Don Mateo | Gunsmoke (12-13-59)

Summary

Episode Summary: "Don Mateo" | Gunsmoke (12-13-59)

Introduction

In the episode titled "Don Mateo," part of the long-running Gunsmoke series, listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon maintains law and order amidst the turbulent settling of the American West. This episode delves into themes of loyalty, duty, and the personal sacrifices inherent in upholding the law.

Conflict at the Long Branch Saloon

The episode opens in the bustling Long Branch Saloon, owned by Miss Kitty. A disturbance arises when a saloon patron refuses to leave despite Miss Kitty's orders. Matt Dillon steps in to enforce the rules, showcasing his authority and the challenges of his role.

Notable Quote:

• Miss Kitty [02:28]: "You're out and you're staying out."
• Matt Dillon [03:11]: "If I hear you coming back, I'll be the one to throw you out. I'll be throwing you out of Dodge at the same time."

Esteban's Arrival

Amidst the tension in the saloon, Esteban, also known as Don Mateo, arrives seeking Matt Dillon's assistance in tracking down a man named Dylan, later revealed as Rallo. Esteban's presence stirs memories of past camaraderie and formidable adventures.

Notable Quote:

• Esteban [09:29]: "I've come to bring you the enjoyment again."
• Matt Dillon [10:25]: "Look, Stevan, I don't blame you for wanting to get this man. But I can't ride with you."

Backstory and Past Alliances

Through a series of flashbacks and conversations, the episode explores the deep bond between Matt and Esteban. They reminisce about past exploits, such as tracking down El Coyote, highlighting the stark contrast between Matt's current lawful path and Esteban's more vengeful motives.

Notable Quote:

• Esteban [07:13]: "They call you marshal now. You wear the badge. Oh, that's different from the way it was on Mateo."
• Matt Dillon [09:05]: "I guess maybe a man finds a time when he wants to settle down."

The Shooting Incident

The plot intensifies when Doc informs Matt of a shooting involving Grimes, a local farmer. Grimes recounts an encounter at a well where he was attacked by a man in a Mexican outfit, leaving Matt to investigate the incident.

Notable Quote:

• Grimes [16:43]: "We was talking there at the well a bit, and all of a sudden, this other fella come riding up. He didn't even slow his horse down none. And he was yelling and hollering, and he started shooting."
• Doc [17:21]: "But you wouldn't blame a man for looking after himself first, would you, Marshall?"

Confrontation and Climax

As Matt delves deeper into the case, Esteban's true intentions surface. He confesses to having shot Grimes and potentially Rallo, driven by personal vendettas rather than justice. The inevitable confrontation between Matt and his old friend culminates in a tragic showdown where Matt is forced to uphold the law, resulting in Esteban's demise.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Dillon [21:03]: "You make one move and I shoot you."
• Esteban [22:32]: "It's a sad thing for a job to come between friends."

Resolution and Themes

The episode concludes with Matt mourning the loss of Esteban, reflecting on the burdens of his role as a marshal. The personal cost of enforcing the law becomes palpable, underscoring the recurring theme of duty versus personal loyalty.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Dillon [22:38]: "Yeah. And he was right. This was a job without enjoyment."
• Esteban [22:54]: "It's a sad thing to see a friend take a job without enjoyment."

Conclusion

"Don Mateo" masterfully intertwines action, drama, and emotional depth, presenting a compelling narrative about the complexities of law enforcement in the Old West. Through Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice, the episode explores the enduring struggle between personal relationships and professional responsibilities.

Key Characters:

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled U.S. Marshal striving to maintain peace in Dodge City.
• Miss Kitty (Georgia Hawkins): The strong-willed saloon owner who respects Matt's authority.
• Esteban/Don Mateo (Character voiced by Don Diamond): Matt's old friend turned adversary, seeking vengeance.
• Doc (Howard McNear): The town's physician involved in the shooting investigation.
• Chester (Barney Phillips): The saloon's bartender assisting Matt in his duties.

Production Notes:

Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman MacDonnell, this episode features a stellar cast including Don Diamond, Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips, James Nusser, Harley Bear as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, and Georgia Hawkins as Kitty. The story, crafted by Marion Clark with editorial oversight by John Meston, exemplifies the rich storytelling that made Gunsmoke a beloved classic.

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This summary captures the essence of the "Don Mateo" episode, providing an engaging overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting pivotal moments and emotional beats through selective quotes and detailed descriptions.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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

[Narrator]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers. And that's where the U.S. marshal and the Smell of 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, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[Miss Kitty]

I said get out.

[Saloon Patron]

Why are you ain't throwing me out of no open saloon?

[Miss Kitty]

You're out and you're staying out.

[Saloon Patron]

You took my money right enough. Now stand aside there.

[Miss Kitty]

Your money ain't good enough to pay for the ruckus you was causing. Now, go on, git.

[Saloon Patron]

No, not hardly. Hold on there.

[Matt Dillon]

Put that gun away. Well, who are but of the way? That's better.

[Saloon Patron]

Course, ain't no job for the law.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll see. What's the trouble, Sam?

[Miss Kitty]

He was getting too rough, Marshall. Miss Kitty ordered them out.

[Saloon Patron]

No saloon gal's gonna get me through it.

[Matt Dillon]

If she says you're out, mister, you're out. You better do your drinking someplace else.

[Saloon Patron]

No saloon gal got any right to do any. Objection.

[Matt Dillon]

That'll do, mister. And I go along.

[Saloon Patron]

One of them, Scott, any better than she ought to be.

[Matt Dillon]

I said move along, Kitty.

[Saloon Patron]

Putting on airs, having a man throw it out. I aim to get even with her.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, you listen to me. You get away from the long branch and you stay away. If I hear you coming back, I'll be the one to throw you out. I'll be throwing you out of Dodge at the same time. Now you go on.

[Saloon Patron]

All right, Marsh, all right. But it's a funny kind of law.

[Matt Dillon]

It's not funny to me. Now, you keep moving.

[Sam]

Can you think of anything else we need, Sam? Might as well spend all our money as long as we're ordering.

[Miss Kitty]

Seems to me that ought to do it, Miss Kitty. I don't suppose the stuff will turn out to be any better just because we're getting a new batch.

[Sam]

I don't suppose our customers will turn out to be any better either.

[Miss Kitty]

Yeah, I guess you're right about that.

[Esteban]

Whiskey. I will have whiskey.

[Miss Kitty]

Coming up. There you are.

[Esteban]

This is the best whiskey.

[Miss Kitty]

It's what we got.

[Esteban]

It's not good whiskey.

[Miss Kitty]

Like I said, it's what we got.

[Esteban]

It should be better. Senor, before you take the money, listen here. But I'm not here to fight about the whiskey.

[Miss Kitty]

I'm glad to hear it.

[Esteban]

Not this time. I've come to find a man. Maybe you know him. Maybe it's been a long time, but they tell me he is in Dodge City and I will find him.

[Miss Kitty]

Who is he?

[Esteban]

His name is Dylan.

[Sam]

Sam what? I'll talk to him.

[Miss Kitty]

Sure, Ms. Kelly.

[Esteban]

You will talk to me.

[Sam]

Senorita, you looking for Matt Dillon?

[Esteban]

Say, is he here?

[Sam]

Yeah, he's here. He's the U.S. marshal.

[Esteban]

Then it is true.

[Sam]

What's true?

[Esteban]

He's with the law. This is the difference.

[Sam]

You know him?

[Esteban]

Oh, I know him, senorita. But I do not like this talk of the law. I will have another not good whiskey. And then I will find this us.

[Sam]

Matt. Matt, wait a minute.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? Oh, hello, Kitty.

[Sam]

I'm glad I ran into you. Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? Something special?

[Sam]

Well, yeah, there is.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the trouble?

[Sam]

No trouble yet. But I thought you should know.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know what?

[Sam]

Well, Matt, there's a man in the Long Branch asking about you.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? You know who he is?

[Sam]

I've never seen him before. He's Mexican and he's wearing two guns and a knife. And he says he's gonna find you.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe I better find him first. Thanks, Kitty.

[Sam]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Kitty. I'll take care of myself.

[Saloon Patron]

Estaba.

[Esteban]

Oh, it's been a long time, Don Mateo.

[Matt Dillon]

A long time is right. It's good to see you, Esteba.

[Esteban]

Tell them. I will.

[Matt Dillon]

How have you been? I heard you were looking for me with guns.

[Esteban]

With guns, yes. For you, though. Matteo? Oh, no, David. But wait a minute. There is a great chain.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what's that, Esteban?

[Esteban]

It is different now.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean?

[Esteban]

They call you marshal now. You wear the badge. Oh, that's different from the way it was on Mateo.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but things aren't different between you and me yet, Stabone? Come on, I'll buy you a drink. Come on.

[Esteban]

So this is the Office of the U.S. marshal of Doge City.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, this is it. Now, sit down.

[Esteban]

There are many guns on the wall. Yeah, there are more guns than we had down near the border, Don Mateo. Do you remember?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I remember all right.

[Esteban]

Our men just needed one gun and one fast horse.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right. Yeah. Things were different then. It was a different time.

[Esteban]

We would go out to get a man, and we would get him. Oh, there were some fine rides, Don Mateo.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right.

[Esteban]

The time we brought in El Coyote, remember?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, I remember all right.

[Esteban]

Six men he had with him. Six men. And hidden high in that rock castle.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that was quite a ride.

[Esteban]

Oh, you're right. It was quite a ride. You and me, Don Matteo against them all. It was a good time.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, Esteban, it was a good time.

[Esteban]

I wonder then how it is you come away. You come here to Dowage City and become a U.S. marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I don't know, Stabon. I guess maybe a man finds a time when he wants to settle down.

[Esteban]

It cannot be as good as much enjoyment.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's not as much enjoyment as Stabil. You're right there. But sometimes that's good. Not very often, but sometimes.

[Esteban]

I do not understand. But I have come to bring you the enjoyment again.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what do you mean?

[Esteban]

I've come to ask you to ride with me again.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you're gonna have to tell me more than that.

[Esteban]

It is a simple thing. I've come to get a man. I followed him a long way, Don Mateo. And I will find him. If you ride with me, it will be like the days we used to have.

[Matt Dillon]

Who is the man?

[Esteban]

Oh, he's a nothing.

[Matt Dillon]

He doesn't sound like somebody you'd bother to go after.

[Esteban]

Well, you know how it is with the insect, Don Mateo. It's a nothing, but it's a bother. And it causes discomfort. And if it causes discomfort enough, if it hurts, you kill it. Well, that's the way it is with this man.

[Matt Dillon]

What's he done?

[Esteban]

Many things. A nuisance, like an insect. Finally, he causes discomfort. He causes hurt to Maria, my Maria. So I've come to get him.

[Matt Dillon]

What's his name?

[Esteban]

They call him Rallo.

[Matt Dillon]

Rollo. Oh, yeah, I can believe it.

[Esteban]

You know him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, yeah, I know him.

[Esteban]

Well, he is here now.

[Matt Dillon]

He was here a couple of days ago, but I think he's moved on.

[Esteban]

We will find him.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Stevan, I don't blame you for Wanting to get this man. But I can't ride with you.

[Esteban]

Why not, Matteo?

[Matt Dillon]

Because he hasn't done anything to me to ride after him for.

[Esteban]

But he's no good. He's nothing. He deserves to be killed like an insect, as I've just told you.

[Matt Dillon]

I know, but that isn't enough, Esteban.

[Esteban]

A man who is bad should not live.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe so, but I still can't go out with you after this man.

[Esteban]

I do not understand you.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Esteban. I'll tell you something else you won't understand.

[Esteban]

See.

[Matt Dillon]

I can't let you go after him either.

[Esteban]

What are you saying to me, Don Matteo?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm saying this. If you go after this man and if you kill him, I'll have to come after you. You come after me if you kill anybody. That's the way it'll have to be, because that's the law.

[Esteban]

It is too bad.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's too bad, Esteban. But you'd better remember what I said.

[Esteban]

I will remember, Don Mateo, with a sadness. It is true. You do not have the enjoyment anymore. I'm sorry we cannot have the good ride.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but just be sure that I don't have to ride after you. You gonna have a steak, Kitty?

[Sam]

I guess so. At least you have some idea what you're eating. Though I'm not sure it helps much.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, two steaks.

[Narrator]

Okay, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I tell you, Kitty, you always haven't such a fit about the food in here. You ought to open a nice little restaurant of your own.

[Sam]

Me, run a restaurant?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. You can cook all the steaks just the way you think they should.

[Sam]

No. All right, Matt. All right, I'll quit complaining. Anything to keep from cooking. Oh, here comes Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Been wondering what's kept him away from the food this long. Sit down, Chester. We'll order another steak.

[Chester]

Well, that's not what I come for. Least ways not right off.

[Sam]

You didn't come to eat at dinner time.

[Doc]

Oh, I could eat, all right, but.

[Chester]

I got this message from Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

What is it, Chester?

[Chester]

Doc wants to see you.

[Matt Dillon]

Where is he?

[Chester]

Up in his office.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean he wants me to go up there before I eat my dinner?

[Chester]

Well, I don't know about that, Mr. Jones, but Doc's got some fella up there that's been shot.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you know who he is?

[Chester]

I'm sure I don't. Dog just told me. Some dirt farmer from out of town, Summers.

[Matt Dillon]

Did he get shot here in Dodge?

[Chester]

Well, no, sir, I don't think he did.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you know who shot Him?

[Chester]

No, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

They.

[Chester]

They didn't say no names. Some rider, though, wearing a Mexican outfit.

[Matt Dillon]

You go ahead, Chester, and eat my steak when it comes, and I'll. I'll see you.

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, hello, Matt. Come in.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Doc.

[Miss Kitty]

Matt, I thought you ought to know about this.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, thanks.

[Miss Kitty]

This man, his name is Grimes, is pretty bewildered about the whole thing. Come on. Come on in the other room here.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, is he bad hurt?

[Miss Kitty]

He'll be all right. Grimes is Marshall.

[Doc]

Oh, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Grimes. You. You want to tell me how you got shot?

[Doc]

Now, I don't want to get in no trouble, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Seems to me you've already had the trouble.

[Doc]

I don't know why he come along and shot me, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

That's what I want to find out.

[Doc]

I ain't never bothered nobody. I'm a man to mind my own business.

[Matt Dillon]

This is my business now, Grimes, will you tell me what happened?

[Doc]

It just don't make no sense.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Grimes.

[Esteban]

You sure?

[Doc]

I ought to talk, Doc. You sure it ain't too hard on me?

[Miss Kitty]

I know it's not gonna hurt you a bit. It'll probably make you feel better, if anything.

[Doc]

You sure?

[Miss Kitty]

I'm sure. Yes. Come on, speak up, man.

[Doc]

All right, then. I was sawing some wood out back of my place.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, where's that?

[Doc]

But 12 miles west on Branch Creek. Ain't never no water, though. Leastways, not when you need it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Come on.

[Doc]

I was sawing this wood when a fellow rode by, asked could he fill his canteen from the well. I said, why, sure. You go ahead. I ain't want to be selfish. Marshall, did you know those men? Never seen him. Marshall. He told me, though, that he was on his way to Colorado. I figured he was one of them drifters and didn't pay too much attention.

[Matt Dillon]

He's not the one who shot you?

[Doc]

Well, it's more like he was the one that was shot at.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Grime. Just tell me the story, huh?

[Doc]

Well, we was talking there at the well a bit, and all of a sudden, this other fella come riding up. He didn't even slow his horse down none. And he was yelling and hollering, and he started shooting.

[Matt Dillon]

Did he get the drifter, too?

[Doc]

Well, I'm not sure, Marshall. To tell you the truth, I just started running for the barn. I got on my horse, and I come into town. I didn't do no looking around.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Grimes. Thank you.

[Doc]

But you wouldn't blame a man for looking after himself first, would you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not if you don't. You take good care of him, Darkin?

[Miss Kitty]

Oh, yes, sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Warn him as a with us. I'll see you later.

[Chester]

I think, Mr. Dylan, it sure would have helped if that Grimes fella just took the time to look around a little bit and seen who was shot and who wasn't.

[Matt Dillon]

He was too busy staying out of trouble, Chester.

[Chester]

He sure did leave a lot of trouble for us, I'll say that for him.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry about it. We're paid to take care of trouble.

[Chester]

I guess you're right. Look at there. Ain't much of a house, is it? Somebody built a fire out front there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we're right up to it. Carlo.

[Esteban]

Mateo.

[Chester]

Who in the world is that?

[Esteban]

You've come to join me after all.

[Matt Dillon]

You know I haven't come to join you, Steban.

[Esteban]

My head tells me you will not join me, but my heart still hopes it is so.

[Chester]

What is he talking about, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Never mind, Chester.

[Esteban]

You are a friend of Don Matteo, the marshal.

[Chester]

Well, I sure am.

[Esteban]

To be frenzied is a good thing, is it not, Mateo?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's a good thing.

[Esteban]

I welcome you to share my fire. You would like some coffee?

[Matt Dillon]

No, thanks, Esteban. There's a farmer in the doctor's office back in Dodge who's been shot. This is his place. Wow.

[Esteban]

I did not think he would make it all the way. He was riding so fast. He was nearly fallen from the horse.

[Matt Dillon]

He says you shot him.

[Esteban]

He was a very frightened man.

[Matt Dillon]

Did you shoot him?

[Esteban]

See, I told him to stand still. He started to run.

[Matt Dillon]

So you shot him?

[Esteban]

He got in the way, Don Mateo.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he got in the way.

[Esteban]

It is not good to run.

[Matt Dillon]

What about Rollo?

[Esteban]

You mean the man who is nothing?

[Matt Dillon]

Did you shoot him, too?

[Esteban]

It is possible.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean by that?

[Esteban]

I mean that he was running, too, Don Mateo.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't know if he shot him?

[Esteban]

Not yet. But I will shoot him, that much I know.

[Matt Dillon]

Where is he?

[Chester]

He's out there in them rocks.

[Miss Kitty]

See?

[Esteban]

He's in the rocks, hiding in a cave in the rocks.

[Matt Dillon]

You figure to go get him, huh?

[Esteban]

I do not have to go get him. He will be coming to me.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, how's that?

[Esteban]

There's no food, there's no Mateo. There's no water. Even a man who's in nothing who's an insect must eat, and he must drink. Even a man who runs will come back for that.

[Matt Dillon]

And he might catch you, Steban.

[Esteban]

Ah, I forgot to tell you. While he was running, his gun, he just happened to drop.

[Matt Dillon]

Just happened? Then you didn't shoot it out of his hand.

[Esteban]

It would have to be a very good shot, would it not?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, a very good shot. Esteban, we're gonna bring him out of there.

[Esteban]

You're a good friend on, Mateo, but it would not be wise for you to interfere.

[Matt Dillon]

That's my job.

[Esteban]

I do not like this job of yours right now.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't like it much either. Chester, you go on up and get Rollo out of the cave. I'll stay here with the stab on.

[Chester]

All right.

[Esteban]

I'm surprised that you don't, Mateo.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't let it worry you.

[Esteban]

It should worry you, Senor Marshal. You're forcing me to shoot your friend, Jester.

[Matt Dillon]

You know me better than that. You make one move and I shoot you.

[Esteban]

You'd have to be the fast one, Don Mateo. In the old days, you were not always able to beat me at the draw of the gun.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll take a chance now, then. It's all right, Chester.

[Chester]

You got him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Stable.

[Esteban]

Today you are the fastest shot.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, today I am. I'm sorry. It was my job.

[Esteban]

It's a sad thing for a job to come between friends.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, it is.

[Esteban]

It's a sad thing to see a friend take a job without enjoyment.

[Matt Dillon]

He's.

[Chester]

He's dead, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. And he was right. This was a job without enjoyment.

[Narrator]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal. The star story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Don Diamond, Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips and James Nusser. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Hawkins as Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke. Gun Smoke has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television.

[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 the following ranch hand, Steve, 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.