Wrong Man – Gunsmoke (11-13-54)

Summary

Gunsmoke - "Wrong Man" Episode Summary

Original Air Date: November 13, 1954
Released by OTRWesterns.com on November 13, 2024
Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes

---

Introduction

In the "Wrong Man" episode of Gunsmoke, listeners are immersed in a gripping Western drama set in the tumultuous environment of Dodge City, Kansas. The story revolves around themes of mistaken identity, justice, and personal redemption, showcasing the moral complexities faced by the characters in the American West.

---

Main Plot

Initial Conflict: A Mysterious Killing

The episode opens with Marshal Matt Dillon (voiced by William Conrad) encountering Sam Rickers, a homesteader newly settled west of Dodge City. Sam seeks assistance, claiming to have evidence that can help the Marshal apprehend an outlaw responsible for killing Bob Hulbert.

Matt Dillon (04:09): "What do you want to show me?"

Sam Rickers (04:13): "I'll show you something."

As Sam leads Matt to his wagon, he introduces Letty, his wife, setting the stage for further developments.

Confusion and Misidentification

Sam presents a man he claims to have apprehended, asserting that this individual is the murderer of Bob Hulbert. However, Matt remains skeptical, noting inconsistencies in Sam's story.

Matt Dillon (07:03): "He rode into my place last night about supper time. He didn't figure on finding a fellow like me there, I guess."

Chester Proudfoot, another key character, scrutinizes the situation, questioning Sam's credibility and the validity of the autopsy report.

Chester Proudfoot (07:35): "Hulbert was wanted dead or alive. How he got shot doesn't matter."

The plot thickens as it's revealed that the man Sam claims to have killed may not be Bob Hulbert but someone else entirely, leading to suspicions of mistaken identity.

Chester Proudfoot (12:26): "That wasn't Bob Hulbert you killed."

Rising Tensions: Confronting the Truth

As the story unfolds, Catelyn Marshall, a new character introduced as Marshall Dillon’s partner, arrives with troubling news. She reveals that Jake Haney, Marshall's trusted partner, has been mistakenly identified as Bob Hulbert on the wanted posters, exacerbating the confusion.

Catelyn Marshall (16:54): "Jake Haney was as honest and decent a man as I ever knew. He ain't going to die like this for nothing."

The tension culminates when Doc, Letty's husband, confronts the reality of Sam's actions. It becomes clear that Sam Rickers has committed murder under the guise of self-defense, driven by the mistaken belief that he was apprehending an outlaw.

Doc (27:25): "I saw you shoot both those men like killing hogs."

Climax: Revelation and Confrontation

The climax occurs when Doc decides to break his silence, revealing the truth about Sam's murders. This confession leads to a heated confrontation between the characters, ultimately resulting in Sam Rickers' demise at the hands of Chester Proudfoot and Doc.

Sam Rickers (28:02): "No, I ain't. I killed him, didn't I? I killed two men."

Chester Proudfoot (28:46): "Give me your gun, Sam."

Resolution: Justice Served

In the aftermath, the truth is fully unveiled. Letty, torn between loyalty and justice, sides with Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot, denouncing her husband Sam Rickers for his actions. The episode concludes with Marshal Dillon reaffirming his commitment to law and order in Dodge City, ensuring that justice prevails even in the face of personal loss.

Doc (29:59): "It ain't your fault, Mr. Dillon. You couldn't have handled it in whole other way."

---

Character Dynamics and Themes

• Matt Dillon: Represents unwavering justice and moral integrity. His interactions reflect his role as the steadfast enforcer of law in Dodge City.

• Sam Rickers: Embodies the tragic flaws of misunderstanding and desperation. His actions, driven by a misguided sense of duty, lead to unintended consequences.

• Chester Proudfoot: Serves as the voice of reason and skepticism, challenging Sam's narrative and seeking the truth.

• Doc: Illustrates internal conflict and the struggle between personal loyalty and ethical responsibility. His eventual confession underscores the theme of redemption.

• Letty Ricker: Highlights the personal cost of violence and the complexities of loyalty within relationships affected by crime.

Key Themes:

• Mistaken Identity: Central to the plot, driving the conflict and highlighting the peril of assumptions.
• Justice vs. Loyalty: Characters grapple with their duties to the law versus their personal relationships.
• Redemption and Forgiveness: The resolution emphasizes the possibility of redemption through truth and accountability.

---

Notable Quotes

1. Matt Dillon on Duty:

   "You have trouble of some kind, Sam?"
   [04:42]

2. Sam Rickers’ Justification:

   "It was self defense. Why should I be lying?"
   [14:32]

3. Chester Proudfoot’s Doubt:

   "I don't know who he was, but it sure isn't Bob Hob."
   [08:22]

4. Doc's Revelation:

   "I saw you shoot both those men like killing hogs."
   [28:10]

5. Final Confrontation:

   "Give me your gun, Sam."
   [28:38]

---

Conclusion

"Wrong Man" is a compelling episode that delves into the complexities of justice in the Wild West. Through intricate character interactions and a thought-provoking plot, the story underscores the importance of truth and the dire consequences of misunderstandings. Marshal Matt Dillon's commitment to maintaining order serves as a beacon of integrity, ensuring that even in a lawless era, righteousness prevails.

For fans of classic Western dramas, this episode of Gunsmoke offers a masterful blend of suspense, moral dilemmas, and character-driven storytelling that remains impactful decades after its original airing.

---

Additional Information

For those interested in exploring more episodes of Gunsmoke and other Old Time Radio Westerns, visit OTRWesterns.com. Support the restoration and distribution of these timeless stories by becoming a patron or donating through their website. Follow OTRWesterns on Facebook and subscribe to their YouTube channel for the latest releases and updates.

Transcript

[Andrew Rines]

If you know your party's extension, press or say 1.

[Sam Rickers]

To leave a message in our company mailbox, press or say 2. Spoiler alert.

[William Conrad]

It will be full representative.

[Sam Rickers]

Would you speak to your mother in that tone?

[Letty Ricker]

Speak to a real human being.

[Doc]

You shouldn't need to shout into the void to get your health insurance questions answered. Pacific Source Health Plans this is a real person. How can I help you? Human service, not automated phone trees. Pacific Source Health Plans.

[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 episode is one of many released every month, totaling over 80 episodes so far. Each one is meticulously digitally restored and stored in the cloud for your convenience, a process that incurs costs. To help cover these expenses, you might hear some advertisements throughout the episode. While we do retain the original commercials for historical authenticity, you may also encounter modern ads which help keep the lights on. If you prefer an ad free experience, we offer a couple options. You can listen to the episodes on YouTube. You can also support us by becoming a patron on our Patreon page. For more information, go to otrwesterns.com donate again otrwesterns.com donate I do want to emphasize that we are committed to providing this content to you for free. But also we have to be transparent about the financial realities to bringing this to you. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original air date is November 13, 1954 and the title is Wrong Man. Let's get into it and I hope you enjoy.

[William Conrad]

Gunsmoke. Brought to you by L and M Filter with the Miracle Tip King Size Regular, both at the same low price 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.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Y estalista tulista de regalos colosa orros de Black Friday in the Home Depot.

[Letty Ricker]

LLE ba te grati sune ramintas elecionadas.

[Chester Proudfoot]

De las mejores marcas como riobio Milwaukee cuando compras unquit de batterillas elecionado esco quentre sierras muterramientas y mucho mas Terminator.

[Letty Ricker]

Lista mas rapido y pasa mas tiempos.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Or Prendiendo Studios the Home Depot Asses mas Loganas mas limited Unupur Transaction Applicant Restriction.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke Starring William Conrad the transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America. And the story of a man who moved with it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

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 lone.

[Sam Rickers]

Hey, you. Where's the marshal's office?

[Matt Dillon]

What do you want the marshal for?

[Sam Rickers]

I'll tell him that. Where's his office?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm leaning on it. Oh, it ain't no use your going in there.

[Sam Rickers]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall Dillon ain't around.

[Sam Rickers]

Well, where is he?

[Matt Dillon]

He won't be back for two, three hours.

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, I can't wait that long.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I work for him. My name's Chester Proudfoot.

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, yeah, yeah, I heard of you.

[Matt Dillon]

You have?

[Sam Rickers]

I didn't know who you were. I don't get to Dodge but seldom. My name is Sam Rickers. Chester. Got me a homestead I'm proving up a few miles west of here on the Arkansas.

[Matt Dillon]

You got trouble of some kind, Sam?

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, no, not me. I want to show you something. That's my wagon standing over there. The one with a woman sitting on it.

[Matt Dillon]

Your wife?

[Sam Rickers]

Yeah. Now come on over. I'll show you.

[Doc]

Come on.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you want to show me?

[Sam Rickers]

You're going to be real surprised, Chesty.

[Matt Dillon]

I am?

[Sam Rickers]

Everybody is, except them that knows me, of course. Here we are. Hey, Letty. Don't sit there like he was dead. Look around.

[Doc]

That ain't Marshall Dillon, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

Marshall ain't here, but this is Chester. He works for him.

[Matt Dillon]

How'd do, ma'am?

[Doc]

Howdy.

[Sam Rickers]

Chester can take care of everything, can't you, Chester?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if you'll tell me what he is, maybe I can.

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, well, you're gonna be real surprised.

[Doc]

Hurry up, Sam. Get it over with. Give him his surprise. You're so pleased.

[Sam Rickers]

You shut up or you'll get nothing out of this.

[Doc]

I don't want nothing out of it.

[Sam Rickers]

I don't bear no mind, Chester. Come on around the back of the wagon. I show you. There.

[Matt Dillon]

Who's that?

[Sam Rickers]

I had to wrap him up in canvas. Here, I'll uncover him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Face it. There, take a look at that.

[Matt Dillon]

My goodness. Where'd you get him?

[Sam Rickers]

He rode into my place last night about supper time. He didn't figure on finding a fellow like me there, I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

Say, you must be a whirlwind to shoot a man like him.

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, no. It was part luck, I guess. But I didn't haul him in here for nothing, Justin.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, but Mr. Dillon will have to take care of all that, Sam, It'll be a little while before you get anything.

[Sam Rickers]

As long as I know it's coming.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, sure, you'll get it. But right now you can help me carry him up to Doc so he can do an autopsy.

[Sam Rickers]

It'll be a pleasure.

[Matt Dillon]

What you doing?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I found your note downstairs, Chester, so I came straight up. Where's Doc?

[Matt Dillon]

He's out back finishing up.

[Sam Rickers]

Hey, Doc, Mr. Dillon's here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What's this all about, Chester? Who killed Bob Hulbert?

[Matt Dillon]

Sam Rickers killed him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sam Rickers, the homesteader?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir, that's what he said he was.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know Rickers well, but he sure never seemed the kind of a man who'd take on an outlaw like Bob Halbert.

[Matt Dillon]

A thousand dollar reward might have bravened him up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, hello, Matt.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hello, Doc.

[Sam Rickers]

Well, you've got a good, bad man there. You can take him out to Boot Hill and plant him anytime you like.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Man, that's not much of an autopsy report, Doc.

[Sam Rickers]

What's that report? Hulbert was wanted dead or alive. How he got shot doesn't matter.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How did he get shot?

[Sam Rickers]

Twice in the chest, once in the back.

[Chester Proudfoot]

In the back?

[Sam Rickers]

Well, I can't tell you which was first, Matt, but get him buried with you. I don't want him around here all day.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I haven't seen him yet, Doc.

[Sam Rickers]

Do you know Bob Hobart?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, some years ago. This is his first time around here, though.

[Sam Rickers]

Last time, too. I guess Dodge was too tough for him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That might be like saying Ford's Theater was too tough for Mr. Lincoln.

[Sam Rickers]

If he was shot in the back first, you mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there he is.

[Sam Rickers]

What's the matter, Matt?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sam Rickards isn't going to collect a thousand dollars reward for this. What? He might hang for it, though. I don't know who he murdered here, but it sure isn't Bob Hob.

[William Conrad]

Never has a cigarette received such an enthusiastic welcome. Or one such a smashing success in so little time as L and M filters.

[Doc]

Why are LMN sales soaring higher every day?

[William Conrad]

Because it's the filter that counts. And no filter compares with LM's Miracle Tip for quality or effectiveness.

[Doc]

No wonder you get much more flavor, much less nicotine. A light and mild smoke from L.

[William Conrad]

And M join the trend to L and M. Like thousands, you'll say, this is it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

L, M filters, this is it. Light and M much more flavor.

[Doc]

L and M filters, much less nicotine.

[Matt Dillon]

Light and mild.

[William Conrad]

L and M king size or regular? Both at the same low price.

[Doc]

Traveling to the uk, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization, or eta. It's quick and simple to apply via the ETA app or online. You'll need to apply for your ETA before traveling to the uk. Applicants will usually get a decision in up to three working days. Everyone traveling to the UK without a visa, whether visiting or passing through, will need one. It lasts two years and is valid for multiple trips. To apply now, Search UK Travel eta, Extension Supply.

[Letty Ricker]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday, indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Matt Dillon]

Look at that place, Mr. Dillon. You think Ricker could prove it out better than that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sam? Ricker isn't the most enterprising man I ever met, Justin. Not till lately, anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

It's sure a funny way to murder somebody, ain't it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

We better leave our horses here.

[Matt Dillon]

There they are. They must have seen us coming.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah.

[Sam Rickers]

Hello, Chester. Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Sam. Ms. Ricker, ma'am.

[Doc]

Howdy.

[Sam Rickers]

Say hello to the Marshall, Letty.

[Doc]

How do, Marshall?

[Chester Proudfoot]

How do you do, Ms. Ricker?

[Doc]

I like to be called Letty, Marshall. Mrs. Makes me feel kind of old.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why, sure.

[Sam Rickers]

Stop trying to fool people, Letty. You know how old she is. Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sam, I came out to talk to you about that man. You brought out a dodge this morning.

[Sam Rickers]

That man? That's the most valuable man I ever run into, Marshall. Out of him, I'm gonna build me a new house, buy me some hogs and cows. And I don't know what all I've been telling Letty about all the things I'm going to do with that reward money.

[Doc]

I wish you wouldn't take it, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

What?

[Doc]

I just don't want any part of it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right? Stop that.

[Sam Rickers]

You interfering with the man and his wife, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If I have to, I am. But you're not going to get any reward money, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

What do you mean?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That wasn't Bob Hulbert you killed.

[Doc]

What?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know who it was, but it wasn't Hobart.

[Sam Rickers]

What are you talking about? I knowed him as soon as he rode in here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How did you know him?

[Sam Rickers]

Why?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Did you ever see Bob Holbert?

[Sam Rickers]

I seen his picture last week on one of them wanted cards down at the post office.

[Matt Dillon]

By golly, that's right, Mr. Dillon. Plumb forgot them posters come in last week and I nailed a couple of them up here and there.

[Doc]

I saw his picture too, Marshall. I recognized him right off.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, the man Sam killed looked a little like obit, I'll admit that. But it wasn't him, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

Shut up, Lydia.

[Doc]

But that makes it murder, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

No, no, it was a mistake. The Marshall said he looked like Hulbert's picture. Wasn't my fault.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Tell me what happened, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

I didn't murder nobody. It was a mistake.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You want to tell me about it? Letting?

[Sam Rickers]

No, I'll tell you. It was like this. We seen him coming. It was about supper time. When he got close, we both recognized him. So I went outside and. Well, I told him to keep riding. We don't want no outlaws around here. And then he started to pull out his gun. I shot him. That's how it happened, ain't it Letty?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ain't it?

[Doc]

That's right, Marshall. That's what happened.

[Chester Proudfoot]

There's one thing you didn't tell me, Sam. What? How come he got a bullet in the back?

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, well, he fell off his horse and he was rowing around and I shot him again. Must have him and him back. I guess you saw it, Letty.

[Doc]

I saw it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Letty, if Sam went on trial, would you swear to all this and could?

[Doc]

Yeah, I'd swear to it, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You were the only witness to this.

[Sam Rickers]

It's the truth, Marshall. Self defense. Why should I be lying?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know, son. I'd just like to know who the man was that you shot.

[Sam Rickers]

Well, he was some kind of outlaw drawing on me like that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Maybe. But you were taking quite a chance bucking a man you thought was Bob Hobart, weren't you?

[Sam Rickers]

I ain't afraid of no man, Marshall. No man at all.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Uh huh. Well, don't write it too hard, Sam. It might throw you someday. So long.

[Doc]

Drink your beer, Matt.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No thanks, Kitty. I. I don't think I want it after all.

[Doc]

You're gonna have to pay for it just the same.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Okay. You know, there must be something wrong with me, Kitty.

[Doc]

Yeah, there sure is. I wish I knew what it was.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I can tell you what it is tonight.

[Doc]

I know. Sam Rickert.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah. You know there sure something wrong with that story of his.

[Doc]

Yeah, something wrong with that wife of his too. Putting up with him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, she's afraid of him.

[Doc]

I'd take an ax to him if he weren't mine.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You Marshall Dylan? Yeah, that's right. My name's Catelyn Marshall, from San Antonio. What can I do for you, Catlin. You can explain this to me. That's what map.

[Doc]

Bob Hulbert's wanted poster.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know nothing about no Hulbert. But that's my partner's picture you got on there. Thousand dollars, dead or alive. Now what's this all about, Marshall? Maybe you can tell me, Callum. Tell you nothing. I got off the train here this afternoon. First thing I see is a wanted picture of Jake Haney with somebody else's name under it. Jake Haney, huh? Been my partner for 10 years and he ain't no outlaw. Never been in Kansas in his whole life before. Where is he anyway? He was supposed to meet me here. You got him in jail or something? Jake Haney's dead, Catlin did. That's not Haney's picture there. That's Bob Hobart, like it says. Your partner looked some like him and, well, he got shot. Who'd shoot Jake Haney? He never had trouble with nobody carried a gun. Sure, but I always done the fighting for us. I don't believe it, Marshall. I'm sorry, Catlin, but it's true. We buried him out on Boot Hill yesterday. Who killed him, Marshall? He was killed by mistake, Catlin. Nobody's killed by mistake. Now who killed him? Wait a minute. You did it. Doesn't matter who did. I'll find out. I'll get the man that done it. You or whoever. It was a mistake, Catlin. Your partner in Hulbert looked enough alike to fool you, didn't they? You gonna tell me who did it, Marshall? No. And I'll find out myself. Jake Haney was as honest and decent a man as I ever knew. He ain't going to die like this for nothing. I'm going to kill the man that did it. You kill anybody here and you'll hang for it, Catlin, not me. And if I have to kill you too, Marshall, don't try it. I'll see you later.

[William Conrad]

Sam.

[Doc]

Ricker won't stand a chance against him, Matt.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I better send Chester out to warn him. He can come hide in the jail if he likes.

[Doc]

They'll like it if he's smart.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah. Oh, Kitty, Doc and I are going to have supper together tonight. Won't you join us?

[Doc]

I gotta eat sometime.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll go find Chester, then I'll come back for you.

[Doc]

Okay, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Morning, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What did you do, Chester, spend the night out at the Rickers?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir, I sure did.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's a pretty small place. Where did they sleep here?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, there was lots of room, Mr. Dillon. Plenty of it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now what do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

I was all alone. I never did see neither Sam nor Letty.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, they've gone.

[Matt Dillon]

It looks like it, but I sure don't know why. Like you said last night, that fellow Jake Haney was never around here before. So Sam couldn't have had no reason for wanting to kill him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

But Sam had some reason for running off.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir.

[Sam Rickers]

Good morning, Matt. Morning, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I thought you were going out of the Bowers place today.

[Sam Rickers]

I was mad, but Bowers sent one of his men in to say they didn't need me after all.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I thought a cowboy busted a leg out there.

[Sam Rickers]

That's what they said yesterday.

[Matt Dillon]

Must be a pretty tough man. Bust a leg and don't want no doctor.

[Sam Rickers]

Tough or stingy one. You know, I charge $20 for a trip like that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's a month's wages for a cowboy, Doc.

[Sam Rickers]

So to save $20, he probably put a mud cast on it and have a crooked leg the rest of his life.

[Matt Dillon]

If he brings his $20 into town and runs it up to a thousand at Farrow, he won't care if he has a crooked leg, Doc.

[Sam Rickers]

Chester, you trying to ruin my practice?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I was only kidding. Documentary. He'd never run it up to a thousand.

[Sam Rickers]

But I accept your apology. Well, if that's what it was. Say, Matt, I was talking to Sam Rickers after I left you last night.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sam Rickers? Aaron Dodge.

[Sam Rickers]

He was over at the hotel with his wife.

[Matt Dillon]

Why, no wonder I never got to see him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Did they spend the night in town?

[Sam Rickers]

What's wrong with that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why, nothing.

[Sam Rickers]

Oh, well, I told them all about Catlin. Everything you told me, man, I figured somebody ought to warn Sam. Seeing as how Catlin's staying right there at the hotel too. That was all right, wasn't it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's okay, as long as Catlin doesn't know about Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

Well, there's no way he can know. Kitty won't talk, and the three of us here sure won't.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He's safe if he keeps his mouth shut. But I better go talk to him.

[William Conrad]

L and M filters are sweeping the country.

[Doc]

L and M? The filter tip cigarette everyone's talking about. Everyone's changing to.

[William Conrad]

For example, Maurice Evans told us my doctor suggested L and M filters. I recommend them to you as the best.

[Doc]

Patricia Morrison wrote, I'm so glad I changed to LM Filters because here's a filter cigarette that really tastes the way a cigarette should.

[William Conrad]

And John Robert Powers says, I'm convinced L and M's miracle tip is the ultimate of Filters. Yes.

[Doc]

LM filters are truly sweeping the country, breaking more sales records every day.

[William Conrad]

The reason? It's the filter that counts. And no filter compares with L M's miracle tip for quality or effectiveness. You get much more flavor, much less nicotine. Our statement of quality goes unchallenged. L M is America's highest quality and best filter tip cigarette.

[Sam Rickers]

This is it.

[Doc]

LM filters.

[Sam Rickers]

This is it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Something new now.

[Matt Dillon]

Two sizes.

[Doc]

L M filters, new king size and regular tubes.

[Sam Rickers]

This is it.

[Doc]

L M filters. L M filters with the miracle tip join the trend to LM King size.

[William Conrad]

Or regular, Both at the same low price.

[Letty Ricker]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Fri. Yay. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So, yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep. Switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.

[Doc]

The sun shining, birds are singing, and.

[Letty Ricker]

All feels right in the world.

[William Conrad]

Until the season changes and suddenly you lose your moment motivation to get out of bed. In fact, one in five people experience some form of depression, no matter the.

[Letty Ricker]

Season or time of year. At the American Psychiatric association foundation, our.

[Doc]

Vision is to build a mentally healthy nation for all.

[Letty Ricker]

Because we want you to live your best life and be your best you all year round.

[William Conrad]

Please visit mentallyhealthynation.org to learn more.

[Matt Dillon]

With all the money, mister, do we make you think he could paint his hotel once in a while? Wouldn't you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, if you stay inside, I guess it doesn't matter. Just him.

[Doc]

Oh, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Marshall, I was just coming for you. Now, what's the trouble, Mr. Doby? There's been a shooting, Marshall. Right here in my hotel. Now, that's got to stop. I tell you, I won't put up with. Never mind that. What happened? Well, I don't know.

[Sam Rickers]

Marshall heard a couple of shots upstairs.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ran up, found Sam Rickers there in the hall. Now, I don't know what happened, but I've kept everybody from going up there. Come on, I don't want them messing around.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there's Sam. He ain't shot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What happened, Sam W Said there'd been a shooting.

[Sam Rickers]

Yeah, there's been a shooting. Marshall. Look in this room here.

[Matt Dillon]

That's Catlin, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Who killed him, son?

[Sam Rickers]

I did.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You did?

[Sam Rickers]

I had to, Marshal.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, tell me what happened.

[Sam Rickers]

Well, you see, Doc told me Catlin was looking for who shot his partner. So I got to thank him. And I figured the only way out was to talk up to him, tell him how I made a mistake. Don't you think that was right?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That doesn't explain killing him.

[Sam Rickers]

I better get Letty out here. She saw it. Letty. Letty, come on out here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

She can get it.

[Doc]

What do you want, Sam? The Marshall.

[Sam Rickers]

Come out here, Sid.

[Doc]

I don't want to talk, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

You'll talk when I tell you to. You saw what happened and I'm going to explain it to the marshal.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, go ahead.

[Sam Rickers]

Okay. Like I was saying, Marshall, I wanted to talk to Catlin. So I found out which room he was in. And I went knocked on the door and he opened it. And then when I told him who I was, before I could say anything else, he grabbed for his gun. I had to shoot him, Marshall. It was self defense.

[Matt Dillon]

Catlin's gun's laying on the floor in there, Mr. Dillon. He had it out all right.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You saw it, Letty. Is that what happened?

[Doc]

I saw it.

[Sam Rickers]

Tell him, Letty.

[Doc]

I don't want to talk.

[Sam Rickers]

Tell him what you saw.

[Doc]

Please, Sam. I feel kind of sick. No.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Stop it, Sam. Please don't.

[Sam Rickers]

Told you once.

[Doc]

You've hurt him, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I knocked him out. He's not hurt. Sam's no good, Letty. Now why don't you stand up for him? You afraid of him?

[Doc]

He's my husband.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No woman needs a husband like that.

[Doc]

I married him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Maybe he was different then, but the way he is now, he doesn't deserve a wife. Now, he's no good, Letty, and you know it. And you're going along with him. Makes you as bad as he is. No.

[Doc]

No, don't say that, Marshall. I'm not. I'm not like Sam.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If you lie for him, you're just like him.

[Doc]

No.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No. Now tell me what happened. Did you see it?

[Doc]

I saw it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Was it like Sam said?

[Doc]

No.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right, then tell me.

[Doc]

I can't stand it, Marshall. I can't stand it no more. Sam's a murderer. I hate him. I won't tell no more lies for him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll go on. He won't hurt you again.

[Doc]

That first man, Marshall, we thought he was that outlaw. He looked like him. So Sam went in and got his gun. Sneaked around the house while I was talking to him. He shot him in the back. Like killing a hog. Then he turned him over and shot him twice more in the front. Makes me sick, Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What about Catelyn? Sam kill him the same way.

[Doc]

Of course he did. I tried to stop him. But he had his gun out when he knocked on Catelyn's door. And then he shot him just as soon as he opened it. And then he took Catelyn's gun and threw it on the floor. I watched him.

[Sam Rickers]

Marshall, she's lying. Don't listen to her, Marshall. She's a lying woman.

[Doc]

I'm not lying. I saw you shoot both those men like killing hogs.

[Sam Rickers]

Where'd I get you alone, Letty? Talking about your husband that way?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll bust you good. You won't get her alone, Sam. You're under arrest.

[Doc]

I don't care if you are my husband, Sam. You're a coward. You're a terrible coward. I ain't.

[Sam Rickers]

No, I ain't. I killed him, didn't I? I killed two men.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Give me your gun, Sam.

[Sam Rickers]

No. You ain't taking my good. He ain't a coward.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Give it to me.

[Sam Rickers]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

He tried to draw on you, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah. Come on, Letty. I'll take you back to your room.

[William Conrad]

He's dead.

[Doc]

Sam's dead.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I couldn't let him shoot me. Let him?

[Doc]

I told the truth like you said, Marshall. And it made me hate him. Talking about him. It made me hate him worse than I ever did.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm sorry I had to make you do it.

[Doc]

I ain't even gonna bury him, Marshall. You do it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, sure.

[Doc]

I'm going out and I'm gonna burn down the place. And then I'm leaving here for good. I'm going now.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Goodbye. Let it.

[Matt Dillon]

It ain't your fault, Mr. Dillon. You couldn't have handled it in whole other way.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, I couldn't trust him.

[Matt Dillon]

But it is too bad you had to make poor Miss Rickards tell on her own husband.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, but sometimes I wish it was somebody else's job to make people do things like that.

[William Conrad]

And now, our star, William Conrad.

[Chester Proudfoot]

If you smoke filter cigarettes, I want to recommend the one that's been the most successful and has come furthest in the least amount of time. That's L and M. You'll like L and M's miracle tip best of any filter. You'll like the light and mild smoke and the swell taste you get from lm. Lms come king size or regular? Both at the same low price. Enjoy them today.

[Letty Ricker]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with GEICO.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke Transcribed under the direction of Norman Macdonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal Tonight's story was specially written for Gun Smoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Ray Kemper and Tom Handley. Featured in the cast were John Daner, Phoebe Janus, Vic Perrin and Lawrence Stopkin. Harley Bear As Chester, Howard McNair as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gun Smoke. The country's top disc jockeys in Billboard Magazine, the leading publication of the music industry, have voted Chesterfield's Perry Como the number one record artist. In second place, pretty Kitty Callan. Hear them both Harry Como and his special guest Kitty Callan on Chesterfield's Perry Como show all the top tunes on radio Monday night 9:00pm Eastern Standard Time. Hear Gun Smoke every Saturday this same time, this same station.

[Chester Proudfoot]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Doc]

RA.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Letty Ricker]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with Geico. How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says Happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes. Happy Friday, random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep. Switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.