Gunsmoke – “Box O' Rocks” (September 23, 1956)

Podcast: OTRWesterns.com
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Starring: William Conrad as Matt Dillon
Episode Theme:
This episode of Gunsmoke centers on a mysterious coffin, a missing prospector, and a clever scheme in Dodge City. Marshal Matt Dillon unravels a tale of deceit, cowardice, and revenge when what seems to be a simple funeral turns out to be the linchpin for a much deeper plot.

Main Theme & Purpose

The story opens with the community gathering for the funeral of Packy Roundtree, a shiftless old prospector. When Marshal Dillon and Doc discover the coffin contains only rocks and straw—no body—the search is on for Packy, who is either missing or faking his own death. As Matt investigates, he uncovers Packy's desperate attempt to escape an old nemesis, Jeb Cruder, and the larger secret of a hidden silver mine.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Suspicious Funeral (04:08–06:42)

• The funeral for Packy Roundtree begins: Reverend Blouse delivers a eulogy that paints Packy as a pillar of the community.
  • “Is he talking about old Packy Roundtree, Mr. Dillon? … Packy wasn't nothing but a measly, miserable, shiftless old grub staker.” — Chester (05:23)
• Doc, Matt, and Chester notice irregularities around Packy’s death and the coffin.
• On opening the coffin: “There's nothing here but some straw and a bunch of rocks.” — Doc (06:42)

2. The Search for Truth (07:30–11:45)

• The investigation reveals Packy left a will, witnessed by Reverend Blouse, granting all he owned to a “Preston Hawkins.”
• At the assay office, it’s found the rocks from the coffin are valuable ore—lead and silver.
  • “Pete said somebody else come in with a piece of this same kind of rock this afternoon. Some stranger.” — Chester (10:43)
• Suspicion shifts to a stranger in Dodge—Jeb Cruder—a known bully and old adversary of Packy.

3. Cruder’s Role & Tensions Rise (11:45–19:42)

• Matt questions Jeb Cruder in the saloon. Cruder is hostile but admits looking for Packy, claims ignorance about “Preston Hawkins,” and expresses surprise at the funeral ruse.
  • “You don’t have the guts to draw it anyway.” — Matt Dillon to Cruder (13:37)
  • Cruder tries to save face after being bested in a brief confrontation.
• Chester wakes Matt late at night with word that Reverend Blouse wants to confess to the Marshal (16:27).

4. The Parson’s Confession (19:45–23:25)

• Reverend Blouse admits to assisting Packy in faking his death. Packy, fearing Cruder, legally changed his name to Preston Hawkins.
  • “Packy Roundtree was dead to all intents and purposes.” — Reverend Blouse (20:32)
• Cruder attacked the parson, forcing him to reveal the mine’s location.

5. The Silver Mine Showdown (23:26–28:54)

• Matt and Chester follow Cruder to Packy’s hidden mine, where a confrontation ensues.
• Packy appears alive, working the mine, revealing his history of being bullied and even maimed by Cruder.
  • “The fact is, Marshal, I’m a… I’m a goddamn coward. ... When it comes to Jeb Cruder, I ain’t got none at all.” — Packy “Preston Hawkins” (26:57)
  • “He put a bullet through (both my legs). I wouldn’t sign.” — Packy (27:45)
• As explosives detonate in the mine (unknown to Packy, Cruder is trapped inside), the fate of Cruder is sealed.

6. Closing & Irony (28:54–End)

• Packy is unwittingly responsible for Cruder likely perishing in the mine shaft during the explosion.
• Matt, ever the dry observer, notes the twisted fate and Packy's obliviousness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Discovery at the Funeral:
  • “There's nothing here but some straw and a bunch of rocks.” — Doc, on opening Packy's coffin (06:42)
• Packy's Confession:
  • “The fact is, Marshal, I’m a goddamn coward. ... When it comes to Jeb Cruder, I ain’t got none at all.” — Packy (26:57)
• Confrontation with Jeb Cruder:
  • “You don’t have the guts to draw it anyway.” — Matt Dillon (13:37)
  • “Don't overdo it, huh? A man can get too civil sometimes.” — Matt Dillon, mockingly to Cruder after their fight (15:01)
• The Parson’s Justification:
  • “Packy Roundtree was dead to all intents and purposes.” — Reverend Blouse (20:32)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Funeral and coffin discovery: 04:08–06:50
• Ore and will investigation: 09:30–12:10
• Cruder's confrontation: 12:20–15:25
• Parson’s confession: 19:45–21:45
• The mine and resolution: 23:26–29:15

Tone

True to classic Gunsmoke, the episode alternates between dry, laconic wit and moments of tension. The dialogue is colorful and vivid, with each character’s personality coming through: Matt’s cool authority, Chester’s rustic humor, Doc’s sardonic realism, and the parson’s blustery earnestness.

Summary

“Box O’ Rocks” is a quintessential Gunsmoke tale: A simple event in Dodge City—an unremarkable prospector’s funeral—unravels to a story of fear, cunning, and hard justice on the frontier. The episode serves up tightly written dialogue, clever plot twists, and the signature blend of darkness and dry humor that marks Dodge City. It reminds listeners that on the frontier, not everyone is as they seem, and sometimes, even a box of rocks can hide the truth.