Podcast Summary: Gunsmoke – “Sunday Supplement” (Original Air Date: June 24, 1956)

Podcast: Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: August 18, 2025
Story Setting: Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West

Overview

This classic episode of Gunsmoke, titled "Sunday Supplement," centers on the disruption caused by two New York writers visiting Dodge City in search of sensational stories. Their intrusion—driven by a hunger for drama—ultimately stirs fatal trouble, provoking a once-peaceful Pawnee chief, Little Hawk, into violence. The episode explores the consequences of outsiders meddling in local affairs for the sake of publicity and personal gain, as well as the ripple effects of cultural insensitivity and greed.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Outsiders Arrive: The Writers from New York

[04:12–05:43]

• Kitty introduces Matt Dillon and Doc Adams to Samuel Sprague and Cliff Bunker, who have arrived in an ostentatious surrey brought from the East.
• The men reveal they are writers, “from New York,” seeking true stories of Western violence and excitement.
• Matt Dillon and Doc Adams express skepticism and wariness, referencing an infamous writer:

  “Most of [Ned Buntline’s stories] were lies. They made Bridger look like a fool.” —Matt Dillon [05:10]

• The writers lament the lack of gunfights or Indian attacks, which they believe would make for better stories.

2. Critique of Sensationalism and Fame

[05:06–05:24]

• Discussion of fame and the popularization of Western figures:

  “They also made Jim Bridger famous, Marshall.” —Sprague
  “I guess it depends how you get that way, Mr. Sprigg.” —Matt Dillon

3. The Trouble Unleashed: Indian Attack and Its Origins

[08:08–11:38]

• Matt and Chester encounter a battered cavalry patrol. Lt. Bane reports an unprovoked attack led by Chief Little Hawk, stating:

  “Little Hawk and 40 braves jumped reservation 4, 5 days ago.” —Lt. Bane [09:16]

• The oddity is that Little Hawk was known as peaceful.
• They visit a Pawnee burial ground, discovering its platforms have recently been disturbed:

  “They bury people up in the air on them platforms, don’t they?” —Chester [10:51] “Little Hawk must have come by here to pick up his dad and take him with him.” —Matt Dillon [11:20]

4. The Writers’ Role Exposed: The Stolen Totem

[15:09–15:58]

• At the Long Branch Saloon, Matt learns that Sprague and Bunker brought an Indian totem bone (a clan symbol) which is being displayed at the bar.
  • The writers admit they acquired it from a "private" at Fort Dodge, later revealed as a lie.
  • Matt becomes suspicious:

  “You men robbed a Pawnee grave. You stole a totem. A totem of Little Hawk's clan.” —Matt Dillon [21:47]

5. Confrontation at the Fort: Seeking Accountability

[16:19–17:45]

• Matt takes the totem to Major Honeyman at Fort Dodge, insinuating that the grave robbery may have triggered the violence.
• The “private” who supposedly supplied the totem is found never to have existed, exposing the writers’ falsehoods.

6. The Deadly Aftermath

[20:05–22:30]

• Sprague and Bunker excitedly relay that they witnessed the cavalry ambush and near annihilation of Little Hawk and his band:

  “Yesterday...we were driving along the Arkansas and heard all that gunfire...We got there just in time to see what few Indians were left running for their lives...They killed all but half a dozen of them. And they got that chief Little Hawk too.” —Bunker [20:52]

• Matt is furious at their callousness and directly blames them for the tragedy:

  “You men robbed a Pawnee grave. You stole a totem...Little Hawk did. He went on a war path.” —Matt Dillon [21:47]

• The writers dismiss this as “nonsense.” Matt floors them with indignation:

  “He was a good chief. He was a brave man and a peaceful one till you shamed him.” —Matt Dillon [22:09] “Now you get out, both of you. You get out. Today. Enough men have died because of you.” —Matt Dillon [22:30]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matt’s Reflection on Fame:

  “I guess it depends how you get that way, Mr. Sprigg.” —[05:22]

• Chester’s Discomfort in the Graveyard:

  “I declare, I...I don’t feel right here, Mr. Dillon.” —[11:12]

• Matt’s Fury at the Writers’ Sensationalism:

  “You want me to guide a couple of vultures like you?” —[14:23]

• Moral Condemnation:

  “You men robbed a Pawnee grave. You stole a totem...He was a good chief. He was a brave man and a peaceful one till you shamed him.” —Matt Dillon [21:47–22:09]

• Closing Rebuke:

  “You go back to New York, and when you get there, you write a story about a marshal who’d like nothing better than handing you over to Little Hawk.” —Matt Dillon [22:39]

Important Timestamps

• [04:12] — Introduction of New York writers, discussion of their motives
• [09:06] — Lt. Bane reports the Indian attack, expresses disbelief at Little Hawk's involvement
• [10:51] — Discovery of disturbed Pawnee burial ground
• [15:09] — Kitty and Matt discuss the Indian totem brought by the writers
• [16:19] — Matt Dillon confronts the Fort Dodge major about the missing totem and fake private
• [20:05–21:15] — Writers boast about witnessing the battle, Matt passes judgment
• [21:47–22:39] — Matt confronts the writers with their responsibility for the tragedy

Episode Tone and Style

The conversation maintains the classic, clipped, and gritty tone of Gunsmoke, with heavy themes of morality, unintended consequences, and a deep disdain for exploitation. The dialogue is natural and character-driven, balanced with moments of dry frontier humor—especially from Chester and Kitty.

Conclusion

“Sunday Supplement” offers a powerful meditation on the dangers of sensationalism and disrespect toward other cultures. The arrival of outsiders seeking exciting stories leads, through a small act of theft and thoughtlessness, to a chain of violence and loss. Matt Dillon’s strong moral core is clear: public notoriety is hollow if it is built on suffering. The episode serves as a critique of those who would exploit tragedy for personal gain, whether in the 19th century or today.