Dodge City. A handful of sunburned buildings, half lost in the empty prairie. With a few scrawny cottonwood trees along the plaza and the river and the red clay bluffs to the south. A frontier town like all the others, except for one difference. We're on the railroad. So about once a day, when the train starts whistling off in the east, the folks in Dodge listen and remember that they're part of a bigger world outside. A different world beyond the plains.

[Chester]

Well, just looky there, Mr. Dylan.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

A brand new record this time, pulling.

[Chester]

Four coaches in a baggage car.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they keep getting longer all the time, huh?

[Chester]

They just. Why, in eight or ten years. Years, I bet we'll see six and seven coach cranes rolling into Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

It'd be more surprising if they ever get them in on time.

[Chester]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, let's pick up that strong box and take it over to the bank, huh?

[Chester]

Look at there. Dudes with a dozen ooing and awing around. Just look at them. Dressed fit to kill.

[Matt Dillon]

They'll get over it. Some of them at least. The rest of them will go back east.

[Chester]

Well, there's one I sure hope don't. What?

[Matt Dillon]

You want to meet her? Why don't you drive into Long Branch Saloon?

[Chester]

She gonna work there. Do you know her, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

No, but she's got that look.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Hey, Ed.

[Matt Dillon]

Matt Dillon, open up.

[Chester]

You know, this what I ought to been, Mrs. Dillon? A baggage clerk. Just one run a week to Kansas City and back and collect your pay.

[Matt Dillon]

That sounds pretty easy, doesn't it?

[Chester]

Hey, Ed. He's probably asleep. Nothing else to do the whole trip.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I suppose so. Let me get up There, Chessett. Maybe I can see through the window.

[Chester]

See anything?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not much. This glass is so dirty that. Chester.

[Chester]

What's the matter?

[Matt Dillon]

Go find Doc. I gotta break the latch on this door in a hurry. Careful now, Chester.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Bear down just a little harder.

[Matt Dillon]

It's starting to give.

[Chester]

Watch your hand, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, that's it. Let's get her open.

[Chester]

There he is, laying over there in the corner.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey.

[Chester]

Ed. I guess he won't be answering, Matt. Two bullets right over the heart. Either one of them would have done the job. Yeah, but the baggage car was locked. Whoever done it couldn't have got out.

[Matt Dillon]

Probably stepped out on the ledge there, slid the door shut behind him. The latch catches by itself.

[Chester]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what is it, Doc?

[Chester]

There's another one down at the end of the.

[Matt Dillon]

But it's just a kid. He's not over 10 years old. And he's been shot. Same as the baggage clerk.

[Chester]

Why, that's Ed's own boy, Billy Barton. Ed must have took him along on this.

[Matt Dillon]

Does he hurt bad, Doc?

[Chester]

No, just grazed his head. The way it looks, he'll pull through all right. Good.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, I want to talk to the conductor and the train crew. You stay here and give Doc a hand, will you, Chester?

[Chester]

Yes, sure I will.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Chester, by the way, that soft job is open now if you want it.

[Laura]

Matt.

[Chester]

Ah.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Hello.

[Chester]

Kidding.

[Laura]

What happened, Matt? Somebody said the train was held up.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Somebody got into the baggage car and killed Ed Barton. Shot his son. Took the strongbox. Around $20,000, I guess.

[Laura]

And they got away?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it looks that way. Train crew figures it must have happened near the Walnut Creek crossing. Whoever did it dropped off when the train slowed down for the trestle there.

[Laura]

What about the boy, Billy?

[Chester]

He'll live.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc's patching him up now.

[Laura]

Poor little kid. Ed was all he had, and now he's left with nobody.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's too bad.

[Laura]

Gonna be rough on Laura, too. She and Ed were planning to be married.

[Matt Dillon]

That's what I heard. So I figured I better stop by and tell her.

[Laura]

Well, maybe she can go back to Taggart. If he's still around. She left him when she and Ed started going together. She's not one to be without a man, Marshall. Make it gentle, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

There's nothing gentle about death, Kitty.

[Laura]

Marshall. Nobody will tell me anything. What's happened? Ed's been hurt, hasn't he?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, I'm afraid he has, Laura.

[Laura]

I knew that's what it was. Is it bad?

[Matt Dillon]

Couldn't be any worse.

[Billy Barton]

No. No.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Lauren. He's dead.

[Laura]

No, Marshall.

[Billy Barton]

No Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

Will you take care of her? I gotta go see if the boy's able to talk to you.

[Laura]

Don't worry about her, Matt. She'll be all right. Just get whoever did it, that's all. Don't let him get away with it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm hoping the boy can help me in some way. As it is, I got nothing to go on. Nothing at all.

[Chester]

They're not. Now, son, I. I got you all fixed up now. You're going to be all right. There's nothing to worry about. Well, I bet you've been hurt worse just from bumping your head.

[Billy Barton]

Oh, it ain't the hurting, Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

I know, son. Make as sure as you can, man.

[Chester]

He's pretty broke up about it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. All right, Doc.

[Chester]

Well, Billy, you feel like talking?

[Billy Barton]

I'm all right.

[Matt Dillon]

What happened, Billy?

[Billy Barton]

Well, we was maybe three or four miles the other side of Walnut Creek, and somebody knocked on the door of the car, the one that goes back toward the coaches. When dad opened it, this man come in with a gun.

[Matt Dillon]

Anybody you know? You ever seen him before?

[Billy Barton]

No. He had a handkerchief over his face, but.

[Matt Dillon]

Was there anything special about him? Shape, size or clothes, maybe?

[Billy Barton]

No, sir. Nothing I can remember. I don't know who he was, Marshall, but I know I hate him.

[Matt Dillon]

Billy, what happened then? When he came in with the gun.

[Billy Barton]

He pointed at my dad and said he'd shoot him if he made a move. Dad grabbed for the shotgun on the wall, man fired two times and dad fell. I started toward him, and the man fired again. That's all I remember.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, I see. You don't figure that you'd know this man if you saw him again, huh?

[Billy Barton]

No, I. I don't guess so. Not unless he talked.

[Chester]

What?

[Billy Barton]

I'd know his voice, all right, even if he's trying to fool me.

[Chester]

But why?

[Matt Dillon]

For what was special about it?

[Billy Barton]

I don't know exactly. It's kind of weak like. Or something. It's hard to explain, but I'll know it anytime I hear it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, we'll try to make sure you do hear it, Billy. You take it easy now. You get that head all healed up, huh?

[Billy Barton]

I will.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay. Chester, fix up one of the cells over at the jail, huh? I want to get the kid moved over there right away.

[Chester]

Why so, Mr. Gill?

[Matt Dillon]

But now the whole town knows Billy's alive. He's the only witness who can identify.

[Chester]

The killer, and the killer knows it.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Make today your big red letter day. Your L and M red letter day. Superior taste and filter it's the miracle tip. Make today your big red letter day. Change to L and M today. L&M's got everything. Superior taste and superior filter. Get L and M today. This is it. L and M. Superior taste and filter. Superior taste from tobaccos especially selected for filter smoking tobaccos that are richer, tastier, light and mild. And L and M. Superior filter is white, pure white. Truly the miracle tip. Because when it's added to L and M tobaccos, it actually improves your enjoyment of this great cigarette. Next time you buy cigarettes, look for the big red letters. L and M. Smoke L and M filters. America's best filter tip cigarette. L&M's got everything. Get L and M today.

[Matt Dillon]

So Billy Barton moved into a cell at the Dodge City jail, and Chester stayed with him most of the time to keep him company and to keep him alive. Meanwhile, I combed the town from one end to the other, brought in every gunslinger, saddle bum and drifter I thought might fit the bill.

[Chester]

Get your hands up. Stand still. Don't make a move.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what do you think, Billy? Does that sound anything like him?

[Billy Barton]

No, sir. I mean, maybe it's kind of like him, but he's not the one, Martha.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester, take him out. Oh, and bring in Hawkley, will you?

[Chester]

Hi, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Say, Billy. It takes time, but we'll get him sooner or later.

[Chester]

This is a preposterous outrage, Marshall. This is an unmitigated insult. Man of my character and integrity to be dragged in here.

[Matt Dillon]

You're a sniveling card sharp, and you've been dragged into half the jails west of the Mississippi, Marshall.

[Chester]

I beg your pardon?

[Matt Dillon]

Just keep talking, Pegas.

[Chester]

Well, true, of course. One or two occasions in the past, I was accused falsely, basely, unjustly, with deliberate malice. Accused of certain more or less criminal activities, which, it goes without saying, I was entirely innocent and blameless.

[Billy Barton]

It ain't him, Marshall. Regardless, his voice ain't nothing like it.

[Matt Dillon]

That's too bad. I've been trying to nail him on something for the. The last year. All right. Figures. You can shut up now.

[Chester]

I've only begun.

[Matt Dillon]

I said that's enough. Try him out, Chester, Then bring in the next one.

[Billy Barton]

How much longer am I gonna have to stay here, Chester?

[Chester]

Well, that's kindly. Hard to say, Billy.

[Billy Barton]

It must have been over a week already.

[Chester]

Yeah, something like that, I guess. How about a nice game of checkers?

[Billy Barton]

I'm tired of checkers.

[Chester]

Well, casino then. That's a good, interesting game.

[Billy Barton]

I don't want. I want to get out of here.

[Chester]

Well, now, we gotta give that head of yours time to heal up proper.

[Billy Barton]

Well, that ain't the reason. I know why you and the marshal are keeping me here.

[Chester]

Well, it's just cause we.

[Billy Barton]

You think that man on the train's gonna try and kill me? That's how come you're doing it.

[Chester]

Now, whatever could give you an idee like that?

[Billy Barton]

You ain't gonna find him. He wouldn't stay around here. He's halfway to St. Louis by now.

[Chester]

Well, now, Billy, you just can never tell why that fellow might with you. Sit tight, Billy.

[Billy Barton]

Yes, sir.

[Chester]

Who is it?

[Matt Dillon]

Who's there?

[Laura]

Is that you, Chester?

[Chester]

Oh, Miss Laura, just a minute. Sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Laura.

[Laura]

That's all right. Well, how are you, Billy?

[Billy Barton]

All right, I guess.

[Laura]

Well, do you suppose I could interest a couple of hungry men in some home cooked food?

[Chester]

Oh, yes, ma', am, you sure could. Here, let me take that basket. Oh, look at that. Why, that's better than last year's church social.

[Laura]

How's your head, Billy?

[Billy Barton]

All right, I guess.

[Laura]

Well, I've got something here that's gonna make it better in a hurry.

[Billy Barton]

Oh, what's that?

[Laura]

Slice of rum cake. One of the girls I work with had it sent all the way from New York and I talked her out of a piece of it just for you.

[Chester]

Well, now, what do you say for that, Billy?

[Billy Barton]

Thank you.

[Laura]

You're welcome.

[Chester]

Billy, you better sit right down here and help us eat up some of this good food, Miss Laura.

[Laura]

Well, I'd like to, Chester, but I gotta change and get on over to the Long branch. My work day's just starting, you know.

[Chester]

Well, we sure do appreciate this.

[Laura]

Well, I'll see you later. Billy, I know it's sort of understood that you're gonna go live with Ms. Austi over at the boarding house when you leave here, but. Well, I've always wanted a little boy. One all my own. And I. Well, I'd kind of like for it to be you. Well, you don't have to answer now, but think it over, Billy.

[Billy Barton]

Yes, ma'.

[Chester]

Am.

[Laura]

Well, good night, you two.

[Chester]

Good night, Miss Laura. Well, now, what do you think about that?

[Billy Barton]

It's all right, I guess.

[Chester]

All right? Well, I think it's just fine. Billy. Let me get a knife from under my mattress and we'll try out these vittles of yours.

[Laura]

Have a drink with me, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

No, not right now. Thanks.

[Chester]

Kitty.

[Laura]

It's Ed Barton's murder still bothering you, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Laura]

Well, you can't win every hand no.

[Matt Dillon]

But this one's different, Kitty. Ed was killed in cold blood. And Billy, a kid of that age, shot down and left to die. Somebody's gonna pay for it, Kitty.

[Laura]

You could be following a cold trail, Matt. Might have been a drifter, someone who never even came near Dodge City.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I don't think so. For one reason. Only three people were ever told when those money shipments were being made. Me and Ed and Mr. Botkin over at the bank. And that killer knew. Knew exactly which trip to hit. Now, it was somebody from this town. Had to be.

[Laura]

Well, it sounds that way, all right.

[Matt Dillon]

The killers here in Dodge are. The money's here. And sooner or later, I'm going to find them both.

[Laura]

Well, I hope it's sooner. Matt, you're beginning to look like a scarecrow.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll make out. How's Laura getting along?

[Laura]

Oh, not too bad, I guess. She's kept it to herself mostly. Hasn't talked about it.

[Matt Dillon]

Might be better if she would, I suppose.

[Laura]

I've heard that she started hanging around with Taggart again, though.

[Matt Dillon]

Taggart? I thought he went to Kansas City.

[Laura]

Well, he did a couple of weeks ago. I guess he's back again. Anyway, one of the bartenders claims he saw him night before last over on the south side. And of course, that's where Laura lives.

[Matt Dillon]

Taggart, huh?

[Laura]

She's even started talking like him again the last few days. She's a regular parent. You know that voice of his, soft and sort of husky like.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Thanks, Kitty.

[Laura]

Or what?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll see you later, Chester. Come on, open up.

[Chester]

All right, I'm. I'm coming, Mr. Dylan. Well, it sure is good to see a face from the outside world.

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Dillon, is Beverly all right?

[Chester]

Well, sure he is. Why wouldn't it be? What's happened?

[Matt Dillon]

I think I know who did it. Well, how you making out, Billy?

[Billy Barton]

How much longer have I gotta stay here, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

I think it's just about over now. I say, where'd all this come from?

[Chester]

Ms. Laura fetched it. Oh, we had ourselves a real feed. At least I did. Billy wasn't very hungry. He didn't even eat the special slice of rum cake she brought for him.

[Matt Dillon]

Special, huh? What'd you do with it, Billy?

[Billy Barton]

Oh, I'm sorry, Marshall, but I didn't want it. I give it to that old hound dog that's been hanging around.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, I see. Chester, I wonder if you'd step out back here for a second.

[Chester]

All right, Mr. Young.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll be right back. Billy.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, go find Clint Murphy. And have him come back here and keep an eye on Billy for the next hour.

[Chester]

Well, ain't no need for Clint. I'll be here.

[Matt Dillon]

No, you won't. We're gonna pick up a killer. I can't take any more chances.

[Chester]

What do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

The dog. The one Billy gave his special cake to. Flying out there by the edge of the street. It's been poisoned.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Make today your big red letter day. Your L and M red letter day. Superior taste and filter. It's the miracle tip. Make today your big red letter day. Change to L and M today. L&M's got everything. Superior taste and superior filter. Get L and M today. This is it. L, M. Superior taste and filter. Superior taste from tobaccos especially selected for filter. Smoking tobaccos that are richer, tastier, light and mild. And L and M. Superior filter is white, pure white. Truly the miracle tip. Because when it's added to L, M tobaccos, it actually improves your enjoyment of this great cigarette. Next time you buy cigarettes, look for the big red letters. L and M. Smoke L and M filters. America's best filter tip cigarette. L&M's got everything. Get L and M today.

[Matt Dillon]

No matter how many times you've done it before, the same thing always happens. Every time. You start out to bring in a killer, you know what's waiting for you. And the muscles under your belt knot up and your heart starts to pound. But after a few minutes, you go crazy cold and loosen up. Then it's all right. Yeah. Stop thinking. Then stop feeling anything. You just go out and do the job.

[Chester]

Nice night, kindly, peaceful life.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

I swear I don't know, Mr. Dillon. It just makes you wonder. What is? It gets into people.

[Matt Dillon]

I got no answer for you, Chester.

[Chester]

That's her place there, the second one down.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know.

[Chester]

You think he'll be there?

[Matt Dillon]

I think he'll be there. All right. Stay clear, Chester. Watch yourself.

[Chester]

That's right, I will. She was just using Ed Barton so she could find out the date of the shipment.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right.

[Chester]

I can't understand.

[Matt Dillon]

Get on.

[Chester]

There he is. There by the porch. Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on over here by the back of the tree.

[Chester]

He ain't got much cover there. We must have caught him unexpected.

[Matt Dillon]

He won't stay there. He'll make a run for it. We'll wait him out.

[Chester]

I don't know, Mr. Elnet. Don't look like he's. There he goes.

[Matt Dillon]

Drop the gun, Taggart. You're under arrest.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Your last chance, Taggart.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Come on, chester.

[Chester]

Well, I guess that's end of it.

[Matt Dillon]

No. Not yet. What? You wait here.

[Laura]

Come in. You killed him, didn't you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Put that gun down, Laura.

[Laura]

The only man in this world I ever cared about and you killed him.

[Matt Dillon]

You'd never stop me with one shot and you know it. I'd still have time to draw and kill you.

[Laura]

You're not the man to draw a.

[Chester]

Gun on a woman.

[Matt Dillon]

I never have before. But a little while ago, I saw a dog lying dead in the street. If you'd have had your way, it had been a kid instead. So you better put that gun down and take your chances with a jury. Cause you got no chance with me. You're under arrest.

[Laura]

That kid. That's what beat us. The minute I heard he was alive, I knew it was starting to go wrong.

[Matt Dillon]

It started long before that, Laura.

[Laura]

What do you mean? When?

[Matt Dillon]

The day you were born.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

And now, our star, William Conrad.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm telling you. The day you changed to L M. Well, that's the day. Your big red letter day. No filter stacks up with L and M's pure white miracle tip. And I know you'll go for L and M's taste. Superior taste you get from L and M's. Superior tobaccos. Richer, tastier tobaccos. Next time look for those big red letters on the L and M pack.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Gun smoke, produced and directed by norman McDonald. Stars william conrad as matt dillon, u.s. marshal. The special music for gunsmoke was composed and conducted by rex corey. Sound patterns by tom hanley and ray kemper. Featured in the cast were virginia christie, richard beals and lawrence stopkin. Harley bear is chester, howard mcnear is doc and georgia ellis is kitty.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Stop.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Start smoking with a smile with Chesterfield. Smoother, cooler, milder. Chester Chesterfield. Put a smile in your smoking.

[Matt Dillon]

Just give them a try.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Chesterfield's best for you. They satisfy. If you want tomorrow's better cigarette today. Next time you buy cigarettes, stop. Remember, only Chesterfield is made the modern way. With Accuray, you'll notice how fresh and good Chesterfield's made with accurate taste. How smooth they are and how they satisfy. So buy Chesterfield today. Smoother, cooler, best for you. Watch an entirely different Gunsmoke show tonight on your local CBS television station.

[Chester]

Station.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Remember, gun smoke on TV tonight, 10pm Eastern time. And be sure and listen to Gunsmoke again on radio next week. Transcribe for L M Filters.

[Billy Barton]

Foreign.

[Martha Stewart]

I'm Martha Stewart and I believe the best gifts are not only beautiful, but useful every single day. And Lenox has brought timeless beauty and lasting quality to our tables. For generations and their Lenox Spice Village is the perfect holiday gift for someone you love or for yourself. Spice Village transforms everyday spices into inspired memories filled with warmth and joy all year long. Give a gift that lasts beyond the holidays. Discover the [e-mail] SpiceVillage if you're the.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why, hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With On Time Restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Liberty Mutual/Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Hey Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. You know one of the perks about having four kids that you know about is actually getting a direct line to the big man up north. And this year he wants you to know the best gift that you can give someone is the gift of Mint Mobile's Unlimited Wireless for $15 a month. Now you don't even need to wrap it. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[MyFico Advertiser]

Of $45 for a three month plan equivalent to $15 per month required new customer offer for first three months only. Speed slow after 35 gigabytes if network's busy, taxes and fees extra. See mintmobile.com.

[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator/Announcer]

If you're the purchasing manager at a manufacturing plant, you know having a trusted partner makes all the difference. That's why hands down, you count on Grainger for auto reordering. With on time Restocks, your team will have the cut resistant gloves they need at the start of their shift and you can end your day knowing they've got safety well in hand. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Andrew Rines]

Oh, the car from Carvana's here.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Well, will you look at that. It's exactly what I ordered.

[Andrew Rines]

Like precisely. It would be crazy if there were any catches. But there aren't, right?

[Liberty Mutual/Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Right. Because that's how car buying should be with Carvana. You get the car you want, choose delivery or pickup and a week to love it or return it. Buy your car today with Carvana deliver your pickup fees may apply. Limitations and exclusions may apply. See our seven day return [e-mail].

[Andrew Rines]

And.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Doug, here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally Doug.

[Narrator/Commercial Voice]

Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us. Cut the camera.

[Matt Dillon]

They see us.

[Liberty Mutual/Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings. Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Excludes Massachusetts.