Solomon River | Gunsmoke (04-17-60)

Summary

Gunsmoke | Episode: Solomon River (April 17, 1960)
Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: May 4, 2025

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Introduction

In the April 17, 1960 episode of Gunsmoke titled "Solomon River," U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (played by William Conrad) confronts the harsh realities of life on the frontier. Set against the backdrop of Dodge City, Kansas, this episode delves into themes of isolation, resilience, and the struggle for community amidst the lawlessness of the American West.

Arrival at Letty Thatcher's Homestead

The episode begins with Marshal Dillon and his deputies, Chester (Harley Baer) and Ben Crown (Georgia Ellis), tracking a suspect along the Solomon River. Their journey leads them to the remote homestead of Letty Thatcher, a widow struggling to survive after the death of her husband, Luther.

Chester:
"You see that, Mr. Dillon? There was a big one..."
— [03:02]

As they approach, they notice signs of hard labor and neglect, setting the stage for the emotional encounter ahead.

Encounter with Letty Thatcher

Upon meeting Letty, Marshal Dillon immediately senses her distress. Letty is depicted as a resilient yet deeply troubled woman, burdened by grief and isolation.

Letty Thatcher:
"I don't need you now. You could have come earlier. Two days, three. It might have mattered then."
— [06:35]

Despite her initial resistance, Letty's vulnerability becomes evident as she collapses, revealing the extent of her hardships.

Chester and Ben's Observations

Chester and Ben Crown discuss Letty's situation, highlighting the dire conditions she faces. Chester expresses concern, while Ben remains skeptical about Letty's ability to survive alone.

Chester:
"She just sat out there in the middle of nowhere, no one to tend for sea tour."
— [13:14]

Ben Crown:
"Why don't you go back and marry her, Chester? You're so all fired sorry for it."
— [13:20]

Their dialogue underscores the varying perspectives on community support and personal responsibility in the frontier.

Letty's Emotional Struggle

As the story unfolds, Letty grapples with her past and present, torn between her pride and the necessity of accepting help. Her emotional turmoil is poignantly captured in her interactions with Marshal Dillon.

Letty Thatcher:
"You got no neighbors, nobody fool enough to live here."
— [11:20]

Marshall Dillon:
"You can't stay on here alone. Letty off this way. It's not safe for a woman alone."
— [11:20]

These exchanges reveal Letty's internal conflict and the broader theme of loneliness on the frontier.

Resolving Letty's Situation

Chester, moved by Letty's plight, decides to collect parcels of food, clothing, and money to aid her. Meanwhile, Ben Crown seeks to clear his name, revealing layers of complexity within the deputy ranks.

Chester:
"I'll let them...? As plain as day. I'll just... all I gotta do is..."
— [19:02]

Furthermore, the arrival of Kitty, another community member, adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the interconnectedness of the town's inhabitants.

Conclusion and Letty's Transformation

In the episode's climax, after witnessing the generosity and support from Dillon and his deputies, Letty experiences a transformation. She acknowledges her need for community and begins to accept the help extended to her.

Letty Thatcher:
"Marshall, I was wrong. I faltered on so many things."
— [25:30]

Marshall Dillon:
"I wish you'd live, Letty. But you're the only one who can do that. Nobody else can do that for you."
— [26:51]

Letty's realization marks a turning point, emphasizing the episode's message about the importance of community and the healing power of compassion.

Notable Quotes

• Chester on Counting:
  "I can count high as need be. I'll stand up to anybody doing sums."
  — [03:17]

• Ben Crown on Trust:
  "I'm not a killer neither. Just on your say so."
  — [04:19]

• Letty on Survival:
  "I've been trying to do it myself all these days. Lost track of how many he was."
  — [10:20]

• Letty's Realization:
  "I wish I'd die."
  "That's what I'm coming to know, Marshall."
  — [26:47], [26:57]

Insights and Themes

"Solomon River" poignantly captures the struggles of frontier life, highlighting themes such as:

• Isolation vs. Community: Letty's initial isolation contrasts with the deputies' efforts to integrate her into the community.

• Resilience and Vulnerability: The episode showcases the thin line between strength and vulnerability in the harsh environment of the West.

• Redemption and Acceptance: Characters like Chester seek redemption through acts of kindness, while Letty learns to accept help.

Conclusion

The "Solomon River" episode of Gunsmoke masterfully blends character development with the harsh realities of the American frontier. Through compelling dialogues and emotional arcs, it underscores the importance of community support and personal transformation. Marshal Matt Dillon's unwavering dedication to justice and compassion serves as the moral compass guiding the narrative to its heartfelt resolution.

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This summary is intended for those who haven't listened to the episode, providing a comprehensive overview of the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in "Solomon River."

Transcript

[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.

[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 guns. Smoke. Gun Spoke. 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 chance, a job. And it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[Letty Thatcher]

Hello.

[Wang Marie]

My name Wang Marie. I cook 15 years. Observed everyday vegetables often very dull. I like you to know about French's Worcestershire sauce. Reason French cheese is Worcestershire that make big difference in cooking. Please do listen. French's Worcestershire is honorable source. Cherished for generations. Rich with rare ingredients, exotic spices. Example 1 ingredient, soy. Very special with vegetables. Frenchman's Worcestershire full of spicy ingredients. Fifteen in all, as good as soy. But not Chinese. You try vegetables cooked this way. 1 tablespoon French's Worcestershire added to boiling vegetable water. Causes mouth to also water.

[Ben Crown]

Ah.

[Wang Marie]

So just be sure of name French's Worcestershire from honorable makers of French mustard. Thank you.

[Chester]

Hey, that there was a big one. You see that, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, I didn't, Chester.

[Chester]

Oh, my.

[Ben Crown]

If you're counting heads, I didn't see it either.

[Chester]

Only heads I'm counting is catfish crowns. And that there was number six. Since we've been riding down here along the riverbank.

[Ben Crown]

You right sure you can count that high to six? Well, you ain't saying you can go higher.

[Chester]

You listen to me, Ben Crown. I can count high as need be. I'll stand up to anybody doing sums. Ain't that a fact, Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

What? What was that, Chester?

[Chester]

Well, I was just remarking to Ben Crown how I can do my sums with the best of them.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's fine. Fine.

[Chester]

It come to mind the way I was called catfish.

[Matt Dillon]

How are you on cottonwoods?

[Chester]

Oh, every bit is good.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I count three just ahead there.

[Chester]

Yes, sir. Three it is, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, we'll stop there and waddle the horses.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Ben Crown]

And you can do your sums while we're resting, Chester. Sort of keep your hand in, you might say.

[Chester]

I'll tell you something, Mr. Crown. Me and Mr. Dillon, we brought in prisoners before that was a sight funnier. And you are just a sight funnier.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, let him drink.

[Chester]

Yes.

[Ben Crown]

How about my horse? Water it with my hands tied.

[Matt Dillon]

You can hold a saddle horn. You can water your horse.

[Ben Crown]

I ain't scum, Marshall. I'm not a killer neither. Just on your say so.

[Matt Dillon]

It's not my say so, Crown. You're the face on the wanted poster. That's all I know.

[Ben Crown]

And that's good enough for you?

[Matt Dillon]

Is it good enough for me to bring you in? Are you going to water your horse? I'm going to catch a wink.

[Ben Crown]

I'm not going to forget you, Marshall. You might want to think on that. I'm not going to forget you.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon. Best rouse yourself, man.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh. Oh, Chester. I guess I must have dozed off.

[Chester]

The horses is all watered and rested up. We're gonna make dodge by eating.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, well, we better get a woo one, I guess.

[Ben Crown]

What about eating? I can't go the livelong day on hardtack.

[Chester]

Chances are you'll find out your kin, Crown. We won't be eating till we get to Dodge, will we, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, Chester.

[Chester]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

That's coming from up behind the trees there. Sounds like somebody digging up there.

[Ben Crown]

There's a law against that.

[Matt Dillon]

Now you're the one bellyaching about food. If somebody lives up there, we might get our hand out. Come on, let's go.

[Chester]

Well, she ain't even looking at my dumb. She must have heard herself.

[Matt Dillon]

Excuse me, ma'am. Ma'am. You're not making much of a dent with that spade.

[Letty Thatcher]

Now tell me something I don't know.

[Matt Dillon]

You look like you could use some rest.

[Letty Thatcher]

I don't need you now. You could have come earlier. Two days, three. It might have mattered then. I sure don't need you now, Mr. Duncan.

[Chester]

Just skin and bone.

[Letty Thatcher]

You're no good to me coming now.

[Chester]

You sure shouldn't be out in the heart of the day this way, you know.

[Letty Thatcher]

Should and shouldn't. Do you?

[Chester]

Well, I. I just mean the sun is punishing me.

[Letty Thatcher]

The sun, the land, the life. It's all punishing. Now go on with you. You're too late. Too late?

[Matt Dillon]

Too late for what, man?

[Letty Thatcher]

Leave me be. Leave me be.

[Matt Dillon]

Let me have the spade. Ma'am, you're not strong enough.

[Letty Thatcher]

It won't matter I die in the tryon. Leave me to my work.

[Chester]

Ms. Dylan. She just crumpled up.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. I'll carry her inside.

[Ben Crown]

Ain't no food here. From the looks of her, she's starving to death.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, bring Crown Along.

[Chester]

I'll just spread out that bed so you can Put her down, Mr. Duncan.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, there's a cot here. Besides, looks like the bed's occupied.

[Chester]

He's dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Two, three days dead, like she said. She was trying to dig a grave.

[Chester]

Why, that poor thing. She must be near crazy. All alone here and him dead.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, start a fire. Get some water boiling. Find some coffee, find some food if you can.

[Chester]

Right away, Mr. King.

[Ben Crown]

You untying me, Marshall? For what?

[Matt Dillon]

He was a big man, Crown. Dig a big grave.

[Gil Hodges]

Bye, Joan. I'm heading for the ballpark. I'm late now, Gil.

[Wang Marie]

Hodges, look at the list of errands.

[Letty Thatcher]

You'Ve left for me to do again. And I'm so busy with spring cleaning.

[Gil Hodges]

I know, but it's spring cleaning time for the car too. So please be sure to get the motor oil changed in the car. And get a fresh fram filter, too, honey.

[Letty Thatcher]

Fresh fram filler, Gill.

[Matt Dillon]

What for?

[Gil Hodges]

To keep the oil clean. Dirt and sludge can ruin an engine. Nothing fills motor oil with sludge faster than the short runs you make shopping and taxing the children to school. Just take the car in and ask for a fram.

[Letty Thatcher]

A fram? How will they know what I mean?

[Gil Hodges]

They'll know more service stations sell FRAM filters than any other brand. Nothing keeps oral clean like a FRAM filter.

[William Conrad]

The Dodgers popular first baseman Gil Hodges sure knows his filters. He knows how important it is to change oil filters at least every 5,000 miles. It's Fram for him. For you, too. Fram filters.

[Matt Dillon]

You feeling some better, ma'am?

[Letty Thatcher]

Letty. Let it, Thatcher. It saved my life. I guess you can call me Letty.

[Matt Dillon]

You want some more coffee, Letty?

[Letty Thatcher]

This will do me. I. I thought there was three of you.

[Matt Dillon]

They're outside.

[Letty Thatcher]

I guess he found Luther.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, we found him.

[Letty Thatcher]

Just set him in the ground yet?

[Matt Dillon]

We thought you'd want that.

[Letty Thatcher]

I've been trying to do it myself all these days. Lost track of how many he was. A long time dying. A long time lying there dead. I couldn't help him die and I couldn't help him once he did. You got no neighbors, Nobody fool enough to live here. But Luther Thatcher, he was bound. He wouldn't live near no settlement. It'd choke him, he said. Crowd around him and choke him. Well, I could have stood a little of the choking myself.

[Matt Dillon]

We're heading for Dodge City, Letty. We'd be glad to take you along. I'm the marshal there. Might be able to help you get settled.

[Letty Thatcher]

Settled?

[Matt Dillon]

At what at living with people around.

[Letty Thatcher]

Oh, I don't need folks now. I don't need nothing now. Everything I got's here.

[Matt Dillon]

You can't stay on here alone. Letty off this way. It's not safe for a woman alone.

[Letty Thatcher]

Safe? I don't know what that means, Marshall. Don't. Don't talk safe to me. I got the roof Luther left me. I got a stove and a bed.

[Matt Dillon]

But you can't work the land. We couldn't find much food around.

[Letty Thatcher]

We got potatoes in the ground. The Lord knows the prairie's alive with rabbits. I'll make do.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, can't force you to come with us, Livy. But if something like pride is keeping you here, now, that's a big price to pay.

[Letty Thatcher]

Pride? Pride. I show you something, Marshall. Here, out the window. Now, if you look close, you can still make a mark toward the river. From Luther's grave, there's five more. You see? Just little mounds of dust now, but you can make them out.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, I can make them out.

[Letty Thatcher]

My babies. Five of them. One for each year we've been here. Them and Luther. Now all I got in the world is here, Marshall. I'm not leaving.

[Matt Dillon]

You're not afraid to stay?

[Letty Thatcher]

I guess I'd be afraid to go.

[Chester]

I just don't see her living there alone, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

She can't see doing anything else. It's up to her, Chester.

[Chester]

I bet we must have rode 10 mile before we come to the another farm. She just sat out there in the middle of nowhere, no one to tend for sea tour.

[Ben Crown]

Why don't you go back and marry her, Chester? You're so all fired sorry for it.

[Chester]

I got a kindly feeling for her, that's all.

[Ben Crown]

You collect stray cats too, do you?

[Matt Dillon]

Digging a grave makes you pretty mean, doesn't it, Crown?

[Chester]

His kind just naturally born mean, Ms. Dylan.

[Ben Crown]

I don't see the sense of choking up over a mule. Stubborn old woman. You gave her the chance to get out. She's bound.

[Chester]

She's gonna stay.

[Ben Crown]

We'll let her. Don't cry for her.

[Matt Dillon]

You're a practical man, Crown.

[Ben Crown]

I'm that all right, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

But you don't know the first thing about a woman's age. If Letty's 25, she's not a day older.

[Ben Crown]

She looks 50.

[Matt Dillon]

Part of it's the prairie, part of us the weare of living the strain she's been under.

[Chester]

She could use some plain, good food, too. Plump her up a little dab, she'd be right pretty.

[Ben Crown]

Some good plain food. Oh, now, that don't hurt nobody.

[Chester]

I'm going to be awful surprised it makes you any better looking, Ben Crown.

[Doc]

Now, just a minute. Now, let me get this straight. Just here. You want me to prescribe something for you, is that it?

[Chester]

No, no, now, Doc, I didn't say that exactly. What I said was I wanted you to prescribe something.

[Doc]

Well, that's what I said.

[Chester]

You said prescribe something for me. Well, I didn't say it was for me. Oh, well, then.

[Doc]

Well, who is it for?

[Chester]

You'd have to know that, I suppose.

[Doc]

Well, it'd help. Now, you tell me who it is and I'll go and see him.

[Chester]

No, I can't do it that way.

[Doc]

Chester, there are times when you don't make any sense at all, and this is one of them.

[Chester]

Now, I've had a busy day and.

[Doc]

I just soon go to bed as play this game, whatever it is, with you.

[Chester]

It's no game, Doc. My goodness, it's serious as can be. Now, look, I'll tell you. Let's say it's me that's ailing and.

[Doc]

I don't know any powers that'll fix what ails you.

[Chester]

Well, let's say I'm off my feet.

[William Conrad]

I'll give it to you.

[Chester]

I'm dragging around half starved. I need some something to pick me up like a tonic. That's it. Now, you just give me a nice bottle of tonic and we'll forget the whole thing.

[Doc]

A nice bottle of tonic.

[Chester]

It don't matter the color, red or green. I got red from the last medicine show to come through here. But I ain't in the least particular as to color. Just something to put the bloom in my cheeks again.

[Doc]

Oh, for heaven's sakes, Chester.

[Chester]

Well, now, Doc, I aim to pay.

[Doc]

Now, you listen to me. In case you don't recollect, we just came from dinner at Delmonica's. You ate steak and eggs and two helpings of stew, bread and gravy and.

[Chester]

A slice of pie. All right.

[Doc]

Now, I don't call that being off your feed. And you're not dragging around. You're waddling around from eating too much.

[Chester]

You don't think I need a tonic, do you?

[Doc]

I would put tonic last on the long list of things that you need.

[Chester]

Well, what about the bloom in my cheeks? Chesty H. Good night now, Doc. You.

[Doc]

Good night.

[Chester]

Good night.

[Kitty]

Was it a hard trip, man?

[Matt Dillon]

Other all hard, Kitty. We rode most of the way to Abilene for nothing, as it turned out.

[Kitty]

You brought a prisoner back, Ben Crown.

[Matt Dillon]

But he's the wrong man. Got a telegram this morning from Wichita. Man named Keeper. Confessed Crown wasn't even implicated.

[Kitty]

Well, Chester says Crown kept telling you all along he was the wrong man.

[Matt Dillon]

When did you see Chester?

[Kitty]

Bright and early this morning. Sam gave him some money and he picked out a couple of my old traveling dresses.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. He picked out what?

[Kitty]

A couple of my old dresses.

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Kitty]

Well, to tell you the truth, he wasn't too clear. He said they'd be put to good use. And he told Sam the same about his money. He muttered something about Doc not seeing fit to give him any tonic and they went off to Jonas to collect from him. I suppose you knew about it.

[Matt Dillon]

All I know is Chester hasn't been around much since we got back.

[Kitty]

I kidded him a little about it. Asked him if he'd picked himself a wife while he was gone.

[Ben Crown]

And.

[Kitty]

Well, I know this sounds far fetched, but I swear he blushed.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll be done.

[Kitty]

Where are you going?

[Matt Dillon]

I think I better go find Chester.

[Kitty]

Now, Matt, if you're not supposed to know, don't you dare tell him I told you.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I won't. Kidding. This is something I think I'd rather Chester told me himself come afternoon.

[William Conrad]

Chester.

[Chester]

Oh, my goodness. I thought you'd be gone some longer.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, buying the town out, are you?

[Chester]

Well, you're referring to these parcels, I suppose.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I suppose I am.

[Chester]

Might as well come right out with it. I'd have told you at the first, Mr. Dillon, but folks seems to delight in just making sport of me. I just didn't want to hear no more about me being a sentimental old fool. It's only a kindly feeling I have for her.

[Matt Dillon]

You're collecting all this for Letty, Thatcher?

[Chester]

You seen right through me, didn't you, Mr. Dunham?

[Matt Dillon]

I think it's fine. I think it's a good thing only.

[Chester]

Nah, I don't want to hear no more onlys. I got her some food and some clothes and a little spog of money. Ain't enough to wad a shotgun with, really, but it'll do her.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, how do you mean? To get it to Letty?

[Chester]

Get it to her as plain as day. I'll just. All I gotta do is. Just all I.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you can't post it, Chester. No stage runs along the Solomon river nearer.

[Chester]

Well, I. I hadn't thought that through.

[Ben Crown]

Hello, Marshall. Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

I thought you'd gone by now.

[Ben Crown]

Crown fixing to leave right now. Wanted to ask you a favor, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Is that so?

[Ben Crown]

Wonder if you'd Mind telegraphing ahead to the marshal at Abilene, telling him my name's been cleared, I'd like to settle there and I wouldn't want no marks against my name right off.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I guess I could be arranged.

[Chester]

Crown, no.

[Matt Dillon]

You're heading for Abilene now.

[Ben Crown]

My horse is outside.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, maybe you can do us a favor, Crown. We like these parcels dropped off at Letty Thatcher's. Now that wouldn't be out of your way?

[Ben Crown]

My horse ain't no pack mule, you know.

[Chester]

Ain't but just a few little.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean to set up in business.

[Ben Crown]

In Abilene, you say friend runs the trails in saloon. Said I could buy in.

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh.

[Ben Crown]

Guess if I want you to send that telegram, I'd best oblige you.

[Chester]

Well now, you're nice to offer to take these, Crown. I'll just carry them on out for you.

[Ben Crown]

Somehow I get the idea you were just waiting for me.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll be much obliged, Crown. I'll send a telegram right away. And you'll tell Letty hello for us, will it?

[Ben Crown]

Sure, Marshall. Sure I will.

[William Conrad]

Are you out of tune due to irregularity? Then help yourself get back in tune with Kellogg's Albrand. Pleasant, isn't it? The feeling of well being you get when constipation from lack of bulk is no longer a worry. When harsh irritating drug laxatives can be thrown away. Because Kellogg's All Brand is the normal natural way to regularity. Its whole brand content gentles away constipation, supplies your system with the bulk forming food you need for youthful regularity. And it tastes good too. Fact is, Kellogg's All Brand is the one and only whole brand cereal that combines proved effectiveness with appetizing taste and crispness. So if you're out of tune, help yourself get back in tune as millions do with Kellogg's All Brand. Awl Hyphen B R A N Kellogg's.

[Chester]

By Ding Laddie Shore. He's gonna be surprised us showing up here not a week after Crown come through.

[Matt Dillon]

I still don't see why she stays on out here. She'd be much better off in town.

[Chester]

Hey, I'll water the horses, Mr. Jones. Oh here, you want to take the tonic Dock sent with you?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you bring it when you come back.

[Chester]

Chester, aren't you? Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

Letty. Matt Dillon. Letty.

[Letty Thatcher]

You come any closer, I'll blow you off the prairie.

[Matt Dillon]

Now Letty, put that shotgun down any.

[Letty Thatcher]

Near at all, I'll kill you.

[Matt Dillon]

What's wrong?

[Gil Hodges]

Letty?

[Matt Dillon]

What's happened to you?

[Letty Thatcher]

You go On. Go on back and tell the good people of Dodger. I sure thank him. Only the clothes is ripped and he ate the food. And the money's not worth much. Now, Crown was here, then here, here three days and nights. So don't come to collect any thank yous. I paid Marshall. I paid for all was given me.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Letta, you need care. You can't stay on here. I'm gonna take that gun, and you're gonna go back to Dodge City.

[Letty Thatcher]

No. I'm through with men forcing me. I'll die or I'll kill, but I'm not enduring anymore.

[Matt Dillon]

Letty, I'm not gonna harm you. Now, I'm your friend. I am not going to harm you. Letty. Now you give me that gun.

[Andrew Rines]

No.

[Chester]

Come on.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester. Come up here.

[Chester]

Oh, my lamb.

[Letty Thatcher]

But.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, ma'am, this is Crowns work. Chester, I want you to stay here. When she's able, pack her up and take her back to Dodge.

[Chester]

Yes, I sure will. But what about you?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm riding to Abilene, Crown.

[Chester]

Wow.

[Ben Crown]

Marshall.

[William Conrad]

Dylan.

[Ben Crown]

Welcome to Trail's End.

[Matt Dillon]

That's for Letty, Crown. Now get up.

[Ben Crown]

Now, wait a minute. She not worth us fighting over, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

I ought to know.

[Matt Dillon]

A widow woman, second in need. What kind of a brute are you?

[Ben Crown]

She's asking for it. Staying out there alone. Why, any man would.

[Matt Dillon]

If anybody cares, he needs a doctor bad.

[William Conrad]

Come in.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah. Hello, Letty.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, Marshall Dillon. I wondered if you'd be coming to call.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I've been out of town. Doc says you're coming along fine.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, I declare that folks here have been so kind. I near forgot how kind and gentle folks can be. Chester, Miss Kitty, Doc and Ma Smally.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, Ma says she's having trouble keeping you down.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, I gotta pay my keep. I can't always be taken.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there's time, Letty. You just get strong and well again.

[Letty Thatcher]

Marshall, I. I was wrong. I faltered on so many things. What happened was my doing. Staying on when you tried to get me to leave.

[Matt Dillon]

You just try to blot it out, Letty. That's best.

[Letty Thatcher]

I'm remembering lots of things. All of it. It's right that I do. Luther. Rest. Him seeing the good of it out here, wanting to make a place for us. All I could ever see was what we were losing.

[Matt Dillon]

You lost a lot.

[Letty Thatcher]

But folks here, the most of them, are building a town, a life. I'm gonna be a part of it. Part of the good. I owe it to Luther.

[Matt Dillon]

No, you owe it to yourself, Letty. I tell you, the west needs women, women to be part of the good for so long.

[Letty Thatcher]

I just said to myself, I wish I'd die.

[Matt Dillon]

I wish you'd live, Letty. But you're the only one can do that. Nobody else can do that for you.

[Letty Thatcher]

That's what I'm coming to know, Marshall. That's what I'm coming to know.

[William Conrad]

Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty, ice cold Pepsi Cola. Sociability. Charlie all right, Kay, how's this? Pepsi is light, refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi right now.

[Wang Marie]

I'll offer it to everybody.

[William Conrad]

Charlie I will enjoy Pepsi at the fountain. It's delicious at home, too. Have one at lunch or with a snack.

[Letty Thatcher]

Charlie.

[William Conrad]

At the beach or at dinner. Wherever you go, wherever you're thirsty, Pepsi is there.

[Chester]

It's here too, in our Be Sociable song.

[Letty Thatcher]

Be sociable, look smart, keep up to date with Pepsi.

[Matt Dillon]

Drink light, refreshing Pepsi. Stay young and fun.

[Wang Marie]

Get an air. Be sociable.

[William Conrad]

Have a Pepsi for the weekend. Have plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today. CK I'm sociable.

[Wang Marie]

With Pepsi, everyone is.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal the story was freshly written for Gunsmoke by Kathleen Height with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Virginia, Christine and Vic Parron. Harley Baer 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 Gun Smoke.

[Ben Crown]

Latest news follows.

[William Conrad]

Then Mitch Miller on the CBS radio network, KNX AM and FM CBS radio in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. the city of the Fox, the Needle and the Punch.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of ootrwesterns.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, Tom, Technogod and Craig 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.

[Matt Dillon]

RA.