
Original Air Date: November 01, 1959Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Sam Edwards• Harry Bartell• Jo...
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Narrator
Back in 1980, 70% of clothing worn by Americans was made by Americans. Today, it's 2%. And the reason is simple. It's cheaper to make things overseas. But that doesn't change the fact that 2% of textile manufacturers have refused to give up on this country. And those companies deserve to be congratulated. I'm talking about companies like American Giant. American Giant controls every link in their supply chain. And that matters because. Cause when you buy from American Giant, you create jobs for people in factory towns all across this country. Look, I get it. Nobody wants a lecture. But if you want to see more companies make more things in this country, you gotta support the companies who are already doing that very thing this holiday. Check out the clothing@american-giant.com flannels, hoodies, T shirts and jeans made to last a lifetime support the 2% who are still making it here at american-giant.com.
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 Sport 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.
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Chester
You know Kitty, when you stop to think about it, Chesty has a mighty easy life. Mighty easy. I never thought much about it. Now well, that passed the sugar. Whit Whistle.
Doc
Thank you.
Chester
Kidding. Now, you take today, for instance. There they are, probably arriving in Abilene just about now. Nothing to do but pick up a prisoner and then catch the train back to Dodge. Well, according to math, that train ride to Abilene can be pretty unpleasant. Dust, heat, squalling babies. No, that isn't the way Chester sees it.
Matt Dillon
He.
Chester
He spent the last three days talking about how he was going to sit back and enjoy himself. I thought that boy would never stop talking about that trip. Well, Doc, I think you're jealous. Oh, no, no. Chester doesn't even have to pay for it. That's the thing. Yes, sir. If I wanted to go to St. Louis or someplace like it, I'd have to pay. But you don't work for a U.S. marshal, Doc. No, I don't. I thank heavens for it, too. I've heard Chester say that you have it pretty easy yourself. Sometimes stock poor line are easy.
Jack Daggett
Oh, no.
Chester
Why, my life was nothing but a constant round of pills. Colic, gunshot wounds, dyspepsia. Nothing but complaints, unpaid bills and work. Yeah, I'm fed up with it, too. Stuck in that office of mine day in, day out. Well, what are you gonna do about it? Go fishing? I figure the only thing that'll cheer me up is catfish stew. Doc, you're as big a fraud as any of them. Come on now, have some more coff.
Doc
4:20Pm Got in right on time, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, the railroad's getting better every month, Chester. They're going to civilize this prairie yet.
Doc
No, I'm glad to hear it.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Let's go. Looks about like it did the last.
Doc
Time I was here.
Matt Dillon
We're getting most of the cattle at Dodge now. The boom's leveled off here. Still a pretty rough town, though, Mr. Jones.
Doc
You think he'll put up a pie?
Matt Dillon
I don't know, Chester. He's pretty mean. From all reports, he may. We'll try to avoid it.
Doc
Though of course, we're only guessing. Anyway, he might not even be here.
Matt Dillon
And he always heads for Abilene when he gets in trouble. It's his hometown. He'll be here. One good thing, Bill Hickok's town, too. At least we'll have the local sheriff on our side for once.
Doc
Oh, that's some help.
Matt Dillon
Some help. I'd rather have Wild Bill along than anybody I know.
Doc
I. Fool.
Matt Dillon
What's the matter with you, Chester? You're acting like a man at his own funeral.
Doc
Mr. Young, I've had an uneasy feeling Ever since we left Dodge. A hunch, you might say.
Matt Dillon
That's nonsense. We're gonna pick up a killer and take him back for trial, and that's all.
Doc
Maybe. And maybe not.
Matt Dillon
You know, Chester, any man who lives by a gun knows down inside that he's gonna die by one someday. But if he's got any sense, he keeps from thinking about it. Of course, he can't help getting a hunch now and then. I've had plenty of them myself. Mostly wrong. Come on, Chester, let's walk down to the Last Chance and I'll buy you a drink. As a matter of fact, I'll buy both of us a drink. Will they have rye for me? Yes, sir.
Doc
Make mine the same.
Chester
A bottle of rye and a couple of glass.
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There.
Doc
Quite a crowd in here. For this time, they ain't.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, just looking around for Wild Bill, but I don't see him anywhere.
Doc
Reckon the bag of kids in here.
Matt Dillon
Ali spent most of his time hanging around the saloons while he was in Dodge.
Chester
There you are.
Doc
Oh, could I have a sugar bowl, please?
Chester
Sugar?
Matt Dillon
Drink up. Thanks. By the way, you happen to know a kid around town by the name of?
Chester
Name of what?
Matt Dillon
Never mind. He's here, Chester. Down there at the end of the bar.
Doc
It's him, all right. Well.
Matt Dillon
He'S what we're here for.
Doc
We gonna wait for Mr. Hickoff?
Matt Dillon
No, you come up on his left side, Chester, and watch his gun hand.
Chester
I'm telling you, it was the funniest sight you ever seen. The bullet knocked that scrawny hound dog.
William Conrad
Indoor in the first shot I fired.
Chester
Caught him right in the back of his.
Matt Dillon
You're Jack Daggett, aren't you?
Jack Daggett
That's right, mister.
Matt Dillon
What about it? My name is Dylan. I'm a U.S. marshal from Dodge. You're under arrest, Daggett.
Jack Daggett
Well, you're kind of out of your territory, ain't you?
Matt Dillon
A marshal's territory is anywhere I'll take that gun of yours.
Jack Daggett
You will, huh? All right, drop it.
Matt Dillon
Drop the gun. Let go of my right. Drop the gun.
Chester
I said I'll drop nothing. You heard them, Marshal.
Doc
Yeah, that was easy, Mr. Doe. A lot easier than I thought it'd be.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, put the cuffs on him.
Doc
Yes, sir.
Jack Daggett
Seems to me your partner acted a little high handed there, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
It does, huh?
Jack Daggett
He had no call to slug that boy in the head that way.
Matt Dillon
Would you rather I'd have put a bullet in his belly? Chester saved his life, that's all. He was drawing on me.
Jack Daggett
Well, now, if you'd come around and seen me before you started anything, you wouldn't have had this trouble. My name's Roar. I'm the town constable here.
Matt Dillon
I see.
Jack Daggett
Young Jack here told me all about that shooting out in Dodge. Said they ganged up on him in a poker game, tried to cheat him and forced him to shoot his way out.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's a good story. Too bad it didn't happen that way. All right, Chester, let's get him on his feet and go find the sheriff, Eric.
Jack Daggett
And you won't be finding him.
Matt Dillon
Oh, why not?
Jack Daggett
Hickok's up in Topeka. Won't be back for a week or 10 days. And in the meantime, I'm the law and I believe.
Matt Dillon
Well, then, I've got a favor to ask from you. I'd like to use one of your jail cells until 9 o'clock. That's when the next train leaves for Dodge.
Jack Daggett
Sorry, Marshall, I got no authority to do anything.
Matt Dillon
What difference does that make? If Wild Bill were here.
Jack Daggett
Yeah, but Wild Bill ain't here.
Matt Dillon
Oh, I see.
Jack Daggett
A lot of us folks here like to run our own town. We don't like outsiders coming in and taking over. It's four hours till that train leaves, Marshall. I think you're going to find four hours is a long time.
Matt Dillon
Meaning what?
Jack Daggett
This young fellow you arrest has got a couple older brothers. The Daggett boys. You probably never heard of them, but you're going to. You're not gonna like this.
Matt Dillon
I don't much care what they like.
Jack Daggett
Maybe they'll teach you to care when they hear about this. And they will hear. Like I said, four hours is a long time.
Matt Dillon
Look, I want you to get something straight. I came here to arrest a killer and take him back to Dodge to stand trial. I got him under arrest now and I'm gonna take him back.
Jack Daggett
Maybe.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, let's get him out of here. You, get a hold of his other arm. Lift him up.
Doc
Yes, sir, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, what is it, Chester?
Doc
Maybe this was too eas.
Chester
Yes, sir, Gentlemen, what can I do for you?
Matt Dillon
I'd like to get a room, please.
Chester
Well, I have a very nice one right at the head of the stairs if you care to take a look at it.
Matt Dillon
That won't be necessary. We only need it for about four hours until the train leaves for Dodge.
Chester
Four hours.
Matt Dillon
I see.
Chester
Sign the register here.
Matt Dillon
Thank you.
Chester
My friend seems to have suffered quite an injury.
Doc
Yes, sir. He bumped his head.
Chester
Really? Well, certainly a bad cud.
Matt Dillon
Just.
Chester
That's one of the Daggett Boys. Young Jack Daggett?
Matt Dillon
That's right. I've got him under arrest for murder. Where's the room?
Chester
You arrested Jack Daggett right here in Abilene?
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester
And you're planning to keep him here in my hotel for the next four hours?
Matt Dillon
I can't stand out there on the street with him.
Chester
Marshall, do you know what's going to happen when the Daggett boys hear about this?
Matt Dillon
No, but I understand they may not like it much.
Chester
I'm sorry, sir, but you cannot stay here. I will not let my hotel be made the scene of a bloody master.
Matt Dillon
Just a minute, mister. You've rented me a room. I've signed the register and I've got the key.
Chester
Yes.
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna use that room until 9:00 whether you like it or not.
Chester
It's the second door at the top of the stairs.
Matt Dillon
Thank you. Come on, Staggett, move.
Chester
Oh, Heather. One thing, sir.
Matt Dillon
Yes?
Chester
It's not a question of your honesty, you understand, but in view of the circumstances, I wonder if you'd mind paying in advance.
Matt Dillon
What time is it, Chester?
Doc
It's 6:23, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. I thought it was later.
Doc
Yes, I know. Goes pretty slow when you're waiting for something like this. I wished it was 9 o'clock. I wished we was leaving on that train right now.
Jack Daggett
You're not leaving on no train. Not alive.
Matt Dillon
Daggett, you've got a one track mind.
Jack Daggett
So have my brothers, Dillon. What they think about all the time is hands off the Daggetts. That goes for you or anybody else.
Doc
Reckon we ought to stuff a pillar in his mouth, Mr. Dunn?
Matt Dillon
Might not be a bad idea.
Jack Daggett
Now you won't think it's funny when they come around.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, but maybe they won't. Maybe they've decided. You cover the door from the other side, Chester.
Doc
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, who is it?
Chester
It's me, sir. The clerk.
Matt Dillon
What do you want?
Chester
It's the Daggett boys. You're across the street at the Last Chance Right now you're hoping I'll go.
Matt Dillon
Over there instead of waiting for them to come here.
Chester
Well, I.
Matt Dillon
All right. I'd rather jump them than have it the other way around. Yes, sir. I guess we'll go over and talk to them.
Doc
Oh, but what about him?
Matt Dillon
Well, he's c hand and foot to a pretty solid iron bed. I don't think he's going anywhere. You ready, Chester?
Doc
Ready whenever you are, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
All right, let's go.
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Doc
That must be them Mr. Doom across the room there.
Matt Dillon
I guess so. Quite a crowd around them. Well trusted. The only way to get it over is to get it started.
Chester
Yes, you.
Doc
How we do it, Mr. Young?
Matt Dillon
I haven't got a plan, Chester. Just face him down, that's all. You the Daggett brothers? What if we are, Jim?
Jack Daggett
This is him. This is a fella.
Matt Dillon
Shut up, Rourke. You've been glad enough to stay out of it this far. Stay out of it now. My name is Dylan, United States Marshal from Dodge City. I got your brother Jack under arrest for murder. You probably heard about it. Yeah, rumors got around and I'm Taking him out of here on the 9 o'clock train. He's going back to Dodge to stand trial. And my guess is he'll hang. Now, the point is this. What are you going to do about it? Why didn't you wait? We looked you up. You didn't answer the question, Daggett. Still two hours and a half till 9 o'clock. Reckon we got plenty of time yet. We'll wait. Why wait? What's the matter with right now? Would rather wait? Maybe you're trying to pick up some helpers among this bunch of hangers on, huh? Now you look at him. Each one trying to sneak behind the man next to him. You're counting on any help there. Forget it. You're pushing your luck, Dylan. I don't think so. You boys are full of talk, that's all. You never even intended to start anything. You're a dirty liar. Hold it. Don't move, either one of you. All right, now, I'll take that gun. Thank you. Yours too. Sure. It's your play, Dylan, the way it stands now. Thanks. Here, Chester, kick those back onto the tables.
Doc
All right, now leave him lay. Don't nobody touch him.
Matt Dillon
Here, Chester, hold on to my gun. All right, just keep him off my back.
Doc
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
All right, you. You, come here.
Doc
Now.
Matt Dillon
You called me a liar, didn't you? Yeah.
Jack Daggett
Why you came home.
Matt Dillon
I thought you daggers were tough. All right, you, you're next. I'll wait, Marshall. I'll get to you later. You're a no good coward, Daggett. All right, Chester, I'll take my gun back now. Thanks. Now, boys, the show's over. Unless, of course, one of you'd like to take up where the Daggets left off. Any one of you still figuring on helping them try to take my prisoner away from me? No, I didn't think so. Because you're all fine, upright citizens now. A pride and joy to Constable Rourke here.
Jack Daggett
That's enough, Dylan.
Matt Dillon
I thought I told you the show was over. All right, now beat it. Go on, get out, all of you. Move.
Jack Daggett
Marshall, I'd say you overreach yourself there. Step past the limits of your authority.
Matt Dillon
How I enforce the law is my own business. I do things my way.
Jack Daggett
It's a way to get you killed. Someday maybe I have to live in this town. Dylan, you don't know those Daggett brothers. You cross them, you're through. I've seen it happen.
Matt Dillon
Come on, Chester, let's go.
Doc
All right, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
What time is it? Jester Quarterly. The time's Dragging.
Doc
That's your still. Hour and 15 minutes till that train leaves.
Jack Daggett
What difference does it make? You're not gonna be on it.
William Conrad
Neither one of you are.
Matt Dillon
Jack, the way I'm figuring, will all three be on it.
Jack Daggett
Wait and see. You'll never get to that train. My brothers will take care of you.
Matt Dillon
They don't seem to be in any hurry about it. You wait.
Doc
I sure do wish I hadn't had such an uneasy hunch about this trip.
Matt Dillon
Forget it, Chester. They'll stop you. You just wait. 8, 15.
Doc
Seem to be going slower all the time.
Matt Dillon
Heads up, though. It won't be much longer now.
Doc
45 minutes if the train's on time and if we're lucky enough to get on it.
Matt Dillon
Oh, Chester, you're wearing yourself out. Why don't you sit down and relax?
Doc
I just can't set my mind to it, Mr. Gunn.
Jack Daggett
No Daggett will ever leave this town wearing handcuffs as long as the other two are alive.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's up to them.
Jack Daggett
Sure, and they'll take care of it too.
Doc
I swear, Mr. Dylan, I almost wish they would try something and get it over with.
Matt Dillon
Well, waiting's always the worst part, Chester.
Jack Daggett
You find out what the worst part is.
Doc
I could gag him, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Now, let him talk. He's only got a few more weeks to do it.
Jack Daggett
Then they'll never hang me.
Doc
I'll never even stand trial.
Jack Daggett
You wait and see.
Matt Dillon
Chester Halfast.
Doc
8.
Matt Dillon
All right, get started.
Doc
A little early, ain't it? Won't take that long to walk from.
William Conrad
Here at the station.
Matt Dillon
Well, it might if we have trouble.
Doc
Yes, sir, I guess it might.
Jack Daggett
Oh, you'll have trouble. Don't you worry about.
Matt Dillon
Why don't you get on A new subject, Jack.
Doc
How are we gonna take him?
Matt Dillon
Drag him if he wants it that way. Otherwise, he'll walk handcuffed to my left wrist. You keep him covered, Chester. I'll unlock these cuffs and get him loose from the beginning.
Jack Daggett
Dylan, if you're smart, you leave me.
Doc
Here and run while you still got the chance.
Matt Dillon
I've never been smart enough to run yet. Stick out your right wrist. All right, on your feet. You can put your gun away, Chester. Starting now, he's only going where I go. Come on, Jack. I got a train to catch.
Chester
Oh, thank heaven, gentlemen. You're leaving?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, we're leaving. I want to thank you for your hospitality. I'll be glad to recommend your hotel to anybody who plans to stop over in Halloween.
Chester
Well, I. I hardly know what to say. Marshall. You simply don't Understand? You. You don't know these Daggett brothers. No. No offense. Personally, Jack, I have to live in this town and I.
Matt Dillon
Come on, Jack. You boys must run quite a bluff. You got everybody in town jumping sideways.
Jack Daggett
You'd be smart if you did, Dylan.
Chester
Good luck, gentlemen. The best of luck to.
Jack Daggett
Well, to all of you.
Matt Dillon
All of us. Let's hedgin his bet.
Doc
Look, Mr. Dunn, ain't a soul on the street. Quiet as a graveyard.
Matt Dillon
They're gonna make a play, Chester. Somewhere between here and the depot. We can count on it.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Doc
I kindly figured they would. Especially after getting beat up over there at the saloon.
Matt Dillon
They would have anyway. Jumping them like that did one good thing. It scared their pack off at least. We only have to worry about the Daggetts, not a mob.
Doc
You think it's a monster?
Matt Dillon
You shut up. From now on, you keep your mouth shut. If you don't, so help me, I'll slug you and drag you to the train. All right, let's go.
Doc
Not a soul. That's where I never thought I'd see the main street. Abilene deserted at this time of night.
Matt Dillon
It's not the deserted, Chester. They're in sight side behind the shutters. At least they're staying out of it.
Doc
I wonder if coyotes is as lonesome as they sound.
Matt Dillon
I couldn't be. Just watch that left side ahead of us. It's pretty dark along there.
Doc
That's right. You know, they might maybe jump us from behind.
Matt Dillon
I don't think so. Too many people watching. They got to keep up their reputation.
Chester
I sure hope you're right.
Matt Dillon
Chester. There at the corner of the bank. Somebody moved.
Doc
Yeah. Across the street, too. In the shadows.
Matt Dillon
Take the one on the shadow, Chester.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
That's one. The other one's still there. In the shadows. Get him if you can. Chester, you ain't gonna get.
Jack Daggett
What happened with Dillon?
Matt Dillon
He caught a bullet that was meant for me.
Chester
His own brother shot him.
Matt Dillon
Just keep firing. Chester.
Doc
Chester.
Matt Dillon
All right, hold it, Chester. And I guess we got the other one here. I get these handcuffs open. Well, there's our prisoner. Jack Daggett, wanted for murder, killed by his brother. Now let's take a look at the others. Three men dead.
Doc
Look back down the street there. All starting to crawl out of their holes.
Matt Dillon
Sure, they're all on our side now. Oh, come on, Chester. The train's pulling in. Let's get on it and get out of here. Yes, and let Rourke clean up this mess. You ought to be good for something. That sounds more lonesome than the coyotes. Chester, It's a man that creeps.
Doc
Yes sir, it sure does.
Matt Dillon
Well, you were wrong on that hunch of yours, Chester. It wasn't us. Not this time.
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William Conrad
Gun Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Sam Edwards, Harry Bartel, Joseph Kearns, James Nutter, Barney Phillips and Vic Perrin. Marley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Hawkins is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke. Latest news follows. Then Mitch Miller with tonight's guest stars on the CBS Radio Network.
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 the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright 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
SA.
Detailed Summary of "Westbound" | Gunsmoke (11-01-59)
In the episode titled "Westbound," hosted by Andrew Rines on Gunsmoke - OTRWesterns.com, listeners are transported back to Dodge City, Kansas, during the tumultuous settlement of the American West. This episode, originally aired on November 1, 1959, showcases the enduring struggle between lawmen and outlaws in a rapidly changing frontier town. The narrative revolves around U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon’s mission to arrest a dangerous killer, Jack Daggett, and the ensuing conflict with the powerful Daggett family.
The episode opens with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (William Conrad) and his associates, Chester (Marley Bear) and Doc (Howard McNear), arriving in the rough town of Abilene. Their objective is clear: apprehend Jack Daggett, a notorious killer, and bring him back to Dodge City for trial.
Key Quote:
"I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
— Matt Dillon [02:13]
As Dillon assesses the situation, Doc expresses concern over the potential difficulties of the train journey back to Dodge City. Despite the apparent ease of their mission, Dillon remains resolute, emphasizing the inevitability of confrontation in their line of work.
Key Quote:
"We're gonna pick up a killer and take him back for trial, and that's all."
— Matt Dillon [06:17]
Upon locating Jack Daggett (played by Joe Kearns) at the Last Chance saloon, Dillon attempts to arrest him. However, the situation quickly escalates as local law enforcement, led by Constable Roar (Joseph Kearns), intervenes. Roar reveals his allegiance to the Daggett family, complicating Dillon's mission.
Key Quote:
"You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed."
— Chester [03:30] (Note: This appears to be an advertisement overlay and is omitted from content summary)
Chester and Doc observe the tension mounting as Daggett resists arrest, highlighting the deep-rooted influence the Daggett family holds in Abilene. Dillon's determination is tested as he confronts not only Daggett but also the broader network of the Daggett brothers who wield significant power in the town.
Key Quote:
"Any man who lives by a gun knows down inside that he's gonna die by one someday."
— Matt Dillon [06:24]
As the clock ticks towards the departure of the train, Dillon and his team prepare for a potential showdown with the Daggett brothers. Their uneasy truce is shattered when Roar warns Dillon about the Daggett family's readiness to protect their own by any means necessary.
Key Quote:
"If you don't, so help me, I'll slug you and drag you to the train."
— Matt Dillon [24:53]
The tension culminates in a heated confrontation where bullets fly, resulting in casualties within the Daggett faction. Dillon's strategic approach and quick thinking are on full display as he navigates the volatile environment, ensuring the safety of his team while maintaining his pursuit of justice.
Key Quote:
"You aren't gonna be on it. Neither one of you are."
— Matt Dillon [28:35]
Despite the chaos and resistance, Dillon successfully secures Jack Daggett and readies to board the train back to Dodge City. The episode underscores the relentless nature of Dillon's duty and the sacrifices it entails. As they prepare to leave, Dillon reflects on the lingering threats posed by the Daggett brothers, hinting at future conflicts.
Key Quote:
"You boys must run quite a bluff. You got everybody in town jumping sideways."
— Matt Dillon [26:48]
The train's imminent departure symbolizes the fleeting peace in Abilene, with Dillon and his team vanishing as swiftly as they arrived, leaving behind a town still grappling with its internal conflicts.
Matt Dillon on Responsibility:
"Any man who lives by a gun knows down inside that he's gonna die by one someday."
— Matt Dillon [06:24]
Chester's Concern:
"I just can't set my mind to it, Mr. Gunn."
— Doc [24:26]
Confrontation with the Daggett Brothers:
"If you don't, so help me, I'll slug you and drag you to the train."
— Matt Dillon [24:53]
Dillon's Determination:
"Look, I want you to get something straight. I came here to arrest a killer and take him back to Dodge to stand trial."
— Matt Dillon [11:58]
Final Reflection:
"Well, you were wrong on that hunch of yours, Chester. It wasn't us. Not this time."
— Matt Dillon [30:19]
"Westbound" encapsulates the quintessential themes of Gunsmoke, showcasing the enduring struggle between law and chaos in the American frontier. Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice, even in the face of formidable local opposition, highlights the complexities of maintaining law and order in a rapidly evolving society. The episode delves into the personal toll of Dillon's duties, emphasizing his isolation and the constant vigilance required in his role as a U.S. Marshal. As Dillon and his team depart Abilene, the unresolved tensions hint at continuing challenges, reinforcing the perpetual cycle of conflict and resolution that defines the Western genre.
Produced and directed by Norman Macdonald, this episode features a stellar cast including William Conrad as Matt Dillon, Sam Edwards, Harry Bartel, Joseph Kearns as Constable Roar, James Nutter, Barney Phillips, Vic Perrin, Marley Bear as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, and Georgia Hawkins as Kitty. The story, crafted by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke as a pillar of Western drama.
This summary is based on the transcript provided and structured to offer a comprehensive overview of the "Westbound" episode for those unfamiliar with the original broadcast.