How To Kill a Woman – Gunsmoke (11-20-54)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Gunsmoke - "How To Kill a Woman"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com
• Host/Author: Andrew Rynes
• Description: Gunsmoke is a seminal old-time radio and television Western drama set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the American West's settlement. The radio series, which first aired on April 26, 1952, continued until June 18, 1961, captivating audiences with its rich storytelling and complex characters.
• Episode: How To Kill a Woman
• Original Air Date: November 20, 1954
• Release Date: November 20, 2024

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Introduction

In the "How To Kill a Woman" episode of Gunsmoke, listeners are immersed in a tense Western narrative that delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption. Hosted by Andrew Rynes, this episode stands out for its intricate plot and character development, offering a compelling story that remains engaging for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

Plot Overview

The episode centers around a brutal stagecoach robbery and the subsequent murder of a passenger, setting off a chain of events that draws U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon into a web of suspicion and moral ambiguity.

Opening Conflict:

• [04:11] The story kicks off with Chester expressing disappointment about the impending cold weather, quickly shifting to the main conflict as Jim Buck reports a violent stagecoach robbery:

  "Marshall got held up. One passenger shot down. In cold blood, huh? Meanest thing I ever saw." – Jim Buck [05:17]

Investigation Begins:

• Matt Dillon and Chester decide to investigate the robbery in Wagon Bed Springs. Upon arrival, they meet Jesse Daggett, the stern stage station owner, who appears reluctant to cooperate:

  "I believe in letting every man kill his own snakes." – Jesse Daggett [09:46]

• [09:02] Jesse Daggett reveals his philosophy of non-interference, complicating Matt's investigation as Daggett believes in personal responsibility over collective law enforcement.

Suspicious Characters:

• Nat Pilcher emerges as a suspicious character, stirring Matt’s suspicions about a possible partnership with Daggett in the robbery:

  "They say Clay Allison shot him. That's what they say, Marshall. But I know for a fact it wasn't Clay." – Nat Pilcher [16:28]

Escalation:

• The tension escalates when Jim Buck returns injured after confronting the gunman, who shoots a woman aboard the stagecoach:

  "She dead, Jim?" – Chester [21:15]

• Matt grapples with the complexities of the case, suspecting both Daggett and Pilcher but struggling to gather concrete evidence.

Key Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled U.S. Marshal committed to upholding the law amidst the chaos of the Wild West.

• Chester (Harley Baer): Matt’s loyal aide, providing both support and occasional comic relief.

• Jesse Daggett (Vic Perrin): Owner of the Wagon Bed Springs stage station, whose guarded demeanor hides deeper motives.

• Jim Buck (Lawrence Dodkin): A stagecoach driver whose personal loss fuels his pursuit of the truth.

• Nat Pilcher (Clayton Post): A mysterious cowboy whose interactions with Matt hint at a darker past.

Key Events

1. Stagecoach Robbery and Murder:

   • Jim Buck reports the violent robbery and the inexplicable murder of a passenger, raising suspicions about Jesse Daggett’s involvement or complicity.

2. Investigation at Wagon Bed Springs:

   • Matt and Chester stay at Daggett’s stage station, engaging in conversations that reveal Daggett's reluctance to involve himself in the lawman's quest.

3. Introduction of Nat Pilcher:

   • Pilcher’s cryptic remarks and ambiguous intentions deepen the mystery, positioning him as a potential antagonist.

4. Second Attack:

   • Jim Buck returns, gravely injured after another attack, intensifying Matt’s resolve to uncover the truth.

5. Confrontation and Revelation:

   • In a climactic showdown, Daggett reveals his tragic past involving the death of his wife and Nat Pilcher’s role in the ensuing violence.

Themes and Insights

• Moral Ambiguity: The episode explores the gray areas of justice and personal vengeance, questioning whether true law enforcement can exist without personal biases.

• Isolation and Trust: Set in the vast, desolate landscapes of the West, the narrative emphasizes the challenges of building trust in isolated communities where everyone harbors secrets.

• Redemption and Revenge: Jesse Daggett’s actions are driven by a desire for redemption over revenge, showcasing the internal conflicts that define his character.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon Reflecting on Responsibility:

  "That's why I'm a lawman and you run a stage station and whoever he is holds up people and kills them." – Matt Dillon [09:23]

• Jesse Daggett on Personal Responsibility:

  "Every man has to kill his own snakes." – Jesse Daggett [09:46]

• Nat Pilcher’s Threat:

  "I'm gonna kill you. And then Jim here." – Nat Pilcher [29:53]

• Final Confrontation:

  "I had a woman out in New Mexico. I caught her running off with Nat Filcher. I didn't shoot him, though. I shot her instead." – Jesse Daggett [27:07]

Character Development

• Matt Dillon: Demonstrates unwavering dedication to justice, even when faced with personal and professional dilemmas. His interactions reveal a deep moral compass and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

• Jesse Daggett: Portrayed as a man broken by personal loss, his stoic exterior masks profound grief and a complex sense of honor, ultimately revealing his vulnerabilities and the reasons behind his actions.

• Nat Pilcher: Introduced as a foil to Matt Dillon, Pilcher embodies the chaotic and often vengeful spirit of the Wild West, challenging Matt’s sense of order with his unpredictable nature.

Conclusion

"How To Kill a Woman" is a quintessential Gunsmoke episode that masterfully blends suspense, character depth, and thematic richness. Through its intricate plot and memorable dialogues, the episode underscores the timeless struggle between law and personal vendetta, set against the rugged backdrop of the American West. Listeners are left contemplating the true nature of justice and the personal costs that come with upholding it.

Notable Speaker Quotes with Timestamps:

• "That's why I'm a lawman and you run a stage station and whoever he is holds up people and kills them." – Matt Dillon [09:23]
• "Every man has to kill his own snakes." – Jesse Daggett [09:46]
• "I'm gonna kill you. And then Jim here." – Nat Pilcher [29:53]
• "I had a woman out in New Mexico. I caught her running off with Nat Filcher. I didn't shoot him, though. I shot her instead." – Jesse Daggett [27:07]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Gunsmoke stands as a testament to the series' ability to deliver gripping Western narratives that delve into the human psyche. By navigating complex moral landscapes and presenting multifaceted characters, "How To Kill a Woman" remains a standout episode that continues to resonate with audiences today.

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 episode is one of many released every month, totaling over 80 episodes so far. Each one is meticulously digitally restored and stored in the cloud for your convenience, a process that incurs costs. To help cover these expenses, you might hear some advertisements throughout the episode. While we do retain the original commercials for historical authenticity, you may also encounter modern ads which help keep the lights on. If you prefer an ad free experience, we offer a couple options. You can listen to the episodes on YouTube. You can also support us by becoming a patron on our Patreon page. For more information, go to otrwesterns.com donate again otrwesterns.com donate I do want to emphasize that we are committed to providing this content to you for free. But also we have to be transparent about the financial realities to bringing this to you. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original Air date is November 20, 1954 and the title is how to Kill a Woman and let's get into It. And again, thanks for listening.

[Gunsmoke Advertiser]

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[Gunsmoke Advertiser]

Gunsmoke starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with 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.

[Chester]

It's a doggone shame, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what is, John?

[Chester]

Well, before long it'll be too cold to set out here of an evening.

[Matt Dillon]

Winter's too cold, summer's too hot, huh? How do you like spring?

[Chester]

Oh, spring's all right up here, but I remember back in Waco, we all got the AGU every spring. Oh, a terrible fever. Makes a man feel like a harp with a thousand strings.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know. I've had it.

[Chester]

You know, my ma had an idea we wouldn't get it if we had three hard boiled eggs on Good Friday. But if that didn't work and we got the AGU anyway, then she'd tie salt mackerel onto our feet.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that should have toughened up your feet. Anyway, we all survived.

[Chester]

That stage is mighty late tonight, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you expecting somebody?

[Chester]

Me? Well, now, who would I be expecting?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, maybe some girl from Waco who's found out where you've been hiding.

[Chester]

Not very likely. Even my ma don't know where I'm at anymore. Hey, here comes a stage driver. It's Jim Buff.

[Jim Buck]

Yeah, Marshall. Hello, Chester.

[Chester]

Hello, Jim.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter? Trouble, Jim?

[Jim Buck]

I'd call it trouble. Marshall got held up. One passenger shot down. In cold blood, huh? Meanest thing I ever saw.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what had happened on the side.

[Jim Buck]

Of Wagon Bed Springs between there and Jesse Daggetts?

[Matt Dillon]

Daggetts?

[Jim Buck]

He runs a stage station out toward the Colorado line. Oh, I got a mighty strong feeling Jesse Daggett's in on this, Marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

What makes you think so, Jim?

[Jim Buck]

He knew I was carrying gold. Wasn't much, but it was some. After we'd laid over an hour or so at the station, I seen Daggett talking to a man who just rode in as cussed looking a gunman as you'd want.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, then what happened?

[Jim Buck]

The fellow rode off. He was alone, just him, his face covered, and he never said a word. Took the strong box, robbed the passengers and he got on his horse, turned around and shot one of them right.

[Chester]

Through the head forevermore.

[Jim Buck]

Then he rode off. I could have cried, I was so mad, helpless.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a strange thing, Jim is shooting down the passenger.

[Jim Buck]

Why would a man do that, Marshall? I don't understand it.

[Matt Dillon]

Ale just likes to kill. Maybe I'll go back with you tomorrow, Jim. Maybe we can find out we made the trip down the Santa Fe Trail next day, through Wagon Bed Springs and onto Jesse Daggett's stage station. I sat on the box with Jim Buck while Chester rode inside with the passengers. And by evening, everybody was glad when we reached Daggett's. It was a typical road ranch with a large eating room and a row of sleeping quarters for the travelers. Jesse Daggett himself was a tall, angular man, gaunt and gray. He was quiet, but one could feel the trouble that lay inside him. The first chance I had to talk to him was in the yard after supper.

[Jesse Daggett]

Cold weather be coming soon at la. And more whiskey.

[Matt Dillon]

I figured you probably made your own whiskey, Daggett.

[Jesse Daggett]

I do. Five barrel of corn buried under the road out there. Staging the horses. Keep them shook up proper that way.

[Matt Dillon]

You had that station long?

[Jesse Daggett]

Three years come spring. Marshall. Put her up myself. Pawnees try to burn her down now and then, but I'm still here.

[Matt Dillon]

You plan to stay here?

[Jesse Daggett]

Man's plans are his own, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry. It was just an idle question.

[Jesse Daggett]

That's all right.

[Matt Dillon]

I think I'd like it here myself. No neighbors, but lots of company passing through.

[Jesse Daggett]

Ain't all good company.

[Matt Dillon]

Lots of people travel good and bad.

[Jesse Daggett]

That's true.

[Matt Dillon]

Like the man who held up Jim Buck's stage yesterday. Shot that passenger.

[Jesse Daggett]

What about him?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you might call him comedy, like we were talking about. The bad kind.

[Jesse Daggett]

Any man kills in cold blood that way. I'd call bad.

[Matt Dillon]

Might have been a mistake, though. Gun might have gone off by accident.

[Jesse Daggett]

Might?

[Matt Dillon]

You don't think it did, huh?

[Jesse Daggett]

What I think won't raise a dead marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but it might keep more people from dying, though.

[Jesse Daggett]

Figured that's what you're doing here, looking for that fellow.

[Matt Dillon]

Jim Buck thinks it might have been that gunman you were talking to here the day of the holdup.

[Jesse Daggett]

That was Nat Pilcher. And I don't care what Jim Buck thinks.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it won't help your business or the stage companies if more passengers get killed near here, Daggett.

[Jesse Daggett]

No, it won't. Perfect.

[Matt Dillon]

Everybody expects a stage to get held up once in a while. But it's a different matter to shoot people down for nothing. Now, I don't figure this man, unless he's just a born killer.

[Jesse Daggett]

He could have a lot of reasons. Men are all different, Charles. All got different reasons for doing what they do, living the way they live. I guess it's what happened to him in the past that spells it out.

[Matt Dillon]

That's why I'm a lawman and you run a stage station and whoever he is holds up people and kills them.

[Jesse Daggett]

Marshall, I'll tell you something, but it ain't what you want to hear. I believe in letting every man kill his own snakes.

[Matt Dillon]

Then this business is between whoever that bandit is and me, Is that it?

[Jesse Daggett]

That's it, exactly. Every man for himself, you might say. I don't interfere and I won't help.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Jesse Daggett]

It's got to be like that.

[Matt Dillon]

Even though a man was killed for nothing.

[Jesse Daggett]

Let dog eat dog.

[Nat Pilcher]

I see.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I hope you won't regret it, Daggett.

[Jesse Daggett]

One more regret won't break me, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not so sure, Daggett. I'm not so sure it won't.

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[Jim Buck]

Filters with the Miracle tip King size.

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[Matt Dillon]

Trying to get anything out of Jesse Daggett was hopeless. But I still couldn't agree with Jim Buck that Daggett was partners with a road agent. Daggett somehow wasn't that kind of a man. Anyway, there was nothing to do but wait. Let things happen. Two days passed while Chester and I sat in the eating room and played two handed stud and got bored and restless. Late afternoon of the second day, however, Jim Buck drove back with his stage. The travelers came in first, went to their rooms and then Jim came over to say hello.

[Jim Buck]

I wish I had a job like yours. Nothing to do but sit around and play cards and drink whiskey.

[Chester]

Well, we do a lot of thinking, Jim. That's what makes up for it.

[Jim Buck]

You do, huh? Have you done any about finding Jesse Daggett's friend, Nat Pilcher?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if we did find him, Jim, we couldn't brew anything.

[Jim Buck]

No, neither could I. I guess you might just shoot him for luck.

[Matt Dillon]

You're too suspicious, Jim. It was probably just some cowboy riding through.

[Jim Buck]

Maybe. Anyway, I got no gold this trip.

[Matt Dillon]

And there's nothing to worry about is.

[Jim Buck]

There'S another pilgrim for supper.

[Chester]

That's the first visit we've had since you left, Jim.

[Jim Buck]

Man has to be mighty hungry to ride in here for Jesse Daggett's food. Where is Daggett anyway?

[Chester]

He went outside just after you pulled in. Didn't you see him?

[Jim Buck]

I was busy with the horses and I still got work to do. I'll see you at supper.

[Chester]

Oh, my, that's a hard life driving a stage, Mr. Dylan. I don't think I'd want to do that.

[Matt Dillon]

You might give it a try. First trustee. Oh, wait a minute.

[Nat Pilcher]

I heard there was a marshal here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right. What can I do for you?

[Nat Pilcher]

Me? You can't do nothing for me, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

And what do you want?

[Nat Pilcher]

Oh, I just wanted to see what a Marshall looks like. A live one.

[Matt Dillon]

You satisfied?

[Jim Buck]

Sure.

[Matt Dillon]

All right then, get out of here.

[Nat Pilcher]

You're touchy, Marshall, real touchy. I don't aim to start no trouble. Only come in to say hello. Friendly like.

[Matt Dillon]

What's your name?

[Nat Pilcher]

Pilcher. Nat Pilcher.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I thought so.

[Nat Pilcher]

Sure. I'm a friend of Jesse Daggett's. An old friend.

[Matt Dillon]

Where do you live, Pilcher? You got a job around here?

[Nat Pilcher]

I'm a cowboy, Marshall. Know anybody needs a good hand?

[Matt Dillon]

What do you do besides ride?

[Nat Pilcher]

Funny you ask that. Is it you being a law man? It is. Ever hear a Charlie hall, sheriff over in New Mexico?

[Matt Dillon]

I have.

[Nat Pilcher]

They say Clay Allison shot him. That's what they say, Marshall. But I know for a fact it wasn't Clay. Nice meeting you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

See you later, Jesse. Daggett's stage station lay on the prairie, miles from anywhere. It would be an easy thing for a man like Nat Pilcher to ride in long enough to check on a stagecoach and the value of its cargo. And then ride up the road a few miles and wait for it. But I still didn't believe Daggett was in on the deal. Even though he and Pilcher had obviously known each other somewhere before. The next morning at dawn, Jim Buck loaded his passengers aboard and pulled out. Daggett and I stood there and watched the little cloud of dust as it moved up the Santa Fe Trail toward Wagon Bed Springs.

[Jesse Daggett]

Make Dodge tonight. He'll be back here tomorrow if he.

[Matt Dillon]

Doesn'T get shot up.

[Jesse Daggett]

I carry in no gold this trip.

[Matt Dillon]

I met your friend Nat Filcher last night, Daggett.

[Jesse Daggett]

Filter rolled out before supper.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know. Seems like he only came in to tell me what a hard case he is to warn me about it.

[Jesse Daggett]

Didn't have much effect. You're still here.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't think I scare that easy.

[Jesse Daggett]

You're all right, Marshall. You should have gone back to Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

Why, Daggett? Why should I?

[Jesse Daggett]

Things will work out here without you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, go ahead.

[Jesse Daggett]

That's all.

[Matt Dillon]

Daggett. I don't know what's going on down here. And if I'm meddling in your affairs, I'm sorry. But a stage has been robbed and a man's been killed. And that makes it my affair, too.

[Jesse Daggett]

Thank you for not thinking I got anything to do with all that, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

And I wasn't sure at first, but I am now. Even so, I'm not going back to Dodge without a man.

[Jesse Daggett]

No, I suppose you won't.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, let's go inside.

[Jesse Daggett]

Sure.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, you ought to plant some trees out here, Daggett. Sure improve the place.

[Jesse Daggett]

Not enough water now.

[Matt Dillon]

Dig for it. Then you'll never get a woman to come out here and marry you. Unless you've at least got some trees.

[Jesse Daggett]

How's that?

[Matt Dillon]

No offense. I was just remarking that women like things growing around the place. Let's say that I meant it generally.

[Jesse Daggett]

I thought to have a woman here once. When I first planned about running the stage station. That was over in New Mexico. Seems like a long time ago now.

[Matt Dillon]

Things don't always work out.

[Jesse Daggett]

I was mighty Fond of her, but I lost her. I've been a little lonely ever since.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you came close. That's better than some men do.

[Jesse Daggett]

Oh, I don't know about that. Funny how a man goes right on living even when his luck is about to run out.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jesse Daggett]

Come on inside. Heat up some copper.

[Matt Dillon]

Good. Got him, Chester.

[Chester]

Mr. Dylan, do you mind if we don't play no more? I swear I'm beginning to see things.

[Matt Dillon]

It's okay with me. The stage ought to be here pretty soon anyway.

[Chester]

Just think, Jim. Buck's taking the stage all the way to Dodge and Back. And we just been sitting here another two days.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, waiting's always the hardest part, Justin. I just hope it pays off.

[Chester]

Hey, there's the stage now. At least there'll be some people around here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, let's go out and meet it, huh?

[Jim Buck]

Howdy, Jim. Come out here, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter? More trouble, Jim.

[Jim Buck]

He stopped me again, Marshall. My heaven. I'm going after him now. If you don't take a look in the coach there.

[Jesse Daggett]

Woman.

[Chester]

She dead, Jim?

[Jim Buck]

Of course she's dead. Got a bullet in her.

[Matt Dillon]

Where are your other passengers, Jim?

[Jim Buck]

There ain't any. She was the only one this trip. Look at him, Marshall. He killed it.

[Matt Dillon]

There's some blood soaking through your jacket, Jim. You hit bad in the shoulder.

[Jim Buck]

I wasn't going to stop at all. Knocked me off the box. And he just rode up and put a bullet in her and rode off. Never said a word.

[Matt Dillon]

You think it was Pilcher?

[Jim Buck]

Who else would it be? You've seen him. You know what he's like. Must be him. Let's ask Jesse Daggett here who it was. Take a look in the coach, Daggett. Take a good look. Well, Daggett, what do you think of killing women? Oh, look at him, Marshall. I told you. You ever see a guilty looking man?

[Matt Dillon]

Now you're wrong, Jim. That doesn't even make sense.

[Jim Buck]

He didn't do it. No, but he's in on it somehow.

[Matt Dillon]

Justin.

[Jesse Daggett]

Yes, sir?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll help you take the woman inside. Then we'll see what we can do about your shoulder, Jim.

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[Matt Dillon]

The miracle tip draws easy Lets you enjoy all the taste.

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[Matt Dillon]

It doesn't make sense. None at all. But I figured it would soon. And after I did what I could for Jim Buck's shoulder, Chester and I buried the woman, put a cross over her grave. We'd find out later who she was. The rest of the night we took turns watching for a move from Jesse Daggett. As sure enough, about an hour before dawn, he saddled up and rode out into the prairie. We let him get a little start and then took a couple of his horses and followed him.

[Chester]

You think he's going to meet Pilcher?

[Matt Dillon]

If he can find him.

[Chester]

We must have come 10 miles already.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, about that. We shouldn't have let him get so far ahead of us though.

[Chester]

We're right on his trail.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know. What's that? Up there? Look.

[Chester]

It's a man.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on.

[Chester]

Why is Daggett Mr. Dillon? He been shot.

[Jesse Daggett]

You followed me, Marshal?

[Matt Dillon]

How better. You hurt Daggett pretty bad, Pilcher?

[Jesse Daggett]

I'd have killed him, Marshal, but my gun didn't go off and it got me easy. Then no luck left at all. Right.

[Matt Dillon]

Any idea where Pilcher is now? Daggett?

[Jesse Daggett]

He said he was going back to the station to get you. Took my horse with him.

[Matt Dillon]

How'd he come with you this morning, Daggett?

[Jesse Daggett]

Wasn't your business. Between me and Filcher, he come here looking for a fight. I didn't Want to kill nobody no more. Not even him. So it drove me to it. Finally.

[Matt Dillon]

Finally.

[Jesse Daggett]

That woman. He knew I couldn't stand that.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean he shot her and that other passenger just to prod you into a fight?

[Jesse Daggett]

Marshall? I'll tell you now. I had a woman out in New Mexico. I caught her running off with Nat Filcher. I didn't shoot him, though. I shot her instead. Figured that made more sense.

[Matt Dillon]

You killed her.

[Jesse Daggett]

I don't think he'd have minded so much if I'd killed him. I figured he wasn't doing nothing I didn't want to do myself. I didn't blame him none. I blamed her. Filter been after me ever since.

[Matt Dillon]

I could have stopped all this if he'd have told me sooner. Daggett.

[Jesse Daggett]

Every man's got to kill his own snakes, Marshal. I tried. You can have them now. I ain't gonna live long.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Daggett. Chester will stay with you. I'm going back to the station.

[Jesse Daggett]

You both go. I can die alone. I ain't afraid.

[Matt Dillon]

No. Goodbye, Doug. By Marshall Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Do what you can for him.

[Chester]

Poor fellow.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll send somebody out to help you. Bring him in later.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Jim Buck]

It's about time you got back, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Where's Pilcher, Jim?

[Jim Buck]

Out back looking for whiskey. Where's everybody else?

[Matt Dillon]

Been a busy morning. How's your shoulder?

[Jim Buck]

It hurts. I gotta get up to Dodge somehow.

[Nat Pilcher]

Good morning, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Pilchard.

[Nat Pilcher]

Hmm. You've been riding.

[Matt Dillon]

So have you.

[Nat Pilcher]

A man like me rides a lot. Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You should have kept going, Pilcher.

[Nat Pilcher]

I wanted to see you again before I left.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Yeah, that's what Jesse Daggett told me.

[Nat Pilcher]

I'm gonna kill you. And then Jim here.

[Jim Buck]

Oh, wait a minute.

[Matt Dillon]

Shut up, Jim.

[Jim Buck]

Hell.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, you can drop your gun belt and take your chances in court if you like.

[Nat Pilcher]

My chances are better right here, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, that's your choice.

[Nat Pilcher]

It's always been my choice. Except for the night Jesse Daggett shot his wife. Did he tell you about that?

[Matt Dillon]

It doesn't matter, though.

[Nat Pilcher]

To me it does.

[Jim Buck]

You killed him, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jim Buck]

You hit?

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Jim Buck]

What's this all about, anyway?

[Matt Dillon]

A woman. Jim, I'm going to hitch up the stage and drive you into Dodge.

[Jim Buck]

I'd be grateful for that, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll have to go out of our way some.

[Jim Buck]

Why?

[Matt Dillon]

Jesse Daggett's luck ran all the way out this morning, that's why.

[Gunsmoke Advertiser]

And now our star, William Conrad.

[Matt Dillon]

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[Gunsmoke Advertiser]

Gunsmoke Transcribed under the direction of Norman Macdonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal Our story was specially written for Gun Smoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Ray Kemper. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Lawrence Dodkin and Clayton Post. Harley Baer as Chester. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gun Smoke. Join Perry Como for all the top tunes on radio every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at 9:00 Eastern Standard Time on this same network. On Monday, Perry special guests will be the de Castro Sisters with their top record Teach Me Tonight. Wednesday Perry will sing his big new RCA Victor record, Home for the Holidays. Don't forget the Perry Como Show. All the top tunes on radio. And as Perry says, don't forget those Chesterfields. Get a carton for the weekend. Hear Gunsmoke every Saturday, this same time, this same station. Hear the great new Perry Como radio show every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9pm Eastern Standard Time also on CBS Radio.

[Matt Dillon]

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 our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com youm can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Jesse Daggett]

SA.