Gunsmoke | "Kitty’s Outlaw" (Original Air Date: February 12, 1956)

Host: Andrew Rines
Podcast Release Date: July 15, 2025
Source: OTRWesterns.com

Introduction

In the episode titled "Kitty’s Outlaw," listeners are transported to Dodge City, Kansas, during the turbulent settlement of the American West. This installment delves into themes of suspicion, loyalty, and redemption, centered around the town’s steadfast U.S. Marshal, Matt Dillon, and his complex relationships with the townsfolk, particularly Kitty and the enigmatic Cole Yankton.

Character Introductions

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, dedicated to maintaining peace and order. He is portrayed as watchful, somewhat solitary, and inherently distrustful of strangers.

• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): A prominent figure in town, likely the owner of the local saloon, who has a mysterious and poignant connection with Cole Yankton.

• Cole Yankton (Harley Ben Bear): A stranger who arrives in Dodge City under suspicious circumstances, drawing Matt Dillon’s attention.

• Chester & Doc (Vic Perrin and Howard McNear): Matt’s associates who provide comic relief and support in his duties as Marshal.

Arrival of Cole Yankton

The episode begins with Cole Yankton walking into Dodge City, immediately catching Marshal Matt Dillon’s attention due to his wary demeanor and secretive behavior.

Matt Dillon (00:03:10): “I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet.”

Cole introduces himself to Matt, revealing he has been “horse trading around among the settlers” and dealing with “a few peaceful Indians” (03:40). His arrival raises Matt’s suspicions, setting the stage for ensuing tensions.

Suspicion and Conflict

As Cole Yankton acclimates to Dodge City, his interactions regarding local establishments, particularly the saloon owned by Kitty, become a focal point. Kitty expresses concern over the dwindling whiskey supply, hinting at underlying troubles:

Kitty (04:43): “I figure this saloon's about to go broke... I've almost stopped watering the whiskey.”

Matt’s awareness of Cole’s potential trouble is evident when he notes Cole's odd behavior:

Matt Dillon (04:50): “I haven't seen you near a saloon yet?”

Cole downplays the Marshal’s concerns, assuring him of his innocence:

Cole Yankton (04:19): “There's nothing wrong with me, Marshall. Now, don't you worry about things.”

A Growing Tension

Kitty and Matt share a meal at a local Mexican eatery, where subtle hints about Cole's past and his relationship with Kitty emerge. Their conversation is laced with underlying tensions and unspoken truths.

Kitty (11:35): “I get tired of eating at Delmonico's. In those places, change is good for you once in a while.”

Matt expresses his appreciation for Kitty’s efforts, yet the air remains thick with unspoken concerns about Cole.

The Bank Heist Revelation

The plot intensifies when Cole Yankton reports a bank hold-up, implicating himself as one of the robbers. This confession propels Matt and his associate, Chester, into a pursuit to apprehend the outlaw.

Cole Yankton (12:31): “Only the bank got held up. Three men, they took over $10,000.”

The urgency of the situation is palpable as Matt decides to track Cole down, leading to a tense confrontation.

The Pursuit and Climax

Matt and Cole, alongside Chester, track the outlaws to a dilapidated shack. A dramatic shootout ensues, highlighting the perilous nature of Matt’s role as Marshal.

Matt Dillon (15:10): “You watch for the man in the shack. I'm going to move in on these two. Are you ready?”

During the confrontation, Cole is gravely wounded, adding layers of complexity to his character and his relationship with Kitty and Matt.

Cole Yankton (18:53): “I've done all I can for man. I ain't gonna make it.”

Resolution and Emotional Conclusion

In the aftermath, Kitty reveals the depth of her connection with Cole, shedding light on his true intentions and the emotional turmoil that fueled his actions. The revelation underscores themes of love, regret, and forgiveness.

Kitty (20:38): “You both think I tried to help him, don't you?”

Kitty (21:04): “I want to tell you something about Cole Yankton. He's been in California for years. That's why you never heard of him.”

Matt, grappling with the truth, chooses to reconcile and move forward, reflecting the enduring spirit of the West.

Matt Dillon (23:13): “You know, to compliment a Westerner, you might say he'll do. To ride the river with that means that he's courageous and honest. But next week, when a man rides the river, he dies. And that was the West. Good night.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon on His Role:

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

• Cole Yankton’s Assurance:

  “There's nothing wrong with me, Marshall. Now, don't you worry about things.”
  [04:21]

• Kitty’s Concern for the Saloon:

  “I figured this saloon's about to go broke.”
  [04:43]

• Cole’s Admission Post-Bank Heist:

  “Only the bank got held up. Three men, they took over $10,000.”
  [12:31]

• Emotional Plea from Cole:

  “I've done all I can for man. I ain't gonna make it.”
  [18:53]

• Kitty’s Revelation:

  “I want to tell you something about Cole Yankton. He's been in California for years.”
  [21:04]

• Matt’s Reflection on the West:

  “To complement a Westerner, you might say he'll do... And that was the West.”
  [23:13]

Conclusion

"Kitty’s Outlaw" offers a compelling narrative that intertwines the ruggedness of the American frontier with the intricate human emotions of its characters. Through Matt Dillon’s relentless pursuit of justice and Kitty’s heartfelt connections, the episode vividly portrays the moral complexities and personal sacrifices inherent in the lawless expanses of the West. This story not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder the fine line between law and outlaw, trust and betrayal.

Produced and Directed by: Norman MacDonald
Story by: John Meston
Music by: Rex Corey
Sound Patterns by: Tom Hanley and Bill James
Featured Cast: Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips, Harley Ben Bear, Chester Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis

For more episodes and western stories, visit OTRWesterns.com or search for OTR Westerns in your preferred podcast app.