
Original Air Date: January 17, 1960Host: 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• Jeanne Bates• Harry...
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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 with the U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Sport 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 chancer job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lone.
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Chester
It don't look like this storm is going to let up. Nothing for spell, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
No, it sure doesn't, Chester.
Chester
I never seen country that beat this.
Matt Dillon
Uh huh.
Chester
There just ain't no halfway about it. It's either hot and bright, are cold and wet. Eat. That's okay, Dill. You like about it? You'd have it a little better than that. I swear. You can either fry yourself to death or get soaked to death. And that's about the way it is.
Matt Dillon
Well, there's one other way, Joe.
Chester
How's that?
Matt Dillon
You can talk yourself to this.
Chester
Well, M. Dill, I just saying how things.
Mosley
Chester.
Matt Dillon
Well, we better start looking for a place to take cover or. You may be right. We just might get soaked to death. Ah, over there, Chester. That shack.
Chester
That's where I see it.
Mosley
All right.
Matt Dillon
We'll head for it for the night, huh?
Chester
All right. There ain't even no shed there for the horses.
Matt Dillon
Let's ride around to that side onto the wind. Have to leave them there.
Chester
It sure ain't much shelter.
Matt Dillon
Doesn't look like the shack is either. Come on.
Chester
Well, I sure didn't expect to see no stove in here, Mr. Doane.
Matt Dillon
I don't expect you'll find any dry wood either.
Chester
Right about that. They ate a stick.
Matt Dillon
Well, we can shake some of this water off anyway. That's some better.
Chester
Ain't much warmer in here and two winters out.
Matt Dillon
You can always stay outside with the horses, Chester. Well, if you don't mind, I'm gonna try to get some sleep, huh?
Mosley
Hold it, both of you.
Chester
You don't need a fret none. You sit real easy now. Mr. Dylan have dropped their guns. Me and Mosley's particular when we walk.
Matt Dillon
Into a place particular not very friendly.
Chester
We figured they'll live longer this way. Who are you?
Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon. I might ask the same of you.
Chester
Who's the other one? Well, I'm just Proudfoot, if that means anything to you. No, it don't mean nothing to me. And as long as you behave yourself, maybe it won't.
Matt Dillon
I don't know who you are, mister.
Chester
But you set right there where you Are mostly. Get a light going. Sure, Hyde. That's better. How many? We can see what we got here. There ain't neither one of them look like much to me. Now you just see. Shut up. What are you doing here?
Matt Dillon
You put that gun away. Maybe we can talk.
Chester
You ain't calling the play. He Hud. He's wearing a badge. Hello. Now, who told you, mister? Who sent you here?
Matt Dillon
I don't know what you're talking of.
Chester
Millie. Millie done it. Oh, now, hot. I don't right. She done it. She called the law on me. Well, she ain't never done it before, huh? She was bound to turn me in one day and she done it. Well, I'll fix her now. I'd wait. You ought to give her a chance. She sure didn't give me much. She'll be here with the grub for long. Wait till Lynn Hyde and give her a chance to talk. Now, there ain't no use waiting. Why, sure there is. Besides, Hyde, you wouldn't want to go off and leave these two like this. They might break out. Well, maybe you're right. Sure I'm right. Just sit down, huh? And wait till Millie gets here and let her speak her peace.
Matt Dillon
I can tell you right now, nobody sent me after you, even though it would have been a good idea.
Chester
Shut up. You better look out who you're. You keep shut, too. I'll beat your head clean off. Now we just sit here like Mosley said. We just sit here and wait for Millie to come. Somebody. There's somebody coming now, Mosley.
Matt Dillon
A buggy.
Chester
It's really all right. Now, you just keep quiet. I'll do the talking. Just give her a chance. I'll give her a chance.
Millie
Hod. I brought the food like you call me.
Chester
You done it, didn't you? You finally done it. You sit right there, law man. Keep him covered real good, Mosley. All right, but take it easy.
Matt Dillon
There's no use bullying her for something she didn't do.
Chester
I told you to shut up. Yeah, that'll keep your big mouth quiet. Tie him up, Mosley. Both of them. I want to talk to Millie. You sure? Do what I tell you.
Matt Dillon
All right, Millie.
Millie
I ain't done nothing.
Chester
He's here, ain't he? The law's here.
Millie
Was none of my doing.
Chester
I ain't believing that, Millie. You've been just crying to get the law on me.
Millie
I ain't done it hard.
Chester
You always been too nicey nice, Millie. You ain't never took to my riding out.
Millie
I don't know it was Steve, and I gotta say that. But I didn't.
Chester
So you finally told the law? You finally tried to fix me?
Millie
Honest, Todd, I didn't do it. I just brought the food here like you told me. Please.
Chester
You're lying.
Millie
No, Hod.
Chester
No. Leave her be. Stay back, Mosey. Now, listen to me. You. You waste any more time, we won't be there when the stage comes through. Yeah, I guess you're right. You bet I'm right. Come on, now. Leave her be. That's right. All right, Mosley. All right. But I ain't leaving her here like this, free with the law. You tie her up. She won't do that. I said tie her up and we'll get out of here.
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Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester
Chester, you all right?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I'm all right. I can just get this rope loose.
Chester
Why, he hit you awful hard with that gun. I thought you wasn't ever gonna move again.
Matt Dillon
Well, I deserved it. Well, letting him catch me like. Ah.
Chester
There. Good for you, Mr. Dylan. I can't get my hands even to wiggling. They're tired, so tight.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute. There. Now you go, Chester.
Chester
Oh, sure, dude. Thank you.
Matt Dillon
I may get the woman inside.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Mosley
There.
Millie
Thank you. Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You all right, ma'am?
Millie
I'm all right.
Matt Dillon
That man, Hod. Hod Muller, he your husband?
Millie
No, Marshall, he ain't. Husband couldn't be so heavy handed.
Matt Dillon
Mean you want to get free of him?
Millie
I'm feared to. I'm feared to death, too.
Matt Dillon
You tell me where he's gone.
Millie
He'd kill me, Marshall. He just plain beat me to death.
Matt Dillon
And if he was arrested, you'd be free of him.
Millie
But maybe only for a little while. When he got out, he'd get me somehow. He'd get me.
Matt Dillon
All right then, Millie. Chester.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
I Want you to take her into Dodge.
Chester
Take her right now?
Matt Dillon
Right now. Tell Kitty to take care of her till I get back.
Chester
You going after them, man?
Matt Dillon
I'm going after him while the tracks are still clear.
Chester
Well, I'd ought to go with you, mister.
Matt Dillon
Take the woman into town, Chester. Right now.
Chester
If you say so. I say so.
Matt Dillon
Now get going.
Chester
Sure could have picked a better day for it. The gold don't wait for good weather. I'm hearing these rocks is like lining a barrel of water. Shut up, Mosley. Next time I'll pick me a man to do the job with me. Any man can get cold and wet. Just shut up and watch for that stage. What's that? Some rocks washing down, I reckon. Sure would be nicer if it was dry. Will you quit your music? The Marshall. Get him.
Millie
Hot.
Matt Dillon
No, I'm not hot.
Chester
Marshall. You're the marshal.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I'm the marshal.
Chester
You get hard?
Matt Dillon
Not yet.
Chester
Where is he?
Matt Dillon
He's running. Mosley.
Chester
He run off. Yeah, I shouldn't have done that. Marshall run off and left me. Man, he shouldn't have run up.
Matt Dillon
No, a man shouldn't. But I tell you one thing. He's not running fast enough.
Chester
Hello, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Sam. Kitty. Rhonda.
Chester
I know she is right now. Marshall said she'd be here about now, though.
Matt Dillon
I guess I'll wait a little while.
Chester
Have a drink, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Might as well have a beer. Yeah, sure thing. Oh, thanks, Sam.
Chester
Oh, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Doc.
Chester
Yeah. Glad to see you finally got back.
Matt Dillon
You been looking for me?
Chester
Oh, no. No. No, I haven't.
Matt Dillon
Want a beer?
Chester
No, thank you. No. Say, Matt, you know that woman you sent in with Chester? She sure needs a lot of help.
Matt Dillon
In bad shape, is she?
Chester
Awful bad shape. She's been beaten hard and often for a long time. It's a brutal thing.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'm not surprised.
Chester
How's that?
Matt Dillon
She was living with a brutal man.
Chester
Oh, yes, she must have been. She must have been.
Matt Dillon
Where is she, Doc?
Chester
Well, she's up in Kitty's room at Ma smaller's, Matt. I'm having her stay in bed for a few days. She's got a lot of strength to catch up on.
Matt Dillon
All right if I talk to her, Doc?
Chester
Well, I don't think it'll hurt her, Matt. And, oh, there's just one thing.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, what's that?
Chester
Try not to scare to death. She's scared enough already.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll try, but seeing me isn't what she's scared of.
Chester
No, I guess you're right. Try to take it easy.
Matt Dillon
Sure. Doc, I will. I'll see you later. All right if I come in?
Kitty
Oh, Matt, sure, come on in.
Matt Dillon
How are you? Kidding?
Kitty
Oh, I'm fine, Matt. But that's more night save of that poor thing upstairs.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. How's she feeling?
Kitty
Oh, she doesn't feel very well. I don't suppose she'll be feeling very well for a long, long time. She's been through a lot.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Doc says I could come over and see her.
Kitty
Yeah, sure, Matt, but. Be easy on her, huh?
Matt Dillon
I'm not gonna beat her, Kitty.
Kitty
Of course not, Matt, but those questions.
Matt Dillon
Listen, Kitty, it's time you and Doc realize something.
Chester
What?
Matt Dillon
I'm not asking questions to hurt anybody. The questions I ask may just save her life.
Kitty
Sure, Ma.
Matt Dillon
All right, let's go upstairs.
Kitty
Millie. Millie, Marshall Dillon's here. He'd like to see you for a minute. Can I bring him in?
Chester
Bring him in.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Millie. Marshall, I'd like to ask you a few questions.
Millie
You didn't get him?
Matt Dillon
No. No, I didn't get him. I killed Mosley, but Hod got away.
Millie
He'll be back. He'll be back for me, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Millie, I want to keep him from hurting you. You believe that?
Millie
I believe it. But nobody can stop him. He'll be back. He'll hurt me again.
Matt Dillon
Not if I find him first.
Millie
You won't find him.
Matt Dillon
Well, I might if you tell me where he might be. Where he goes to hide out.
Millie
I can't tell you anything.
Matt Dillon
You know where he came from. Millie. Millie. Millie, if you tell me, it might save your life.
Millie
Marshall, I. I like to tell you, but I can't. I can't.
Matt Dillon
All right. Kitty.
Kitty
Scared to death.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. Kitty'll know where I am. Millie, if he decides you want to.
Chester
Talk to me, he'll be coming. I know he will.
Millie
I know it.
Kitty
Millie, Matt'll take care of him. He won't let him get you, will you, Matt?
Matt Dillon
I sure hope not, Kitty. I sure.
Chester
I sure don't think much of your whiskey. I don't think much of your town either.
Mosley
Ain't nothing keeping you here. Is that strange?
Chester
I got business here.
Mosley
What's too bad, you not liking it and all.
Chester
It ain't gonna be too bad for me.
Mosley
Who you aiming for?
Chester
I'm aiming for that big marshal.
Mosley
Well, now, I tell you, mister, better men than you have aimed for Matt Dillon. They're keeping company on Boot Hill.
Chester
He's got my woman.
Mosley
He what?
Chester
Now, what's funny?
Mosley
It just don't sound right. Matt Dillon taking your woman that's all.
Chester
He's a man, ain't he?
Mosley
He's man enough so that he don't have to go around asking for other folks. Women. She must have been willing.
Chester
I aim to find her.
Mosley
Besides, there's Miss Kitty. I don't think she'd like it.
Chester
Who's Kitty?
Mosley
She'd been a friend of the marshals a long time.
Chester
She'd know about any other woman.
Mosley
Kitty, she knows about everything that goes on in Dallas.
Chester
Where is she?
Mosley
She ain't hard to find.
Chester
I said, where is she?
Mosley
She owns part of the long branch down the street. She's there most of the time, I believe.
Chester
I'll pay her a. What do you have, mister?
Matt Dillon
Whiskey.
Chester
Yeah. You got a girl here named Kitty? Well, Miss Kitty ain't here right now. Now, they told me I'd find her here. You got some business with her? Yeah, I got some business with her, and I come a long way. Well, it's a fact. She's here most of the time. She's been staying up to her room the last few days, though. Tending a sick lady. A sick lady? Yeah, she don't like to leave her much. Well, where does she live? My. Well, Miss Kitty keeps a room at Ma Smolley's down the street. But she ought to be in full long. I ain't got time. Well, hey, you didn't pay for your whiskey. Miss Kitty's paying for it.
Kitty
That's you.
Millie
Matt.
Kitty
Matt. Who are you?
Chester
I want to see the sick lady.
Kitty
Now, just a minute.
Chester
Get out of my way.
Kitty
You can't go in there.
Chester
There ain't nobody keeping me out. Now, you just stay right down there and you won't get hurt no more. H. No.
Millie
No, please.
Chester
Now, don't worry, Millie. I ain't gonna hit you, Hod. I ain't gonna hit you no more at all. You deserve it, though, don't you, Millie? Running off with a marshal that way, turning me in.
Millie
I didn't do it. I didn't do it. Don't hurt me.
Chester
Why, Millie, I ain't gonna hurt you. You hardly at all beast wise. You won't hurt Long.
Millie
Not a night. Leave her alone.
Chester
I'll get to you next. No, you won't. Put that lamp down.
Kitty
Fire put on fire.
Chester
Come on, Millie. Fire. Somebody put it out.
Matt Dillon
All right. Stand aside, Kitty.
Chester
Chester, throw the blanket over it. Come on. Very. I think it's out. All right.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. All right, get up, you. Come on.
Chester
She had no call to burn me.
Matt Dillon
It doesn't burn your bat Enough.
Kitty
I'm sorry, Maddox. I didn't know what to do. He had that knife.
Matt Dillon
It's all right, Kitty.
Kitty
But it's a terrible thing to burn a man.
Matt Dillon
Don't worry about it.
Kitty
Is he gonna live through it all right?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, he'll live through it long enough to go to trial anyway. All right, Come on, Chester. Let's get him out of here.
Narrator
Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U. S. Marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Gene Bates, Harry Bartel, Barney Phillips and Sam Edwards. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is kidding. May we take a moment to welcome three new affiliates to the CBS Radio Network, kbee, Modesto, California, afbk, Sacramento, California and watv, Birmingham, Alabama. Well, we're very happy to have you with us.
Chester
This is the CBS Radio Network.
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 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.
Podcast Summary: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Episode Title: Fiery Arrest | Gunsmoke (01-17-60)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: March 22, 2025
In the Fiery Arrest episode of Gunsmoke, listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. This episode delves into the intense dynamics between the steadfast U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and a troubled local, Chester, whose volatile actions threaten the fragile peace of the town. Host Andrew Rines expertly navigates the narrative, ensuring both long-time fans and new listeners are engrossed in the unfolding drama.
The episode opens amidst an impending storm in Dodge City. Marshal Matt Dillon (voiced by William Conrad) and his trusted associate Chester are caught in the severe weather, seeking shelter. The tension is palpable as they grapple with the harsh elements, reflecting the unforgiving nature of the Wild West.
Notable Quote:
Matt Dillon (02:04): "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
As the storm intensifies, Matt and Chester explore a dilapidated shack in search of refuge. Their conversation reveals the strain of their environment:
Notable Quote:
Chester (04:11): "I never seen country that beat this. There just ain't no halfway about it. It's either hot and bright, are cold and wet."
(04:11)
The lack of proper shelter underscores the challenges faced by those living on the frontier. Their camaraderie is tested as they discuss the bleakness of their situation, setting the stage for the impending conflict.
Within the shack, Matt Dillon encounters Chester's aggressive nature. Chester is visibly agitated, hinting at deeper issues that will soon surface. The uneasy peace is disrupted when Chester's demeanor shifts, leading to a fierce altercation.
Notable Quote:
Chester (07:30): "Now you set right there where you are mostly. Get a light going."
(07:30)
This moment marks the beginning of a confrontation that centers around Chester's suspicions and accusations against Millie, a woman caught in the middle of their dispute.
Millie, portrayed as a vulnerable and distressed character, becomes the focal point of Chester's aggression. Accusations fly, and Millie's innocence is proclaimed amidst the chaos.
Notable Quote:
Millie (10:30): "I ain't done nothing. He'd kill me, Marshall. He just plain beat me to death."
(10:30)
Matt Dillon steps in as the voice of reason, attempting to mediate and protect Millie from Chester's wrath. His steadfast commitment to justice and compassion shines through as he navigates the delicate situation.
The tension reaches its peak as Chester's anger threatens to escalate further. A critical moment occurs when Chester attempts to burn Millie, symbolizing the extremity of his desperation and rage.
Notable Quote:
Chester (26:12): "Now, don't worry, Millie. I ain't gonna hit you, Hod. I ain't gonna hit you no more at all."
(26:12)
Matt Dillon intervenes decisively, using both his authority and tactical skills to diffuse the situation. His efforts to save Millie culminate in a dramatic rescue, showcasing the Marshal's unwavering dedication to upholding the law and protecting the innocent.
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Matt Dillon ensures Millie's safety by taking her into Dodge City. The community's support, represented by characters like Kitty and Doc, reinforces the theme of solidarity in the face of adversity.
Notable Quote:
Matt Dillon (14:13): "I want you to take her into Dodge."
(14:13)
Chester's defeat and Matt's triumph highlight the enduring struggle between law and chaos, a central theme in Gunsmoke. The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of justice and the Marshal's role in maintaining order.
Fiery Arrest offers a deep exploration of character motivations and moral dilemmas. Matt Dillon embodies the quintessential Western hero—resilient, just, and empathetic. Chester represents the volatile elements that threaten societal stability, driven by personal grievances and a sense of betrayal.
Key Themes:
Fiery Arrest is a compelling episode that encapsulates the essence of Gunsmoke. Through intricate character interactions and a gripping narrative, the episode reinforces the timeless themes of justice, community, and resilience. Andrew Rines' adept hosting ensures that the story is both engaging and accessible, making it a standout installment in the long-running series.
Notable Closing Quote:
Matt Dillon (28:08): "Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U. S. Marshal."
(28:08)
Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the Marshal's unwavering dedication and the enduring spirit of Dodge City.
References:
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