
Original Air Date: April 29, 1956Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Vic Perrin• John Dehner Writer:• ...
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Chester
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to otrwesterns.com or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about a hundred a month. So definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site, otnetcast. And that's N E T C A s t. So ot n e t c a s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape, Suspense and the Whistler. And we have plans on bringing other shows to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old Time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like, but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching t n E T C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original air dates April 29, 1956 and the title is Doc's Reward.
Commercial Voice
Gun Smoke brought to you by L m the modern cigarette that lets you get full exciting flavor through the modern miracle of the pure white miracle.
Matt Dillon
Tip.
Commercial Voice
Live Modern Smoke. 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 with him.
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 lone.
Kitty
The Cape Cod girls, they have no combs.
Doc Adams
They comb their hair with codfish bones. Little May, what's the matter with you? You've seen a man on a horse before? You calm down, girl. They're only waiting to say hello to us.
Chester
Hold up there, Doc.
Doc Adams
Hello, stranger.
Chester
You are Doc Adams, ain't you? I am. You're a long way from Dodd, and.
Doc Adams
I'm headed for Cam Seaton's place. That's about 15 miles on south.
Chester
Oh, you know him? Sure, I know him.
Doc Adams
The horse kicked him in the chest. Now here, he's pretty badly hurt. Some cowboy rode by, found him and got him into bed and then came to Dodge after me.
Chester
I just came from Cam Seaton stock.
Doc Adams
Oh, well, then how is he?
Chester
There's nothing wrong with him.
Doc Adams
What's that?
Chester
No, that cowboy was fun in you. Cam never got kicked by no horse.
Doc Adams
I don't believe it. Nobody would play a joke like that.
Chester
Well, it's true. You better turn around, go back to Dodge. Somebody might be needing you there.
Doc Adams
I'm telling you, Doc, I don't know you, mister. Who are you?
Chester
Just do what I say. I get that buggy turned around.
Doc Adams
I'm driving on to camp Seaton's.
Chester
You won't drive nowhere if I shoot your horse. Doc, put that gun away. You gonna do what I say?
Doc Adams
Of course I'm not.
Chester
Then you're gonna be afoot.
Doc Adams
Doc, you shoot that horse, I'll shoot you.
Chester
Oh, shotgun, huh? Now what are you doing with his shotgun, Doc?
Doc Adams
I'd like to eat prairie chicken, mister, but I've seen what two barrels of birdshot can do to a man.
Chester
You doctor your blood.
Doc Adams
There's a man with a caved in chest waiting for me 15 miles from here. You kill my horse, he might be dead before I can get there. Oh, yes, mister. I'll shoot if I have to.
Chester
You won't.
Doc Adams
Turn around.
Chester
Go back to dod.
Doc Adams
Nobody keeps me from being where I'm needed.
Chester
The horse goes, Doc. And if you try anything, you go next.
Doc Adams
Don't you do it.
Chester
Watch me.
Doc Adams
I told you not to. I told you.
Chester
You still think doc came here, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
Well, there is footprints, Chester. Headed straight for the house.
Chester
Well, I just can't believe no part of it. His horse back there, dead and all bloody.
Matt Dillon
Look on the porch, sir. He just came out of the house.
Chester
It's Doc, all right.
Doc Adams
Hello, Matt. Chester.
Chester
Hold on.
Matt Dillon
The Allen boy reported finding your horse and buggy back there, Doc. I'm glad to see you're all right.
Doc Adams
I'm all right, man.
Matt Dillon
How's Cam Seaton?
Doc Adams
He was dead when I got here. Oh, I guess you saw the man.
Chester
I left in my buggy.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Doc Adams
He was a stranger to me, man.
Matt Dillon
You kill him, Doc?
Doc Adams
He killed my horse and I shot him before he even turned his gun on me. His horse ran off.
Matt Dillon
I see.
Doc Adams
So I guess it isn't exactly self defense, is it?
Matt Dillon
Hell, that's not for me to decide, Doc.
Doc Adams
Am I under arrest?
Matt Dillon
The day I have to arrest you is the day I quit.
Doc Adams
There'll be talk, Matt. People say I ought to be waiting trial in jail. And they'll be blaming you for it. You sure you know what you're doing?
Matt Dillon
Too bad that man's horse ran off, Doc. You might have got here in time if you hadn't had to.
Chester
Why don't you live modern Live modern.
Doc Adams
Live, live, live modern Change to L.
Chester
M.
Commercial Voice
Only with L. M can you enjoy the full, exciting flavor of today's finest tobacco. Through the modern miracle of the L M miracle tip through the pure white miracle tip L M tastes richer smokes cleaner, draws easier no other cigarette plane or filter gives you all the flavor you want the rich, exciting flavor you get only from L and M. So.
Matt Dillon
Light up, free up Let your taste.
Commercial Voice
Come alive Live modern Smoke L and.
Matt Dillon
M Make today your big red letter.
Chester
Day and start to live the modern way Live, live, live modern Get L. You ain't so bad worried, are you, Doc?
Doc Adams
Worried about what, Chester?
Chester
Well, everybody's sort of been eyeing you ever since we got back.
Doc Adams
Oh, no, not everybody, Justin.
Chester
Well, now, you take that fella across the street standing there by the tom soil. Yeah. Seems like he's always watching you from somewhere.
Doc Adams
I don't think I even know that. Manchester.
Chester
He ain't been in town but a couple days.
Doc Adams
Who is he?
Chester
Well, I don't know.
Doc Adams
Well, he's got nothing to do with me. You're forever dreaming up something, Chester. I always said there's too much school girl in you.
Chester
Now, you listen here to me, Doc. I don't know what you're talking about, but I ain't sure I like.
Doc Adams
Well, let me know when you make up your mind. I'm gonna go back to your house.
Matt Dillon
Wait.
Chester
Wait a minute.
Doc Adams
What's what?
Chester
Mr. Dun Mike, he looks real mad about something.
Matt Dillon
Yes, he does. Let's go over to the Texas trail, Doc.
Doc Adams
What for?
Matt Dillon
I just told off a few of our leading citizens up the street. And now I want to be seen buying you a drink to really give them something to talk about.
Doc Adams
Now, wait a minute, Matt. I. I know what they've been saying about me not being in jail. But you can't fight them all.
Matt Dillon
It isn't all of them. It's only a rotten few so far. Come on. I want everybody to know where I stand.
Chester
No, no, Matt, can I come too? I'd be proud to buy a second round myself. How about it, Document? Well.
Doc Adams
I guess I can't turn down a drink with With a couple of friends. Thank you, Matt. Thank you, too, Chester. Now, I really had better get back to my office.
Matt Dillon
Okay, Doc.
Chester
Hold on a minute. There's that fella again. Doc. He followed us in here. What? At the end of the bar there, Mr. Dillon. He keeps watching Doc all the while.
Matt Dillon
You know him, Doc?
Doc Adams
Well, look, there is something familiar about him.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean? He's been watching Doc Justin?
Chester
I don't know, but every doggone time I'm with Doc, I see. Matt.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Doc Adams
I know who he looks like now.
Matt Dillon
Who?
Doc Adams
The man I killed.
Commercial Voice
What?
Doc Adams
Yes, his resemblance. A very definite resemblance.
Matt Dillon
Well, who do you think it might be?
Doc Adams
Well, I'm not sure, but I feel kind of funny inside. Same as I did out there on the prairie.
Matt Dillon
You two wait here. I'd like to know your name, stranger.
Chester
You would?
Matt Dillon
No offense. I'm Marshal Dillon. Now, what's your name?
Chester
Nate.
Matt Dillon
Nate what? Nate'll do, marshal or no marshal. Where you from? Colorado. What are you doing in dutch?
Chester
You got something against me, say it out, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
All right. Doc Adams killed a man last week. He thinks you look like you might be related to him.
Chester
Your Doc Adams has got a bad conscience. Maybe I can't help who I look like.
Matt Dillon
He could be wrong. But if he's right, I want you to remember something. Doc's a friend of mine. If anything happened to him, I'd take it real personal.
Chester
You ain't talking about me, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
It'd be a bad death, mister. I'd kill real hard. Chester. Yes, sir? Go get yourself a shotgun.
Doc Adams
What?
Matt Dillon
You're going to stay with Doc day and night from now on.
Kitty
Matt.
Matt Dillon
I'm sorry to bother you.
Chester
Kitty.
Kitty
Come in. I was just getting ready to go to work. Wasn't expecting company.
Matt Dillon
It's about this trouble Doc's in. Kitty, I. I think you might be able to help.
Kitty
I'd do anything for Doc, Matt. You know that.
Matt Dillon
Oh, this will take your whole evening. Won't be easy. There's a stranger been hanging around town. Says his first name is Nate. He's medium height, wears a buckskin jacket and a brown slouch hat.
Kitty
I've seen him.
Matt Dillon
Well, Doc thinks he might be related to the man he killed. He thinks it might be his brother.
Kitty
You want me to find out?
Matt Dillon
That might take a lot of doing. Kidding? Maybe it's asking too much.
Kitty
You can't put him in jail, Matt. It might save Doc's life.
Matt Dillon
I doubt if he's a man to get drunk by himself or easily. And even drunk, I don't know if you can make him talk, leave that to me.
Kitty
Matt, it's like I said. I'll do anything for Dr.
Matt Dillon
Chester. Come on, wake up.
Chester
Oh, my. Oh, so much.
Matt Dillon
I thought I told you to stay with Doc.
Chester
Well, I was with him all last night and all today so far.
Matt Dillon
Where is he now?
Chester
Well, I don't know. We was playing some cards here, and then I laid down for a minute and. Oh, dear. I just don't know how I could have felt.
Matt Dillon
Go up to his office, see if he's there. And stay with him if he is.
Chester
Yes, sir, I will. Oh, I just don't know how it's gonna happen, Miss Kitty. Really, it's nice to see you, but I gotta go on with.
Kitty
Well, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Ah, sit down, Kitty. You look tired.
Kitty
That was about the longest night I ever spent.
Matt Dillon
Where's Nate, whatever his name is?
Kitty
Last I saw of him, it was dawn, and he was almost asleep on one of the tables for Long Branch. You're right, Matt. That man sure can drink.
Matt Dillon
Well, Kitty, did it do any good?
Kitty
Some. His name's Nate Brandle.
Commercial Voice
Brandle?
Kitty
His brother's name was Miles Brandle.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, and it was his brother Doc killed.
Kitty
That's why Nate's after Doc. I guess he just hasn't had a good chance to get him yet. But he's going to.
Matt Dillon
No, he isn't. I'll run him out of town now that I really know who he is.
Kitty
You want to hear the rest of it first?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, go ahead. Kitty.
Kitty
Nate's brother, this Miles Brandle, he heard Cam Seaton was living here, and he rode all the way from Colorado to kill him.
Matt Dillon
And he found him lying there hurt and learned that he'd sent for Doc.
Kitty
I guess he figured if he could keep Doc awake, Cam wouldn't need Kelvin.
Matt Dillon
He was right. Why was he after Cam?
Kitty
Nate didn't say much about that. But the important thing is that Miles was an outlaw with a price of $1,000 on his head.
Matt Dillon
I never had a Circler on him.
Kitty
True. Anyway, according to Nate, that's why he's after Doc so bad. He thinks Doc shot his brother for the reward money.
Matt Dillon
But hasn't he heard this story?
Kitty
Believe it.
Chester
Matt Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Chester.
Chester
Doc left a note on his drawer that he's down at the stable looking over a new buggy horse. I'm gonna hurry on down there.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute. I'm going with you. Chester. Kelly, I. I think Doc will be wanting to thank you himself. For what?
Chester
Why don't you Live modern Live modern Live Live Live modern Change to l M.
Commercial Voice
Yes, have an L and M. Enjoy a really modern cigarette. A cigarette that gives you all the full, exciting flavor of today's finest tobacco. No other cigarette, plane or filter gives you the flavor. You get through the modern miracle of the L M miracle tip. Through the pure white miracle tip. L M tastes richer, smokes cleaner, draws easier. So light up, free up. Let your taste come alive. Live modern smoke L M Make today.
Chester
Your big red letter day and start.
Matt Dillon
To live the modern way. Live, live, live modern. Get L.
Chester
There he is, Mr. Dillon. Standing just inside the door.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester
I don't see no buggy horse going or nobody else.
Matt Dillon
Well, at least Doc's still all right.
Chester
I promise I won't never fall asleep again.
Matt Dillon
I will take Doc back to the office where he'll be safe. Then I'll go round up Nate Brandle.
Chester
Now, where's he going? Hey, Doc. Somebody shoot that.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Come on.
Doc Adams
I'm all right, man.
Matt Dillon
Stay down, Doc.
Doc Adams
There he goes, out that stall.
Matt Dillon
Hold it.
Chester
You got him, Doc.
Doc Adams
Did you kill him, Matt?
Matt Dillon
I tried not to, Doc.
Doc Adams
You hit me twice. Here, let me have a look.
Matt Dillon
No.
Commercial Voice
You finish me like you finished my brother.
Doc Adams
Don't be a fool. Hold still now.
Matt Dillon
Letting him up to my office.
Doc Adams
Matt, one of those bullets has to come out before I can stop the bleeding. I just tried to kill you, Doc. I know. Then what are you doing? Trying to save me? I'm a doctor. Nothing can keep me from a man who needs me. I tried to explain that to your brother.
Matt Dillon
I don't believe you.
Doc Adams
You're lying. Let's get him moved. Matt, we're.
Chester
Did you get the mail, Mr. D?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it finally came. Chester, go upstairs and get Doc with you. I'll be in the office.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Nate, you awake?
Chester
I'm awake.
Matt Dillon
Now. Come on out.
Chester
What for?
Matt Dillon
You gonna hang me? Go on into the office. Two weeks in bed, three weeks in jail.
Chester
Begin to wish you'd killed me, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I kept you in jail because Doc wanted you there, Nate.
Chester
Has he always run the law around here?
Matt Dillon
It was him you tried to kill, wasn't it? If I had my way, you'd be in prison.
Chester
Between you and Doc, I ain't got.
Matt Dillon
A chance of nothing, have I? I've got to get that settled right now. What do you mean? I don't know. I'm doing this Doc's way. I didn't ask it.
Chester
I got him, Mr. Dillon.
Doc Adams
Good morning, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Morning, Doc.
Doc Adams
Hello, Nature.
Matt Dillon
Well, it came in today's mail, Doug.
Doc Adams
Give it to me, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Here it Is.
Chester
Thank you.
Doc Adams
You got a pen in your desk, Matt?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, help yourself. What is that?
Chester
What are you talking about anyway?
Doc Adams
The reward money. Thousand dollar check for killing your brother.
Chester
Oh.
Matt Dillon
Doc put in his claim, so I sent a Colorado for it. Yeah, I might have known.
Chester
I hope you have a good time with it, Doc. What are you gonna spend it on?
Doc Adams
Tell us.
Chester
I'll tell you, Nate.
Doc Adams
I'm going to spend it on you. I've endorsed it. Here, it's all yours.
Matt Dillon
Mine?
Doc Adams
Take it.
Matt Dillon
What for?
Doc Adams
You will have to figure out what for. It's about time you did.
Chester
Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Chester
My brother left a wife in Denver.
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna see she gets this. She won't have to know what it's from.
Chester
Can I leave now?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, you can leave.
Chester
But Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Don't worry about it. I'll tell Doc you finally got it figured out.
Commercial Voice
And now, our star, William Conrad.
Chester
Thank you, George.
Matt Dillon
Friends, do you like the flavor of modern living? The fullness of it, the excitement of it? Then you'll like the full, exciting flavor of L and M, the modern cigarette. Through the modern miracle of the L and M miracle tip, you get all the full, exciting flavor of today's finest tobaccos. No other cigarette, plane or filter gives you the full, exciting flavor you get through the pure white miracle tip. So light up, free up, let your taste come alive. Live modern smoke. L and M.
Commercial Voice
Gun Smoke produced and Directed by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Our story was specially written for Gun Smoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Ray Kemper and Bill James. Featured in the cast were John Dana and Vic Parrot. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McMear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Maybe you could spare a few hours of your time each week helping to keep your country safe from a possible sneak enemy air attack. Men, women, teenagers too, are eligible to join the Ground Observer Corps and serve as plane spotters, filling in the unavoidable gaps in our radar network. It's easy but fascinating work. When you're in the Ground Observer Corps, you can wear your silver wings proud in the knowledge that you're doing your part to keep America safe. Why not join tomorrow?
Kitty
Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.
Commercial Voice
A cigarette made better and packed better smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray. This electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So accurate. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips, Chesterfield mild.
Matt Dillon
Yet they satisfy the most.
Commercial Voice
Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal, fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in 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 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 youm 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.
Gunsmoke | Doc’s Reward Summary
Introduction
In the episode titled "Doc’s Reward" from the classic Western drama Gunsmoke, listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. Originally aired on April 29, 1956, this episode delves into themes of justice, retribution, and camaraderie. Hosted by Andrew Rines, this detailed summary uncovers the intricate plot, key discussions, and the ultimate resolution that underscores the complex relationships among the town's inhabitants.
Setting the Scene
The episode opens with Matt Dillon, the steadfast United States Marshal, reflecting on his challenging role:
Matt Dillon [02:50]: "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 lone."
This introduction sets the tone for the moral dilemmas and confrontations that Matt will face throughout the story.
The Conflict Unfolds
Doc Adams, Dodge City's trusted doctor, finds himself embroiled in a precarious situation. As he attempts to reach Cam Seaton's place to provide medical assistance, he encounters Chester, who challenges Doc's account of events:
Chester [03:32]: "The Cape Cod girls, they have no combs."
Doc Adams [03:36]: "They comb their hair with codfish bones. Little May, what's the matter with you? You've seen a man on a horse before? You calm down, girl. They're only waiting to say hello to us."
A tense exchange ensues when Chester accuses Doc of deceit:
Chester [04:24]: "No, that cowboy was fun in you. Cam never got kicked by no horse."
Doc Adams [04:31]: "I don't believe it. Nobody would play a joke like that."
Chester's insistence leads to a confrontation where Doc refuses to turn back, ultimately resulting in Doc shooting Chester when threats escalate:
Doc Adams [05:11]: "I'd like to eat prairie chicken, mister, but I've seen what two barrels of birdshot can do to a man."
Matt Dillon's Intervention
Upon learning of the incident, Matt Dillon steps in to assess the situation. He discovers discrepancies in Doc's story and confronts Chester about the legitimacy of Cam Seaton's condition:
Matt Dillon [06:30]: "Look on the porch, sir. He just came out of the house."
Doc Adams [06:45]: "I'm all right, man."
Matt's interrogation reveals that Doc had shot Cam Seaton, leading to his arrest:
Matt Dillon [07:01]: "Doc, you shoot him, Doc?"
Doc Adams [07:13]: "Am I under arrest?"
Matt maintains his professional stance, emphasizing his loyalty to Doc despite the grave situation:
Matt Dillon [07:19]: "The day I have to arrest you is the day I quit."
Introduction of Nate Brandle
A mysterious stranger named Nate Brandle arrives in town, bearing a striking resemblance to the man Doc had killed. This revelation deepens the conflict, as it becomes clear that Nate is seeking vengeance for his brother, Miles Brandle:
Doc Adams [11:24]: "The man I killed. A very definite resemblance."
Matt confronts Nate, attempting to de-escalate the situation:
Matt Dillon [12:07]: "You're going to stay with Doc day and night from now on."
However, tensions rise as Nate remains suspicious and determined to avenge his brother's death.
Kitty’s Role and Resolution
Kitty, Matt Dillon's close friend, becomes instrumental in resolving the conflict. She learns that Miles Brandle was an outlaw with a bounty on his head, and Nate's actions are driven by a desire for justice:
Kitty [16:02]: "Nate's brother, this Miles Brandle, he heard Cam Seaton was living here, and he rode all the way from Colorado to kill him."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Matt decides to take decisive action to prevent further bloodshed. He confronts Nate, leading to a climactic showdown where Matt attempts to arrest Nate without violence:
Matt Dillon [19:20]: "Letting him [Nate] up to my office."
In a poignant moment, Doc Adams reveals the complexities of his conscience and the true nature of his actions:
Doc Adams [19:29]: "Matt, we're trying to stop someone who needs me."
The Reward and Aftermath
The episode culminates with Doc Adams making amends by presenting Matt Dillon with a $1,000 reward for the apprehension of Nate Brandle, ensuring that justice is served without further bloodshed:
Doc Adams [21:39]: "I'm going to spend it on you. I've endorsed it. Here, it's all yours."
Matt gracefully accepts the gesture, reinforcing the bond between them and highlighting the themes of forgiveness and mutual respect:
Matt Dillon [21:49]: "I hope you have a good time with it, Doc. What are you gonna spend it on?"
Conclusion
"Doc’s Reward" masterfully weaves a tale of honor, duty, and redemption. Through intense character interactions and moral quandaries, the episode underscores the complexities of justice in the Wild West. Key moments, such as Doc Adams’s confrontation with Chester and the eventual reconciliation between Matt and Nate, are punctuated with memorable quotes that capture the essence of each character's struggle and growth.
Notable Quotes:
Final Thoughts
For those unfamiliar with the episode, "Doc’s Reward" offers a compelling narrative that highlights the enduring themes of gunslinger justice and the personal codes that define the heroes of Gunsmoke. Through stellar performances and a tightly woven plot, this episode remains a standout in the storied legacy of the series.