The Peace Officer | Gunsmoke (09-04-60)

Summary

Gunsmoke | OTRWesterns.com – Episode Summary: "The Peace Officer" (09-04-60)

Introduction

In the September 4, 1960 episode of Gunsmoke, titled "The Peace Officer," United States Marshal Matt Dillon (played by William Conrad) faces a daunting challenge in the tumultuous town of Tascosa, Kansas. Hosted by Andrew Rines and produced by Norman McDonald, this episode delves into themes of law, corruption, and redemption in the unforgiving landscape of the American West.

Arrival in Tascosa

The episode opens with Matt Dillon arriving in the rugged town of Tascosa, a place recently plagued by lawlessness and under the oppressive rule of Sheriff Clegg Rollins. As Dillon rides into town, the dilapidated state of Tascosa is vividly depicted: "the Oasis Saloon... the busiest building in the plaza and the one showing the least damage" (05:32).

Dillon's mission is clear: to assess the situation and hire a new peace officer capable of restoring order. His keen observations highlight the severity of the predicament, noting the broken store windows and the boarded-up establishments that once bustled with activity.

Encounter with Sheriff Rollins

Upon entering the Oasis Saloon, Dillon immediately senses the tension. He engages with both the bartender and the townspeople, revealing the contempt and fear the locals have for Sheriff Rollins. A pivotal exchange occurs when Dillon confronts Rollins' authority:

"You act like kind of a troublemaker, mister. I got a feeling he don't like the way this town is running."
– Matt Dillon (04:01)

This confrontation sets the stage for the central conflict, establishing Rollins as a despised figure whose misuse of power has only exacerbated Tascosa's woes.

Stella Hockney's Arrival

As tensions escalate, Stella Hockney (played by Georgia Ellis), a woman entangled in Rollins' schemes, seeks Dillon's assistance. Her desperate plea signifies the beginning of a personal subplot:

"I found out different. Just wanted me to work in his saloon. He already has a wife down by Willow Springs. Didn't exactly like that."
– Stella Hockney (13:20)

Stella's backstory reveals the depth of Rollins' corruption and his manipulative hold over the townspeople, adding emotional weight to Dillon's mission.

Confrontation with Rollins

The plot intensifies as Dillon and Stella confront Sheriff Rollins. A tense standoff ensues, leading to a dramatic gunfight in which Rollins meets his end. The confrontation is marked by strategic maneuvers and heartfelt dialogue, showcasing Dillon's tactical prowess and unwavering commitment to justice.

"I just thought may..."
– Matt Dillon (22:00)

Although the full context of this quote is truncated, it underscores Dillon's contemplation and resolve in dealing with Rollins.

Resolution and Hiring of New Peace Officer

Following Rollins' demise, Dillon moves swiftly to stabilize Tascosa. Recognizing the need for strong leadership, he reaches out to an esteemed figure, Bill Hickok, to assume the role of peace officer. This decision not only symbolizes the restoration of law but also introduces a new ally in Dillon's ongoing battle against lawlessness.

The episode concludes with Dillon's triumph in Tascosa, restoring order and paving the way for a promising future under Hickok's stewardship. The collaborative efforts between Dillon and the townspeople highlight the enduring themes of community and resilience.

Conclusion

"The Peace Officer" serves as a compelling narrative within the Gunsmoke series, blending intense drama with nuanced character development. Through Matt Dillon's unwavering dedication and moral fortitude, the episode delivers a powerful message about the importance of justice and the impact one individual can have in transforming a troubled community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon on the necessity of law in Tascosa:
  "The only vestige of the law that we've got in this town is a chili eating cherry rocker."
  03:04

• Stella Hockney expressing her plight:
  "Let me ride with you, please."
  13:28

• Matt Dillon reflecting on Rollins' actions:
  "You may be telling the truth, but you better ride a little bit ahead of me anyhow."
  14:42

• Dillon's strategic advice during the confrontation:
  "When I give the word, you yell as loud as you can scream. It'll throw them off. You ready?"
  16:13

• Final words of warning to Rollins:
  "If you're smart, you'll saddle up and you'll ride out of here. And you'll keep away from Taskosa, too."
  22:00

Closing Remarks

This episode of Gunsmoke not only entertains but also provides insightful commentary on the complexities of maintaining law and order in the Wild West. Through its rich storytelling and memorable characters, "The Peace Officer" remains a standout installment in the storied legacy of Gunsmoke.

Transcript

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[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. 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.

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[William Conrad]

Chester.

[Doc Adams]

If you put any more chili powder.

[William Conrad]

On those eggs, you'll go up and smoke.

[Doc Adams]

Well, I like eggs good and hot, Doc. Yeah, well, what you do to your stomach is your business, but Kitty and I have to sit here and watch.

[William Conrad]

Oh, my gracious.

[Doc Adams]

You don't have to watch when Matt has breakfast with you two. Does he have to listen to this kind of nonsense? When Matt's around, Chester isn't so cheeky. Lays one thing sure, Miss Kitty. Miss Dillon, don't interfere with a man's.

[William Conrad]

Natural pleasures like some people.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, for heaven's sake, sir. Pour me some more coffee, will you, Doc? Yeah, coffee. Oh, of course. Oh, by the way, did Matt say when he'd be back? Yeah, he told me the end of the week. After all, Doc, it's a two Day ride to Taskosa and he didn't leave.

[William Conrad]

Here till two days ago. Well, I only asked a simple question, Justice.

[Doc Adams]

Anyhow, how was I supposed to know? Nobody ever tells me anything. Nobody don't have to, the way you snoop around. What's Matt doing in Tascosa, Gideon? Talking to the men that tend for him, that's what. What man, Giddy? The Citizens Committee. Something to do with hiring a new sheriff for the town. I guess they figured Matt would know where to find one.

[William Conrad]

Hire a sheriff?

[Doc Adams]

What in the world for? To keep the town from running wild, that's what in the world for. The man they've got a sheriff now is no good and a decent citizen can't get rid of him.

[William Conrad]

Well, if he's no good, why'd they.

[Doc Adams]

Hire him in the first place? Oh, Taskosa was a pretty wild camp a few years back and they needed a rough man to clean it up. Trouble is that after this sheriff ran the old gang out, he stayed on and took over for himself. And now it's worse than before. It ain't the first time it happened, Doctor.

[William Conrad]

I just don't understand it.

[Doc Adams]

The whole frontier is an armed camp, shooting and killing everywhere you look. Nobody left but the quick and the dead. Doc, could you please reach me that Kelly pine?

[William Conrad]

Oh, for heaven's sakes. Yeah, yeah. Oh, Kitty, I'll tell you one thing.

[Doc Adams]

I don't know how bad the trouble is down in Tascosa, but Matt better get back here quick. Why, Doc, what's wrong?

[William Conrad]

What's wrong?

[Doc Adams]

You asked that when the only vestige of the law that we've got in this town is a chili eating cherry rocker. Like the fool I'm sitting next to. What's wrong again? Will you just let me tell you something? You two are worse than children. Settle back now, both of you, and have some more coffee.

[William Conrad]

Well, maybe just a dab, but that's all. I swear. It's a cart.

[Doc Adams]

What happens to some people when they.

[William Conrad]

Get out in flight society?

[Doc Adams]

Drink your coffee, both of you.

[William Conrad]

It was a two day ride from Dodge down to Taylor. Now riding through the dust of the plaza, I was glad enough it was over. The town used to be shaggy at best. And as I rode along in the heat of the late afternoon sun, I could see that Pascosa was still a pretty wild camp. Some of the store windows were broken, others were boarded over to protect what glass was left. The busiest building in the plaza and the one showing the least damage was the Oasis Saloon. I tied up out in front and went In. What'll it be? I'll have a beer. You new in town? Uh huh. You just traveling through or are you gonna stay? I don't know how long I'll be here. There'll be 25 cents, mister. 25 for a glass of beer. Pay it or go thirsty, mister. Maybe I'll try another saloon. You hear that, boys? He don't like the prices we charge. He gives you any trouble, we'll shoot him in the foot. Might just shoot him twice. Make sure. Are these friends of yours, bartender? We all work together here, mister. I see. Just who is it you work for? Clegg Rollins, Sheriff. Clegg Rollins. Sheriff. Hell, that's a pretty good title to hide behind, isn't it? You never been in Taskosa before, have you? No, not since Clegg Rollins took over. You act like kind of a troublemaker, mister. I got a feeling he don't like the way this town is running. Where are you from, stranger? Dodge City. What are you doing down here? I don't think that's any of your business. Let's drag him out of town, Ponce. Good idea. I'll just say. All right, you. You drag your friend out of here. Unless you figure on doing something. No, I ain't gonna try nothing. All right, get moving then. And take him with you. You're kind of rough, mister. I can be rougher. What'd you say your name was? Dylan? Matt Dillon. Oh, I'll tell you something else, bartender. After I put up my horse, I'm going over to the Tascosa House for a room and a bath. You might tell that to anybody that seems interested. Well, sure, Mr. Dillon. How much did you say the beer was? 25. I mean, 15 cents, Mr. Dillon. Keep the change. Yeah, come in. Your name Dylan? That's right. Well, you're that U.S. marshal from Dodge, huh? Well, I'm Clegg Rawlins, Marshal. A man the citizens committee wants to be rid of. I know. I talked to several of them earlier this evening. You've been busy since you got to town. Was here five minutes you knocked the gold teeth up in Gilpants's mouth. Maybe he won't be so free with his talk for a while. I like a man like you, Dylan. Man that acts ain't all just talk. Don't you come to the point. All right. I came up here to your room to tell you how Wrong they are. Mr. Parks and Mr. Sykes and Mr. Styles and all those men on that citizens committee. I know they paint a black picture. I want you to know I'M a reasonable man. Is that so? Oh, sure is that. People can do business with me real easy. Even you, for instance. Well, what's on your mind, Mr. Rollins? No. A while back, they brought me here to Taskosa to kind of clean it up some. Now, I did that for them. Now all of a sudden, they want me out. I call that downright ungrateful, Marsh. Now, go on. I suppose they. They give you the money to me. Money to hire a new sheriff here? That's right, Marshall. It kind of forces me into talking business. What I had in mind was I'm a rich man and a marshal don't make all the money in the world, now, does he? I wondered how long it'd take to get around to it. Just. Just wait a minute, Marsh. Wait a minute. You might be missing a good thing. The only thing I'm interested in is hiring a peace officer to come down here. You're through. And Tess Kosa. Rollins. Now, you might as well make up your mind. Oh, a man don't always give up that easy. You better, Rollins. You've got as much time left as it takes for the man I hire to get back here from Dodge. As short as that? As short as that. You know, Marshall, there's a lot of prairie between here and Dodge. I sure hate to see anything happen to you on your way back. Get out, Raoul. Sure, but like I say, it's a long ride. There's just a few people around Tesco, so might be real pleased to hear that you was dead. And it always seems kind of too bad when a man dies for something that ain't even his concern. The next morning, I was in the saddle before dawn, and by the time the sun was up, I'd covered a good 15 miles. A slight breeze blew apart the dust puffs. My horse raised and I know it'd be hard for anybody to follow me. And for the same reason, I knew that someone could track me without being seen. About noon, I stopped in the shade of a grove of cottonwood to rest the horse. I was easing the cinch a little when I saw a rider coming up fast. I pulled my rifle from the saddle boot and I waited. And then I put the rifle back.

[Doc Adams]

I've got to talk to you. Please.

[William Conrad]

All right, right on in. Here, let me help you down.

[Doc Adams]

Thanks.

[William Conrad]

It's a long way on the prairie for a long woman, isn't it?

[Doc Adams]

Can I. Can I have some water?

[William Conrad]

Yeah, sure. There you are.

[Doc Adams]

Thanks a lot.

[William Conrad]

You haven't said what you're doing out here.

[Doc Adams]

I Followed you from Tascosa.

[William Conrad]

Followed me?

[Doc Adams]

If you'd seen me sooner, you'd have sent me back. And I can't go back, I guess.

[William Conrad]

Who are you, Miss Stella?

[Doc Adams]

Stella Hockney. I'm one of the girls at the Overland Saloon.

[William Conrad]

I might have shot you riding up on me that way.

[Doc Adams]

It was the only thing I could do, follow you this way. Besides, I didn't think you'd ride out so early.

[William Conrad]

That's just why I did.

[Doc Adams]

I. I know all about you, Marshall. And I know why they sent for you to come to Tasco, sir.

[William Conrad]

That so?

[Doc Adams]

I'm Craig Rawlins girl.

[William Conrad]

Rawlins girl?

[Doc Adams]

That's right.

[William Conrad]

Look, Stella, you better turn around and head back right now.

[Doc Adams]

I can't go back. It's too late. Craig'd kill me if he found out I'd tried to run away.

[William Conrad]

How do I know you're not still his girl? Setting a trap of some kind?

[Doc Adams]

Look here. Look. My shoulder. He put these marks there. Now, do you think I'd stay with a man like that? All I'm asking is to ride on to Dodge with you, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

How?

[Doc Adams]

Look, I've got a rifle, and two rifles are better than one. Ted'll come after you, you can be sure of that.

[William Conrad]

Seems to me you're awful anxious to help kill the man you belong to.

[Doc Adams]

I belong to him right enough. He brought me down here from Hays City. Gonna marry me, he said. I found out different. Just wanted me to work in his saloon. He already has a wife down by Willow Springs. Didn't exactly like that. I told him so. That's when he beat me. Let me ride with you, please.

[William Conrad]

I don't know.

[Doc Adams]

I. I'm not going back, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

All right. I guess it doesn't matter now that you come this far.

[Doc Adams]

Thanks.

[William Conrad]

You may be telling the truth, but you better ride a little bit ahead of me anyhow.

[Doc Adams]

What for?

[William Conrad]

Just be easier to keep an eye on you, like you said. You got a rifle? Okay, let's get started. You're pretty tired, S I make it? There's a nester's cabin not far from here. If we can find it before dark, maybe he'll put us up for the night.

[Doc Adams]

It sure feel good to walk around a little.

[William Conrad]

Are you saddle worry?

[Doc Adams]

Well, dance hall girls don't do much riding.

[William Conrad]

M. Get up. Get up. The horse camp. Just lie still now, and I'll make a move.

[Doc Adams]

Where are they? Where they. Where are you from?

[William Conrad]

Off the left somewhere.

[Doc Adams]

It's Clegg. I know it's Clegg.

[William Conrad]

That's More than one man. They're probably in that box elder over there.

[Doc Adams]

Heavy coward.

[William Conrad]

I can't get him from here with a six gun. I can't get to the horses for a rifle.

[Doc Adams]

I knew. I knew, Clay. Good fellow.

[William Conrad]

Look, if we play dead, maybe we can draw him out.

[Doc Adams]

Marshall, I. I'm sorry.

[William Conrad]

You just lie still and they'll talk. Yeah. Yeah. Here they come. Two of them. You just hold still. Now.

[Doc Adams]

I've seen those men before. They work for Clegg.

[William Conrad]

When I give the word, you yell as loud as you can scream. It'll throw them off. You ready? All right. Now.

[Doc Adams]

Are they dead?

[William Conrad]

I don't know, but the fight's sure out of him. If Craig's with him, he's still in that grove. Come on, let's get out of here fast.

[Doc Adams]

I I, I can't get up.

[William Conrad]

What?

[Doc Adams]

I'm here. My leg.

[William Conrad]

Here, let me see. Oh, yeah. Well, can you make it to your horse?

[Doc Adams]

I'm afraid I can't ride.

[William Conrad]

I'll have to put you up on my horse. We'll ride double.

[Doc Adams]

Marshall, are you blaming me for this?

[William Conrad]

No, Stella. But we better get out of here before whoever's in those trees gets a little braver. Come on now, let's get you into that cabin. Hey, I miss you.

[Doc Adams]

Just lie back now.

[William Conrad]

The morning will be fit as a fiddle.

[Doc Adams]

Thanks, mister. But that coal oil you poured on my leg like to set me on fire?

[William Conrad]

That's the best way to clean a wound there is, fellas. Less than it's whiskey, of course. Yeah, but that'd be pure waste, wouldn't it?

[Doc Adams]

Thanks. You too, can afford to make light of it. It's me who's got to bullet now.

[William Conrad]

Like they say, Stella, a bullet hole in your leg is not serious. It's too far from your heart. Well, I'm going out to feed my patron. Having company like this has throwed me clean off schedule. I'll be back directly. Right.

[Doc Adams]

Haven't having me along has caused you a lot of trouble, slowed you down. Craig's probably going to ride in to Dodge ahead of you. He'll be waiting there.

[William Conrad]

Maybe.

[Doc Adams]

And he won't go back to Tascosa without trying to kill you for sure.

[William Conrad]

Maybe he won't try again, Stella. After all, there are other towns for him to take over.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, it's more than that, Marshall. A lot more. Now that he knows I'm with you. He's a jealous man. He's crazy jealous. Now he'll think there's something between us, between you and Me, I mean.

[William Conrad]

Well, let's not worry about that now. You just got some rest.

[Doc Adams]

It's foolish to think you might have any feelings about me, isn't it? Not knowing me any longer than you have?

[William Conrad]

Stella.

[Doc Adams]

I don't suppose any man could take to a woman he'd known for only one day, could he?

[William Conrad]

Look, Stella, you. Why don't you get some sleep? We still got a long ride to Dodge.

[Doc Adams]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

Good night, Stella.

[Doc Adams]

Good night.

[William Conrad]

The next morning, Stella's leg wasn't anywhere near well enough for it to ride. So I borrowed a spring wagon from the next and we started out for Dodge. It was a rough trip and a slow one. Fella sat there not saying much, just staring ahead. Once or twice I saw a dust cloud on the horizon and I knew if it was Quake Rollins, he'd be in Dodge long before I would. It was nearly dusk by the time we drove down the plaza and stopped outside Doc's office. And it was a half hour later before Doc had clean bandages on Stella's leg. Then I waited with her while he went out on another call.

[Doc Adams]

Marshall?

[William Conrad]

Yes?

[Doc Adams]

I had a lot of time to think today while we were driving in.

[William Conrad]

That was a rough trip on you.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, not so bad. But what I wanted to tell you was I'm not gonna stay in Dodge.

[William Conrad]

Oh. Where are you going?

[Doc Adams]

Oh, I don't know. Abilene, may deer, even St. Louis.

[William Conrad]

You don't have to worry about that right now.

[Doc Adams]

Yes, I. I do. I'm. As soon as I'm well enough, I'm taking the stage out of here.

[William Conrad]

There's no reason for you to leave, Stella.

[Doc Adams]

Yes. Yes, there is, Clay.

[William Conrad]

Rollins.

[Doc Adams]

No.

[William Conrad]

What is it then?

[Doc Adams]

It's. It's not important. It's just easier if I go. Easier for me, I mean.

[William Conrad]

Oh.

[Doc Adams]

You'D better go now. Doc will be back directly and there's no reason for you to wait. Not any longer.

[William Conrad]

Well, goodbye, Stella.

[Doc Adams]

Goodbye, May.

[William Conrad]

Marshall. Hello, Rollins. I've been waiting for you, Marshall. Last time you sent a couple of your men to do the talking. I don't know what you say you're two riders who tried to dry gulch me. I hope you buried them, Rollins, because I didn't have time. You don't know that. They was my man, Marshall. And you can't prove nothing about me being there neither. Not hiding in that grove like you were. No. I come here to tell you you and I can still work things out, Marshall. You didn't get me killed. So you still want to Buy me off, huh? Any man can use money the government pays me. Not as much as I could. Listen, Rollins, so far I got nothing personal on you. Nothing I can prove anyway. Now, if you're smart, you'll saddle up and you'll ride out of here. And you'll keep away from Taskosa, too. We'll see then. In the meantime, how is Stella? I'm telling you, Rollins, you get out while you can. Oh, sure. Oh, sure. Oh. Oh, you're almighty fast, Marshall. You shouldn't have tried it. Yeah, I know that now. I just thought may.

[Doc Adams]

Ms. Dylan.

[William Conrad]

Ms. Dylan. I seen it.

[Doc Adams]

I, I, I seen the whole thing.

[William Conrad]

What happened?

[Doc Adams]

Who, who was he?

[William Conrad]

Man named Rollins. Oh, what he do? He didn't want me to send a new peace officer to Taskosa. Well, my land, that ain't much of a reason to die, is it? He figured it was. Look, you go tell Doc about this, huh? I got some business at Delmonico's.

[Doc Adams]

You gonna eat now?

[William Conrad]

No, there's a man over there I want to talk to.

[Doc Adams]

Who?

[William Conrad]

An ex buffalo hunter I'm gonna ask to take the job of peace officer in Taskosa.

[Doc Adams]

Who is it? Slim Trant?

[William Conrad]

No, that's somebody who just got into town a while back. He's quite a ladies man. Kind of hot headed that he could get the job done. He's got an offer to go up to Abilene, but I think he might take this job first.

[Doc Adams]

Well, who in the world is it, Mr. Dunn?

[William Conrad]

You don't know him, Chester. It's a fellow by the name of Hickok. Bill Hickok. You want to come meet him after you get Doc. No, no, I don't care about no Bill Hickok. I was hoping Slim Tran would get the job.

[Doc Adams]

Well, see you later, Ms. Helen.

[William Conrad]

Yeah, sure. Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for gun folk by Norman McDonald with editorial supervision by John Messon. Featured in the cast were Virginia Christine, Lawrence Tompkins, Barney Phillips, James Musser and Vic Perrin. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is box. And Georgia Ellis is kidding foreign Walsh. Inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun.

[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 Ron W. 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.

[Doc Adams]

Sam.