Kitty’s Outlaw | Gunsmoke (02-12-56)

Summary

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

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

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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

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

Transcript

[Cole Yankton]

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 date is February 12, 1956 and the title is Kitty's Outlaw. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[William Conrad]

Gunsmoke brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray. They satisfy the most 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. Every man who comes to Dodge doesn't spell trouble. But sometimes a stranger rides in who, to my eye, has it written all over him. This one I first noticed walking slowly up and down the plaza, taking every detail in of the buildings, of the crowd, of the street. You might have thought he was figuring to buy the place. But after two days of his walking and sitting and watching, I decided that maybe that wasn't exactly what he had in mind.

[Cole Yankton]

You looking for somebody, mister?

[Matt Dillon]

You've been in Dodge long enough, stranger. You know who I am.

[Cole Yankton]

Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

If there's anything about this town you haven't found out, maybe I can help you.

[Cole Yankton]

This is the first civilization I seen in months, Marshall. Just trying to get used to it again. By the way, my name is Cole Yankton. It ain't no summer name, Marshall, if that's what you're thinking.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you do that keeps you away from civilization, Yankton?

[Cole Yankton]

Oh, I've been horse trading around among the settlers. A few peaceful Indians.

[Matt Dillon]

But you're done with that now.

[Cole Yankton]

I sold what I had. Come out pretty good, too.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, most men who come here with a stake spend at gambling. I haven't seen you near a saloon yet?

[Cole Yankton]

I'll look them over later.

[Matt Dillon]

You aiming to stay here long?

[Cole Yankton]

I come here to take the Santa Fe to Wichita Marsh.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it goes every day.

[Cole Yankton]

You got something against me?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not yet.

[Cole Yankton]

I guess being a law man, you gotta be suspicious of everybody, don't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Not everybody.

[Cole Yankton]

There's nothing wrong with me, Marshall. Now, don't you worry about things.

[Matt Dillon]

I want the acting good. Gonna let you do the worrying.

[Kitty]

Map. I figure this saloon's about to go broke.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, why is that, Kenny?

[Kitty]

Well, I've almost stopped watering the whiskey.

[Matt Dillon]

How?

[Kitty]

Swear they're pointed at least half and a half these days.

[Matt Dillon]

Kiddy Sam's gotta make it last, you know.

[Kitty]

One barrel for the whole winter.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, the less people drink, the less trouble they make for me.

[Kitty]

Ah, that's being selfish.

[Matt Dillon]

I wondered how long he'd hold up.

[Kitty]

What? Who are you talking about now?

[Matt Dillon]

The man at the door over there. He's been in town two days, and this is the first time I know he's come into a saloon. All right, Kitty, what's the matter?

[Kitty]

Nothing. Matter. Nothing.

[Matt Dillon]

You're staring at him like he was a ghost or something.

[Kitty]

Ghost?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what is a. Kitty, do you know him?

[Kitty]

Cole Yankton.

[Cole Yankton]

Well, who is he?

[Matt Dillon]

What do you know about him?

[Kitty]

He's coming over here. Excuse me, ma'.

[Matt Dillon]

Am. No, wait a minute, Kitty.

[Cole Yankton]

What? Evening, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How about Yankton?

[William Conrad]

Your girl took off.

[Cole Yankton]

She's going out the back door. She's really leaving?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it looks that way.

[Cole Yankton]

Now, why'd she do that, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't know.

[Cole Yankton]

Yankton, you ain't even curious.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't figure it's any of my business.

[Cole Yankton]

Maybe you're right, Marshall. Maybe it ain't.

[Matt Dillon]

Like I said, Yankton, you worry about it.

[Cole Yankton]

Good night. Good night, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

Introducing one of the country's best known jazz musicians and arrangers, Mr. Bobby Haggart. How about whistling along with him?

[Kitty]

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

[William Conrad]

The more perfectly packed your cigarette more 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.

[Kitty]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more.

[William Conrad]

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.

[Cole Yankton]

Look at him, Chester, sitting There, half asleep in the sun. And crime is being committed all over town. Widows are being robbed, old men are getting their throats cut. Little children are being sold into slavery. And there sits the law, sucking on a straw while he digests his dinner. My golly, Doc, he don't look none too lively. If I had a gun, I'd shoot his heels off. I'll end your mine.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you two sit down and quit bragging?

[Cole Yankton]

We better do it too, Jesse. It'll make him look less conspicuous. You know, this is one part of my job I take pleasure in. Doc, you're not something.

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't hire either one of you to drive a tent peg in quicksand.

[Cole Yankton]

Don't answer him, Chester. That's his bad conscience talking.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, did you ever hear of a man doing a little thinking once in a while?

[Cole Yankton]

Oh, he's thinking. And what would you be thinking so hard about, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I tell you, Doc. Cole Yankton over there. Oh, that's him standing right across the street. Where?

[Cole Yankton]

Oh, yes, yes, I know. I saw him this morning. This morning? Where? In the plaza. He was asking where he could find Kitty. Said he wanted to talk to her.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's all right, Chester. Why shouldn't he be talking to Kitty?

[Cole Yankton]

Well, no reason, I guess. You don't fool me, Mad Ellen. You're wondering why as much as everybody else.

[Matt Dillon]

Kitty knows. Lots of people talk now.

[Cole Yankton]

Yes, people like Cole, Yankton, outlaws. Look. Look, there's Ms. Kate. See? She's gonna run right into him. You stop him. I guess he's gonna get to talk to her, all right. But he isn't, Chester. He's just kind of smiling at him. Well, that sure didn't last long. Where is he going now? He's taking his horse. Looks like he's leaving town, Matt. Yonder he goes. Well, that's good riddance. You can forget about him, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, maybe.

[Cole Yankton]

Why don't you ask Miss Kitty about him? Mr. Dillon, you said you was having supper with her tonight, didn't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right, Chester. I'm having supper with her.

[Kitty]

You like the enchiladas, man?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'd like them better if I knew what they were using for meat.

[Kitty]

Haven't you ever been here before?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not often. For one thing, it's too long a walk. This place is hardly part of Dodge.

[Kitty]

Just cause it's at the edge of town. I don't think you like Mexican food, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I grew up on it. Kidding?

[Cole Yankton]

Well, the walk's good for you.

[Kitty]

Gives you an Appetite?

[Matt Dillon]

Is that why you brought me clear out here?

[Kitty]

I get tired of eating at Delmonico's. In those places, change is good for you once in a while.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure, it's good for you, as long as it's for the better.

[Kitty]

There's nothing wrong with this food. I think it's delicious.

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh. Have you tried this coffee?

[Kitty]

I wasn't talking about the coffee.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you take cornmeal and molasses and you fry it together until it turns to powder. Then you boil that with water and you got coffee.

[Kitty]

Is that how they make it?

[Matt Dillon]

That's how they make it here.

[Kitty]

Well, I like it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you don't have to, you know. It's not gonna cost me much.

[Kitty]

Then you ought to be grateful I made us come here.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I am, Kitty. I sure am.

[Kitty]

Map.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Kitty]

You haven't asked me about Cole Yankton.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I haven't, Kitty. Why should I?

[Kitty]

We still.

[Cole Yankton]

I swear I thought I'd never find you. What are you doing way out here?

[Matt Dillon]

Something wrong, Chester?

[Cole Yankton]

Only the bank got held up. Three men, they took over $10,000.

[Matt Dillon]

When?

[Cole Yankton]

A while ago. I've been looking everywhere for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Was anybody hurt, Chester?

[Cole Yankton]

There was a few shots fired, but nobody got hit I know of.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, any idea who it was? Yes, sir.

[Cole Yankton]

One of them, anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, who?

[Cole Yankton]

Cole Yankin.

[Kitty]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I will talk about it later.

[Cole Yankton]

I brought your horse, Mr. Dillon, and we better get going or we won't never find him.

[Matt Dillon]

All Chester knew was that Cole Yankton and his partners had headed south out of Dodge. So we started after him. We rode blind for a few hours. I was about to give it up and wait for daylight when we ran into a cowboy who'd heard him ride past him in the dark. When I told him who I was, he told me the only place in the whole country where they might be hiding. An hour later, Chester and I were crawling on our bellies up to a half fallen shack that lay under a small bluff.

[Cole Yankton]

They ain't even hiding in shack. Got a fire going outside.

[Matt Dillon]

Might have been safe enough if it hadn't been for that cow puncher Chester.

[Cole Yankton]

The one laying on the ground, ain't he?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Quiet now. Just hold it up, Chester, and listen. Come on, let's get a little closer.

[Cole Yankton]

There's only two of them, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, the other one's probably in the shack.

[Cole Yankton]

Listen, how they going to find Bloodhound? Well, they don't like it, I tell you. Another thing, Yon. What were them men doing in the bank? It was always empty at that hour. Can't find out everything in two days, can I? I guess not. I still give you credit for one thing, Anthony. At least that tinhorn Marshall never showed up. Don't give me credit for it. What do you mean? He means she was in on it. That gal. Help you out? Put your name? Name's Kitty. And I don't want to talk about it. Talk about enough of what? We got to die. Look, Marshall was out of the way, wasn't he? That's what I said, and that's all you need to know. Now leave Kitty out of this. Pretty awful touchy body. Shut up.

[Matt Dillon]

You watch for the man in the shack. I'm going to move in on these two. Are you ready? I will. All right, two men are covered. Get your hands up. I got that.

[Cole Yankton]

Fell in the door, Mr. Dylan. I gave up Marshals. Don't shoot. Got them all but him.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, keep your hands up.

[Cole Yankton]

Yankton, you're up.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, get on your feet.

[Cole Yankton]

No, I can't, Marshall. I'm too dizzy.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Cole Yankton]

I got hit. Marshall. I got him, too, I guess. Mr. Johnson. Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Acting. He's bleeding all right, Chester, but he's not dead.

[Cole Yankton]

Say, looks like an old cart of some kind over there, Mr. Donaldson. If taint busted, maybe we can hitch it up and carry him back to Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, well, let's find that money first, and then we'll try it.

[Cole Yankton]

Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what? Justin?

[Cole Yankton]

It's kind of bad about Miss Kitty, ain't it?

[William Conrad]

Say, where are you? Listening to Gunsmoke in your car, getting ready for dinner. Oh, I see. Just relaxing in your favorite easy chair. I'd say you're in a good spot right now to really enjoy Chesterfield's better taste and mildness. You see, Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. A more perfectly packed cigarette gives you an open, easy draw that unlocks all the better taste and mildness of fine tobaccos. And Chesterfield, made by exclusive accuray, is more perfectly packed. With an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Remember to the touch, to the taste.

[Kitty]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more.

[William Conrad]

Perfectly packed by Chesterfield. Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Cole Yankton]

Sam. Hello, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

How is he, Doc?

[Cole Yankton]

I've done all I can for man. I. I ain't gonna make it. I never thought I would. And I don't give up, Yankton. There's always a chance. My partners. They're both dead, ain't they, Marshal?

[Matt Dillon]

We buried them before we brought you in?

[Cole Yankton]

Come in. Oh, Kitty.

[Kitty]

I'm proud to come hurt it here.

[Cole Yankton]

Hello, Kitty. You got a bullet in me, Kitty.

[Kitty]

I know.

[Cole Yankton]

Out on the street there yesterday, I. I had it in mind to ask you something. But when I got close to your ey, I knew I couldn't. Now I'm glad to see things didn't work out so good.

[Kitty]

No, I'm sorry, Cole. I'm real sorry.

[Cole Yankton]

Thank you for coming, Kitty. I won't bother you no more. He's dead. Here, I'll cover him up.

[Kitty]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Kenny, you don't have to explain anything.

[Kitty]

Yes. Yes, I do. I want you to hear too, Doc.

[Cole Yankton]

I'm listening.

[Kitty]

You both think I tried to help him, don't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Looks like you did, Kitty.

[Cole Yankton]

I know.

[Matt Dillon]

And I guess I'd have to hear you say it before I'd believe it.

[Cole Yankton]

I stand on that, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Thanks, Doc.

[Cole Yankton]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll tell you what. Let's forget about it, Kitty, huh?

[Kitty]

No, no. I want to tell you something about Cole Yankin. He's been in California for years. That's why you never heard of him. Well, I've heard of him. I know what he's been doing. I think he came here cause he thought I'd help him. But then he did a nice thing, Matt. He didn't ask me to. He didn't make me say no.

[Cole Yankton]

Well, then I guess he wasn't so bad after our kidding Cole.

[Kitty]

Yankton, New Orleans. I was just a girl. He's the first man I ever knew. The first grown man.

[Cole Yankton]

Yankton was a fool, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Cole Yankton]

He should have stayed with that girl.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. She's all right, isn't she?

[Cole Yankton]

Documented.

[William Conrad]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Kitty]

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

[William Conrad]

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

[Kitty]

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

[William Conrad]

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

[Matt Dillon]

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.

[William Conrad]

Gunsmoke, produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Our story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston. With music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin and Barney Phillips. Harley Ben Bear is Chester Howard McNear is DOC and Georgia Ellis is Kitty Smokers this is it. L and M filters so good to.

[Cole Yankton]

Your taste so quick on the draw.

[William Conrad]

Make today your big red letter day. Your L and M red letter day. Superior taste and filter it's the miracle tip make today your big red letter day. Change to L and M today L.

[Kitty]

And M so good to your taste.

[William Conrad]

So quick on the draw. Get L and M today Relax with L and M so good to your taste so quick on the draw. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke.

[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.

[Cole Yankton]

Ra.