
Original Air Date: September 06, 1959 Host: Andrew Rhynes Show: Gunsmoke Phone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars: Special Guests: Producer: Writer: Editorial Supervisor: Music: Exit music from: Roundup on the Prairie by Aaron Kenny https://bit.ly/3kTj0kK
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Matt Dillon
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.
Matt Dillon
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. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it. 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. Good morning, Chester.
Chester
I ain't at all sure about that, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Sure about what?
Chester
But it's a good morning.
Matt Dillon
Well, it's the only one we're going to get. Chester, is that fresh coffee?
Chester
No, sure ain't. That's a batch of boiled up last minute. Oh, I ain't had time to make no fresh yet.
Matt Dillon
Why, them fellas you locked up last night, mister, they causing trouble?
Chester
They've been at me ever since I come in here fussing and complaining.
Matt Dillon
About what?
Chester
They want me to fix them some breakfast and chain on about it like they've never at before.
Matt Dillon
Well, I guess they've never had anything like your cooking before. Chester.
Chester
Ain'T you gonna let them out this morning? This dinner?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I guess so. They should be sober enough by now.
Chester
Well, then it just don't make a bit of sense for me to go to all the trouble of feeding them, does it?
Matt Dillon
No, forget it, Chester. I'm gonna let them out.
Chester
I got me enough to do around here. Just redden up the place out feeding a clutch of prisoners. That ain't even gonna stay on.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, that's enough. Oh, you two can come out now.
Chester
Don't seem right to turn the body outside. No food, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
The old man could go. Come on, get out of there. And bring your friend with you.
Chester
He ain't feeling good, Marshall. Looks like his strength was sapped.
Matt Dillon
Now, we was to have some breakfast. Look, you weren't worried about food last night when you rode your horses into the long branch. And I'm not going to worry about it. Now go on, get out of here. I said get out. Oh, come on.
Chester
You see what I mean? You think he was running a boarding house around here? You should have just left them laying there machine last night to get prompt.
Matt Dillon
On you better get the cell cleaned up, Chester.
Chester
And that's nothing, Mr. Dylan. It just don't seem right for them drunks to be able to make the fearful mess they do and have somebody to have to clean up after.
Matt Dillon
Go on, Chester, get it over with.
Chester
Yes, sir. I'll do it, all right, but I ain't gonna like it.
Matt Dillon
Well, I don't like hearing you complain about it either.
Chester
Hello, Matt. Chester.
Matt Dillon
How about that slow doctor?
Chester
Oh, something the matter with you two?
Matt Dillon
Well, Chester doesn't like the way the marshal's office is being run, that's all.
Chester
Well, neither do I. I was coming in to tell you about it.
Matt Dillon
Oh, all right, Doc. What's on your mind?
Chester
Some drunken drover jumped into my buggy last night out in front of the office and raced it down the street.
Matt Dillon
Well, did he bring it back? He couldn't.
Chester
He turned it over going around the corner.
Matt Dillon
You know who it was?
Chester
No. I did. Whoever it was disappeared into the nearest saloon.
Matt Dillon
I'm sorry, Doc, but it doesn't look like I can do anything for you.
Chester
Well, why not?
Matt Dillon
Well, in the first place, there was no harm done.
Chester
My buggy was stolen.
Matt Dillon
You got it back, didn't you? For heaven's sake, stop being such an old maid.
Chester
Old maid, it seems. Now, look here, Matt.
Matt Dillon
What do you want me to do, sit around watching your buggy?
Chester
No, no, no, Matt.
Matt Dillon
No, of course not.
Chester
But there ought to be a better way of keeping the town in line.
Matt Dillon
Well, maybe we could pass a law saying that drovers can't drive buggies, huh?
Chester
I don't think that's terribly funny, Matt. All I'm saying is there must be something you can do.
Matt Dillon
Look, Doc, I've had fevers and ague that you haven't cured, but at least.
Chester
Will you come into my office? I try to help, and that's more than I can say for your offer.
Matt Dillon
Well, you better stick to your pills.
Chester
I intend to. I certainly intend to. I won't be wasting any more time around here, you can be sure of that. I didn't mean to run you down. Oh, you looking for the Marshall? Yeah, go right on in. For all the good it'll do you. I'm getting out.
Matt Dillon
Well, doctors seem a little upset. Yeah, well, Doc gets that way sometimes. What can I do for you, Doby? Oh, well, truth is, Marshall, I've come to register a complaint. Well, you're going to have to stand in line. How's that? Oh, never mind. What's your problem? Oh, well, Marshall, those chairs. You know, those chairs. I Have sitting along in front of the hotel along the boardwalk there. Yeah, well, you know, people keep sitting in them. Well, I guess I don't understand. Well, what I mean is those chairs are put there for my hotel guests in the town. Ropers have taken over. Never any room for my guests. Have any of your guests complained to you? No. Well, how do you know that they'd want to use them? Well, I know. I just know, that's all. I see. Now, what do you want me to do about it? Well, Marshall, Dodge House has a reputation to uphold. And it isn't helping any. Every lazy, good Fernandian Dodge spends the day whittling or. Or sleeping right at the front door. I want you to tell those men they can't do that anymore. You asking me to be a doorman, Mr. Doby? Well, no, of course not. Well, I have two suggestions for you, Mr. Doby. Either tell the loafers you speak up to move along, or you take away the chairs. Now, I can't see that that's too much of a problem. Besides, I've never seen one guest at the Dodge House sit on that boardwalk. And all the years you go on, Doby, because you've got a hotel to run and you better tend to it. And I wouldn't be too hard on those loafers you speak of because most of them are men who. All right, all right, Marshall. All right. I'm frank to say I'm. I'm.
Chester
I'm disappointed in the Marshall's office.
Matt Dillon
Good face. Beginning to get pretty disappointed in. Am I still? Now, where's my Chester?
Chester
Yes, sir?
Matt Dillon
What happened to my hat?
Chester
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean, yes, sir?
Chester
I was afraid you was gonna ask that.
Matt Dillon
What does that mean?
Chester
Yes, sir. See, I was toting in a bucket of water to mop up with this morning, just like come in the door, one of them cussed prisoners hollered something at me. And when I turned around and yelled back, I knocked her hat right off in the peg there and the water slopped all over.
Matt Dillon
Well, if you're that bad off, you better get Doc to give you some of that nerve tonic he saves for old women. Now, where did you put it?
Chester
The bucket.
Matt Dillon
Where did you put my hat? Chester?
Chester
Chester. I was trying to dry it out over the stove.
Matt Dillon
Oh, come on, Chester.
Andrew Rines
Come on.
Chester
I just got it a little bit too close. Burned the top clean out of it, Mr. Jones. So I just kind of throwed it out.
Matt Dillon
You threw it out?
Chester
Wasn't nothing left but that brim. Mr. Gentleman. You know, you. You look kindly the foolish. Just going around in that. The dream.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, Where.
Chester
Where are you going with?
Matt Dillon
I am going to the store, Chester, to get myself a new hat so that I won't look so foolish, if that's possible.
Chester
Well, hello there, Marshall. Directly with you.
Matt Dillon
All right, Jonas.
Ms. Bagley
Well, hello, Marshall. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Oh, hello, Ms. Bagley.
Ms. Bagley
No, I. I was going to call on you to offer office later today, but now I won't have to. Will I meet you in the store this way?
Matt Dillon
No, ma'am, I guess not.
Ms. Bagley
You know, Marshall, several of the town ladies have been meeting at our home from time to time to discuss matters affecting our community. And frankly, Marshall, we've been disturbed about the way things have been going on in Dodge.
Matt Dillon
Oh, is that so?
Ms. Bagley
Yes, Marshall. I was talking to the ladies about it last night. Night bottles all over the street and noise and shootings every time the Texas herds come in.
Matt Dillon
Uhhuh.
Ms. Bagley
And we ladies feel that perhaps the law might keep things just a little better under control.
Matt Dillon
Well, I tell you something, Ms. Bagley, maybe you.
Ms. Bagley
Excuse me. There's Mr. Bagley. He's come to take me home in the buggy. I guess I'll have to come to your office after all, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, why don't you do that?
Chester
All right, Marshall, I can take care of you now.
Matt Dillon
I want a hat, Jonas.
Chester
A hat I just sold you one month or two ago.
Matt Dillon
I want another one. Well, sure.
Chester
See what I got Our back.
Matt Dillon
The same kind will do.
Chester
Well, here, have a look at that new Shrop's rifle. Just came in today.
Matt Dillon
Reach. Why, Luke Gilmore, you old sheep herder, you. How are you? When'd you get into town? I just rolled in. I got the drive throat and camps. Well, we better fix that up, Jonas.
Chester
Yes, I've almost found them all.
Matt Dillon
No hurry. I'll be back later. Come on, Luke, I'll buy the first. I won't give you an argument. Well, how long you here for? Just a day this time.
Chester
I got my eye on the far west. This part of the country isn't going to make anybody rich. I just figured it's time to move on. You know, that might not be a bad idea for you too, come to think of it.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, you may be right, Luke. You may be right. Well, you make it sound like a fortune's just lying there waiting for us.
Chester
Well, it is, Matt, I tell you it is.
Matt Dillon
What?
Chester
Now that the railroad is joined up, there's just no telling what a man could do for himself out there.
Matt Dillon
I know, but a lot of gold rushers came Back with holes in their britches.
Chester
Sure they did, Matt, but this is different. Things are starting up now. That'll last.
Matt Dillon
Well, you know, you could set yourself.
Chester
Up your own town.
Matt Dillon
You're aiming pretty high, don't you look?
Chester
Sure, I'm aiming high, Matt. And you should too. What do you figure you'll ever get out of Dodge?
Matt Dillon
Nothing more than I can carry. That's right. That's absolutely right.
Chester
You're eating dust and dodging bullets and chasing every penny. Aunty Bad man on the prairie, isn't that right?
Matt Dillon
That's about it.
Chester
One you're frying in the summer and freezing in the winter. Nurse made in a town that doesn't even thank you for it.
Matt Dillon
You always were one to tug up a storm, Luke.
Chester
I'm talking sense, Matt. I'm right and you know it. Well, you can stay on here and spend your life for this town and get no thanks for it. Now isn't that so?
Matt Dillon
I don't get paid in thanks or much else either.
Chester
Well, I'm on the my way, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Got to collect some money from a fell up country. But you think it over.
Chester
I'll be back.
Matt Dillon
You coming through Dodge? Yeah. Yeah, I'm coming through in a few days.
Chester
Heading west. You got any sense, you'll come with me.
Matt Dillon
Think it over, Matt. Yeah, I will think it over. So long, Luke. I'll be back.
Chester
Matt. You. Well, it's been a long time since I've seen you. Take a drink before noon.
Matt Dillon
Oh, hello, Kitty.
Chester
You gonna ask me to sit down?
Matt Dillon
Oh, oh, sure. Sit down.
Chester
That fellow an old friend of yours, Matt?
Matt Dillon
What?
Chester
For heaven's sakes, if I'm bothering.
Matt Dillon
Oh, no, no. I'm sorry, Kitty. I. I was thinking. What did you say?
Chester
It's kind of early to be wool gathering. I just asked you if that fellow was an old friend.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Luke Gilmore. I knew him in Texas.
Chester
Oh, you're making some plans with him?
Matt Dillon
I don't know yet. Kidding. It just might be.
Chester
Awful. Sorry I let it run out of coral oil, but it's refilled right up the top. And I trimmed down the wick a little dab too.
Matt Dillon
Thanks, Chester. Just set it down.
Chester
Anything else I could get you, Mr. John? Nice cup of coffee?
Long Robe
No, thanks, Jessica.
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna turn in.
Chester
Maybe a fresh pail of water. I'd go fetch it in the well.
Matt Dillon
No, you just brought one, did you?
Chester
Oh, yes. Well, now, just see if this winter's open nice and wide.
Matt Dillon
Oh, for goodness sakes, Chester, will you stop fussing around like a Mother hen, what's the matter with you?
Chester
Nothing really the matter. I just got to come right out with it, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Come out with what?
Chester
Everybody's talking about how you're as ouch as a bull in the thorn thicket these last few days. Ms. K and Doc and Neva's wondering if maybe there's anything wrong.
Matt Dillon
I don't know.
Chester
What do you mean?
Matt Dillon
Oh, never mind, Chester. It's not important. No. Why don't you get on out of here and let me get some sleep?
Chester
All right, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yes, sir. Good night, Chester.
Chester
Good night, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Darn fool.
Long Robe
Marco.
Matt Dillon
What? Well, hello, Long Robe. How did you get here?
Long Robe
Door not locked?
Matt Dillon
No. I want you sit down.
Long Robe
No want Marshall come.
Matt Dillon
Come? Come where?
Long Robe
Long Robe show.
Matt Dillon
All right. Long Robe in the morning.
Long Robe
No wait.
Matt Dillon
You mean you want me to ride out with you? Now? What's the matter?
Long Robe
Be much shooting if guns come.
Matt Dillon
Guns? White guns.
Long Robe
White men selling guns bring in mourning to Indians. Long Robe want to stop. You come.
Matt Dillon
All right, Longroad. I'll come.
Long Robe
Trees by river.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I see them.
Long Robe
We stop there.
Matt Dillon
That's where the wagon will be coming.
Long Robe
Wagon cross river there. We wait.
Matt Dillon
Okay. One.
Long Robe
Here.
Matt Dillon
Stop here.
Long Robe
Now wait here.
Matt Dillon
Oh, that's better. I'm tired.
Long Robe
But Marshall no sleep. Marshall man of planes. Marshall keep good watch.
Matt Dillon
Tell me something, Longroad. Why didn't you go to the army at Fort Dodge about this? When did you come to me?
Long Robe
No one.
Matt Dillon
Soldiers later got in the gun runners for you.
Long Robe
Soldiers not know.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean they don't know? This is their business.
Long Robe
Soldiers not no Indians. Soldiers come. Soldiers go away. Soldier not man of planes.
Matt Dillon
What's that got to do with stopping some gun runners?
Long Robe
Soldiers stop gun runners. But soldier go get Indian too punish Indian. Start more trouble.
Matt Dillon
You don't think the Indians should be punished?
Long Robe
Long Robe punish Indian keep trouble in tribe. No shooting.
Matt Dillon
I guess you will at that.
Long Robe
Indian need help from white man. But white man must know Indian.
Matt Dillon
Lots of white men know Indians. I'm not the only one to Long.
Long Robe
Robe and his people. Marshall the only one. Marshall is friend. We watch now for wagon. Marshall wagon comes.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I've been watching it.
Long Robe
Long Robe stand with Marshall.
Matt Dillon
No. You stay here out of sight.
Long Robe
Long Robe stand with friend.
Matt Dillon
I don't want you hurt in any shooting.
Long Robe
Not afraid.
Matt Dillon
You brought me out here because you thought I could handle this, didn't you? Because you didn't want trouble for your tribe. There'd be plenty of trouble if you were shot. Long rub. Every Indian on these planes would Fight if their cheat was killed.
Long Robe
Marshall talks true.
Matt Dillon
All right, then you stay down. I'll go out there now and I'll tell you when to come. All right, that's fine. We ain't got room for no more or it'd be too many. I don't want to ride. I want to look in your wagon. Now, mister, I'm not sure I'd take kindly to that. I'm the marshal out of Dodge. I want to know what you're carrying. I tell you, Marshall, you see what I'm carrying, I. Yeah. Won't take much to make it go off. Yeah, and that gun's a sample of the wagon load you're taking to the Indians. Well, now, Marshall, that's mighty interesting talk. How you come to know about that? Let's just say I got friends. Just say you're going to need them.
Chester
Shoot him, J.
Matt Dillon
You stand to be in enough trouble running guns to the Indians without shooting a U.S. marshal. Ain't nobody going to find you to know about it. Marshall, if you worry, none at all. Come down out of that wagon. Josh, you take another look. Marshall, there three of us, we got guns to ram straight down your throat. There wouldn't be three of you when it was over. You can't take us all free. Maybe not. But I can take the first one to start anything. So go ahead and try it. He's bluffing, Jazz. You can sure find out in a hurry. Now, come on. You make your play or you come down off that wagon. No man wear a tin badge can face me down. All right, who's next? You killed him.
Chester
You killed Jack.
Matt Dillon
There's either one of you two feeling brave, you drop your guns and you get down off that wagon right now. Stand right there. Long rope. Marshall, tie him up for me, will you? There's a rope under the wagon seat. I'll put this man in the back. Well, you got those two tied. You can drive the wagon back to town. I'll ride alongside. You can pull up now. Long Robe. I'll take over here. We're just about in. It'd be better if you weren't seen around here. You might have to answer a lot of questions.
Long Robe
Questions bring trouble.
Matt Dillon
They can if people don't understand the answers.
Long Robe
Marshall understands answers.
Matt Dillon
Well, some of them, anyway.
Long Robe
Marshall understands answers about Indians. Marshall knows ways of the plains.
Matt Dillon
I've been out here for a long time. I should have learned something all white.
Long Robe
Men do not learn.
Matt Dillon
Maybe not.
Long Robe
It is good for Indian to have Marshall learn.
Matt Dillon
I guess so.
Long Robe
It is good for white man too. It is good for man to live among people. He understands where there is need. Long Robe go now.
Matt Dillon
All right, Long Robe, will your people be moving on soon?
Long Robe
At the next full moon a good hunting. When the next north wind blows, my people come back. Long Robe, come to smoke pipe with Marshall.
Matt Dillon
All right, Long Robe, I'll be here. It is good for a man to live among people. He understands. Gun smoke for use and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshall. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Virginia Christine, Richard Perkins, Ralph Moody, Lawrence Dobkin and Joseph Kern. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.
Chester
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.
Podcast Summary: "Matt’s Decision | Gunsmoke (09-06-59)"
Introduction
In the episode titled "Matt’s Decision," hosted by Andrew Rines and released on January 12, 2025, listeners delve into a pivotal moment in the long-running Western drama "Gunsmoke." Set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West, this episode explores themes of duty, community, and personal conflict through the experiences of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad.
Plot Overview
"Matt’s Decision" centers around Marshal Matt Dillon grappling with the challenges of maintaining order in Dodge City. The episode begins with Dillon addressing routine issues in the Marshal’s office, highlighting his frustrations with Chester, his assistant, who is burdened by daily complaints and the monotonous tasks of managing prisoners.
Key Interactions and Conflicts
Chester’s Complaints (00:41 - 05:27)
Chester expresses his dissatisfaction with the Marshal’s office, lamenting about feeding prisoners and the inefficiencies he perceives.
This segment underscores the underlying tensions within the office, setting the stage for Dillon’s broader frustrations with his role.
Doctor's Frustrations (05:27 - 07:11)
Doctor Doc approaches Dillon with grievances about unauthorized buggy usage and the lack of effective law enforcement in town. Dillon dismisses these concerns, reflecting his growing sense of helplessness.
The interaction highlights the limitations of Dillon’s power and the escalating disorder in Dodge City.
Community Concerns (09:12 - 16:09)
Ms. Bagley voices the community’s unease over increased disturbances such as night bottles, noise, and shootings, especially during the Texas herds' passage. Dillon offers pragmatic solutions but remains skeptical about their effectiveness.
Concurrently, Dillon deals with personal mishaps, including Chester ruining his hat, symbolizing the ongoing chaos and lack of support he experiences.
Long Robe’s Arrival and the Gun Runners (16:15 - 23:24)
The turning point arrives when Long Robe, an Indigenous representative, seeks Dillon's assistance to thwart white gun sellers whose actions bring mourning to the Native tribes. Long Robe implores Dillon to join him in stopping the gun runners to prevent further conflict.
This alliance signifies Dillon’s pivotal decision to engage more proactively with the broader issues affecting both the settlers and the Native population.
Confrontation with Gun Runners (20:50 - 23:24)
Tensions escalate as Dillon faces off with the gun runners, Josh and J, who are transporting firearms intended for the Iroquois tribe. Dillon's authoritative stance leads to their confrontation, resulting in the detention of the culprits.
This decisive action reinforces Dillon's commitment to maintaining peace and order, even amidst personal and communal struggles.
Resolution and Mutual Understanding
Following the confrontation, Long Robe expresses gratitude and reflects on the importance of mutual understanding between the white settlers and the Indigenous people. Dillon contemplates the value of living among the community to truly comprehend their needs and challenges.
This resolution emphasizes the central theme of the episode: the necessity of empathy and cooperation in bridging cultural divides and fostering a stable community.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
Conclusion
"Matt’s Decision" is a compelling episode that delves into Marshal Matt Dillon’s internal and external conflicts as he strives to uphold justice in a rapidly changing Dodge City. Through interactions with discontented town members and the Indigenous Long Robe, Dillon navigates the complexities of leadership, community expectations, and cross-cultural alliances. The episode underscores the perpetual struggle between maintaining order and addressing the deeper societal issues inherent in frontier life.
Featured Cast
Closing Remarks
"Matt’s Decision" stands as a testament to the nuanced storytelling of "Gunsmoke," portraying the Marshal not just as a lawman, but as a pivotal figure striving to balance duty with personal integrity and community well-being.