Old Fool – Gunsmoke (08-07-60)

Summary

Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com – Episode: "Old Fool" (08-07-60)
Release Date: June 29, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

---

Introduction

In the notable episode titled "Old Fool" from the long-running Western drama Gunsmoke, listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of Dodge City, Kansas. This episode delves deep into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of the American West’s frontier justice.

Main Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal maintaining order in Dodge City.
• Hannibal Bass (Joseph Kearns): A respectful farmer married to Della Bass.
• Della Bass (Virginia Gregg): Hannibal's long-suffering wife.
• Elsie Hedgepeth (Peggy Weber): A determined widow with intentions that stir conflict.
• Chester Proudfoot (Sam Edwards): A minor character involved in the stirring events.

Plot Overview

Morning Conversations and Brewing Tensions (00:00 – 06:09)

The episode opens with Hannibal Bass returning home early in the morning, greeted by his wife, Della Bass. Their interaction reveals a settled yet somewhat strained marriage of 45 years. Hannibal mentions being away to fulfill a promise to an Old Man Bass (00:15 – 02:27), highlighting his dependable nature.

A young man, Dunk Hezpass, is introduced as a pig thief, leading Hannibal to confront him aggressively. Desperate to maintain his livestock, Hannibal’s initial approach is harsh, indicating his protective instincts over his property (05:16 – 06:13). Elsie Hedgepeth steps in, urging Hannibal to show compassion towards Dunk, suggesting a deeper layer to the community dynamics and personal relationships.

Intervention and Personal Struggles (06:39 – 13:19)

As Hannibal grapples with his decision to let Dunk go, Elsie Hedgepeth and Della Bass navigate their interpersonal conflicts. Hannibal’s internal struggle between duty and kindness is evident when he discusses his concerns over the effectiveness of the powders he made, possibly hinting at hidden personal issues or stressors (06:39 – 08:43).

Tensions escalate in the household as Hannibal and Della confront deeper marital strains. Della hints at feelings of neglect and dissatisfaction, culminating in a heated exchange where Hannibal considers leaving Della for Elsie (12:49 – 13:19). This personal turmoil sets the stage for a dramatic unfolding of events.

Confrontation and Unexpected Alliances (13:20 – 20:10)

Hannibal announces his intention to marry Elsie Hedgepeth, sparking outrage and disbelief from Della (13:20 – 16:28). The confrontation reaches a boiling point as Elsie confronts Della, accusing her of trying to steal Hannibal away and asserting her own long-standing marriage to him (15:22 – 16:28). This complex web of relationships highlights themes of jealousy, loyalty, and the quest for happiness.

Meanwhile, Marshal Matt Dillon becomes involved as tensions in Dodge City necessitate his intervention. He rides into the Bass farm with Chester Proudfoot, aiming to mediate the escalating conflict between Hannibal, Della, and Elsie (17:07 – 20:10). Matt’s role as the neutral authority figure underscores his commitment to justice and community harmony.

Climax: The Fire and Resolution (20:11 – 24:40)

The situation takes a dramatic turn when the Bass farm is mysteriously set ablaze (22:15 – 23:52). The fire serves as a catalyst, forcing the characters to confront their actions and emotions. In the aftermath, revelations and heartfelt admissions lead to a reconciliation between Hannibal and Della, facilitated by Elsie's unexpected act of kindness by preparing supper (23:03 – 24:40).

Notable Quotes:

• Hannibal Bass: "You're a bigger fool than he is." (15:26)
• Della Bass: "I think you're crazy. I think you're both crazy." (23:26)
• Elsie Hedgepeth: "I want him and I don't care if he's rich or poor." (16:18)
• Matt Dillon: "This business has gone through far enough. It's got to stop before somebody gets hurt." (21:31)

Conclusion and Themes

In the resolution, the characters acknowledge their flaws and the consequences of their actions. Hannibal's admission, "I'm just an old fool," signifies his realization and acceptance of his mistakes (23:47). The episode concludes with a sense of restored peace and the reaffirmation of long-standing relationships, emphasizing forgiveness and the strength of community bonds.

Insights and Themes

"Old Fool" masterfully explores the intricacies of human emotions within the rugged setting of the West. The episode highlights:

• The Struggle Between Duty and Personal Happiness: Hannibal’s internal conflict between protecting his livelihood and seeking personal happiness underscores the human desire for balance.

• Complex Marital Dynamics: The strained relationship between Hannibal and Della reflects real-life marital challenges, portraying the impact of neglect and emotional distance.

• Community and Justice: Matt Dillon’s role emphasizes the importance of law and order, while the community’s involvement showcases collective responsibility and support.

• Redemption and Forgiveness: The resolution through mutual understanding and forgiveness illustrates the potential for healing and reconciliation.

Conclusion

"Old Fool" stands out as a poignant episode of Gunsmoke, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and redemption with compelling character development and dramatic tension. Through its rich narrative and memorable quotes, the episode offers listeners a deep dive into the human condition set against the unforgiving landscape of the American frontier.

---

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided and adheres to the guidelines for creating engaging, detailed content while omitting non-essential segments such as advertisements and introduction.

Transcript

[Hannibal Bass]

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.

[William Conrad]

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 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.

[Della Bass]

Well, morning, Doc.

[Hannibal Bass]

Kitty. Oh, you. You finished breakfast? Yeah, but.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Sit down.

[Della Bass]

Have some coffee with me.

[Hannibal Bass]

Thank you. Thank you.

[Della Bass]

To what do I owe this honor, eh? Why aren't you having breakfast with Matt or Chester?

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, I would, but they're out of town.

[Della Bass]

That's flattering.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, not kidding.

[Della Bass]

Where are they?

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, they went fishing. They left last night. Said they'd be back this morning sometime.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Well, you should have gone with them. Didn't they invite you?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yes, but I couldn't go. I promised old man Bass I'd have some powders ready for him last night when he came into town.

[Della Bass]

Old man Bass?

[Hannibal Bass]

Who's he? Oh, I don't think you know him, Kitty. He lives out near the old Barton place. It's just him and his wife. They don't come into town very often. Oh, they're nice people. Salt of the earth.

[Della Bass]

More coffee?

[Hannibal Bass]

Don't mind if I do. Thank you. That's good. Thank you. Yes, Hannibal and Della Bass are quite a couple. They've been married about 45 years. Fine people, you selling marriage, Doc? There's nothing wrong with it, is there?

[Della Bass]

I don't know. Never had much chance to find out.

[Hannibal Bass]

You're not telling me you've never been asked.

[Della Bass]

Yeah, I've been asked all right, but.

[Hannibal Bass]

Not by the right person.

[Della Bass]

Maybe that's it. Look, this is pretty heavy talk for 8 o' clock in the morning.

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah, I guess it is at that.

[Della Bass]

Let's get back to. What were their names?

[Hannibal Bass]

Bass. Hannibal and Della Bass. Oh, you'd like them, Kitty. I tell you what. I'll take you out there one of these days, eh?

[Della Bass]

I'd like that.

[Hannibal Bass]

Good. Then we'll go. Yeah.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

What's the matter, Doc?

[Hannibal Bass]

You know, I was just thinking about those powders I made up for Hannibal, I'm afraid I might have leaned a little heavy on the soda.

[Della Bass]

Well, that won't hurt him, will it?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, no, no, no, it won't hurt him.

[Hannibal Bass]

Of course, he might feel a little bubbly for a day or so.

[Della Bass]

Come on, Doc. Take your CO.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I heard you come back from Dodge last night, Hannibal. Didn't figure you'd be up in time to do the chores. Late as it was. Here you are.

[Hannibal Bass]

Ah, thank you, Della. I ain't missed doing the chores in 20 years.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You didn't get to bed till past 10. Did you get your powders from Doc Adams?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah. Yeah, I got them. Funny thing, ever since I started taking them, I felt kind of bubbly.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

That's good, ain't it? I mean, that's what them powders are for.

[Hannibal Bass]

Sure, that's what them powders are for. You're a good doctor, that Adams fella.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Hey, sounds like one of the chutes got himself caught up.

[Hannibal Bass]

Could be. Or could be a wolf.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Shotgun's loaded. It's right behind the door there.

[Hannibal Bass]

I got it. See you later. All right. Hold on there, don't you, mister, don't you? Stealing pigs, huh? Please, mister. I'll put him back and.

[Della Bass]

Easy.

[Hannibal Bass]

Now, young fella. I reckon I got the right to shoot you.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Hannibal, what's going on?

[Hannibal Bass]

I caught me a pig thief, and I aim to shoot him.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You do no such thing. Who are you, son? Ain't seen you around here before.

[Hannibal Bass]

We're nester people about 20 miles north of here. Huh? What's your name? Dunce Hezpass. Suppose your whole family's out and rotting through the countryside instead of working and making out on it.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Now, leave him be, Hannibal. Poor boy's half starved.

[Hannibal Bass]

Ah, he ain't no boy. Nothing gives him the right to steal my pigs. I'd have paid you back sometime when we were making out. Better maybe, Stephen. Ain't no way to make out for no man.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Hannibal, you hitch up the wagon, take this boy home. You tell his people what he done. They'll punish him.

[Hannibal Bass]

If his people was any good, they'd have brought him up right to begin with.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Well, you take him out there and you see.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, I swear, Della, you're treating him like he was candy.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You do what I say, Hannibal. You take him home.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, all right. You know something, boy? You was mighty lucky she come out when she did. All right, let's get. Walk.

[William Conrad]

And now, here are Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.

[Hannibal Bass]

Say, Charlie, isn't that your French girlfriend coming into the service department?

[Della Bass]

Yeah.

[Hannibal Bass]

Bergen isn't She a doll.

[Della Bass]

Pardon me, monsieur. I don't wish to bother you.

[Hannibal Bass]

I'll think nothing of it. Beautiful women always bother me.

[Della Bass]

This is my automobile.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

She has a squeak.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, poor thing. It probably needs one of our quality Guardian maintenance lubrications.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Fantastic. How did you know that?

[Hannibal Bass]

Specialized training, ma' am.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Specialized training?

[Hannibal Bass]

Oui. The servicemen at all Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick, Cadillac, Chevy and GMC truck dealers get special training. That's what makes them Guardian maintenance servicemen. They're trained to know your GM product best.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You are so wonderful. Oh, I must kiss you.

[Della Bass]

Gladly.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

How did you learn to kiss like that?

[Hannibal Bass]

Specialized training, ma' am. Huh. This ain't much of a place you got here, Dunk. Oh, it's poor. But we only been here a month. Well, it won't improve by itself, you know. Ma. Hey, Ma, we got company.

[Della Bass]

Who is it, Dunk?

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, this here's Hannibal Bassma.

[Della Bass]

How to do.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, ma' am. Is your husband round?

[Della Bass]

He's been dead five years. What is it you want, Mr. Bass?

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, I rung Dunk home so's his paw could whoop him for stealing pigs.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Dunk?

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, I didn't figure he'd miss one little old pig.

[Della Bass]

I'd rather starve than have my boy thief.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

No, Won't.

[Della Bass]

Things ain't gone too well with us, Mr. Bass. It's hard being a widow woman all alone, poor.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, I didn't know you was a widow woman.

[Della Bass]

That's what I am, boy.

[Hannibal Bass]

Why didn't you tell me about this? All you wanted to do was shoot me. Oh, no, no, I wasn't going to shoot him. I just wanted to scare him.

[Della Bass]

Oh, well, you could still have the law down on him, though.

[Hannibal Bass]

No, no, I don't have to do that. Maybe he's learned his lesson.

[Della Bass]

No, you're a good man, mister, and kind. I could see that right off.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, I ain't one to hold grudges. I just trying to be fair.

[Della Bass]

What a shame there ain't more men around like you. He's a real gentleman, ain't he, Dunk?

[Hannibal Bass]

You ought to see their place more. You wouldn't believe it.

[Della Bass]

Nice, huh?

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, I worked hard on that place.

[Della Bass]

Your bath. Won't you stay for a cup of chicory?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, well, I.

[Hannibal Bass]

No, thank you, but I better be getting back.

[Della Bass]

Mr. Bass, if you're ever through this way again, we'd be proud to have you drop in.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, well, thank you, ma' am. Yes, I'll do that.

[Della Bass]

Oh, it gets awful lonesome out here, especially for a woman.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, yes, ma' am. It surely must. Well, goodbye.

[Della Bass]

Goodbye, Mr. Bass, ma' am.

[Hannibal Bass]

Dunk. You sure calmed him down, Ma. Yeah, I think he's forgot about the pigs.

[Della Bass]

Yeah, and he'll be back.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

All right.

[Hannibal Bass]

There, Mr. Bass. What you got there? Got a surprise for you, Dunk.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

For me?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah, you and your maw. This is for us. All this stuff in the wagon, all for you. Now, where's your ma? The inside pretty enough we seen you coming. She didn't have to go to no fuss. She said you'd be back. Oh, did she? I told her what a fine place she got. The house and the barn and all.

[Della Bass]

Oh, Mr. Bass.

[Hannibal Bass]

Ma, look where he brung.

[Della Bass]

Oh, now, Mr. Bass, you shouldn't have done that.

[Hannibal Bass]

Nothing, ma' am.

[Della Bass]

My gracious.

[Hannibal Bass]

My.

[Della Bass]

Oh, my goodness, gracious, my. Oh, we couldn't accept all that.

[Hannibal Bass]

Just a few little things.

[Della Bass]

Few little things? Chickens and pigs and corn and coffee and oh, goodness knows what.

[Hannibal Bass]

All the way I figured them that's more fortunate ought to share what we got.

[Della Bass]

You're too good.

[Hannibal Bass]

I'm just doing what I see is right. Like I told Della when I loaded.

[Della Bass]

Up this morning, you're a fine man.

[Hannibal Bass]

Maybe I should start unloading. Look at there.

[Della Bass]

Pure coffee. Why, we ain't had coffee in over a month. Oh, my. You've sure made US Happy today, Mr. Bass. Now, you come on in the house and I'll fix you cook.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, well, there ain't hardly time until you stay.

[Della Bass]

It'd be good to talk to someone. I need a man to talk with.

[Hannibal Bass]

Mr. Bass now, just for a little while. And maybe.

[Della Bass]

You get that stuff unloaded now, Duncan. We'll be inside.

[Hannibal Bass]

Okay, Mr. Bass.

[Della Bass]

You've got to remember, we ain't very fancy here. But it's what's in the heart that counts. You come along now.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, Godella, where are all my shirts? I can't find a one.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

There's plenty in the bedroom.

[Hannibal Bass]

Not good ones.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Your good ones is all dirty, Hannibal.

[Hannibal Bass]

Doggone it anyway.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You're forgetting we had six Sundays this past two weeks.

[Hannibal Bass]

What?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

The way you've been dressing.

[Hannibal Bass]

What's wrong with a man cleaning up once in a while?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Hannibal Bass]

You know, you're getting mighty sour, Della. You're always awing me about something. Matter of fact, I don't know that I ever pleased you. Not from the day we got married. I don't think I could ever please you.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Don't you try to turn this around on me, Hannibal Bass.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, you just don't understand me. Della, you never did.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

That's it. That's what I've been waiting to hear you say.

[Hannibal Bass]

What?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I bet the widow Hedgepeth understands you fine, don't she? I bet she even told you she did.

[Hannibal Bass]

Now you leave her out.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Not likely I'll leave her out. Hannibal, I've been mighty patient with you these past two weeks. But my patience is gone.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, so is mine. I'm through, Della.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Through.

[Hannibal Bass]

I'm going to marry Elsie Hedgepeth.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Why, you old fool.

[Hannibal Bass]

Now don't you call me that, you poor old fool. Now, Della.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I love you, Hannibal, I always have. But my gracious, you can be ignorant.

[Hannibal Bass]

I don't have to stay here and listen to that.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Yes, you do. Don't you budge out of this house.

[Hannibal Bass]

Why not? What are you gonna do?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I'm going over to talk to Elsie Hedgepet.

[Hannibal Bass]

You're what?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

That woman may be too smart for you, Hannibal, but she ain't too smart for me.

[Hannibal Bass]

Get out of here.

[Della Bass]

I won't stand for it.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You stand for it all right. There ain't nothing else you can do.

[Hannibal Bass]

Just go to make a fool out of yourself.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

We'll see who the fool is. Sam. Anybody home?

[Della Bass]

Yes.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You Elsie Hedgepath?

[Della Bass]

That's right.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I'm Mrs. Hannibal Bass.

[Della Bass]

Yeah, I kind of figured that. You gonna get down out of that wagon?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I'll say what I have to say from here.

[Della Bass]

Go ahead.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I just wanted to see what a husband stealer looks like.

[Della Bass]

I ain't stole your husband.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

No, and you ain't going to. Not that you ain't trying.

[Della Bass]

He's a growed man. He can do what he wants.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You're a bigger fool than he is.

[Della Bass]

Is that all you come here to say?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I've been married to Hannibal Bass for 45 years. And I've loved him that long, too. I ain't about to quit now.

[Della Bass]

Maybe you ain't got much choice. I bet Hannibal told you he's gonna marry me.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

He also told me I didn't understand him.

[Della Bass]

Well, that's you're true enough, Mrs. Hedgepath.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I didn't come here to ask nothing of you. I came here to tell you something.

[Della Bass]

Go ahead, talk all you want. It won't change nothing.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You don't want my husband. All you want is his house and his worldly goods. You admit that.

[Della Bass]

I ain't saying nothing.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Well, I want him and I don't care if he's rich or poor. Now there's a difference there, ain't there?

[Della Bass]

Just jealous cause you can't hold him no more.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

All right. Ain't no use talking to you. I'm gonna have to show you.

[Hannibal Bass]

Here.

[Della Bass]

Now. What are you doing? You put down that rifle.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Maybe you'll understand this. You murder.

[Della Bass]

You shot the heel off of my shoe.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Maybe you understand, don't you? Don't shoot again. Next time it won't be your heel. You think about that widow Hedge Pass?

[Hannibal Bass]

Peaceful enough looking, ain't it?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. From here, anyway.

[Hannibal Bass]

You reckon that's her standing up there?

[Matt Dillon]

That must be. Come on. Is this the Hannibal Bass place, ma' am?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

It is.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you must be Ms. Bass.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

That's right.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm Marshal Dillon from Dodge. You mind if we get on?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You're welcome, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you. Who's Chester Proudfoot? Ms.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Bats, I do proud to have you here. Both of you. Come inside and I'll fix you some coffee.

[Matt Dillon]

I think I better tell you what we came here for first.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Oh, Hannibal ain't in some sort of trouble, is he?

[Hannibal Bass]

No, ma' am.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm afraid you are.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Me?

[Matt Dillon]

Judge Blint issued a warrant for you. The complaint says you tried to shoot a Miss Hedgepin.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

That Marshall, I'm too good a shot to try and shoot somebody.

[Matt Dillon]

You sure convinced her. She wrote all the way to Dodge to tell the judge about it.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Did she say anything to him about how she's been trying to steal my husband to run off with him?

[Matt Dillon]

No, ma' am.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Well, she is. Now, if you'll excuse me, I gotta get this milk inside out of the sun.

[Matt Dillon]

Can I help you, ma' am?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

No, thank you. I can manage.

[Hannibal Bass]

How come you let her go like that, Ms. Dillon? She'll most likely be back out of that house. With a gun.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't think so.

[Hannibal Bass]

Why on earth not? She's a pretty strong minded lady.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but I don't think she's a murderer. Maybe the judge got taken in by that Ms. Hedgepad a little bit.

[Hannibal Bass]

Here she comes.

[Matt Dillon]

Ms. Bass. Where's your husband?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Over to the widow. Woman's like he's been every day lately.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, I see.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Marshall, let me tell you something. This is a good farm. Took Hannibal and me a long time and a lot of hard work to get that house and barn up. Five years, in fact.

[Hannibal Bass]

You got some good stock out here, too. Hogs and all.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

We do, for a fact. And that's why the widow Hedgepeth is after Hannibal. This place, she wants it.

[Matt Dillon]

But it's still against the law to go around shooting at people, ma' am.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I guess you're right. It don't seem to have made no difference anyway. I just wish there was some way to bring Hannibal to his senses.

[Matt Dillon]

Ms. Bass, you said your husband was over at the Hedgepet place, huh?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you get there?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Straight north. Just follow the trail you come here on. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe Chester and I will ride up there. I'd like to have a talk with your husband.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

That's kind of you, Marshall, but it won't do no good.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll try anyway.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

He's going to marry that woman, Marshall. And so far I haven't been able to think of a thing to stop it.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's see what we can do, Ms. Bess. We'll see you later, Sam. That must be Hannibal Bass sitting on the stoop there.

[Hannibal Bass]

Looks kind of like an old turkey, don't he?

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't let him hear you say that. Hello.

[Hannibal Bass]

Hello.

[Matt Dillon]

You Hannibal Vass?

[Hannibal Bass]

Yeah. How'd you know my name?

[Della Bass]

Who you talking to, Hannibal?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm Marshall Dillon, Ms. Hedgepet.

[Della Bass]

Oh, Dodge. Well, I'm afraid you come to the wrong place, Marshall. You must have rode right by the Bass farm.

[Hannibal Bass]

What are you talking about? What is this?

[Della Bass]

I went into Dodge the other day, Hannibal, and I got the judge to issue a warrant for her arrest.

[Hannibal Bass]

Whose arrest?

[Della Bass]

Your wife, Della. You didn't expect me to do nothing about her trying to murder me, did you?

[Hannibal Bass]

You ain't gonna put Della in jail, are you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

No, I'm not.

[Hannibal Bass]

What's this all about?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'll make This real simple, Mr. Bass. This business has gone through far enough. It's got to stop before somebody gets hurt. You're coming back to your place with me right now.

[Della Bass]

Oh no he ain't, Marshall. He's staying right here.

[Matt Dillon]

You're going along too, Ms. Hedgepit.

[Hannibal Bass]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

And once we get there, everybody's going to lay their cards on the table. And I'm going to be there to see that they do. Now let's get ready.

[Della Bass]

I ain't going alone. I'm going to take my boy Dunk.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't care who you take. But we're starting back as soon as you get your team hitched. Now let's get going.

[Hannibal Bass]

Now the Bass place will be right around that bend, Mr. John.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh?

[Hannibal Bass]

It'll be good to get in out of this hot struck. Looky there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I see it.

[Hannibal Bass]

Burnt to the ground, the whole place.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Hello there, Marshall. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

What happened here? You all right?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I'm fine, Marshall. That Hannibal coming?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, they're right behind us in the wagon.

[Hannibal Bass]

But your house, the barn. How did it happen? Both of them at the same time. I swear. I don't understand it.

[Matt Dillon]

I think I do. Chester. Just wait.

[Hannibal Bass]

Della.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Evening, Hannibal.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, Della.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You brought her home a little too late, didn't you?

[Hannibal Bass]

I didn't bring her. The Marshall did.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Ask her what she thinks. Now, Hannibal, you.

[Hannibal Bass]

You done this, didn't you? You set fire to the whole place.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

I said ask her what she thinks.

[Della Bass]

I think you're crazy. I think you're both crazy.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You still want to marry Dunk?

[Della Bass]

Turn this wagon around and drive me home.

[Hannibal Bass]

Sure, Mom.

[Della Bass]

Well, what are you waiting for?

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Let's go. Well, Hannibal.

[Hannibal Bass]

You was right, Della. I'm just an old fool.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

We're gonna have to start from scratch again.

[Hannibal Bass]

Well, we done it before.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Hannibal, I fixed your favorite supper. Bean whole beans.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, Della. Oh, you're some woman.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Yeah. Hannibal, you stop this. You got gas. Oh, yes, Marshall. If you and Chester care for bean whole beans, we'd be proud to have you stay for supper.

[Hannibal Bass]

My goodness, I ain't at none of them in years.

[Matt Dillon]

You'll be mighty pleased, ma' am.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

You'll have to sit on the ground to eat em. I saved a few plates and things out of the house. I'll get em.

[Hannibal Bass]

Oh, no, you won't. I'll get Adam. You done enough work today.

[Matt Dillon]

De La Bash.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dylan, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston and adapted by Mr. McDonald. Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, Peggy Weber and Sam Edwards. 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 Guns Smoke.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Sam.

[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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Technogod 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 copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Elsie Hedgepeth]

Sam.