Two Mothers | Gunsmoke (09-18-60)

Summary

Gunsmoke | Episode: "Two Mothers" (09-18-60)
Released on July 20, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes

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Introduction

In the poignant Gunsmoke episode titled "Two Mothers," listeners are immersed in a deeply emotional narrative that explores themes of grief, justice, and forgiveness. Set against the rugged backdrop of Dodge City, Kansas, this episode delves into the tumultuous aftermath of a tragedy that shakes the community, highlighting the complex relationship between law enforcement and personal loss.

Plot Overview

The episode centers on Marshal Matt Dillon grappling with the consequences of upholding the law after the execution of Jake Meisner, the son of Hattie Meisner. Hattie, devastated by her son's demise, confronts Matt with a profound sense of loss and vengeance, threatening his life as a form of retribution. The storyline intricately weaves through their interactions, revealing the emotional turmoil both characters endure.

Key Characters and Interactions

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal who embodies law and order in Dodge City. Matt's dedication to his duty often places him in morally complex situations, testing his empathy and resilience.

• Hattie Meisner (Virginia Christie): A grieving mother whose son's execution propels her into a state of despair and anger. Hattie's journey is central to the episode's emotional depth.

• Kitty Russell (Georgia Ellis): A supportive friend of Matt and a compassionate figure seeking to mediate the escalating tension between Matt and Hattie.

• Doc Adams (Howard McNear): The town's physician, who attempts to offer counsel and understanding amidst the brewing conflict.

Detailed Summary with Notable Quotes

Confrontation with Hattie Meisner

The episode opens with Matt Dillon addressing the aftermath of Jake Meisner's execution. Hattie Meisner approaches Matt, her anguish evident as she confronts him about her son's fate.

Hattie Meisner (04:00): "You can't bring back my son."
Matt Dillon (04:04): "No, ma'am. I can't bring back your son."

Hattie's pain and frustration are palpable, revealing the personal cost of Matt's adherence to the law.

Escalating Tensions

As the narrative progresses, Hattie's grief transforms into a threat against Matt's life, highlighting the volatile intersection of justice and personal vendetta.

Hattie Meisner (09:00): "And if you let him hang next Thursday, I'll kill you. That's all."

Matt, torn between his duty and his empathetic nature, grapples with how to handle Hattie's volatile emotions without escalating the situation further.

Intervention by Kitty and Doc

Recognizing the danger, Kitty Russell and Doc Adams step in to mediate. Kitty expresses her concern to Matt, emphasizing Hattie's inherent kindness and the drastic shift caused by her loss.

Kitty Russell (11:22): "It just doesn't make sense, Matthew. But Hattie Meisner, of all people, well, she's one of the steadiest, kindest women who ever lived around here."

Doc Adams attempts to reason with Hattie, advocating for understanding and support to help her overcome her grief.

Doc Adams (14:37): "That sounds like hysteria. But Addie isn't a hysterical type of woman. I've trudged through all kinds of sickness and trouble."

Climactic Resolution

In a heartfelt turn, Kitty takes it upon herself to speak with Hattie, aiming to reach the woman beneath the anguish.

Kitty Russell (17:37): "Mrs. Henshaw? I'm Kitty Russell."

During their conversation, Kitty appeals to Hattie's better nature, urging her to let go of hate and embrace love to keep her son's memory alive.

Kitty Russell (19:13): "Without it, he fades away. My Jake fades away too. That's what I can't rightly bear."

Moved by Kitty's sincerity and wisdom, Hattie confronts her own feelings, ultimately deciding to forsake her vengeful path.

Hattie Meisner (26:14): "Let him in. I ain't been one to hate. I just didn't know nothing else else to do."

Final Moments and Reflection

The episode concludes with Matt and Hattie finding a semblance of peace, as both characters acknowledge their shared pain and the possibility of healing.

Matt Dillon (27:00): "I'm sorry. That's all right, Miss Miser."
Hattie Meisner (27:05): "I'll take him home with me. Marshall Dillon."

Themes and Insights

"Two Mothers" masterfully explores the devastating impact of loss and the human capacity for both vengeance and forgiveness. Matt Dillon embodies the struggle between upholding the law and empathizing with individual suffering, while Hattie's character arc illustrates the destructive potential of unchecked grief. Kitty Russell serves as the catalyst for reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of community support and understanding in overcoming personal tragedies.

Conclusion

This episode of Gunsmoke stands out as a profound commentary on the complexities of justice and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Through its compelling characters and emotionally charged dialogues, "Two Mothers" invites listeners to reflect on the delicate balance between duty and compassion, ultimately affirming the possibility of redemption and healing even in the harshest of circumstances.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Hattie Meisner (04:00): "You can't bring back my son."
• Hattie Meisner (09:00): "And if you let him hang next Thursday, I'll kill you. That's all."
• Kitty Russell (11:22): "It just doesn't make sense, Matthew."
• Doc Adams (14:37): "That sounds like hysteria. But Addie isn't a hysterical type of woman."
• Kitty Russell (17:37): "Mrs. Henshaw? I'm Kitty Russell."
• Kitty Russell (19:13): "Without it, he fades away. My Jake fades away too."
• Hattie Meisner (26:14): "Let him in. I ain't been one to hate."
• Matt Dillon (27:00): "I'm sorry. That's all right, Miss Miser."
• Hattie Meisner (27:05): "I'll take him home with me. Marshall Dillon."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the emotional depth and narrative complexity of the "Two Mothers" episode, providing both plot progression and thematic exploration for listeners and fans of the classic Gunsmoke series.

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.

[Narrator]

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 lonely.

[Narrator]

Crime, delinquency, threats of war. These are the subjects that dominate our news headlines these days. Not very pleasant subjects, are they? You may say that somebody ought to do something about cutting down on crime and delinquency and in promoting peace among nations, but that there's nothing you personally can do about it. That's where you're wrong. You can wage your own fight against crime and delinquency in your own family by taking the family to the church or synagogue of your faith this week. The spiritual contact will strengthen moral background and faith. Regular attendance at religious services will help your family to work out its own problems and give them comfort in facing the tensions of our present day life. Worshipping together brings your family closer together, too. And supporting your own religious institution provides funds to help those individuals and families who, unlike you, are unable to help themselves. Find the strength for your life. Worship together this week.

[Matt Dillon]

Lower it easy, boys. Earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Ensure uncertain hope of the resurrection unto eternal life. Amen.

[Doc]

I'll see if I can't help with the spade, Mr. Delmen.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester. I'm going to speak to Ms. Henshaw. Ms. Henshaw.

[Hattie Meisner]

Marshall. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

I just wanted to say, ma', am, if there's anything I can do, I.

[Hattie Meisner]

You've done your duty, Marshall. You're at to the killer.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, ma', am, I did. I was thinking more if you. You might be needing something.

[Hattie Meisner]

I shall be all right.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sure you will, Ms. Henshaw. But if I can help you out anytime.

[Hattie Meisner]

You can't bring back my son.

[Matt Dillon]

No, ma', am. I can't bring back your son.

[Hattie Meisner]

And you can't bring me any help. Don't worry about me, Marshall Dillon. I come from strong people.

[Matt Dillon]

You do him credit, ma'. Am.

[Hattie Meisner]

We can bear things in our way. Lorenda. Lorenda, I want to talk to you. I bid you good day, Marshal. Lorenda, please wait a minute. Lorenda.

[Matt Dillon]

Ms. Meisner, I think I'd let her go.

[Hattie Meisner]

I just. I just wanted to tell her I'm sorry. It was my son Jake that done it. There'll be a better time after you've hung my boy. You mean. Then.

[Matt Dillon]

You better let me see you home, Ms. Mercer.

[Hattie Meisner]

You think I ain't good enough to talk to Lorenda Henshaw because you took in my boy?

[Matt Dillon]

Shall we go?

[Hattie Meisner]

I ain't going no place with the likes of you. Lorenda Henshaw ain't got no use for talking to me. And I ain't got no use for talking to you. You ain't forcing me neither.

[Matt Dillon]

No, ma'. Am. And I'm not about to try.

[Doc]

Doc, you know folks and just sit on a chair straight. They wouldn't be forever twisting a leg off like this. As soon as I get it fit, Doc will come in and lean back and rock and. Oh, hello, Mr. Dunn.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Chester.

[Doc]

I didn't figure you'd be back so soon.

[Matt Dillon]

That doesn't take very long to turn a prisoner over to a sheriff.

[Doc]

Well, no, sir. I guess not.

[Matt Dillon]

Anything been going on here since I left?

[Doc]

Well, no, sir. Nothing I couldn't handle. It was a little rukus last night.

[Matt Dillon]

How was that?

[Doc]

Old man Merton got thinking it was.

[Matt Dillon]

The fourth of July.

[Doc]

He started out to give a few speeches.

[Matt Dillon]

A man can still speak his mind, Chester.

[Doc]

Yes, it wasn't the speeches, Mr. Doan. They were stirring and patriotic enough. But he got to snorting at this whiskey bottle between talks. Next thing you know he seen the British coming right down Front Street.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, how about it, Chester? Was it the British?

[Doc]

No, sir. It was the Calhoun brothers and me.

[Hattie Meisner]

Marster. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, come in, Ms. Meisner.

[Hattie Meisner]

I want to see alone.

[Doc]

Well, now, I. I was just. Well, I mean, I expect I could go and see if there's any mail again.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you do that, trustee? What?

[Doc]

I ain't wanted no more.

[Matt Dillon]

Fine. Jesse. What? You sit down, Miss Miser.

[Hattie Meisner]

I can say what I come to say on my feet.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, ma'. Am.

[Hattie Meisner]

You took my boy away yesterday.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, ma', am, I did.

[Hattie Meisner]

You took him away to be hanged.

[Matt Dillon]

The law isn't easy, Ms. Meisner.

[Hattie Meisner]

Mr. Meisner and I lived here a long time before he died. We were law abiding people.

[Matt Dillon]

I know that.

[Hattie Meisner]

My Jake has always been a good boy. You know that yourself. Marshall Dillon, a good God fearing boy. He Worked hard on that place. We got grubbing and digging to try to make things grow after his PA died. You've been out there a time or two. You seen the boy working?

[Matt Dillon]

I seen him. Jack was my friend. Yes, ma'. Am.

[Hattie Meisner]

And then he come to town, and in one crazy night, it's all different. They want to hang him.

[Matt Dillon]

Ms. Meisner, your son killed a man.

[Hattie Meisner]

It weren't Jake that done it, Marshall. It was the drink. The evil, tempting drink. And they was brawling. Everybody says they was brawling.

[Matt Dillon]

They were brawling. But Jake used his gun, ma', am, and he shot an unarmed man. Now, you know that, Ms. Meisner, and you know the law, too.

[Hattie Meisner]

The law ain't merciful, Marshall, and you wasn't merciful, neither.

[Matt Dillon]

I did what I had to do. It wasn't easy, but I had to face it. You'd be better off if you'd face it, too, ma'.

[Andrew Rines]

Am.

[Hattie Meisner]

I'm here to face it.

[Matt Dillon]

I think you'd feel better if you went home. Maybe Doc can give you something to help.

[Hattie Meisner]

There's only one thing that'll help.

[Matt Dillon]

What's that?

[Hattie Meisner]

The life of my boy.

[Matt Dillon]

I can't give you that, Miss Miser.

[Hattie Meisner]

Then I'll take yours.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't mean that.

[Hattie Meisner]

Yes, I do, Marshall. Dylan, I ain't given to saying things I don't mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you better do some more thinking, ma'. Am. Killing me or trying to is not going to solve anything for you.

[Hattie Meisner]

I've done my thinking. I know it won't help Jake, won't even help me, but I got to do something. And if you let him hang next Thursday, I'll kill you. That's all.

[Matt Dillon]

I know you need help, Ms. Meisner, but this isn't.

[Hattie Meisner]

I ain't looking for help. I'm looking for an end to this. Now, you'll be thinking about it, Marshall. You'll be thinking good.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm thinking more about you, ma'. Am.

[Hattie Meisner]

Don't worry none about that. I ain't been partial to firearms, but I've had to kill in my day. I can shoot, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, ma', am, I'm sure you can shoot.

[Hattie Meisner]

And you be remembering if I lose my boy next Thursday, I'll be back to end it.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll be here, Miss Miser, because I want to end it, too.

[Narrator]

While the conventions have come and gone. Is it all over with the voting? Hardly. In the next month, till November. We're in for some hard campaigning. Details, of course, from CBS News. And your candidate, whoever he may be, is in for Tough sledding before he gets into office, if at all. Your responsibility to your candidate is, of course, to give him your vote. Your voice will help, too. And there's something else that helps put across a campaign. It's money. The best candidate in the world can't get into office without incurring expenses. If you believe in your man enough to vote for him, believe in him enough to get out and work for him, then put some money on the line, too. There's the real test of your interest. We haven't covered the subject of whom to vote for, whom to support, whom to help with a contribution. That's strictly your own business. But if the people who like the other man dig in for him and you don't do likewise for your man, well, that could be the difference right there. So think it over and make sure you vote.

[Kitty Russell]

It just doesn't make sense, Matthew.

[Matt Dillon]

It's not supposed to.

[Kitty Russell]

But Hattie Meisner, of all people, well, she's one of the steadiest, kindest women who ever lived around here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know it, Kitty, but this thing has thrown her completely off balance.

[Kitty Russell]

It must have. Hattie's always been the first one to come when anybody needed help. First one to take in the visiting pastors, the first one to. Well, I just can't believe it.

[Matt Dillon]

I wish you didn't have to.

[Kitty Russell]

What are you gonna do, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

There's not much you can do.

[Kitty Russell]

I don't suppose there's any hope for the boy.

[Matt Dillon]

No. It's an opening shut case, Kitty. His mother doesn't know it, and I'm not gonna tell her, but he lost his wild temper in brawls a couple of times before. There wasn't anything else a judge could do.

[Kitty Russell]

Seems awful hard.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it was hard on the hench, old boy, too.

[Kitty Russell]

Of course it was. Do you really expect Hattie to come after you with a gun?

[Matt Dillon]

And I expect she's a woman of.

[Kitty Russell]

Her word and you'll have to handle it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. You got any suggestions? Well, I could shoot her down like an outlaw when I see her coming.

[Kitty Russell]

Now, ma'.

[Hattie Meisner]

Am.

[Matt Dillon]

Or I could let her shoot me.

[Kitty Russell]

You got to think of something.

[Matt Dillon]

Or I could leave town.

[Kitty Russell]

Oh, you got to get sick. Serious, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I am serious, Kitty. I don't know what to do. She's a good woman, but right now she's dangerous and I gotta protect her. I just as soon protect myself at the same time.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Kitty Russell]

Have you talked to Doc about this?

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Kitty Russell]

It might help. He knows Hattie real well. He. He might be able to Talk to her.

[Matt Dillon]

Great. She's not in a talking mood.

[Kitty Russell]

It can't hurt.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess not. Can't hurt to try.

[Kitty Russell]

Come on, get up.

[Matt Dillon]

Get out there.

[Doc]

Get away.

[Kitty Russell]

Get away, dog.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Kitty Russell]

Hey, man.

[Matt Dillon]

And Doc, hold up.

[Doc]

What's the matter, Matt? You arresting me for something?

[Matt Dillon]

I probably should, at the rate you were driving that buggy through Ton. You're a menace to life and property.

[Kitty Russell]

We're getting old, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe. You heading for the stable? Who stopped me?

[Doc]

I was.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll ride along with you. I want to talk to you.

[Kitty Russell]

Climb in. Come in.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Hattie Meisner]

Get out.

[Matt Dillon]

Out.

[Kitty Russell]

What's on the mind, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Daddy Meisner.

[Doc]

That's a sad thing, all right. But I wouldn't worry too much, Matt. She'll come through it all right.

[Matt Dillon]

She's a strong woman. I'm afraid she's too strong.

[Doc]

What do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

She says if Jake hangs, he's gonna kill me. Oh, come now, man. That's the truth, Doc. She knows he's guilty, she knows she's wrong, but she has to get it out of her system.

[Doc]

That sounds like hysteria. But Addie isn't a hysterical type of woman. I've trudged through all kinds of sickness and trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. I thought maybe you'd go out and talk to her.

[Doc]

She's got you buffaloed, has she?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, she's got me buffaloed. Doc, do you want me to shoot her and knock her down and get the gun? Or lock her up, which.

[Doc]

I'm sorry, man, I. I shouldn't have taken it lightly. Yeah, well, I'll talk to her. I'm not sure it'll do any good, but I'll talk to him.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks, doctor. You want me to come along? No, no, man.

[Doc]

I think I better try this alone.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, hello there, Chester.

[Narrator]

Kind of early for you, isn't it?

[Doc]

Just perhaps. Miss Kitty. I gotta see Miss Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

She was here a minute ago. There she is, Chester, looking at that pair of chairs that broke up last night.

[Doc]

Thank you kindly, Miss Kitty. Miss Kitty.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, hello, Chester. What brings you?

[Doc]

Miss Kitty, you've got to do something.

[Kitty Russell]

All right, Chester. What'd you have in mind?

[Doc]

It's about that woman and Mr. Dillon.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, no, I don't know about doing anything about matting a woman. Jester. Miss Kitty.

[Doc]

I ain't funny. It's that Ms. Meisner I'm talking about.

[Kitty Russell]

Oh, yeah, Chester, Go ahead, tell me about it.

[Doc]

Well, Doc went to see her to see if he couldn't talk some sense into her and all. And he just didn't get no worse.

[Kitty Russell]

She's still determined, is she?

[Doc]

Yes, Miss Kitty, she is. She says she's gonna walk right up and shoot Mr. Dillon after her, boys. Hu. It's more than a shame Mr. Dylan just gonna sit there and let her walk in and do it too. He ain't so much as cleaned his gun about it.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, it isn't that simple, Chester. She's a good woman.

[Doc]

Well, my goodness. I know it ain't simple. But there must be something somebody can do. We can't all sit around and let her kill him just cause she's a good woman.

[Kitty Russell]

No, I can't.

[Doc]

You got to think of something, Ms. Kate.

[Kitty Russell]

Now, Jessa, you know I want a.

[Doc]

Hell just ain't enough no more. If somebody don't do something, we're gonna be in an awful fit.

[Kitty Russell]

Now, Chester, calm down.

[Doc]

I ain't gonna calm down, Miss Kitty, till somebody does something about this.

[Kitty Russell]

All right, Chester, all right. I'll think of something. Though I swear I don't know what it'll be. Mrs. Henshaw. Mrs. Henshaw.

[Hattie Meisner]

You wish to see me?

[Kitty Russell]

Yes, Mrs. Henshaw, I did.

[Hattie Meisner]

Do I know you?

[Kitty Russell]

I'm Kitty Russell.

[Hattie Meisner]

Oh, yes.

[Kitty Russell]

I'd like to come in for a minute.

[Hattie Meisner]

Very well then, come in. In here. Down, Miss Rosa, on the sofa.

[Kitty Russell]

Thank you.

[Hattie Meisner]

Now, what did you wish to see me about.

[Kitty Russell]

Mrs. Henshaw? I'm a great one for minding my own business.

[Hattie Meisner]

Commendable attitude.

[Matt Dillon]

But.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, something terrible may be going to happen, Mrs. Henshaw. I think there's a chance you can stop it.

[Hattie Meisner]

Me? In what way?

[Kitty Russell]

It's about Mrs. Meisner.

[Hattie Meisner]

Ms. Russell. That name is not heard kindly in this house.

[Kitty Russell]

I can understand that, Mrs. Henshaw.

[Hattie Meisner]

I'm really not interested in anything you might have to say on the subject.

[Kitty Russell]

I know the loss of your boy was a bitter thing, Mrs. Henshaw, but there's no need to add more trouble to it.

[Hattie Meisner]

It was none of my doing, Ms. Russell.

[Kitty Russell]

Of course it wasn't. But now you can help. Mrs. Meisner says she's going to shoot Matt Dillon.

[Hattie Meisner]

I assume the marshal can take care of himself.

[Kitty Russell]

Well, of course Matt can take care of himself, but he doesn't want to have to hurt Mrs. Meisner. And if. If you would just talk to her, maybe you could make this.

[Hattie Meisner]

I have nothing to say to Hattie Meisner, now or ever.

[Kitty Russell]

Mrs. Henchard, what's done done? She's gonna lose her boy too. There's no need for more suffering, Ms. Russell.

[Hattie Meisner]

I can understand your concern for the marshal. I understand he's a particular friend of yours.

[Kitty Russell]

Matt is a good friend, but it.

[Hattie Meisner]

Is no concern of mine. He has a job to do. I see no reason to interfere with it.

[Kitty Russell]

Mrs. Hems, I'll show you to the door. I can find it.

[Hattie Meisner]

I will show you to the door.

[Kitty Russell]

Yes, of course. Do it properly, Mrs. Henshaw. Do it all properly. But don't show a little kindness to another woman in Trouble.

[Hattie Meisner]

Good day, Ms. Russell.

[Kitty Russell]

I'm not so sure, Mrs. Henshaw.

[Narrator]

Hi. This is Dennis James. Say, remember way back when this melody was popular?

[Matt Dillon]

There's something very special about a longtime favorite, isn't there?

[Narrator]

Well, folks feel the same way about one of Kellogg's favorites. Kellogg's all brand. Going on 41 years now, it's been America's most popular good food. Way to fight irregularity from lack of bulk. Because it's whole bran. Kellogg's All Brand Gentles away irregularity safely and reliably. And because it's deep toasted for extra crispness, it never gets mushy in milk. There's only one All Brand. Kellogg's All Brand. That's a double L hyphen. B, R, A, N. Kellogg's.

[Matt Dillon]

All I.

[Doc]

Can say is we're all wasting our money tonight. Wait, Doc. Well, I should have said everybody but you, Chester. You're the only one who's eaten with any enjoyment.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester can always hate Doc.

[Doc]

Well, that's what a body's supposed to do. You should know that, Doc.

[Kitty Russell]

He knows it, Chester. He just can't put the idea across, even to himself.

[Doc]

Well, I'm frank to admit I'll have more appetite tomorrow night. Everything comes out all right? Yeah, Mr. John. You're positive nothing can interfere with the fault of the hanging?

[Matt Dillon]

Nothing. Nothing but a miracle.

[Doc]

And you expect that Ms. Martinier to come walking in toting the gun?

[Matt Dillon]

That's what she says.

[Kitty Russell]

I never heard of two women that was so stubborn about being talked to.

[Doc]

They're both a little crazed by the grief of losing their sons and their.

[Matt Dillon]

They're reacting in different ways.

[Kitty Russell]

I should see that. But you'd think somebody could get through to at least one of them.

[Doc]

It's a difficult case.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Well, tell you what. Why don't we leave it alone till tomorrow, huh?

[Doc]

Till tomorrow. But, Mr. Dung, tomorrow will be too late. Yes, Matt, if you're gonna think of anything, you better think of it tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what do you want me to do, Doc? Leave town?

[Kitty Russell]

That might not be a bad idea.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, for heaven's sake, Kitty. I'd have to come back someday, wouldn't you?

[Kitty Russell]

Well, by that time Hattie might have cooled off. Isn't that right, Doc?

[Doc]

No, I don't think so. This thing is likely to stay with her until it gets out of her system. Some way. It'll take some kind of a trigger to let loose of her emotions.

[Kitty Russell]

I hope it isn't a real trigger.

[Doc]

Well, it's just a terrible, terrible thing. That's what it is.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, all right, let's. Let's talk about something else.

[Doc]

Yeah, but maybe if we keep on studying and figuring.

[Kitty Russell]

Yeah, yeah, let everybody think.

[Matt Dillon]

I said let's talk about something else.

[Kitty Russell]

But, Matt, maybe. Maybe if we get an idea.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't want to hear any more about it. Now, do you get that Idea?

[Doc]

Yes, sir, Mr. John. I declare.

[Matt Dillon]

It's her.

[Doc]

Ms. Doom. Ms. Meisner is driving up in her buggy.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? All right, Chester, you go on out back like I told you.

[Doc]

Now, are you sure, Mr. Dylan, that you don't want me to stay?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sure. Go on, now. I don't want her walking in here feeling she's surrounded. Now, go on, get out.

[Doc]

Oh, all right.

[Hattie Meisner]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Come in, Miss Miser.

[Hattie Meisner]

I come like I said.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I think we could talk a little better if you put the gun.

[Hattie Meisner]

Ain't no need for talking. They hung my boy this morning.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, ma'. Am. You can let him lie in peace.

[Hattie Meisner]

There ain't no peace for me, Marshall Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

I'd help you if I could, ma'. Am. I'd help Jake if I could.

[Hattie Meisner]

There ain't no helping for me or for you.

[Matt Dillon]

You're a good woman, Ms. Meisner. You don't want a shooting on your conscience.

[Hattie Meisner]

My conscience tells me to kill the man that took my boy.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not gonna let you kill me, ma'. Am.

[Hattie Meisner]

You ain't stopping me.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't want to hurt you, but you put the gun down, Miss Miser.

[Hattie Meisner]

Stay where you are, Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

I said put the gun down.

[Hattie Meisner]

I swear. I swear I'll. Hattie. Hattie. Let it go. Make that gun go.

[Kitty Russell]

It's no answer.

[Hattie Meisner]

Let me take it.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, let me.

[Hattie Meisner]

Let me have it.

[Matt Dillon]

I got it, Ms. Henshaw.

[Hattie Meisner]

You. You got no right, Loretta Henshaw. You got no right. I wasn't even good enough for you to talk to with the burying. I was wrong, Hattie. I'm sorry. Being sorry ain't bringing my boy back. No, not bringing my boy back either. Neither is being bitter, Hattie. Neither is being bitter. You ain't no one to talk. Maybe not, but I spent the night long on my knees about it. It's gonna be hard, Hattie, without our boys. I've had hate in my heart too, Lorenda. But I learned in the praying that the only way to feel close to my dead son is to feel love. Love for him and love for the world. Without it, he fades away. My. My Jake fades away too. That's what I can't rightly bear.

[Kitty Russell]

It fades away.

[Hattie Meisner]

Then give him a chance to stay near, Hattie. Let the hate out of your heart. Let him in. I ain't been one to hate. I just didn't know nothing else else to do. Cry. I ain't letting myself shed no tears. Let him come. Let them cool your grief. Marshall. I'm sorry, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry. That's all right, Miss Miser.

[Hattie Meisner]

I'll take him home with me. Marshall Dunn.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you, Ms. Henshaw.

[Hattie Meisner]

She'll be all right now.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, ma', am, I'm sure she will.

[Hattie Meisner]

And I'll be all right, too.

[Narrator]

There's a man with a beard named Mitch Miller. No, not the beard. The man. There's also a man with a show named Mitch Miller. Yes, the show and the man. The same man with the beard. The same man knows all those fabulous gals and guys from the sparkling world of show business. Mitch holds open house for them and you Sunday nights on CBS Radio. That's the Mitch Miller show, beard and all. Gunsmoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon.

[Doc]

U.

[Narrator]

S Marshall. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Gene Bates and Virginia Christie. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc. And Georgia Ellis is Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

This is Bill Conrad. All of the Gunsmoke cast want to extend their congratulations to KNX Radio in Los Angeles for the observance of its 40th anniversary this week. Founded in 1920, KNX has been an important part of the CBS radio network since 1937. And important to us on Gunsmoke, too, for we broadcast our program from the CBS KNX studios in Hollywood. Again, congratulations from all of us.

[Narrator]

This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke. Wbt Charlotte.

[Matt Dillon]

Out in your car, CBS Radio rolls along with you. There's morning here only. CBS brings you these stars.

[Hattie Meisner]

Gary Moore and Aunt Link's letter Godfrey.

[Narrator]

And Be Lolo Thomas. And we promise Rosie Clune he'll sing out in your car. Roll along with the stars you can.

[Matt Dillon]

Only get on cbs, CBS Radio, CBS Radio.

[Hattie Meisner]

CBS Radio CBS Radio.

[Narrator]

You'll hear all those stars plus many more on CBS and WBT Radio tomorrow morning tonight. Stay tuned next for the CBS News, followed by the Kingston trio at 7:10. Yours truly, Johnny Dollar, makes a hurried trip to Philadelphia in a desperate effort to save a longtime friend from being accused of arson. Suspense brings you another thrilling and spine chilling story at 7:35 and Mitch Miller introduces you to some fascinating guests at 8:05.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to 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.

[Hattie Meisner]

It.