
Miss Erma Crown is a lonely homely woman, she has come to Dodge because she believes that there should be men in the area that are so lonely and desperate for a woman’s company that they will desire even her.
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Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund, it.
Ryan Seacrest
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Announcer
VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply.
Doc
Foreign.
Ryan Seacrest
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.
Announcer
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. 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.
Ryan Seacrest
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.
Teen Advocate
Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Miss Kitty
Look Look.
Doc
All right, enough.
Miss Kitty
Now get out of here. Go on home. Go home and sleep it off.
Announcer
Too early for that, Miss Kitty. The sun hasn't gone down yet, and.
Miss Kitty
It'S not likely to for a spell. It just came up.
Announcer
No.
Miss Kitty
Yes. Now go on home.
Announcer
I hate to go home when the sun's up. It's too bright. Things don't look good in the bright of day, Miss Kitty. You can see them too clear.
Miss Kitty
Yeah, I know. But with a load of whiskey you took on, your eyes won't be open long enough to see much. Go on home, Hook.
Hook Mather
Please, Miss Kitty.
Announcer
Them chairs, they cost much.
Miss Kitty
Don't worry about the chairs. Just go home.
Announcer
Sometimes I gotta throw things or hit something. I just gotta.
Miss Kitty
I know, Hook. Come on, I'll walk you to the door.
Hook Mather
She was awful pretty, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
Yeah, she was, Hook.
Announcer
Everything about.
Hook Mather
Maybe if she hadn't been so pretty, I'd be making out better now.
Announcer
You think that?
Miss Kitty
I think this. You got to quit thinking of what's past and gone and look on yourself. And the way things are now, I.
Announcer
Don'T much want to do that.
Miss Kitty
I don't blame you. Not a pleasant sight. Trouble is, you're the only one who can make things better for yourself. The only one who can grab hold of those bootstraps of yours and pull yourself up even with the world again.
Announcer
Yeah. Let's have a little drink on that, Al. Get out now, Miss Kitty.
Doc
I said get out.
Hook Mather
Oh, I like to see a man happy at his work. Oh, you do, do you? What gives you the idea I'm so fired happy about sweeping out? Well, that humming, for one thing. Well, of course I'm calling it humming until I know better. You don't have to make light of my humming, Doc. I don't make light of it. It could be mighty serious. Serious?
Announcer
Yeah.
Hook Mather
I knew a fellow once sounded just like you. He had a bad case of catarrh. Doc, you ever get a notion to give up being a friendly backwoodsy doctor? You could make quite a name for yourself with a chautauqua. Oh, no, no, no, Jess. I couldn't bear to leave you. Oh, yes, I know it's true. You keep me kind of stirred up. A man needs that, too, to keep all his juices flowing properly. You and your juices sure flowed out a bit on the wrong side this morning, I'd say. The last time I got out of bed was yesterday morning. I sat the night by old man Hatch. He's near played out, ain't he, Doc?
Miss Kitty
Yes.
Hook Mather
Radio Silver. Can't last much longer, and he's near 90. That's coming right close to living forever. Awful close, Chester, if you got no feeling for living anymore, and he's got none. You know, the thing that set me off was Hook Mather. I found Hook on the way back to town from the Hatch place. You found him? I did. He sprawled drunk and passed out in his own cornfield, his horse standing over him. Well, he's just bound to drink all they make, ain't he? If he wasn't so young and strong, he wouldn't have lasted this long. Poor devil. Near a year since we buried Sarah. From the looks of that house, you'd think a woman never set foot in it. Now there's a how de do. Old man Hatch trying his best to die at 90. And young Hook Mather trying for the same thing. A good 60 years younger. Yeah. I'll tell you this, Chester. They're both apt to make it, the rate they're gone.
Doc
Excuse me, gentlemen.
Hook Mather
Yes, ma' am?
Doc
The stage driver said I should go to the Long Branch. Could you point it out to me?
Hook Mather
Why, yes, ma' am. It's just yonder down the street right there. If you'll excuse my pointin' oh, yes.
Doc
I see it now. Well, much obliged, ma' am.
Hook Mather
The stage driver tell you it was a saloon?
Doc
Yes. Yes, he did. Thanks kindly.
Hook Mather
What do you reckon she wants at the Long Branch? Maybe she drinks. You sure can't tell by looking. You can tell one thing by looking, Doc. That there was one homely lady.
Ryan Seacrest
You know, I can't remember seeing you take a drink this early in the morning, Kitty.
Miss Kitty
This isn't today, Matt. This is still late. Yesterday.
Ryan Seacrest
Oh? How's that?
Miss Kitty
Well, you might say I was sitting up with a sick friend. Hook Mather spent the night at the bar again.
Ryan Seacrest
Why didn't you let Sam take care.
Miss Kitty
Of him last time I did that, it cost me two tables and five chairs. I settled for two chairs, and I kept him from busting him till just after dawn.
Ryan Seacrest
You shouldn't try to handle Hook alone, Kenny. Next time he comes in to make a night of it, you send over for me, huh?
Miss Kitty
And you'll sit up with it.
Ryan Seacrest
I won't mother him, I'll tell you that.
Miss Kitty
I've been called a lot of things in my time, Matt, but the mother's hardly ever been one of them.
Ryan Seacrest
I'll see you there.
Miss Kitty
Sure. Drop in on old Mother Russell anytime.
Doc
Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
Yeah?
Doc
The stage driver said I should talk to you.
Miss Kitty
He did?
Doc
He said you were the Most understanding woman in Dodge City.
Miss Kitty
Oh, the things that are happening to my reputation.
Doc
I'm afraid I don't understand.
Miss Kitty
That's what's wrong. Neither do I.
Doc
Well, I don't want to bother you. I guess you're busy.
Miss Kitty
I'm not busy, honey. I'm dead on my feet.
Doc
Oh, I'm sorry. I really am.
Miss Kitty
You just got in on the stage just minutes ago.
Doc
Really?
Miss Kitty
What's your name?
Doc
Irma Crown. Miss Irma Crown.
Miss Kitty
Well, Miss Irma Crown, why don't you have supper with me this evening?
Doc
Oh, my goodness.
Miss Kitty
And I'm supposed to be understanding about it. We'll both stand a better chance at supper time. All right?
Doc
What? Yes.
Miss Kitty
Yes.
Doc
All right.
Miss Kitty
Good.
Doc
I declare. My goodness. I don't know what I expected, but everything's so different out here.
Miss Kitty
Dodge City isn't something anyone expects. It just happens, sooner or later. You get used to it.
Doc
I guess if you're from Harrisburg, you're not really ready to expect anything except Harrisburg. What's this place called?
Miss Kitty
Delmonico's.
Doc
Sounds so fancy.
Miss Kitty
Delmonico's, but it tastes so plain. You must have had a reason for coming to Da Germa.
Doc
Oh, yes, indeed. To get married.
Miss Kitty
Why, that's wonderful.
Doc
Well, I hope it is. That's why I came.
Miss Kitty
Well, if you're marrying someone from here, maybe I know him.
Doc
I suppose it'll be someone from here.
Miss Kitty
How's that?
Doc
Well, I cut the clipping out of the newspaper back home. Got so many things in my purse here. Some reporter from the east came out west and wrote back about the crying need for women on the frontier. How men long for home and families. And with no women in here somewhere.
Miss Kitty
Never mind the clipping.
Doc
Well, since you know the gist of the story. It is true, isn't it, Miss Kitty?
Miss Kitty
There are lots more men than women out here. That's true.
Doc
I'm glad to hear that firsthand, you might say. Well, when I read it, I showed it to Mama and we both agreed I should come out and do my part.
Miss Kitty
You came as a sort of a patriotic gesture.
Doc
Mama said we Crown women never shirked our duty to country yet. Why, in the war, when they brought the wounded to the courthouse, Mama and me saw to them.
Miss Kitty
Have you ever been married?
Doc
No. Does that matter?
Miss Kitty
No. No, of course not. I was just wondering.
Doc
You mean, about my age? I'm not young anymore, but I thought if the need was so great, maybe it wouldn't matter out here.
Miss Kitty
What did you tell the stage driver? That he sent you to me.
Doc
That I'd run out of money.
Miss Kitty
Oh.
Doc
He said you had girls at the Long Branch. Sort of hostesses, the way he described them. To greet the men and talk to them and make them feel at home.
Miss Kitty
And that's what he said, was it?
Doc
You do use girls, don't you?
Miss Kitty
I use girls.
Doc
He was a very pleasant man. He was so considerate, too.
Miss Kitty
I'll bet you're a good cook.
Doc
Well, I am. I know pride's not becoming to a woman, but I am prideful about my way with food.
Miss Kitty
And you so too, don't you?
Doc
Since I was born, seems like. Well, this traveling suit and the hat. Every stitch is mine. And I'm clean, Miss Kitty, about my person and my surroundings. I keep everything just like a parlor. But I wouldn't think these things are what you'd look for in a hostess.
Miss Kitty
They aren't, Herma.
Doc
And I don't understand.
Miss Kitty
I guess I'm saying a woman ought to do what she's best fitted for. The girls of the Long Branch, well, let's just say they're not much for cooking and sewing and redding up.
Doc
But they meet men, don't they?
Miss Kitty
They meet men.
Doc
It's not just my age you're holding against me, is it, Miss Kitty?
Miss Kitty
I'm not holding your age against you.
Doc
Don't fear for hurting my feelings. I live with it all the time. Mama says I'm plain. It pleases her to say it that way, but I know I'm a very homely woman.
Miss Kitty
You got a place to stay, Emma?
Doc
I told you, I've got no money.
Miss Kitty
Well, Ma Smolly's used to that. She's got a boarding house. Nice one. And no one who can sew and cook and clean up is gonna be without money very long in this town. I'll take you over to Ma.
Doc
I'm much obliged to you and Irma.
Miss Kitty
Being homely is one thing, but thinking you are for a woman, that's unforgivable.
Teen Advocate
Nearly 90% of kids who vape say flavors are why they do it. A lot of the flavors that I've heard are like peach, mango, watermelon. It makes it seem like more childlike and innocent. Oh, if I try this once, it won't be that much of a problem, but. But then eventually it becomes a problem. It's time to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products in Oregon and protect our kids from nicotine addiction. Urge lawmakers to Pass Senate Bill 702A. Take action at flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the campaign For Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Announcer
Hello.
Ryan Seacrest
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Doc
Oh, and look at that. My goodness. Goodness, Marshall. Why, you gave me a fright.
Ryan Seacrest
What on earth are you doing to that stove, Irma?
Doc
Well, all I meant to do was set the apple dumplings down on it and go on my way, but when I saw the shape it was in.
Ryan Seacrest
What's the matter with it? Something broken?
Doc
Well, it seems to work all right. But it's as dirty a stove as I ever laid eyes on.
Ryan Seacrest
Oh, yeah, I guess it is.
Doc
Take lye water to do any real good. And the best part of a day, going at it.
Ryan Seacrest
You know, it seems to me you've got enough work without looking for more.
Doc
Folks have been awful kind to me, Marshall. More than I deserve.
Ryan Seacrest
Not when you make apple dumplings like that.
Doc
There's three for you and Chester and Doc, if he comes by.
Ryan Seacrest
Well, I'll try to remember who they're for.
Doc
I made them up to sell to Delmonico's and just tuck those extras in for you gentlemen.
Ryan Seacrest
Well, that's real nice of you, Erma. You know, you're the most talked about lady in Dodge these days.
Doc
For my cooking, my sewing.
Ryan Seacrest
Well, that's not an insult, you know.
Doc
Oh, I know, and I'm grateful. I truly am. Well, I'll say good day to you, Marshall. You'll remember me to Chester and to Dodge.
Ryan Seacrest
I'll be glad to, Irma. And many thanks for the dumplings.
Doc
My pleasure, Marshall.
Miss Kitty
Stop it. Stop it.
Doc
You'll kill him.
Miss Kitty
Leave him alone, Clay.
Announcer
Finish him off.
Ryan Seacrest
All right, that's enough, Clay. I'm sick of him, Marshall. Just sick of the sight of that. Now, use your head.
Announcer
Well, how about.
Ryan Seacrest
How about him using his just once in a while? Look after Hook, Kelly.
Miss Kitty
I can see from here he's half dead.
Ryan Seacrest
All right, Clay, what started it?
Announcer
Him.
Ryan Seacrest
You sure? Sure, Him. He fell on me. Every time he went past my chair, he fell right on top of me. I got tired of shoving him off and I Can't blame you for that. But you got no right to start flailing away at him the way he is now. He's too drunk to stand at his seat. Kitty shouldn't have him around there. And muttering and crying around.
Announcer
Gives me the willy.
Miss Kitty
Matt, he's awful hurt.
Ryan Seacrest
We better get him up to docs. Give me a hand, Clay, will you?
Announcer
All right, but don't get the idea.
Ryan Seacrest
I'm sorry I took him on.
Announcer
Somebody had to.
Ryan Seacrest
We'll talk about that later. Come on.
Announcer
Hey, he's a dead weight.
Ryan Seacrest
Sure.
Announcer
Marshall.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah?
Doc
Marshall. Kill him. What on earth?
Ryan Seacrest
Well, he's hurt her.
Doc
Poor Mr. Hook. You carrying him to docs?
Ryan Seacrest
That's right.
Doc
Well, I'll just go along with you. Might be I could lend a hand.
Hook Mather
Well, I'll tell you this. You had to open your eyes. But that woman's done out there at Hook's place.
Miss Kitty
I didn't know she'd gone out there to nurse him.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah, I've been there a good couple of weeks now, hasn't she?
Hook Mather
Oh, what's hold of that, Matt? And there's no doubt in my mind he owes his life to Irma. Oh, he was a mess when you hauled him up to my place, Matt.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah, I know.
Miss Kitty
Well, I sure don't know who'd have cared for him the way she has. You gonna be all right, Doc?
Hook Mather
He's as good as well now, Kitty. And it's not just what she's done for him. His own Sarah never kept his house nicer.
Miss Kitty
I'll bet she's been spoon feeding him that good cooking of hers, too.
Ryan Seacrest
Why do you think Doc's made so many calls out there at mealtime?
Hook Mather
I'm not one to deny it. No, sir.
Ryan Seacrest
She's a good woman.
Hook Mather
Irma is one of the best, ma' am.
Miss Kitty
I just hope she doesn't get hurt by it.
Hook Mather
Hook's grateful enough to her, I'll tell you that.
Ryan Seacrest
Well, what's going to hurt her, Kitty?
Miss Kitty
Oh, she has her heart set on something more than gratitude. That'd hurt her bad.
Ryan Seacrest
I guess he'll pay her, all right.
Miss Kitty
Pay her?
Hook Mather
What's so insulting about that?
Miss Kitty
If a woman's got Marian on her mind, there's just one thing worse than a man's gratitude. And that's his money.
Ryan Seacrest
Now, Kitty, Irma Crown's not the Marian kind.
Hook Mather
No, you're not. She's just one of those good souls bound to look out for other folks.
Miss Kitty
Yeah. Well, suppose you tell her that she and Hook just came in.
Doc
Well, if Jester were Here, it'd be most everyone we want to see, wouldn't it, Hook?
Announcer
Yeah, I guess so.
Ryan Seacrest
Why don't you sit down her, huh, Hook?
Announcer
Yeah, baby.
Hook Mather
Here, I'll draw up another chair.
Announcer
We're not staying, thanks.
Doc
Oh, we've got to stop by Mar Smalley's and. Can I tell them, Hook?
Announcer
Well, you might as well.
Teen Advocate
We.
Doc
We're being married, Hook and me.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah, right. Well, congratulations, Huck.
Announcer
Well, yes, indeed.
Hook Mather
A hearty congratulations.
Announcer
Thanks.
Miss Kitty
You look wonderful, Irma. I know you must be happy.
Doc
You know better than anyone, Kitty. Remember what you said? A woman should do what she's best fitted for.
Miss Kitty
I remember.
Doc
Well, I am. I truly am.
Miss Kitty
I wish you every happiness, Irma.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah. Good luck to you.
Announcer
Well, we better move along, Irma, I should say.
Doc
We had so much to do, and we're marrying on our way out of town. You come see us now, right? Soon.
Ryan Seacrest
All right. Goodbye. You sure call the turn on that, Kelly.
Miss Kitty
Any woman could have called it.
Hook Mather
Hey, wait a minute. Not so quick. You were right about Irma, but you were wrong about Hook.
Miss Kitty
Well, what I said still goes. I just hope she doesn't get hurt.
Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Organ legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Ryan Seacrest
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Announcer
VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law 21 plus terms and conditions apply.
Hook Mather
Mr. Jung, you think this is all.
Ryan Seacrest
Right to do not drop in on Hook and Armor. It was your idea, wasn't it?
Hook Mather
Well, I know that was. Back up the road a piece. Now getting here, I. I kindly wonder about it being so soon after the.
Ryan Seacrest
Wedding and all three weeks that's not so soon.
Hook Mather
Well, maybe not.
Ryan Seacrest
Only, look, if you don't want some coffee and a piece of pie, you can stay right here or ride on into Dodge.
Hook Mather
Well, you.
Announcer
You.
Hook Mather
You right sure she'll have pies.
Ryan Seacrest
Well, she'll have something fresh baked. I'm sure of that.
Hook Mather
Well, I'll just keep you company there, Mr. John.
Ryan Seacrest
That's mighty obliging to you.
Hook Mather
Yes, it is. Ain't nobody stirring around outside, sure enough.
Ryan Seacrest
Hook's likely out in the field.
Hook Mather
I don't smell no baked goods, Mr. John.
Ryan Seacrest
You just stay out here and sniff if you want to.
Announcer
No, no.
Hook Mather
I'm coming.
Announcer
I'm coming.
Ryan Seacrest
Arma H. Anybody home? Take a look out back, won't you, Chester?
Announcer
Yes, sir. Irma.
Ryan Seacrest
Irma, It's Marshal Dillon.
Hook Mather
Dillon, come here quick. Don't you know this is terrible?
Announcer
Look, he's dead.
Hook Mather
Just as dead.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah, he's been dead. Chester. Come on. Irma.
Doc
I heard you, Marshall, but I couldn't make you hear me.
Hook Mather
Well, you're all bruised and beat.
Ryan Seacrest
Irma, what happened here?
Doc
What had to be Marshall.
Ryan Seacrest
Who did it?
Doc
Hook and me. We did it together.
Ryan Seacrest
Chester, get a cold cloth. You mean he beat you, Irma.
Doc
And I killed him. Marshall, it was no accident. I meant to kill him.
Ryan Seacrest
Olive, he abused you this way. You. You're hurt bad.
Doc
You know I'm dying. But it's all right. I don't mind dying.
Hook Mather
Here you are, Mr. John.
Ryan Seacrest
Thanks, Jester. This'll feel some better, isn't it?
Doc
It's cold. Cold.
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah. Did. Did he just beat you without any reason?
Doc
Oh, Hook had a reason. He used it all the time. She was pretty. Sara was. You're ugly. He said ugly.
Miss Kitty
And old.
Doc
You tell Kitty. Marshall, it wasn't the beatings. It was hearing that word over and over. Ugly. Ugly. That's why I killed him. Cause that word was killing me.
Ryan Seacrest
Irma. Irma.
Hook Mather
Is she gone?
Ryan Seacrest
Yeah, she's gone.
Hook Mather
Look at her now. She looks peaceful. And she looks almost.
Ryan Seacrest
Almost pretty.
Hook Mather
Yes, sir. Almost pretty.
Announcer
Hmm.
Ryan Seacrest
I wish she knew. I wish to the devil she knew.
Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like. Like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint. To hook kids like me, they seem harmless. But they are. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act, take action to protect kids like me. @ flavorshookorgankids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest here When you have a busy schedule, it's important to maximize your downtime. One of the best ways to do that is by going to chumbacasino.com Chumba Casino has all your favorite social casino games like spin slots, bingo and solitaire that you can play for free for a chance to redeem some serious prizes. So hop on to chumbacasino.com now and live the Chumba Life sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary.
Announcer
VGW Group Void where prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions conditions apply. Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal the story was specially written for Gunsmoke by by Kathleen Height with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Virginia Gregg and Vic Parin, Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week on Gun Smoke. Gun Smoke has come to you through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and television service.
Doc
Foreign.
Ryan Seacrest
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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Technogod 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 copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Teen Advocate
Use of flavored tobacco by teens is a crisis. Tobacco companies use flavors like cotton candy, watermelon ice and cool mint to hook kids like me. They seem harmless, but they aren't. Addiction to nicotine sets us up for a lifetime of health problems. Oregon legislators can do something about it. Passing Senate Bill 702A will keep flavored tobacco away from kids. But there are just a few short weeks left for lawmakers to act. Take action to protect kids like me@ flavorshookoregonkids.org paid for by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids Action Fund.
Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest here When you have a busy schedule, it's important to maximize your downtime. One of the best ways to do that is by going to chumbacasino.com Chumba Casino has all your free favorite social casino games like spin slots, bingo and solitaire that you can play for free for a chance to redeem some serious prizes. So hop on to chumbacasino.com now and live the Chumba life. Sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary.
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VGW Group Void where prohibited by law 21 terms and conditions apply.
Ryan Seacrest
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Title: Homely Girl
Podcast: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: June 7, 2025
In the "Homely Girl" episode of the classic Western drama Gunsmoke, listeners are transported to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. This episode delves into themes of loneliness, societal expectations, and personal transformation, all set against the rugged backdrop of the frontier.
Arrival of Doc Irma Crown
The episode begins with Doc Irma Crown arriving in Dodge City, motivated by a sense of duty and the pressing need for women in the frontier town. Her intentions are clear: to aid the community and perhaps find a lifelong partner. As Matt Dillon narrates, "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." (02:20)
Meeting Miss Kitty
Doc seeks out Miss Kitty Russell at the Long Branch Saloon, hoping to establish a connection. Their initial interaction is marked by Doc’s genuine nature juxtaposed against Miss Kitty's pragmatic outlook. Doc mentions, "I cut the clipping out of the newspaper back home... to do my part." (10:35) This reveals her purposeful move to the West, driven by both personal conviction and external encouragement.
Conflict with Hook Mather
Hook Mather's entrance introduces tension. His persistent alcoholism has made him a liability in the tight-knit community. Miss Kitty confronts him sternly, urging him to leave peacefully: "Look, he was awful pretty, Miss Kitty." (04:16) However, Hook's internal struggles persist, leading to a heated altercation.
Developing Relationships
As the story unfolds, Doc and Hook develop a complicated relationship. Miss Kitty remains wary of Hook's behavior, while Doc's kindness begins to have a calming effect on him. Their interactions highlight themes of redemption and the possibility of change, even in the harshest environments.
Climax: Tragedy Strikes
The episode reaches its emotional peak when Hook, in a state of distress, confronts Doc. The altercation escalates tragically, resulting in Doc fatally injuring Hook. In a poignant moment, Doc laments, "I meant to kill him because he said 'ugly.' That's why I killed him. Cause that word was killing me." (25:18) This line encapsulates the deep personal pain and the consequences of unchecked emotions.
Resolution and Reflection
In the aftermath, Miss Kitty and the community grapple with the loss of Hook and the senselessness of violence. Doc’s actions, though tragic, underscore the intense personal conflicts faced by individuals on the frontier. The episode closes with Matt Dillon reflecting on the events, emphasizing the perpetual struggle between duty and personal turmoil.
Loneliness and Community Needs:
Redemption and Personal Struggle:
Violence and Its Consequences:
Societal Expectations vs. Individual Desires:
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." (02:20)
Doc Irma Crown:
"I meant to kill him because he said 'ugly.' That's why I killed him. Cause that word was killing me." (25:18)
Miss Kitty Russell:
"A woman ought to do what she's best fitted for." (13:05)
Hook Mather:
"You got to quit thinking of what's past and gone and look on yourself." (04:31)
Doc Irma Crown:
"I live with it all the time. Mama says I'm plain. It pleases her to say it that way, but I know I'm a very homely woman." (13:30)
"Homely Girl" offers a poignant exploration of life on the American frontier, delving deep into the personal struggles and societal dynamics that defined the era. Through its richly developed characters and emotionally charged narrative, the episode highlights the enduring human spirit and the complexities of life in the Old West. Andrew Rhynes masterfully brings this story to life, ensuring that both long-time fans and new listeners find themselves engrossed in the timeless tales of Gunsmoke.
Produced by: Norman McDonald
Written by: Kathleen Height
Editorial Supervision: John Meston
Featured Cast: William Conrad, Virginia Gregg, Vic Parin, Harley Bear (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty)
Note: This summary is crafted for listeners who may not have access to the episode, providing a comprehensive overview while preserving the essence and emotional depth of the original broadcast.