How To Cure A Friend | Gunsmoke (01-15-56)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Episode: "How To Cure A Friend"
Original Air Date: January 15, 1956
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Host: Andrew Rynes

---

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Gunsmoke titled "How To Cure A Friend," listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of Dodge City, Kansas, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon navigates the challenges of maintaining law and order in the untamed American West. Hosted by Andrew Rynes, the episode delves into themes of friendship, trust, and justice, all set against the backdrop of a town brimming with tension and intrigue.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Matt Dillon reflecting on his role as a U.S. Marshal:

“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.”
[02:18]

This introduction sets the tone for Dillon's solitary and vigilant existence, highlighting the inherent dangers of his profession.

Introducing Nick Search

The tranquility of Dodge City is disrupted when Chester Teeters, the town barber, brings news about an incoming stranger:

“They're taking the Santa Fe to Wichita last night... a gambler down there who's coming to Dodge. Said he'd be here on the stage tomorrow.”
[03:13]

Chester describes the gambler, Nick Search, as “real clever” and “the biggest crook they ever knew,” piquing Matt Dillon's curiosity and concern. Despite the rumors, Matt reveals a personal connection:

“We were friends once, Teeters. Real good friends.”
[04:37]

Arrival of Nick Search

As predicted, Nick Search arrives in Dodge City, reuniting with Matt Dillon:

"Nick. How are you?"
[07:35]

Their interaction is tense but cordial, with Matt expressing cautious optimism about Nick's intentions despite the town's suspicions.

Building Suspicion

Chester and Matt discuss the rumors surrounding Nick Search, with Chester urging Matt to be wary:

“Don’t take to sitting around the entire day... there's something more I can do for you.”
[08:07]

Matt seeks further validation from Sam Noonan, the local bartender, who corroborates the townsfolk's doubts about Nick's integrity:

“Marshall, are you a good friend of this man?”
[12:03]

Faced with mounting skepticism, Matt decides to vouch for Nick, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty:

“Yeah, Sam, I'll vouch for him.”
[12:22]

The Gambling Confrontation

Nick Search engages in a high-stakes poker game with Enoch Mills, under Matt's observant eye. The tension culminates when Nick, feeling the pressure, provokes Matt:

“I’m no crook, Matt. I’m too smart for that.”
[09:35]

The situation escalates into a physical altercation when Nick attempts to intimidate Matt:

“Nick, I want you to meet just a proud where Chester.”
[07:35]
“Don't do it.”
[18:53]

Matt intervenes just in time, preventing Nick from dealing a potentially lethal blow:

“He'd have killed me if I hadn't.”
[19:03]

Nick's hand is injured in the scuffle, leading to a pivotal moment of vulnerability and trust between the two men.

Resolution and Redemption

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Matt tends to Nick's injury, fostering a moment of reconciliation:

“You saved my life once, Matt. Saved it again tonight.”
[20:53]

Nick acknowledges Matt's unwavering support, hinting at a transformation:

“I guess there's one thing I do hold against you... but maybe I'll get used to it again.”
[21:04]

Their renewed friendship signifies Matt Dillon's role not just as a lawman but as a guardian of personal bonds and moral integrity in Dodge City.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Matt Dillon reflecting on the events and looking forward to future challenges in the town:

“You know, frontier cattlemen often fought and died over grazing land... But next week, a feud flares up because of two people in love.”
[22:42]

This teaser hints at ongoing stories of conflict and camaraderie that define the rich tapestry of Gunsmoke.

Key Themes and Insights

• Trust and Loyalty: Matt Dillon's decision to trust Nick Search despite widespread rumors underscores the complexity of relationships in law enforcement and frontier life.

• Redemption: Nick Search's transformation from a suspected crook to a redeemed friend highlights the redemptive power of trust and friendship.

• Justice and Morality: The episode explores the balance between upholding the law and understanding personal histories, illustrating Matt's nuanced approach to justice.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon on His Role:

  “I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal... [02:18]”

• Chester Teeters on Nick Search's Reputation:

  “...he could outsmart anybody. Well, did they say his name, Mr. Cheater? Yes, they did. And I remembered it. It's Nick Search.”
  [03:55]

• Matt's Confrontation with Nick:

  “Nick, I want you to meet just a proud where Chester.”
  [07:23]

• Nick Acknowledging Matt's Help:

  “You saved my life once, Matt. Saved it again tonight.”
  [20:53]

Final Thoughts

"How To Cure A Friend" masterfully weaves a narrative of trust, conflict, and redemption, showcasing Matt Dillon's steadfast character amidst the unpredictable dynamics of Dodge City. Through rich dialogue and dramatic tension, the episode examines the lengths to which one man will go to uphold his principles and protect those he cares about.

For fans of classic Western dramas, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring allure of Gunsmoke and its exploration of the human condition on the frontier.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is January 15, 1956 and the title is how to Cure a friend. Hope you enjoy.

[Commercial Announcer]

Gun Smoke Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray, they satisfy the most.

[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 a U.S. marshal. And the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke Starring William Conrad. The transcribed 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. It.

[Chester]

Mr. Dylan, ain't old Teeter's ever gonna finish cutting that man's hair.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, are you in a hurry, Chester?

[Chester]

No, sir, I ain't. But I don't take to sitting around the tonsil the entire day. There you are.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks like he's through now.

[Chester]

Well, it's about time. That'll be 25 cents, mister. Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, why don't you go first?

[Chester]

Oh, no, sir, I don't mind waitin. You go first.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that'd be like eating pork chops in front of a starving man.

[Chester]

Well, if you insist. I guess I'm gonna be next, Mr. Tears. I'll be glad to get you out of here, Chester. You're fidget sitting around over there now. They maybe put a brand on that man. Well, it's just because I'm hungry, Mr. Tears. I ain't at my dinner yet. Well, next time eat before you come in for your haircut. I sure will. And bring a lunch too. Sit still, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. What? Sitters.

[Chester]

Heard something yesterday might interest you. No, couple of strangers was in here. Heard him say they was taking the Santa Fe to Wichita last night.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's pretty interesting.

[Chester]

Ain't through yet. They come from Texas, Marshall. San Antonio. What they said was there's a gambler down there who's coming to Dodge. Said he'd be here on the stage tomorrow.

[Matt Dillon]

Teeters, if you cut hair the way you tell a story, you'd go broke.

[Chester]

Put your head down, Chester. This particular gambler, Marshall, well, they said he's real clever. And also the biggest crook they ever knew.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, is that so?

[Chester]

They said he could outsmart anybody. Well, did they say his name, Mr. Cheater? Yes, they did. And I remembered it. It's Search. Nick Search.

[Matt Dillon]

Nick Search. You sure, Titus?

[Chester]

That's what they said, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, maybe they were just talking.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Chester]

How do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, any man's got enemies, especially a gambler.

[Chester]

You sound like you don't believe, Mr. John.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't want to, Chester.

[Chester]

You don't?

[Matt Dillon]

Why, Nick Search isn't only a gambler. He's also about as handy with a gun as anybody I ever knew.

[Chester]

Now, Marshall, you don't mean you're afraid of him?

[Matt Dillon]

We were friends once, Teeters. Real good friends.

[Commercial Announcer]

Packs more pleasure. Packs more pleasure. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

The more perfectly packed your cigarette, the more taste and mildness are released for you. Chesterfield, made by exclusive Accuray, has an open easy drawer that unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobaccos. Now, Accuray ensures an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying.

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

To the touch to the taste. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield. Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Chester]

Stage ought to be here any minute. Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Chester]

How long has it been since you saw this next search anyway?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, 10, 12 years.

[Chester]

It was in Texas.

[Matt Dillon]

You know him well there in other places. Yeah. Like I said, he was a good friend. Chester.

[Chester]

Yonder it comes. You make it sound like he must have saved your life or something.

[Matt Dillon]

I was just the opposite as a matter of fact.

[Nick Search]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

I saved his.

[Chester]

You did?

[Matt Dillon]

A man tried to shoot him in the back and I put a stop to him. Oh, there he is. Hey, Nick. Nick Search.

[Chester]

Hey, he sees you.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Hey, Matt. Matt Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Nick. How are you?

[Narrator]

Well, I heard down the trail you was Marshall here.

[Matt Dillon]

And I heard you were on your way dead.

[Narrator]

Who told you all?

[Matt Dillon]

It doesn't matter. Nick, I want you to meet just a proud where Chester.

[Chester]

Well, I'm glad to know you.

[Narrator]

Oh, Matt. Matt, if this don't beat off.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. You planning to stay a while?

[Narrator]

You know a fella here, name of Sam Noonan?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, he runs along Branch. That's it.

[Narrator]

Tell you what, Matt, you wait here till I dump my warsack in that hotel over there and then we'll go see him. Gambler can't work without a place to gamble. I'll be back directly.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, Nick.

[Chester]

Well, I declare, he seemed like a nice fellow. Mr. Doane yeah. You don't believe what them men told Mr. Teeters, do you? About him being a crook?

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, when he comes back, I, I'm gonna have to ask him.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's the Long Branch man.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's it.

[Narrator]

Nick, what's the matter?

[Matt Dillon]

I, I, I want to ask you something.

[Narrator]

Well, go ahead.

[Matt Dillon]

The men who said you were on your way to Dodge, they said something else about you.

[Narrator]

What was that?

[Matt Dillon]

How they. They said you were a crooked gambler.

[Commercial Announcer]

Did you believe him?

[Matt Dillon]

I'd rather believe you, Nick.

[Narrator]

Eh, you saved my life once, Matt. If you catch me cheating at cards, you can try to take it back again.

[Matt Dillon]

That's not a very clear answer, Nick.

[Narrator]

I'm no crook, Matt. I'm too smart for that.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Let me go and talk to this Sam Noonan, and we'll have a drink.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Nice place.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, that's Sam behind the bar there. I'll introduce you.

[Narrator]

No, no, Matt, no. Never makes friends with business.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, then I'll wait for you. I'll be with that girl in the corner over there.

[Narrator]

Oh, hey, I won't be long, man.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay. Hello, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Hello, Matt. Who's your friend?

[Matt Dillon]

His name's Nick Search, Kitty.

[Kitty]

So that's Nick Search.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you've heard of him, huh?

[Kitty]

A couple of Texans were talking about him the other day.

[Matt Dillon]

Who were those men, Kitty?

[Kitty]

They never said their names, Matt. They were sure talking about Nick Search.

[Matt Dillon]

Nick's an old friend of mine.

[Kitty]

He is?

[Matt Dillon]

And I think those men were lying.

[Kitty]

Well, I hope so, for your sake.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, why for my sake?

[Kitty]

He's an old friend of yours.

[Matt Dillon]

That's not what you meant, Kenny.

[Kitty]

No. They also said he's pretty fast with a gun.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he is. And so if I back him up here, then it's gonna look like I'm doing it because I'm afraid of him, huh?

[Kitty]

Not to me. You know that.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but to most everybody else.

[Kitty]

I don't know, Matt. Here he comes. Sam's bringing him over.

[Sam Noonan]

Hello, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Sam.

[Sam Noonan]

Marshall, I seen you come in with Search here, so I figured you must know him.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, won't he admit it?

[Narrator]

I don't like mixing friends with business.

[Sam Noonan]

You don't have no choice this time, Search. Not if you want to deal in a long branch.

[Matt Dillon]

What is it, Sam? Those two Texans and their stories.

[Sam Noonan]

Well, I heard them. We all heard.

[Narrator]

Probably a couple of saddle bums lost their pay in an honest game, and now they blame the dealer for it. It happens every day.

[Sam Noonan]

I know that, but they, they said other things about you.

[Narrator]

Like what?

[Sam Noonan]

The way you can handle a gun. Marshall, are you a good friend of this man?

[Matt Dillon]

You want me to say it's okay for him to deal here?

[Narrator]

Now, wait a minute. If Matt's got to get involved, I can go someplace else.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's all right, Nick. I don't mind.

[Sam Noonan]

Well, what do you say, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Sam, I'll vouch for him.

[Sam Noonan]

I run clean games here.

[Matt Dillon]

And I run a clean town here.

[Sam Noonan]

All right, I'll take the marshal's word search. You can open your game tonight.

[Narrator]

Oh, good. Come on, Matt.

[Commercial Announcer]

Let me buy you that drink.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay. I'll see you later, kiddie.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah, sure.

[Kitty]

What's the matter, Sam?

[Narrator]

Oh.

[Sam Noonan]

Oh, it's nothing, Kitty.

[Nick Search]

Why is it?

[Sam Noonan]

Just a hate to think Marshall Dylan standing up for that fella for the wrong reason.

[Matt Dillon]

Started with Sam Noonan. Before long, everybody got to thinking I was backing up Nick's because I was afraid of him. I talked to Nick about it, but he laughed and said there were as many fools in Dodge as any place we'd ever been. Now, maybe he was right. Anyway, after a month passed without any complaints about his dealing, I began to forget it. So one afternoon when Chester and I were taking our ease on the porch in front of my office.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, did you ever know any Irishman?

[Matt Dillon]

Of course I have. Chester.

[Chester]

I mean, do you know much about him?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I have a feeling anything I don't know, you're about to tell me.

[Nick Search]

Oh, no, sir.

[Chester]

It's not me. It's fella I used to live with. He was born on a place called Mingo Bay. That's in Ireland, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

And what did he tell you?

[Chester]

Well, sir, he told me never shoot a Irishman. What?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Chester]

Because he said if you can lick one of them, then he'll be your friend for life. But he warned me about that, too. He said, be careful. Never punch one of them in the face. Just give him a good whack in the belly, and then a little child could whip it.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a good thing to know, Chester. Don't remember that.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, I've always remembered it. I've made lots of friends that way.

[Matt Dillon]

Irishmen?

[Nick Search]

Yes, sir.

[Chester]

All Irishmen.

[Matt Dillon]

All of them.

[Chester]

All of them Irishmen. They're mighty fine people, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, they are, Chester.

[Chester]

I sure do like them. Hey, ain't that old Enoch Mills?

[Narrator]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

Where?

[Chester]

Yonder. Coming down the street there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? Looks mighty serious about something, too.

[Chester]

Well, if I was the richest cattle bar in Dodge, I'd look serious, too. Just thinking about all the money he's got sobers me.

[Nick Search]

Oh, hello, Marshall. Chester. How do, Mr. Mill?

[Matt Dillon]

Sit down, Enoch.

[Nick Search]

Oh, some other time, Marshall. I gotta get back. I gotta clean this fell out.

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Nick Search]

That gambler, Nick Search.

[Matt Dillon]

I you in a game with Nick Search?

[Nick Search]

Yeah, I've been going on for 12 hours. I got him going, Marshall. I've been willing steady. Now I'm about ready to double on everything I want and really take him.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. How much money does it amount to, ain't it?

[Nick Search]

Well, it's what I just got from the bank to throw in. It'll be some $5,000.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the game?

[Nick Search]

Poker. Head and head, just him and me. And the only time he wins is when I deal. So I don't do any betting till he gets the deck. Now I'm really going to give it to him. I'll break him good. I gotta get back now. Easiest money I ever made.

[Chester]

Well, I guess Nick ain't so much of a gambler after all, is he, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Nick knows what he's doing, Chester. I'm gonna follow him down. I want to watch this.

[Commercial Announcer]

Packs more pleasure. Packs pleasure. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

The more perfectly packed your cigarette, the more taste and mildness are released for you. Chesterfield, made by exclusive accuray, has an open, easy draw that unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobaccos. Now, accuray ensures an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying.

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

To the touch to the taste. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield. Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Narrator]

Sam.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Nick.

[Narrator]

Hello, Matt.

[Nick Search]

Well, you're just in time, Marshall. Game's just about to get started again.

[Matt Dillon]

That's fine, Enoch. You mind if I watch?

[Nick Search]

No, of course not. Here. You're a deal, Nick. There's your dick. Well, pick it up and deal. What are you waiting for, Nick?

[Narrator]

Makes me nervous to have people watching me.

[Nick Search]

Nick, I told you that old Marshall ain't corn. Deal.

[Narrator]

I'll join you later for a drink, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean I'll spoil the game if I watch?

[Narrator]

Maybe that's what I mean.

[Nick Search]

Let him have his way, Marshall. Don't bother him if it makes him nervous.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Enoch. I'm staying.

[Narrator]

Oh, you're not, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

So you lied to me, Nick.

[Narrator]

And now I'm warning you.

[Matt Dillon]

Get through here, Nick.

[Narrator]

Am I?

[Matt Dillon]

No, don't do it.

[Nick Search]

Don't you.

[Kitty]

My Head smoking. My hand.

[Nick Search]

You busted his hand, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

He'd have killed me if I hadn't.

[Nick Search]

I'll kill you yet.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure. But first you better let Doc fix that hand. Come on, I'll take you up to him.

[Nick Search]

Well.

[Narrator]

There you are.

[Chester]

That's the best I can do for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, Nick. Have another drink. Yeah.

[Narrator]

I could drink that whole bottle, not feel an ounce of it.

[Chester]

That hand will hurt worse tomorrow.

[Narrator]

Tell me, Doc.

[Chester]

Your hand's pretty badly smashed, Nick.

[Nick Search]

It's going to be stiff.

[Narrator]

I won't be able to deal cards very well, will I?

[Chester]

You won't even be able to hold a deck.

[Narrator]

Well, Matt, I guess that does it. No more taking my time setting up suckers like Enoch Mills for one big stake. And leaving town fast after it's done. I guess that's all.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess it is, Nick.

[Narrator]

My gun hand too.

[Matt Dillon]

Mm.

[Narrator]

Funny thing, Matt. Now that it's all over, I feel you're kind of relieved. Like I got nothing to worry about no more.

[Matt Dillon]

You said you were gonna kill me, Nick. Doesn't that worry you?

[Narrator]

You saved my life once, Matt. Saved it again tonight. I'd be pretty ungrateful to hold that against you, wouldn't I?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

I guess there's one thing I do hold against you.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Narrator]

But maybe I'll get used to it again. Looks like I'm going to have to go back to being honest.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc.

[Chester]

Yes, ma'?

[Commercial Announcer]

Am.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you and I sit down and help Nick finish that bottle, huh?

[Kitty]

Yeah.

[Nick Search]

My God.

[Chester]

Oh.

[Nick Search]

That's it, Matt.

[Chester]

I knew there was something more that.

[Narrator]

We could do for him.

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Commercial Announcer]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

Chesterfield, made by exclusive accurate, Packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobaccos.

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

Firm and pleasing to the lips. Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, frontier cattlemen often fought and died over grazing land. Or because of water rights, with sheep men. But next week, a feud flares up because of two people in love. But that was the West. Good night.

[Narrator]

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 Beston. With music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartel, John Dana and Ralph Moody. Marley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.

Make today your big red letter day.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Narrator]

It's the miracle tip. Make today your big red letter day.

[Matt Dillon]

Change to L and M today.

[Chester]

L&M's got everything.

[Commercial Announcer]

Superior taste and superior filter.

[Matt Dillon]

Get out today. This is it.

[Nick Search]

L, M Superior taste and filter.

[Matt Dillon]

L and M America's best filter tip cigarette.

[Narrator]

Be sure and listen to another transcribed story of the Old west and guns next week at this same time.

[Kitty]

Foreign.

[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 you 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.

[Narrator]

Sam.