Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com: Episode Summary - "Paid Killer" (11-22-59)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com
• Host/Author: Andrew Rines
• Description: Gunsmoke is a seminal old-time radio and television Western drama set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the American West's settlement. The radio series originally aired from April 26, 1952, to June 18, 1961, on the CBS radio network.
• Episode: Paid Killer
• Release Date: February 22, 2025

Overview

In the "Paid Killer" episode of Gunsmoke, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon faces a clandestine threat against his life. As Dodge City grapples with unease, Dillon uncovers a plot involving trusted townsfolk and a hired assassin. This episode delves into themes of loyalty, justice, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the untamed West.

Key Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, known for his integrity and vigilance.
• Chester (Lawrence Dobkin): Dillon's reliable deputy, providing support and insight throughout the investigation.
• Lawson Hale (Vic Karen): A prominent town figure whose involvement in the central conspiracy becomes pivotal.
• Ed Granger (Ralph Moody): The trail driver hired to eliminate Marshal Dillon.

Plot Summary

1. The Threat Emerges

The episode opens with Matt Dillon (00:01:01) exclaiming, "Foreign," indicating urgency as he senses an impending danger. Shortly thereafter, the tranquility of Dodge City is disrupted when Chester approaches Dillon with alarming news.

Chester:
"You haven't said three words in the last 20 minutes. That's not like you."
(05:37)

Chester reveals that someone has plotted to kill Dillon, offering a bounty of a thousand dollars in gold. This revelation sets the stage for Dillon's investigation into the assassination attempt.

2. Investigating the Conspiracy

Determined to unearth the truth, Dillon confronts Lawson Hale (08:35), a respected banker. Despite Hale's evasiveness, Dillon persists, suspecting Hale's deeper involvement.

Dillon:
"I want to know whether one of your customers has drawn $1,000 in gold from the bank in the last few days."
(09:34)

Hale reluctantly discloses that Lawson Hale himself made the gold withdrawal, hinting at a larger scheme at play.

3. Confronting Suspicion

Dillon's suspicions intensify as he interacts with Hale in public settings, attempting to coerce information out of him.

Dillon:
"You think he'll scare easy."
(17:39)

Despite Hale's denials, the tension builds, leading Dillon to suspect that Hale has orchestrated the attempt on his life.

4. Unmasking the Assassin

Through diligent investigation, Dillon identifies Ed Granger (22:32), a trail driver with a scarred cheek and a surly demeanor, as the likely assassin hired to eliminate him.

Dillon:
"Loss on hail. Hale. Your memory's getting better, huh?"
(23:58)

This confrontation climaxes when Dillon corners Granger, challenging him to face the consequences of his actions.

5. The Resolution

The episode reaches its peak as Dillon outmaneuvers both Hale and Granger. A final showdown ensues, ensuring that justice prevails and Dodge City's peace is restored.

Dillon:
"You've hired a man to kill me. Offered him $1,000 to get me out of the way. You can't prove he's made one try and missed. He's still around dark somewhere, waiting. He'll try again."
(20:52)

Granger:
"Yes, sir."
(26:37)

In the denouement, it's revealed that Hale's machinations have led to his downfall, as the hired killer meets his fate, and Dillon remains unscathed, further solidifying his role as Dodge City's unwavering protector.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Chester Alerts Dillon to the Threat:

   • "You haven't said three words in the last 20 minutes. That's not like you."
     (05:37)

2. Dillon Confronts Hale About the Gold Withdrawal:

   • "I want to know whether one of your customers has drawn $1,000 in gold from the bank in the last few days."
     (09:34)

3. Dillon Expresses Determination:

   • "I think he'll scare easy."
     (17:39)

4. Dillon Challenges the Assassin:

   • "You've hired a man to kill me. Offered him $1,000 to get me out of the way. You can't prove he's made one try and missed. He's still around dark somewhere, waiting. He'll try again."
     (20:52)

5. Assassin's Yield:

   • "Yes, sir."
     (26:37)

Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Vigilantism: Dillon embodies lawful justice, contrasting with characters who take matters into their own hands.

• Trust and Betrayal: The episode explores the fragility of trust within a community, highlighting how betrayal can lurk beneath respected facades.

• Persistence of the Law: Dillon's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth underscores the importance of steadfast law enforcement in maintaining order.

Conclusion

"Paid Killer" is a gripping installment of Gunsmoke, showcasing Marshal Matt Dillon's relentless pursuit of justice against those who threaten the peace of Dodge City. Through intricate character interactions and a tightly woven plot, the episode encapsulates the essence of Western drama—where courage, integrity, and resilience triumph over deceit and danger.

For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the challenges faced by those who uphold law and order in the rugged landscapes of the American West.

Note: This summary omits non-content sections such as advertisements, introductions, and outros to focus solely on the episode's narrative and key elements.