
Original Air Date: September 13, 1959Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Sam Edwards• Helen Kleeb• Vic...
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Narrator
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Narrator
Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gun Spoke, starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America, and the story of a man who moved with it.
Matt Dillon
I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lone.
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Kitty
Math.
Matt Dillon
Huh?
Kitty
Math.
Matt Dillon
Oh, hello, Kitty.
Kitty
Hello.
Matt Dillon
Where'd you get the crowd?
Kitty
Oh, some trail herd just came in Circle B, I think. Come on upstairs and have a drink with me. I gotta get it clear of here for a few minutes.
Matt Dillon
All right, let's go.
Kitty
You ever get fed up with it?
Billy Crail
Matt.
Matt Dillon
With what?
Kitty
Everything. Come on in. Make yourself down.
Matt Dillon
Thank you. What's bothering you, Kitty?
Kitty
Oh, nothing special. Just the Wim Whams, I guess. Who has to drink, huh?
Matt Dillon
Okay. You know, since you're so fed up, why don't you get out of it?
Kitty
Go back east and get married and settle down. Yeah, Nice quiet. Bank clerk, tub of wash, cook stove and kids. I like kids. Let's have that drink, huh?
Matt Dillon
There you are.
Billy Crail
Thanks.
Kitty
I'm not getting out and neither are you. So let's live while we still. Oh, if that's some drunken herders, help me, I'll.
Billy Crail
Yes, let's sit downstairs. The marshal was up there.
Kitty
Come in, Matt.
Matt Dillon
What's on your mind?
Billy Crail
I thought maybe you could give me some information, Marshall. I'm looking for some folks named Crail. Mr. And Ms. John Crail. I understand they got a place around dodge somewhere.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Ms. Crail does. John Crail died about three years ago.
Billy Crail
No.
Matt Dillon
Are you old friends of theirs?
Billy Crail
They're my folks. My ma and pa. What? I'm Billy Crayl Maybe they've mentioned me.
Matt Dillon
I. Yeah. Your mother's always said that you'd come home someday. She's never given up hoping.
Billy Crail
How is she, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
She's not too good. She's got a big ranch on her hands. Been trying to run it alone since your dad died. You think she'll recognize you?
Billy Crail
Well, she might. Not at first. It's been 17 years since I run away from home. But I'll convince her, all right.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, you probably will. Where you been all these years, Billy?
Billy Crail
Just drifting. Here, There. You know how it goes.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Billy Crail
How do I get out to the place I'm anxious to see you?
Matt Dillon
It's about five miles east of town. Follow down river. You can't miss it.
Billy Crail
Thanks a lot, Mark. I guess we'll see each other again since I'm going to settle down here.
Matt Dillon
Oh, sure. So long.
Kitty
All right, let's have it.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean, Kitty?
Kitty
Something was wrong there. What was it?
Matt Dillon
Just this, Kitty. A few years ago, Ms. Crail asked me to try to trace her son. I did it, and I didn't have the heart to tell her.
Kitty
Tell her what?
Matt Dillon
I got a report back from the war office. Billy Crail had joined the Union army at the start of the war. He was killed in action at the battle of Shiloh.
Billy Crail
Dog it all, Mr. Jones and I went through these cussed circlers. Line blue in the face. Cutthroats, cattle rustlers, horse thieves, bank robbers. Everything you can think of. Ain't Nary one of them fits a description of that Crail fella.
Matt Dillon
Keep looking, Chester. It might be two or three years back, but I've seen that face of his somewhere, and it has to be in one of these circulars.
Billy Crail
I just don't understand how he figures to get away with it. You can't fool a man's own mom.
Matt Dillon
You might in this case. She hasn't seen him since he was a boy. She's pretty old now. Her eyesight's failing her. Her memory's not too good.
Billy Crail
Well, what with that ranch, all the money she's got put by, he sure stan come out of her.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute, wait a minute.
Billy Crail
Chester. Find something, Ms. Dylan?
Matt Dillon
Uh huh. Yeah, I thought so.
Billy Crail
Well, ain't sure. It doesn't look like Martin.
Matt Dillon
It is him. Chester. Three years ago. Height six'one weight 185, sandy complexion.
Billy Crail
Sure fits him.
Matt Dillon
Wanted in Lubbock for questioning in connection with holdup of the Lone Star Bank. Previous arrests, Peka's Crossing for cattle theft. Acquitted for lack of evidence. Convicted San Antone eight years ago, armed robbery. Served four years. Paroled. Known associates. Nate Barger, Parker city kid.
Billy Crail
Reward $1,000.
Matt Dillon
Calls himself Johnny Red. Well, Chester?
Billy Crail
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Let's go get him.
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Matt Dillon
Blow that bird.
Billy Crail
I don't seem no words around.
Matt Dillon
Good. I was hoping I could talk to Ms. Crayol first.
Billy Crail
Reckon he'll put up a fight, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
I don't know.
Billy Crail
Who is it?
Matt Dillon
It's Marshall Dillon, ma'am.
Ms. Crail
Well, if this ain't a surprise. Now come on in. Set spell, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Thank you, Ms.
Ms. Crail
Grill. Good to see you, Marshall. And you too, Mr. Proudfoot in it?
Billy Crail
Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Crail
I wasn't too sure. My eyes ain't quite. Come on in, gentlemen. Land sakes, I do like company. Seems like nobody ever comes out this way no more. Now set yourselves down there now.
Matt Dillon
Well, thank you.
Ms. Crail
Rest your feet. I'll get you a cup of coffee.
Matt Dillon
No, don't bother, Ms. Gray. We don't have much time.
Ms. Crail
Oh, time won't take no time. Got it already made. Just fixing to have some myself, lad. La everybody can't do a little something for her company. She ain't fit to have none as ma'am.
Matt Dillon
I guess it does get pretty lonesome out here.
Ms. Crail
Well, it did. I've got a big surprise to tell you about Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You mean your son?
Ms. Crail
Shucks the way gossip flies round Dart City body don't have a chance to get ahead of it. He's come home just like I always knew he would.
Matt Dillon
Has. Has he changed much, Ms. Griff?
Ms. Crail
Oh, good heaven, Jess. He was just a boy when he went away. Now he's a grown up man. Fine, strong.
Matt Dillon
But there's no doubt in your mind that this really is Billy.
Ms. Crail
Why, that's downright silly, Marshall. You can't fool Mother. She can always tell her own. Why, the second Billy walked up on that porch and said, how are you, Ma? I knew him just like that.
Matt Dillon
I see.
Ms. Crail
You know, I've been sort of going downhill since John passed on. Work was hard and. Seemed like I'd kind of lost my reason for living. I don't think I'd have lasted, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Well, now.
Ms. Crail
But it's different now. Why, I'm happier than I've been in years.
Matt Dillon
You sure seem to be.
Ms. Crail
My son has come home. Could a mother ask for more?
Matt Dillon
No, ma'am. I guess not. I suppose that's all that matters.
Ms. Crail
That's all.
Matt Dillon
Well.
Ms. Crail
Oh, I'm sorry, Marshall. Here, I've been talking a leg off of you and I haven't even thought to ask what brings you out this way?
Matt Dillon
Oh, nothing, Ms. Crail. As a matter of fact, we just rode out for a friendly little visit.
Ms. Crail
Well, I'm mighty glad you did, Marshall. You just stopped by. Anytime. You too, Mr. Proudfoot.
Billy Crail
Thank you, miss.
Matt Dillon
Bye bye, Miss Croup.
Ms. Crail
Goodbye.
Billy Crail
You couldn't have done nothing else, Mr. Johnson. Broke her heart if you'd have told her.
Matt Dillon
I guess so. But she's going to find out anyway sooner or later when he steals her blind and then runs out on her. That's a bad deal, Chester. Any way you look at it, Marshall.
Billy Crail
Kind of sets you a problem now, don't it?
Matt Dillon
I may set a few problems for you before I'm done with you, Johnny.
Billy Crail
And break an old lady's heart? I don't think so, Marshall. And the name is Billy, by the way. Billy Crail.
Matt Dillon
Not in Lubbock.
Billy Crail
Lubbock? Where's that?
Matt Dillon
Don't worry, Johnny. When I send you back, there'll be somebody along to show you the way.
Billy Crail
I don't know why you keep on calling me Johnny.
Matt Dillon
Because that's your name, Johnny Red. Bank robber, gunman, cattle thief. You fill out the list.
Billy Crail
Maybe you could get my mother to fill it out.
Matt Dillon
Ms. Krill's an old woman. She doesn't know that her son was killed at the battle of Shiloh.
Billy Crail
That report was a mistake, Marshall, but I figured it was best to let it stand. I deserted two weeks before Shiloh.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, sure you did.
Billy Crail
I don't know where you got this crazy idea I'm somebody named Johnny Red. A man's own mother ought to know. And before you go off half cocked.
Kitty
I'd say it might be a good.
Billy Crail
Idea to check with the sheriff in Lubbock. Meanwhile, I figure it's like your friend there was saying. You wouldn't want to break an old woman's heart, now, would you? Afternoon, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Come on in, Doc. How are you?
Billy Crail
Oh, terrible, terrible, Matt. Lost another patient this afternoon.
Matt Dillon
Oh, Somebody die?
Billy Crail
No, no, no, no. You figure on that happening, but you don't count on them getting well on.
Matt Dillon
You, and they don't very often. Well, who was it that p. Trick on you?
Billy Crail
Old Lady Crail. Oh, month ago I wouldn't have figured. Here to live through the winter. Even thought you might leave me something in her will. But doggone it, she was jumping around out there this morning's chipper's young filly. Threw away all her medicine. Told me not to even bother coming out anymore.
Matt Dillon
She's a young mother now.
Billy Crail
It's no joke, Matt. That's exactly what it is. That boy of hers has been home three weeks now, and it's made a new woman out of her.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, only he's not really her boy, Doc.
Billy Crail
He's not really. What do you mean?
Matt Dillon
He's an ex convict from Texas. I had a reward circular on him from Lubbock.
Billy Crail
Oh, now, wait a minute, man. He might be able to fool other people, but his own mother.
Matt Dillon
I know, I know, Doc. A mother can always tell her own, and that's right. Well, maybe this is the exception that proves the rule.
Billy Crail
Well, if you. If you really think that, and if. And if he's wanted, well, then, why don't you go out there and arrest him?
Matt Dillon
Cause I got no charge against him. I wired Lubbock. It seems that he was wanted, but he's not anymore. They'd already picked him up. And then they turned him loose for lack of evidence.
Billy Crail
No, no, I just can't believe that matter. If he's not Billy Cray, then what's he up to, huh?
Matt Dillon
You know how much that ranch is worth? Document. And Ms. Crayol keeps ever since she's got out there at the place because she doesn't trust banks. Now, what more reason would a man like that need?
Billy Crail
You better come quick, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
What's wrong, Chester?
Billy Crail
Jake just brought Simmer on stage in. He got held up right outside of town. They shot the guard.
Matt Dillon
I may get through here. Please stand back. Please, will you stand aside, please? Let Doc get in here, please.
Billy Crail
Well, Marshall, he finally got to me.
Matt Dillon
How'd it happen, Jake?
Billy Crail
Boldest thing I ever seen. Was about three miles out of town. They throwed some cottonwood limbs across the trail so I'd have to pull up. And that's when they jump me.
Matt Dillon
I'm an Auburn.
Billy Crail
Just two couple I never seen before. Brassy of sin. Didn't even bother to wear masks. And they hauled off and shot Barney there without even giving him a chance.
Matt Dillon
What did they get?
Billy Crail
The cash box. I don't know how much was in it. Matt.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Doc?
Billy Crail
There's nothing I can do for him at two bullets right on the ribs. I doubt if he even knew what hit him.
Matt Dillon
Well, take charge of it, will you, Doctor?
Kitty
Matt. Somebody said Barney got shot down.
Matt Dillon
He's dead. Kidding. Oh, Jake. Would you recognize either of those men?
Billy Crail
I sure would. One of them was a tall, skinny fella. The other one was kind of a kid. Tall one. Called him Ponca.
Matt Dillon
Ponka?
Billy Crail
Yeah. They were strangers, though. They ain't from around here.
Kitty
That sounds like a couple of fellows I saw on the Long Branch today talking to Billy Crail. Oh, Billy finally left and they stayed another hour. So talking real serious together, those two.
Matt Dillon
Gunmen, Jake, where did they head for when they left you?
Billy Crail
Well, it was a funny thing. I figured they'd make a run south, but instead they rode east down river. Now that trail don't lead nowheres.
Matt Dillon
That's right, nowheres. Except to the Crail Ranch.
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Narrator
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Billy Crail
Not a sign of life. Mr. Dawn looks real quiet.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, too quiet maybe.
Billy Crail
Ain't no lights neither.
Matt Dillon
Let's walk from here.
Billy Crail
All right.
Matt Dillon
All right now watch yourself, Justin.
Billy Crail
Yes sir, I will.
Matt Dillon
Now when I jerk this screen open, I'll Go in fast.
Billy Crail
I'll keep you covered, Mr. John.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, come on in. See if he can find a lamp.
Billy Crail
I think there was one over here on Able other day.
Narrator
Out.
Billy Crail
Yeah, there it is.
Matt Dillon
All right, light it and then bring it over here.
Billy Crail
Here you are. Oh. Oh, my.
Matt Dillon
Hold the lamp down, Chester.
Billy Crail
Ms. Dunk?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, she's dead.
Billy Crail
She's been beat bad, too.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, well, let's not question anything he's wanted for now. It's murder.
Narrator
Rage.
Billy Crail
What, Mother?
Matt Dillon
It.
Billy Crail
What? Oh, not you, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Who were you expecting, Johnny? Nate Barger and the Ponca City Kid?
Billy Crail
That's right. They're down there digging by the riverbank. But they'll be back. They won't find what they're looking for.
Matt Dillon
Well, who shot you?
Billy Crail
I don't know which one of them it was. It don't matter, though. I'll last till they get back. But not long enough for a murder charge. Marshall. Now, don't try for your gun, Marshal.
Matt Dillon
I'm not that much of a fool. Not with yours on my back.
Billy Crail
I wouldn't want to shoot you. I got nothing personal against you. But your way of handling this ain't the way I aim to put out that lamp. They're coming back. They're out there. Now, you stay where you are and stay quiet. I gotta get to a window.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, let's ease out the back way. Come on.
Billy Crail
Yes.
Advertiser
She.
Matt Dillon
Over here. Stay close to the house. They'll walk toward the porch. We'll have a chance to take them from the side.
Billy Crail
Yes, sir.
Narrator
I'll bet you won't.
Billy Crail
She's still alive.
Matt Dillon
She sure won't lie about it this time.
Billy Crail
A hot brand and iron, myself.
Matt Dillon
All right, hold it. You're covered. Over there at the corner pocket.
Narrator
Y'all get him now.
Matt Dillon
Drop that gun, Barker.
Narrator
Drop it.
Billy Crail
All right, all right.
Narrator
I did.
Billy Crail
I give up. Don't shoot.
Matt Dillon
Keep your hands up.
Billy Crail
That's right, Nate. Keep him up high. Johnny. No. Say hello to Ponka for me, Johnny.
Matt Dillon
I had my hands up. You drop your gun, Johnny.
Billy Crail
Sure, Marshall. I'm through with it now.
Matt Dillon
He had his hands in the air. You had no call to shoot him.
Billy Crail
You'd have took him alive. He might have got out of it. This way works out better. More. Sure.
Matt Dillon
Look, Johnny.
Billy Crail
Yeah, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
And I guess you know how you stand. You don't have a chance.
Billy Crail
It don't matter. I lasted till it was finished.
Matt Dillon
What started it? An argument over the split?
Billy Crail
There wasn't no split. I wasn't in with him. They followed me Here from Texas. That's right, Marshall. I'm Johnny Red.
Matt Dillon
I never doubted it.
Billy Crail
They thought I was double crossing them that laid for me out here at the ranch. They thought they'd killed me. And her. They beat her, Marshall, Trying to find out where she kept her money, but she wouldn't tell. She lied to them. Said it was buried down by the riverbank.
Matt Dillon
Where is it buried?
Billy Crail
No place. I took it into the bank for last week.
Matt Dillon
You what?
Billy Crail
I figured it wasn't safe for her to keep it here. So you. You still think a mother can't tell, huh? Sure, Marshall. I've been called Johnny Red for years now. But my real name is Billy Crail. I wasn't. Wasn't lying about that. She was my mother. She. Oh, Mom.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's that.
Billy Crail
He was Billy Krill after all.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Billy Crail
Oh, if he'd only just stayed away, hadn't come back home, she'd still be alive. It was her own son, you might say, that caused her death.
Matt Dillon
Doc says she wouldn't have lived through the winter anyway. And Billy made her happy. For one month at least. I don't know, Chester. I don't know.
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Narrator
Schools are only buildings, but they're much more to parents whose children attend them. When your children and mine are in those buildings, they take on personal importance. They influence the futures of our young people. Schools are only buildings, but to ignore them is to ignore those precious futures. We do the very minimum for our young when we take part in community efforts to build better schools. If we do less, we flagrantly shortchange our own. If your community is like many, the chances are there's a real and growing need for better schools. Better school rooms, higher teaching standards, new textbooks, and more room. This miracle won't come about without help from all of us. If you want to give that help but don't know how, write to Better Schools, 9 East 40th Street, New York 16, New York. That's Better Schools, 9 East 40th street, New York 16, New York. Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U. S Marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Platfield with editorial supervision by John Messford. Featured in the cast were Sam Edwards, Helen Plebe, Nick Perron and Luke Krugman. 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 when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.
Billy Crail
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Episode Overview
In the "Johnny Red" episode of Gunsmoke, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon confronts a complex case involving mistaken identity, family loyalty, and hidden pasts. Set against the rugged backdrop of Dodge City, Kansas, this episode delves into themes of redemption and the inescapable pull of one's origins.
The episode opens with Matt Dillon (William Conrad) stationed in Dodge City, maintaining peace and order in the burgeoning American West. The serene setting is quickly disrupted by the arrival of Billy Crail, a man believed to have perished in the Battle of Shiloh during the Civil War.
At [05:29], Billy Crail approaches Marshal Dillon seeking information about his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Crail. Dillon, aware of Billy's supposed death, informs him, “John Crail died about three years ago” ([05:45]). Billy, undeterred, reveals his true identity, stating, “I'm Billy Crail... Maybe they've mentioned me” ([05:49]).
Notable Quote:
Billy Crail: "I'm Billy Crail... Maybe they've mentioned me." ([05:49])
Despite Dillon's belief that Billy was killed in the war, Billy insists on his survival, setting the stage for the central conflict of the episode.
As the narrative unfolds, Dillon shares with Kitty about the report from the war office, which incorrectly stated Billy's death: “Billy Crail had joined the Union army... killed in action at the battle of Shiloh” ([07:19]). This revelation deepens the mystery surrounding Billy's true identity.
Notable Quote:
Matt Dillon: “Billy Crail had joined the Union army at the start of the war. He was killed in action at the battle of Shiloh.” ([07:19])
Billy counters this information by revealing he deserted two weeks before the Battle of Shiloh, thereby surviving: “That report was a mistake, Marshall, but I figured it was best to let it stand. I deserted two weeks before Shiloh” ([16:02]).
Suspicion arises when Billy’s presence coincides with criminal activities in Dodge City. A holdup at the Lone Star Bank leads Dillon to suspect Billy of being Johnny Red, a notorious criminal. Dillon details Johnny Red’s profile: “Height six'one, weight 185, sandy complexion...armed robbery” ([08:49]).
Notable Quote:
Matt Dillon: “He was Johnny Red. Bank robber, gunman, cattle thief. You fill out the list.” ([15:43])
However, during a tense confrontation ([25:00]), it becomes evident that Billy is not the Johnny Red Dillon is pursuing. Instead, Billy reveals his true motives, emphasizing his loyalty to his mother and denying any criminal intent.
In the climax, Dillon and his associates corner the real Johnny Red, leading to a standoff. Billy, asserting his innocence, confronts the criminals, ultimately proving his identity and clearing his name.
Notable Quote:
Billy Crail: “My real name is Billy Crail. I wasn't lying about that. She was my mother.” ([28:18])
This revelation not only resolves the mistaken identity but also restores harmony to the Crail family and reinforces Dillon's role as a just and compassionate marshal.
The episode concludes with Dillon reflecting on the complexities of human nature and the importance of truth. Billy's return underscores the enduring ties of family and the possibility of redemption, even in the unforgiving landscape of the Wild West.
Notable Quote:
Matt Dillon: “I guess so. But she's going to find out anyway sooner or later when he steals her blind and then runs out on her. That's a bad deal, Chester.” ([15:02])
Through "Johnny Red," Gunsmoke masterfully weaves a tale of identity, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of justice, embodying the essence of classic Western storytelling.
"Johnny Red" was produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman MacDonald, with a story specially written by Les Platfield under the editorial supervision of John Meston. The episode features a strong supporting cast, including Helen Barkosky as Ms. Crail and Sam Edwards as Billy Crail, delivering compelling performances that drive the narrative forward.
Timestamp References:
“Johnny Red” stands out as a poignant episode of Gunsmoke, highlighting the intricate dance between law enforcement and personal truths in the Wild West. Through its rich storytelling and memorable dialogues, it remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the series.