How to Sell a Ranch | Gunsmoke (04-01-56)

Summary

Gunsmoke Episode Summary: "How to Sell a Ranch" (Original Air Date: April 1, 1956)

Released on July 28, 2025 by OTRWesterns.com

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Overview

In the "Gunsmoke" episode titled "How to Sell a Ranch," viewers are transported to the rugged landscape of Dodge City, Kansas, where the challenges of the American West come vividly to life. This episode delves into themes of trust, deception, and justice as United States Marshal Matt Dillon intervenes in a shady real estate deal that threatens the livelihood of a lonely ranch owner.

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Main Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, dedicated to maintaining law and order.
• Chester Proudfoot (Ralph Moody): A well-meaning but naive local resident attempting to sell his ranch.
• Tup Cleaver (Joe Duval): The ranch owner looking to sell his property, struggling with loneliness and the challenges of ranch life.
• Wayne Rutman (Harry Bartel): A suave and deceitful businessman from Kansas City seeking to exploit Tup's vulnerability.
• Doc (Howard McNeary): The town's trusted physician, offering wisdom and companionship.
• Mary Emmett/Kitty (Georgia Ellis): An old friend of Matt Dillon, adding a personal dimension to the marshal's life.

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Plot Summary

Initiating the Deal

The episode opens with Tup Cleaver expressing his desire to sell his remote ranch, located three days' ride from Dodge City. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of ranch ownership, Tup sees selling the property as a way to alleviate his burdens:

Tup Cleaver: "I'm tired of being alone. Need help out here? Getting old." [00:09]

Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot visit Tup to discuss the sale. Tup offers his ranch for $10,000 but hopes to attract a better deal:

Tup Cleaver: "10,000 and it ain't worth a dollar more. You want it?" [00:14]

The Deceptive Offer

Enter Wayne Rutman, a slick businessman from Kansas City, who enters the scene with an enticing offer of $15,000 for the ranch. Tup is initially thrilled, believing Rutman genuinely wants to help:

Tup Cleaver: "I told him that. But he said that he's as rich as can be and wants to do right by an old man like me." [09:53]

However, Matt Dillon remains suspicious of Rutman's sudden appearance and generous offer, especially given the rapid turnaround of the deal.

Unveiling the Fraud

As the deal progresses, discrepancies emerge. Rutman seemingly defrauds Tup by claiming to have already deposited the $15,000 in the bank. Chester Proudfoot confronts Rutman, revealing that the deposit was fabricated:

Chester Proudfoot: "He won't give me my money. That's the trouble. You haven't got any money." [13:54]

Matt Dillon investigates and discovers that Rutman could not have legitimately completed the transaction in the claimed timeframe, indicating foul play.

Conflict and Confrontation

Tup Cleaver, unaware of Rutman's deceitful tactics, finds himself entangled in a fraudulent deal where Rutman holds the deed to the ranch without rightful compensation. Chester Proudfoot, desperate to recover his borrowed $10,000, confronts Rutman, leading to heightened tensions:

Chester Proudfoot: "I said I've changed my mind. I don't want your ranch." [18:33]

Rutman attempts to manipulate the situation by insisting the deal is legitimate, but Matt Dillon intervenes to mediate and uncover the truth.

Resolution and Justice

With Matt Dillon's intervention, the deceit is exposed. Tup realizes he has been swindled, and Rutman's scheme falls apart. The episode culminates in Rutman facing the consequences of his dishonesty, reinforcing Matt Dillon's role as the unwavering protector of Dodge City.

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Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. Tup’s Plea to Sell the Ranch

   Tup Cleaver: "I'm tired of being alone. Need help out here? Getting old." [00:09]

2. Chester’s Skepticism

   Chester Proudfoot: "He ain't got a lick of sense. The first fella who comes along is going to rob him blind." [04:42]

3. Matt’s Investigation Begins

   Matt Dillon: "I saw it." [14:05] (Referring to the suspicious note Rutman provided)

4. Chester Confronts Rutman

   Chester Proudfoot: "He won't give me my money. That's the trouble." [13:54]

5. Final Showdown

   Chester Proudfoot: "I said I've changed my mind. I don't want your ranch." [18:33] Matt Dillon: "I think we better." [17:42]

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Themes and Insights

• Trust and Betrayal: The episode highlights the vulnerability that comes with trust, especially in isolated settings like ranch life. Rutman's deceitful offer preys on Tup's loneliness and desire for companionship.

• Justice and Integrity: Matt Dillon embodies the principles of justice, ensuring that deceit does not go unpunished and that the innocent are protected from exploitation.

• Isolation and Community: Tup's isolation drives his decision to sell the ranch, emphasizing the human need for connection and the lengths one might go to find relief from loneliness.

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Conclusion

"How to Sell a Ranch" serves as a compelling narrative about the perils of deceit in the frontier and the unwavering duty of a lawman to protect his community. Through Tup Cleaver's misguided trust and Matt Dillon's vigilant pursuit of justice, the episode weaves a tale that is both engaging and reflective of the moral complexities of the American West.

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This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the "Gunsmoke" episode "How to Sell a Ranch," encapsulating the key plot points, character dynamics, and underlying themes. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, this episode offers a quintessential glimpse into the timeless allure of Western drama.

Transcript

[Chester Proudfoot]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old time radio westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be gunsmoke original air dates April 1, 1956 and the title is how to sell a ranch. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy.

[Commercial Announcer]

Gun smoke brought to you by L and M filters make today your big red letter day. Change to L and M so good to your taste. So quick on the draw 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. 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.

[Tup Cleaver]

Sam.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I swear, this is the lonesomest looking ranch in the whole state of Kansas, Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

That's no place for a man who likes company, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Three days ride from Dodge, 150 miles. It'd get me talking to myself.

[Matt Dillon]

Now it's driven old tub Claver a little crazy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Not so crazy he ain't finally selling out.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's leave him here, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I ain't laid eyes on old Tup in over a year now.

[Matt Dillon]

He hasn't changed any. And that's what worries me.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not sure the old man's competent when it comes to business like selling a ranch. Oh, there he is. Hey, Top.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hello.

[Tup Cleaver]

Hello.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Look at his hair. He must use it for a napkin.

[Matt Dillon]

That's bear grease, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Looks like he ain't washed it since he was a boy.

[Matt Dillon]

How tough. How are you, huh?

[Tup Cleaver]

Fit to fight day or night?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hello, Tup.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, I see you're looking sloppy as ever, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm looking sloppy what?

[Tup Cleaver]

Top dog on your old.

[Matt Dillon]

Never mind. Well, I. Never mind.

[Tup Cleaver]

No, that's how I remember him.

[Matt Dillon]

Top, we've been up on the republican river. We heard that you're selling your ranch?

[Tup Cleaver]

Yeah. Want to buy it?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, no, no. We just thought we'd stop by and see how you doing.

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, I'm doing right good, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, why are you selling, Tom?

[Tup Cleaver]

I'm tired of being alone. Need help out here? Getting old.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

How much are you asking for the place?

[Tup Cleaver]

10,000 and it ain't worth a dollar more. You want it?

[Matt Dillon]

No, I don't want it. But have you found anybody who's interested?

[Tup Cleaver]

That's why I'm riding the dodge next week. I'll find somebody.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I wish you'd come see me.

[Chester Proudfoot]

When you get there.

[Tup Cleaver]

Yeah, maybe I will. When I get there. You can buy me a drink, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll be glad to.

[Chester Proudfoot]

To.

[Commercial Announcer]

Well, so long.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Bye. Cup.

[Tup Cleaver]

Goodbye. If the ocean was whiskey and I was a duck I tied to the bottom and drink it all up good.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dillon. Ain't that awful?

[Matt Dillon]

He's a fine old man, Chester. For all his loose minded ways, he's half simple.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He ain't got a lick of sense. The first fella who comes along is going to rob him blind.

[Matt Dillon]

No, he isn't, Chester. Not if I can help it.

[Commercial Announcer]

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L and M so good to your.

Taste, so quick on the draw.

Get L and M today. What's the first thing you notice when you light up an L M? It's that L and M is so.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Good to your taste.

[Commercial Announcer]

Of course, you'll like that rich taste of superior tobaccos. Then you'll notice that you enjoyed that taste with no effort on your part whatsoever. And that's because L and M is so quick on the draw. With L and M Flavor comes rich, comes clean, comes easy through the pure white L and M miracle tip. So make today your big red letter day. Change to L and M today.

L and M so good to your.

Taste, so quick on the draw.

Get L and M today. Yes, make today your big red letter day and change to L and M.

[Tup Cleaver]

Sat.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, hello, Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sit down, sit down, my boy.

[Matt Dillon]

No, thanks, doc. I had enough sitting last week.

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh. Oh, yeah.

[Commercial Announcer]

Oh.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Say, that was a long ride you made.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, we didn't accomplish much, but we saw an awful lot of country.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You know, that's what I like about your job. You get paid whether you accomplish anything or not.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, you're complaining because you can't collect money off of dead men.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Doc. Oh, is that so? You talk easy, my Dylan. You're forgetting how you might get sick.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm too healthy to worry about having to stay on the good side of you. You miserable.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, now you've done it. Yes, now. Now you're gonna have to buy me a drink.

[Matt Dillon]

My pleasure, Doc. Let's go to the Long Branch.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I knew if I waited long enough some conscience stricken heathen would come along and ask me into a bar.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't mind, Doc. It's some poor devil you might have to operate on this afternoon that I'm worried about.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you, thank you. Well, now, shall we stand at the bar?

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

That's Tough Cleaver sitting over there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, yes, I saw him on the street a while ago.

[Matt Dillon]

Who's that with him?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know, man.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Doc, order me a drink, will you? I'll be with you in just a minute. Ah, hello, Top.

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, sit down, Marshall, sit down.

[Matt Dillon]

I thought you were going to look me up when you got to Dodge.

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, Marshall, this here's Mr. Wayne Rutman.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How do you do, Marshall?

[Tup Cleaver]

Mr. Rutman, he's aiming to buy my ranch.

[Matt Dillon]

Is that so?

[Tup Cleaver]

Where he's from, Kansas City. If he wants to see the ranch for him, we'll make a deal though, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I can understand that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You want to see the money, don't you?

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, to your id.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, of course. And you will see it two weeks from now. I'll have it deposited in the bank here.

[Tup Cleaver]

Why, it'll only take a week to ride up and see the ranch and come back.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Not I want to send for the money first.

[Tup Cleaver]

Why, I ain't going to sell without to get paid anyway.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Evidence of good faith. Tough. I want you to know I have the money that I'm ready to buy before I look the ranch over.

[Tup Cleaver]

Don't make sense to me, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Do you see anything wrong in doing it my way?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't see it makes any difference.

[Chester Proudfoot]

There you are, Tough. I'll be going now and two weeks from today I'll meet you at the bank. Agreed?

[Tup Cleaver]

Sure, sure, I'll be there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Good bye, Marsham.

[Matt Dillon]

Bye, Mr. Remnant.

[Tup Cleaver]

Ho ho. Dead doe. You never know. My, my, my, my.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, never mind, never mind, Marshall. Nice feller, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, where did you run into him?

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, at the hotel this morning I told everybody I was selling my ranch and his eyes lit up and he bought me a drink. Oh, I gotta come to town more often. When do the ladies get here, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

You never mind the ladies But I'm.

[Tup Cleaver]

Going to be rich. $15,000 worth.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Tup Cleaver]

Yep. $15,000, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

But you were only asking 10.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, I told him that. But he said that he's as rich as can be and wants to do right by an old man like me. Now, ain't he a nice fellow, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, maybe.

[Matt Dillon]

But I'll be there to find out for sure.

[Tup Cleaver]

Come in.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Mr. Bodkin.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, come in, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What can the bank do for you today?

[Matt Dillon]

It's been two weeks, Mr. Bodkin. I told you I wanted to be here when Rutman and Tup Claver showed up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Of course, of course. But Wayne Rutman's already been here, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He has deposited $15,000 cash just. Just like that.

[Matt Dillon]

It's an awful lot of money.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I wish there were more businessmen like him around.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, morning, gentlemen. Here's Top. Oh, you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How about Tom?

[Tup Cleaver]

Where's Rittman?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He said he'd meet you at the stable about noon, Top. He'll be ready to ride up to the ranch with you. And the money's here? 15,000. It's been deposited.

[Tup Cleaver]

I'll take your word for it, Vodkin.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If Rutman decides to buy, he'll give you a note for the money. All you'll have to do is come here and collect it.

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, sounds easy.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Nothing to it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't see anything wrong with the deal. Do you, Mr. Bucket?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Certainly not. You're a lucky man, Tup. If he decides to buy them.

[Tup Cleaver]

No, he'll buy. Place looks fine. I just got back this morning.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, so that's where you been.

[Tup Cleaver]

Riding and dreaming, Marshall. Dreaming the money.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, good luck, Tup.

[Tup Cleaver]

There ain't no such thing, Marshall. Lux for fools and sinners. You'll see. Oh, yes, you'll see. If the ocean was whiskey and I was a star.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Kitty.

[Commercial Announcer]

Map.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter? Did I scare you?

[Commercial Announcer]

I guess we were concentrating pretty hard on those dresses in the window. Matt, this is Mary Emmett.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you do, Mary?

[Commercial Announcer]

Hello, Marshall. Mary's an old friend of mine. She's just passing through on her way to Denver.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you stay in Dodge a while, Mary? They got enough pretty girls in Denver.

[Commercial Announcer]

Kitty's told me about you, Marshall. I don't believe a word you say.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, well, then I guess you really are old friends.

[Commercial Announcer]

It's been 15 years, hasn't it, Mary? Ever since New Orleans. We were awful young men, weren't we? Well, you grew up pretty fast in that town. We sure did. What's Chester, Matt? I'd like him to meet Mary, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, he went in the bank, Kitty. He claimed he had to change some money.

[Commercial Announcer]

I wish I had some money. I'd change it right in his store. Look at that purple dress, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Kitty, you got a hundred dresses.

[Commercial Announcer]

Well, then I've lost 95 of them. The others are in rags.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, the one you're wearing looks nice.

[Commercial Announcer]

This thing wouldn't look good on a gal. From the deep piney wood. Kitty, you haven't changed a bit. As long as I've known you've complained about your wardrobe. I'll stop one day, Mary, when I get a million dollars. Mr. Dillon, that's Chester, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah. Well, look, maybe I can join you two later and have a drink with you.

[Commercial Announcer]

Hope you will, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, we'll do that.

[Commercial Announcer]

Bye.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hey, Mr. Dillon, they're having an awful row in the bank there. Oh, who is he? Mr. Botkin and that fellow Rutman.

[Matt Dillon]

Is Rutman back?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Got back this morning, he says. And he wants his money. He's decided not to buy Tuft's ranch.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the trouble?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, Mr. Botkin says that. Well, you better ask him. There they are at the tellers. When you keep quiet a minute, Ruckman. Marshall Dillon, you settle this.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the trouble, Mr. Buckin?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He won't give me my money. That's the trouble. You haven't got any money. Here. $15,000 is all. Here's your note, Rutman. You signed it. My note?

[Matt Dillon]

Can I see it a minute, Mr.

[Tup Cleaver]

Vodkin.

[Matt Dillon]

Give whatever money I have in bank to Tup Cleaver. Signed Wayne Rutman.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's impossible.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, isn't this your writing, Rutman?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Of course it is. Marshall Top brought it in two days ago.

[Matt Dillon]

Two days ago?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's a lie. Three days ago I left him at his ranch, 150 miles from here. Nobody could ride that in one day. Well, somebody sure. Lion. He was here and I gave him the money. Then it's up to the marshal to get it back. Right now. I'll be waiting at the dodge house. Mark. Mr. John.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I got a idea where old Tup might be at now.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's go find him.

[Commercial Announcer]

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L and M today yes, make today your big red letter day and change to L and M.

[Chester Proudfoot]

By golly, there he is, sitting right on the porch.

[Matt Dillon]

What's he doing while you out here, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, sir, he told me he didn't like the Dodge house and he was going to board here at the Widow Clancy. Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

He mentioned that he'd have a shotgun across his lap.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, now, what's he doing with that?

[Tup Cleaver]

Hello, Marshal. Chester. Come set a spell.

[Matt Dillon]

Who's the gun for, Tup? Wayne Rutman.

[Tup Cleaver]

Can't never tell, Marshal. Man carrying as much money as I am. No, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Rudman's kind of upset about that money, Tup.

[Tup Cleaver]

He is?

[Commercial Announcer]

Mm.

[Matt Dillon]

He wants it back.

[Tup Cleaver]

Wants it back? I don't understand, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He.

[Tup Cleaver]

Gimme the note.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know. I saw it.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, there's something wrong with it.

[Matt Dillon]

No, Mr. Bodkin says it's in his handwriting.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, then what's the farce, Marshall? I don't want to do nothing illegal. You know that.

[Matt Dillon]

You gave Rutman the deed to your ranch, didn't you?

[Tup Cleaver]

Of course I did. Why else would he be giving me that note? For the money, Top.

[Matt Dillon]

How did you ride 150 miles in one day?

[Tup Cleaver]

Now, you ain't saying that's illegal, are you?

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's not illegal, Tup. It's impossible.

[Tup Cleaver]

Marshall, we ought to get this whole thing straightened out.

[Matt Dillon]

I think we better, Tub.

[Tup Cleaver]

And you tell Wayne Rutman to be at the Long Branch tonight. We'll settle it there. I won't be accused no wrongdoing, Marshall. No, no, not me.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there he is, Rutman. The same table where you first made the deal.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You stand up on me, Marshall. You make him give me back my money.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, evening, gentlemen. Sit down.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Todd.

[Tup Cleaver]

I. I hear you got a complaint, Rutman. What's wrong?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I changed my mind. I don't want your ranch.

[Tup Cleaver]

You don't want it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Here's the deal. Now hand over the money.

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, but we made a deal. I gave you the deed and you gave me the note for the money.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I said I've changed my mind.

[Tup Cleaver]

No, it's too late, Redmond. You've already bought the ranch. It's yours.

[Chester Proudfoot]

$15,000 for that place? Don't be a fool.

[Tup Cleaver]

And I didn't make you pay it.

[Matt Dillon]

Redmond, don't you tell me something. Top only asked 10,000. Now, why did you offer him 15?

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, I. Hey, I'll answer that, Marshall. He wanted to make sure I wouldn't sell it to nobody else. He had it all figured out. He rode out to my ranch with me and we made a deal. I give him the deed and he gimme the note. Then he said he had to go on to Hays City and wouldn't be riding back with me. But I know that he aimed to get back here as fast as he could and draw his money out of the bank before I could get here with his note. That way he'd have both his money and the ranch. He'd get the ranch for free.

[Commercial Announcer]

This whole thing is ridiculous.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm giving you back your deed, Top. You can have the ranch. I want that money.

[Tup Cleaver]

Wait a minute. I'll tell you what I'll do, Rutman. Now, the ranch is only worth $10,000. Everybody knows that. So I'll buy it back for 10.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Tup Cleaver]

Yep, that's the money right here. You want it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, I want the whole 15. I had to borrow 10,000 of it. I've got to return it within a week.

[Tup Cleaver]

I can't help. That Rutman ranch ain't worth more than $10,000. And that's all I'll pay for it. Now, you can take it or leave it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Marshall, are you gonna sit there and let him cheat me out of $5,000?

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Rutman, you don't have to sell the ranch.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I've got to return that 10,000. There'll be trouble if I don't. Bad trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there it is, right there on the table.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm gonna go get me a gun.

[Matt Dillon]

Uh, no you don't.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll find him when you're not around, Marshall.

[Tup Cleaver]

Hey, Ruckman, look over there at that bar. You see them five fellers?

[Chester Proudfoot]

What about them?

[Tup Cleaver]

They're mighty good friends of mine. And they're staying right here in town as long as I do in case of any trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, looks to me like you're licked, Mr. Rudman. Now you either pick up the 10,000 or the deed and you get out of here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now you'll hear about this Marshall cheating.

[Matt Dillon]

I said get going. Rutman.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Crooks.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, he took the money and left the deed, Marshal. I still got my ranch and $5,000 to boot.

[Matt Dillon]

Top, who are those friends of yours at the bar there?

[Tup Cleaver]

Oh, I'm Giving a party tonight, Marshall, you're invited, too. All the drinks are on me.

[Matt Dillon]

How about? Why them?

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, they're just fellers. I know. They live 30, 40 miles apart, all the way up to my range. Oh, and I rode back here to see Rutman's money like he wanted me to. I left a horse at each one of them. Fellas, please.

[Matt Dillon]

So that's how you made the trip in one day?

[Tup Cleaver]

A day and a night, Marshall, you.

[Matt Dillon]

Had your own pony express.

[Tup Cleaver]

Well, I kind of figured maybe I ought to get here before Rutman did.

[Matt Dillon]

You kind of figured right.

[Tup Cleaver]

Now, Marshall, you know that I'm honest as daylight.

[Matt Dillon]

I always have been.

[Tup Cleaver]

Of course, I do stretch the blanket a little when it's blanket stretching time.

[Matt Dillon]

I tell you what, Chuck, why don't we get that party going, huh?

[Commercial Announcer]

And now, our star, William Conrad.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you, George. Take a tip from the L, M people, the people who have put the pleasure into filter cigarette smoking. Take the L and M miracle tip, the tip that lets all the flavor of a superior cigarette come rich, come clean, come easy. Once you light up an L and M, you'll understand why we say they're so good. Good to your taste, so quick on the draw. It's the pure white miracle tip that adds so much to your enjoyment. So make today your big red letter day change to L and M.

[Tup Cleaver]

Gun.

[Commercial Announcer]

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 Meston, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Ray Kemper and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Ralph Moody, Harry Bartel, Joe Duval and Kathy Marlowe. Marley Bear As Chester, Howard McNeary is Doc and Georgia Ellis is kidding. During the current year, Boys Clubs of America is celebrating its golden anniversary. Formed in 1906 from a nucleus of some 50 existing boys clubs, the national boy guidance organization today numbers 435 member clubs from coast to coast, serving more than 450,000 boys. This year, Boys Club week will again be known as Operation Juvenile Decency, stressing the theme, prevent juvenile delinquency by building juvenile decency.

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

Chesterfield, made by exclusive accuray, packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed Unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobacco Chesterfield.

Packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly.

Packed Firm and pleasing to the lips Chesterfield mild yet they satisfy the most. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story of the Western frontier. When Matt Dillon, Chester Proudfoot, Doc and Kitty, together with all the other hard living citizens of Dodge, will be with you once more. It's America growing west in the 1870s.

[Tup Cleaver]

It's gun smoke.

[Commercial Announcer]

Sam.

[Tup Cleaver]

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.

[Tup Cleaver]

Sam.