Legal Revenge | Gunsmoke (02-05-56)

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Legal Revenge" | Gunsmoke Episode (02-05-56)

Podcast Title: Gunsmoke
Episode Title: Legal Revenge
Original Air Date: February 5, 1956
Released On: July 14, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines
Source: OTRWesterns.com

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Introduction

"Legal Revenge" is a classic episode of the long-running Western drama Gunsmoke, set against the rugged backdrop of Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. Starring William Conrad as the steadfast U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, this episode delves into themes of justice, revenge, and the complexities of frontier life. Hosted by Andrew Rines on OTRWesterns.com, this episode offers a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Old West law enforcement.

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Setting and Main Characters

The story unfolds in Dodge City, a bustling hub in the American West. The central characters include:

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The dedicated U.S. Marshal tasked with maintaining law and order.
• Florrie (Georgia Ellis): A resilient woman grappling with personal tragedy.
• Sam (Lawrence Dobkin): The loyal bartender at the local saloon.
• Doc Adams (Howard McNear): The town’s physician, involved in community affairs.

Notable Quote:

Matt Dillon: "I'm a U.S. 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."
[02:02]

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The Incident at the Sod Hut

The episode kicks off with a distressing situation at a sod hut located a mile above the crossing. Sam informs Matt Dillon about a man named George Bassett, who is gravely injured with a knife wound in his leg. Bassett claims the injury was an accident, but the presence of a hidden six-gun raises suspicion.

Notable Quote:

Sam: "He was holding a six gun under that blanket, Matt."
[04:31]

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Matt Dillon's Investigation

Concerned by Bassett's suspicious condition, Matt, accompanied by Sam, decides to investigate further. Their inquiry leads them to Florrie, who is tending to Bassett. Florrie's tense demeanor and evasive responses heighten Matt's suspicions about the true nature of Bassett's injury.

Notable Quote:

Matt Dillon: "What does he want me for?"
[03:35]

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Conflict and Confrontation

As Matt delves deeper, tensions escalate. He confronts Florrie about Bassett's condition, only to face hostility. Florrie's protective behavior and eventual aggression, marked by her wielding a shotgun, create a palpable sense of danger. The confrontation culminates in the revelation that Florrie has taken matters into her own hands, resulting in Bassett's death.

Notable Quotes:

Florrie: "I'll use it, too."
[13:11]

Matt Dillon: "You're making a bad mistake, Florrie."
[13:24]

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Resolution and Justice

The morning after the intense confrontation, Matt discovers that Bassett has died from his injuries. Florrie confesses to Matt, revealing that Bassett had previously killed her husband and that her actions were driven by a vow of vengeance. Despite the emotional turmoil, Matt remains steadfast in his duty, leading to Florrie's eventual arrest.

In the aftermath, Florrie expresses remorse and declines any reward for her actions, seeking closure and a sense of justice rather than material compensation.

Notable Quote:

Florrie: "You gotta understand. Flory, she don't. She. She don't mean what she says. She gets all riled up over nothing."
[12:06]

Resolution:

Matt Dillon arrests Florrie for her actions, embodying the moral complexities faced by those enforcing the law in the unforgiving landscape of the West.

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Key Themes and Insights

"Legal Revenge" explores the blurred lines between justice and personal vendetta. Florrie's actions, while unlawful, stem from a deep-seated need for retribution against Bassett, who wronged her. Matt Dillon's role highlights the challenges of maintaining law and order while navigating the emotional landscapes of the individuals he interacts with.

Notable Reflection:

Matt Dillon: "The more perfectly packed your cigarette, the more taste and mildness are released for you."
[05:30]
(Note: This line, part of an advertisement within the episode, subtly underscores the theme of seeking satisfaction and coping mechanisms amidst turmoil.)

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Conclusion

"Legal Revenge" stands out as a poignant episode of Gunsmoke, illustrating the intricate dance between duty and personal ethics. Through Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment and Florrie's desperate quest for vengeance, the episode encapsulates the enduring struggle for justice in the untamed frontier. For listeners and enthusiasts of Western dramas, this episode offers a rich narrative filled with suspense, emotional depth, and the timeless quest for righting wrongs.

Final Notable Quote:

Matt Dillon: "You know, on the frontier, almost anybody who had a few dollars could open a bank of his own. And by the same token, anybody who had a gun could try to rob it. And next week, a man does. And that was the West. Good night."
[23:16]

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Additional Information

For more engaging Western stories and episodes, visit OTRWesterns.com or search for OTR Westerns in your preferred podcast app. Explore other genres by tuning into OTNetCast.com or searching OTNetCast.

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Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and adheres to the guidelines for creating an informative and engaging overview suitable for both new listeners and long-time fans of Gunsmoke.

Transcript

[Sam]

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 5, 1956 and the title is Legal Revenge. Hope you enjoy.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke 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. Gun Smoke. 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.

[Sam]

Kitty, what'll you have?

[Florrie]

I'm going out to Delmonico's for something to eat. If Marshall Dillon comes in, tell him to wait, will you?

[William Conrad]

I'll send him on to Delmonico.

[Florrie]

No, he's to wait here. It's Doc who's trying to find him. Oh, you look tired, Sam.

[William Conrad]

I ought to.

[Sam]

I've been tending Barb for 12 hours.

[William Conrad]

Steady.

[Florrie]

Well, what happened to the help you hired last night?

[Sam]

He had the wrong idea.

[Florrie]

Kitty. Huh?

[Sam]

I'm in business to sell whiskey, not give it away to anybody who needs a drink and can't pay for it.

[Florrie]

Is that what he was doing?

[Sam]

Worse.

[William Conrad]

Till I caught him at it.

[Matt Dillon]

How about Kitty? Sam?

[Florrie]

Matt, you ought to stay right here at the bar.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Florrie]

I promised Doc if you came in, I'd keep you here. He's been looking all over town for you.

[Matt Dillon]

I thought Doc was delivering a baby down on Salt Creek.

[Florrie]

Well, he got back about a half hour ago.

[Matt Dillon]

What does he want me for?

[Florrie]

It's about some trouble with a man and his wife called Tebbs.

[Matt Dillon]

Tebs?

[Florrie]

Well, not where he delivered the baby. This was in a sod hut about a mile above the crossing.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what about him?

[Florrie]

Here he comes. He'll tell you. Here he is, Doc.

[Sam]

Oh, fine. You're a good girl, Kitties. Yes, you are. You're a good girl. I might never have found him.

[Matt Dillon]

What's all this about these Tabs people?

[Sam]

Well, they're having trouble, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, what kind of trouble?

[Sam]

Well, I stopped by to say hello and get acquainted. Well, you know.

[Florrie]

Oh, sure.

[Sam]

But the woman, she didn't act like she wanted anybody around. And then I heard the man yell at me from inside. She tried to stop me, but I went in anyways. He was lying in a bed mat with a bad knife wound in his leg. Oh, yes, it's fested and it's given him a fever, and I don't think he can walk with it.

[Matt Dillon]

Did he say what happened?

[Sam]

Well, he claimed it was an accident. But he was holding a six gun under that blanket, Matt.

[William Conrad]

Well, what for?

[Sam]

For is what. He scared to death of her. I think she knifed him, and I think she's waiting for a chance to finish him off. You better get down there, Matt. Maybe.

[William Conrad]

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

[Florrie]

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

[William Conrad]

The more perfectly packed your cigarette, 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.

[Florrie]

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.

[Sam]

I recogn this at Tab's place. All right, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

That's the way Doc described it. All right, Joseph. Including the wife out there hoeing in.

[Sam]

The dirt, she's letting on she don't see us.

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't expect we'd be very welcome here.

[Sam]

Just wait till she finds out you're a marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

And I'm not gonna tell her, Chester. Not right off, anyway. Hello, ma'.

[Florrie]

Am. Hello.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, we were looking for a drink of water.

[Florrie]

Cricks over yonder.

[Matt Dillon]

But you got a well here.

[Florrie]

Water's no better than the creek.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, we'll use the creek. But first I'd like to talk to your husband.

[Florrie]

My husband? What about?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I just wanted to get acquainted.

[Florrie]

He ain't here.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah. Well, we go get A drink, then we'll come back and wait for it.

[Florrie]

No.

[Sam]

Who's out there?

[Florrie]

Nobody. Now, you stay quiet. He's feeling poorly, mister. I don't want nobody bothering him.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, we won't bother him.

[Florrie]

You stay out of there. Then. I'm coming, too.

[Matt Dillon]

You better wait outside. Just.

[Sam]

Yes, sir. That hut can't hold more than three people anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello.

[Sam]

I knew I heard some. I.

[Matt Dillon]

Your wife says that you're sick.

[Florrie]

Ted, I told you to leave him alone. I told you not to be troubling him.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm only being neighborly, ma'. Am. If he's sick, maybe I can help.

[Sam]

So you're a neighbor, mister?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, my partner and I are finding a homestead nearby as soon as we can decide on a good piece of land.

[Florrie]

Now, you get it staked out, then you come see us, mister. Everything will be fine then.

[Sam]

Ah, Flory, don't be that way. Me being sick and her having to do all the chores makes her kind of edgy, mister. And being up nights, it's what's hardest on her.

[Florrie]

I ain't complaining.

[Sam]

Yeah, I know, Florrie, but I can tell. Mister, I got an idea. Said you wanted to help. Sure, sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Anything I can do.

[Sam]

You willing to sit up with me tonight?

[Florrie]

No. Ben.

[Sam]

You need some reds. Florida. You see, I got a. I got a fever, Mister. I get to tossing him with sleep. I throw off a blanket all like that.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't look like you've been sleeping at all.

[Sam]

Will you do it, mister? Sit up with me?

[Florrie]

No, no, he ain't going to sit up with you.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, why not, ma'?

[Sam]

Am?

[Florrie]

I don't mind because I ain't going to sleep in here with no stranger about, that's why.

[Sam]

Oh, well, I didn't think she would.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, I'll tell you what. I'll spend the night on the ground outside, if you don't mind.

[Florrie]

We do mind, Rory.

[Sam]

You ain't acting like a wife. You ain't acting like a wife at all.

[Florrie]

You can stay, mister.

[Sam]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

Fine. Good.

[Sam]

Wait a minute, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what?

[Sam]

I'm just wondering if maybe tomorrow, if you'd be willing, I ought to get into Dodge and see the dock. There's a wagon outside.

[Florrie]

No, you don't.

[Sam]

Shut up.

[Matt Dillon]

I sure will take you in, mister. We'll be glad to.

[Sam]

We really gonna drive him in the Dodge tomorrow, Mr. Jones?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we better.

[Sam]

But why don't she want him to go?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I guess Doc was right, Chester. She put a knife in him, and now she's trying to finish him Off.

[Sam]

Well, if he's got a six gun under his blanket, why don't he just shoot her?

[Matt Dillon]

And who'd take care of him, feed him? He's getting more fever every day, and he can hardly walk anyway.

[Sam]

Well, he sure can't last much longer with him staying awake. Trying to keep an eye on her all the time.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Chester, I think I'm gonna go in there and tell him who I am and load him into a wagon tonight. This has gone on long enough.

[Sam]

Reckon you better, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Where's your wife?

[Sam]

She went around back, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Tabs, I'm going to take you into Dodge tonight.

[Sam]

You are? Oh, that'll be fine. Except for Florida.

[Matt Dillon]

You want to tell me what's going on here?

[Sam]

What do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not a homesteader, tebbs. I'm a U.S. marshal.

[Sam]

Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

That's right. And I'm gonna take you into Dodge, Flora or no. Florie, you need sleep and you need care. Oh, well, now, you can tell me your story when you want to. No.

[Sam]

No story. Just got hurt a little, is all. Look here, Marshall, you gotta understand. Flory, she don't. She. She don't mean what she says. She gets all riled up over nothing.

[Matt Dillon]

You know how women are. What are you trying to say, Ted?

[Sam]

Well, I'm fine right here. And Flory, she's a good nurse.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall, you mean you don't want to go to Dodge?

[Sam]

Shook shall be up and around in.

[William Conrad]

A couple of days.

[Sam]

Don't you worry about me.

[Matt Dillon]

All right? And I'll be back. Chester. Chester.

[Florrie]

Get your hands up and turn around, Marshall.

[Sam]

She's got a shotgun, Mr. Dillon, and.

[Florrie]

I'll use it, too.

[Sam]

She was listening at the windlet.

[Matt Dillon]

Now my hands are up.

[Florrie]

Florrie, I'm taking your gun.

[Sam]

She got my gun, too. But you don't.

[Matt Dillon]

You're making a bad mistake, Florrie.

[Florrie]

I won't have you nor nobody else meddling where you don't belong. Now get your horses and ride out of here.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, but we'll be back.

[Florrie]

I'm gonna be setting right by that door, Marshall. First thing I see or hear gets a load of buckshot.

[Matt Dillon]

It won't be us, Florin, but we'll be close enough to hear if you do shoot somebody.

[Sam]

I couldn't help it, Mr. Jones. She Come ooching around the side of the hut, and I didn't even see that cussing shotgun till it was too late.

[Matt Dillon]

And neither did I.

[Sam]

What we gonna do?

[Matt Dillon]

There's nothing we can do tonight but Tomorrow, in the daylight, we got our rifles. We'll think up some tricks for.

[Sam]

Where.

[William Conrad]

Are you listening to Gunsmoke in your favorite easy chair or out driving? Oh, there you are in the kitchen. Say you want to make whatever you're doing more enjoyable. Have a Chesterfield. Enjoy. Chesterfield's better taste than 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.

[Florrie]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more.

[William Conrad]

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

[Sam]

I don't see her on the horse, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

She must be inside the hut, Chester.

[Sam]

I hope she don't come charging out of there with that shotgun blade.

[Matt Dillon]

That would be a bad way to start the day, wouldn't it?

[Sam]

I can't think of none worse, especially on an empty stomach.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, there she is. Now, wait a minute. It's all right. She isn't armed.

[Florrie]

Not over here, Marshall.

[Sam]

Now, what's she up to?

[Matt Dillon]

It's hard to say with a woman like that.

[Florrie]

I thought you'd be back this morning.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, I told you we wouldn't. We're gonna take your husband under Dodge, ma'.

[Sam]

Am.

[Florrie]

You're too late, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Too late?

[Florrie]

He died during the night.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Florrie]

It was too much for his heart. He always did have a weak heart.

[Matt Dillon]

Where is he, Florrie?

[Florrie]

Lying there inside. Marshall, why don't you believe me?

[Matt Dillon]

I believe you, but I want to have a look at him.

[Florrie]

What for? I got him all wrapped up in his blanket, ready for burying. Go dig a grave for him if you want to help so much.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, we'll dig a grave after I've seen him.

[Florrie]

You got no respect for the dead, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

It's the living that bothers me right now, Flory. I'm gonna have a look at him now, Florida.

[Florrie]

You're no better than a coyote, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't have to watch.

[Florrie]

Oh, go ahead. I don't care.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll unbutton his shirt.

[Sam]

Here.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. What did you use, Flurry?

[Florrie]

Use for what?

[Matt Dillon]

I might have known he couldn't stay awake forever. He fell asleep and you stabbed him in the heart with a needle or something. That doesn't show much, does it?

[Florrie]

All right, I'll tell you. Don't matter none anyway. I. I killed him.

[Matt Dillon]

Why would you want to kill your husband?

[Florrie]

My husband? He wasn't my husband. He killed my husband, Marshall. We never seen him before. He rode by here and started trouble over me. It was my husband pulled a knife, but. But he shot him. And I swore I'd kill him for it, and I did.

[Matt Dillon]

Why didn't you explain all this to Doc Adams when he was out here? Out of me last night?

[Florrie]

And let you take him and hang him? I had to kill him myself, Marshall. It's a promise I made my husband while he was dying.

[Matt Dillon]

And I'm gonna have to arrest you.

[Florrie]

You can't do nothing to me for this.

[Matt Dillon]

You murdered a man, Florrie.

[Florrie]

You're wrong, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You just admitted it.

[Florrie]

Well, I ain't doing no more talking. You take care of him and we'll go into Dodge. But I won't be in jail long. You're.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, good morning, Justin.

[Sam]

Good morning, Mr. Dylan. What you got there?

[Matt Dillon]

That's a mail.

[Sam]

Oh, did you pick it up?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I picked it up. I was down there anyway. How's Flory?

[Sam]

She ain't said a word. Go get our Williams. Go get?

[William Conrad]

What for?

[Sam]

She was right, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

I can't keep her in jail.

[Sam]

But, Mr. Dillon, we just can't get it. Yes, sir. All right, come on out. For you.

[Florrie]

You're turning me loose?

[Sam]

Not me.

[Florrie]

About time.

[Matt Dillon]

Morning, Florrie.

[Florrie]

Not much of a jail you got, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's not strong enough to hold you.

[Florrie]

Of course it ain't.

[William Conrad]

Florrie.

[Matt Dillon]

The man you killed. You told me you've never seen him before.

[Florrie]

I never had.

[Matt Dillon]

What was his name?

[Florrie]

George Bassett.

[Matt Dillon]

What else did you know about him?

[Florrie]

He was wanted.

[Sam]

Dead or alive, he was wanted.

[Matt Dillon]

I got a Circler on him in the Mailchester. It's there on my desk.

[Sam]

A circle. Well, forevermore.

[Matt Dillon]

How did you know he was wanted?

[Florrie]

Florida, he said so.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, that's hard to believe.

[Florrie]

Now, he told me when he was bothering me before he killed my husband. He said one more wouldn't matter. I guess he planned to kill me, too, later. Only he hadn't figured on getting cut up. And he needed me after that.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, why didn't you tell me this out there, Florrie?

[Florrie]

I didn't think you'd believe me, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe you were right. I never heard of George Bassett before.

[Florrie]

You heard of him now?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. There's gonna be some reward money coming, Florie.

[Florrie]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? What?

[Florrie]

You say it.

[Matt Dillon]

Say what? Floric, please. That you don't want the money. That you wouldn't take it.

[Florrie]

Thank you, Marshall. Thank you for saying it. Right. I feel some cleaner for that. Goodbye.

[Matt Dillon]

Goodbye, Florian.

[William Conrad]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Florrie]

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.

[Florrie]

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, on the frontier, almost anybody who had a few dollars could open a bank of his own. And by the same token, anybody who had a gun could try to rob it. And next week, a man does. 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 Met, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Helen Kleeb, Lawrence Dobkin and Stacy Harris. Harley Mayer is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Smokers this is it. L and M filters so good to your taste so quick on the draw 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.

[Florrie]

L M so good to your taste.

[William Conrad]

So quick on the draw Get L and M today Relax with L 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.

[Florrie]

Sam.