
Gunsmoke 52-07-05 (011) Never Pester Chester
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Matt Dillon
Void where prohibited by law 21 +.
Narrator
Terms and conditions apply around Dodge City and in the territory on west. There's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers. That's with a U.S. marshal and the spell of Gun Smok Gun Smoke Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Mar.
Chester
Sure is hot today, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester
Used to get hotter in Sweetwater though.
Matt Dillon
Texas?
Chester
Yes, sir. But I wasn't there very long.
Matt Dillon
No? What'd you do there, Chester?
Chester
Oh, I was a salesman, Mr. Dillon.
Doc
Salesman?
Matt Dillon
Well, what'd you sell?
Chester
Lightning rods.
Matt Dillon
Lightning?
Chester
Oh, well, now, they're good things to have, Mr. Dillon. Why, I had a line of lightning rods.
Matt Dillon
Explain it to me, Chester. Too hot.
Chester
Well, I'll go get us some beer. Maybe that'll help.
Matt Dillon
I don't think I want any beer, Chester.
Chester
Well, then why don't you just go take a se, Mr. Dylan? I'll stay here in the office.
Matt Dillon
Why don't you just leave me alone, huh?
Chester
All right, Mr. Dylan.
Doc
My shop.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, what do you want, Doc?
Doc
A couple of cowboys been feeling their liquor over at the Texas Trail.
Matt Dillon
That's what saloons are for, isn't it?
Doc
Yeah, they were giving Kitty a bad time. Oh, she got rid of them now. But they're down at the end of Front street now making remarks and pestering the town ladies. It just might lead to trouble.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'm not gonna walk down there in this heat just to lecture a couple of hard nosed Cowboys.
Chester
I'll go, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Oh, good, Chester, you go. Just tell them to take it easy and leave the ladies alone.
Chester
Yes, Sir, I will, Mr. Dylan.
Stobo
Hey, lady, you ever been to Texas? Real men down there. Not like these Short Grass Kansas.
Chester
All right, boys, now that's enough.
Stobo
Who's this?
Matt Dillon
The preacher?
Doc
Maybe?
Chester
Boys, Marshal Dillon sent me down here.
Stobo
And we're gonna send you right back.
Chester
Fellas, Mr. Dillon said you can have all the fun you like, but to leave the ladies alone, that's a whole dang trouble.
Doc
These Dodge ladies, they've been left alone too long.
Stobo
Yeah. What they need is a couple of big handed Texas men.
Chester
Look now, why don't you go over there to the Alphaganza? I'll buy you both a beer.
Stobo
You will, huh? Well, that's mighty thoughty of you, mister.
Chester
We just don't want any trouble, that's all.
Stobo
Sure we don't. And I got an idea how we won't have any. Wait till I get on my horse here. Stay with our friend a minute, Trevor.
Doc
Hey, mister, I'll make a bet.
Chester
What kind of bet? What do you mean?
Doc
Any kind. You name it. Come on.
Chester
Well, but I don't.
Matt Dillon
I got him.
Stobo
He spilled his gun.
Matt Dillon
Trevor, pick it up and grab your horse.
Chester
Get this rope off of me.
Narrator
Maybe you wear off, mister.
Stobo
You're going for a ride.
Matt Dillon
Dragon, Tobo. Dragon.
Kitty
Let's go.
Doc
We got Chester, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
What? What? Who got Chester?
Doc
Couple of cowboys. They roped them and dragged him out of town. Come on.
Stobo
What?
Matt Dillon
Well, which way?
Doc
West. I'm going with you.
Matt Dillon
Hurry. Come away.
Doc
There they are. But they're not dragging anything.
Matt Dillon
They must have cut him loose. There he is, by that safe brush. Chester. Chester. Get that rope over his feet, Shiloh. Look at him. He's bleeding all over. They tore him to ribbons.
Doc
I'll stay with him, Marshall, if you'd like.
Matt Dillon
No, Shiloh. Go get our horses up. Want to get him back to the dock right away.
Doc
All right, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
So, Chester, I got you now. We'll be at the docks soon. Easy, Chester. Easy, fella. Easy now.
Doc
I'll carry him when you get tired, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I won't get tired, Shiloh. Not for a long time. Well, Doc?
Doc
Yeah. He's in bad shape, Marshall. The worst is something that's bothering his breathing.
Matt Dillon
I don't know what it is.
Doc
We'll just have to wait and see if it goes away. If he lives the next few days, he'll pull through.
Matt Dillon
Oh, Doc.
Doc
I know, I know, I know. I'll stay right here with him.
Matt Dillon
Now, why did I have to send him? Why didn't I go?
Doc
Oh, now, don't blame yourself.
Matt Dillon
I told him to go, didn't I? Yes, Doc. Can I talk to him?
Doc
No.
Matt Dillon
No, Marshall. No.
Kitty
Not for a while.
Matt Dillon
All right, then would you tell him this for me? I'm going after those men. I'm gonna bring him back alive. Or at least half alive. In the street outside, waves a heap moving back and forth, making things seem unreal like Chester. Line up there at docks. That seemed unreal somehow. I walked down to the jail and I went inside and I sat there for a while. Then all at once I got up and unbuckled my guns and I hung them on a peg behind the desk. And I went over to the Texas Trail.
Kitty
I'm over here, Matt. Sit down, Matt. I heard about Chester. How is he?
Matt Dillon
Doc doesn't know for sure.
Kitty
Oh.
Matt Dillon
They were in here bothering you. Who were they, Kitty?
Kitty
I never saw him before. One was a kind of weasel faced man named Trevit. And the other big man, real brute named Stobo.
Matt Dillon
I think I see what outfit they say.
Kitty
Would it be the Crow Track?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. The Crow track's holding a herd up the river. I get kidding.
Kitty
Wait a minute, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Kitty
No business of mine to ask, but where are your guns?
Matt Dillon
It would have been easier for Chester if they'd have shot him and killed him.
Kitty
But I don't see.
Matt Dillon
So I'm not gonna shoot them. Chester dies, I'll see him hanged. Otherwise.
Kitty
Otherwise what, Matt?
Matt Dillon
I don't know. But I'm gonna bring him back and we'll wait and see.
Kitty
You're taking an awful chance.
Matt Dillon
Maybe.
Kitty
Oh, Matt, please be careful.
Matt Dillon
Sure. Kitty?
Kitty
Yeah, man?
Matt Dillon
Look in on Chester once in a while, will you?
Kitty
Maybe. Of course I will. Don't worry about him.
Matt Dillon
Thank you, Kitty. So long.
Doc
The Marshall.
Matt Dillon
What is it, Shiloh?
Doc
I'll walk outside with you. Marshall. I want to ride after those cowboys with you.
Matt Dillon
No, Shiloh. I'm going alone. But we could use you here at the jail here. I'm going to take two prisoners. I don't know when or how, but I need a jailer when they come in.
Doc
So I'll bring them in with you.
Matt Dillon
And then I'll do. No, that's something I have to do alone, Marshall.
Doc
You're a stubborn man. But okay, I'll do it.
Matt Dillon
Keys are in my desk. Here's my horse. I'm going now.
Doc
He. Wait a minute, Marshall. You're not armed.
Matt Dillon
I know it, Shiloh. Goodbye. Who's the trail boss here? Where is he?
Stobo
Here I am. And I don't need any riders.
Matt Dillon
Maybe not, but you got two riders I need.
Stobo
How's that? Just what do you want, mister?
Matt Dillon
That's the Crow Track outfit, isn't it?
Stobo
That's right.
Matt Dillon
I'm looking for a couple of your men called Stobo and Trevin.
Stobo
They ain't here, mister.
Matt Dillon
And where are they?
Stobo
They come back this afternoon, picked up the gatherings and left. Didn't even wait to get paid off. I'm telling you this just because they're no good and I'm glad they're gone.
Matt Dillon
Which way they go?
Stobo
I wouldn't tell you if I knew.
Matt Dillon
I didn't think you would.
Stobo
Who are you, anyway?
Matt Dillon
I'm a U.S. marshal out of Dutch, that's all.
Stobo
Well, I don't know what you want them for, and I don't care. But how you gonna take a marshal? Put salt on her tail. You ought at least take a club if you're going after that Stovo. He's mean. He's big. Besides being a Texan.
Matt Dillon
We'Ve hung Texans up here before, Mr.
Chester
Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Doc
I heard Stobo and Trevit say they were heading west, following the Arkansas.
Matt Dillon
Where are you from, son?
Doc
Texas, near Waco.
Matt Dillon
And what are you sniveling around and forming on these men for? Let Stobo kick me.
Doc
Knock me down and kick me.
Matt Dillon
All right, son. I'll ride along the Arkansas. But you ride back to Texas and learn how to fight your own battles.
Narrator
We will return for the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment. But first, the conventions start next Monday when the Republican Party takes over Chicago. CBS Radio's greatest reporting names and a corps of technical experts manning mobile units and studios covering the convention floor and corridors are all set to bring you history as never before. Whatever happens, wherever it happens, you'll miss nothing when you tune in the conventions on CBS Radio starting next Monday. Now the second act of gun smoke.
Matt Dillon
I cut straight down to the Arkansas and followed it west. I rode close to the water where I could use the sound of it for only my cover. After an hour or two, I spotted a hobbled horse alone. Stobo and Trepid must have separated. I got down and followed the animals tracks as best I could in the moonlight until I caught the dying cools of a campfire on the bank ahead. To one side, I could make out the huddled figure of a man asleep in his blanket. Took a long time to crawl to his head where I saw the weasel face of the man, Trepid. His gun belt lay on the a saddle blanket in easy reach. I stood up and heaved it out to the river. And as Trevit sat up, with a snap I kicked him back dumb.
Doc
Don't shoot. Don't shoot.
Matt Dillon
You sit up again and I'll smash your skull. Trevit, don't kill me.
Doc
Don't kill me.
Matt Dillon
Shut up. Now, where's your rope? I told you to lie down. Now, where's your rope?
Doc
Under my Saturday he gonna lynch me?
Matt Dillon
No. But you may hang legally if you live that long. Now keep your arms in that blanket and lie still while I get you roped up here.
Doc
Who are you, mister?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, that'll do it. Let's just say I'm a good friend of a man you dragged out of Dodge this morning.
Doc
Stobo was in on that, too. It was his idea. He did it.
Matt Dillon
Don't worry. I'll find Stobo.
Doc
You ain't gonna leave me like this.
Matt Dillon
I'll be back.
Doc
You ain't even carrying a gun.
Matt Dillon
Too bad for you I'm not. Now, Trevin. I'm gonna throw you across my horse and tie you on.
Kitty
Hello?
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Matt Dillon
Take you under Dodge, right to the jail. When you get there, tell Shilo who you are. If you can still talk, he'll give you a nice clean cell.
Doc
You're the marshal.
Matt Dillon
I'll be back when I find Stobo.
Doc
You can't do it, Marshall. I'll die in that. Son, ride like that across a horse. No, no, listen. Stobo's about a mile upriver. We had a row and I left him. See, I told you. Marshall. Let me go.
Narrator
Now.
Matt Dillon
Trevor, how would you like to go to Dodge behind my horse with a rope around your head?
Doc
No. No, no, no.
Matt Dillon
Don't.
Doc
Marshall, don't kill me.
Matt Dillon
I'll pack you on. Now, I tied Trevor across my horse and Started him off in the direction of Dodge. And then I forgot about him. Dobo was next. I rode west on Trevit's horse. Dawn was just breaking when I saw him crouched behind a campfire cooking breakfast. His horse was saddled and stood nearby. I rode straight up, got down and walked.
Stobo
You lost, stranger?
Matt Dillon
No, I'm not lost, Stobo.
Stobo
No tricks, mister. I don't see a gun, but no tricks.
Matt Dillon
Relax, Stobo. I'm unarmed.
Stobo
Who are you?
Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon. I'm a U.S. marshal. Out of Dodge.
Stobo
You're a long way from Dodge, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Stobo, you and your pal had some fun with a friend of mine yesterday. You heard him bad. Maybe you killed him.
Stobo
You rode out here without a gun to tell me that? You're the craziest Marshall I ever saw. I'm gonna shoot you, Marshall, and bury you in the river. What do you think of that?
Matt Dillon
I expected you wouldn't.
Stobo
Huh?
Matt Dillon
But unless you want it on your conscience that you refuse to feed a man on the trail, you better give me a piece of that pork first.
Stobo
You're about the coolest man I ever saw, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Do I eat?
Stobo
Sure you do.
Matt Dillon
Sure.
Stobo
You just stand right there across the fire and don't move. I have to shoot you before you've been fed.
Matt Dillon
I know.
Stobo
It's too bad I only got one dish for your last meal, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
A man can keep sassy on meat alone, Stovo.
Stobo
Yeah, he sure can. Well, looks about done. At least this here P says you can't.
Matt Dillon
All right, I got your gun sober, so don't try anything.
Stobo
You burn me, you burn me.
Matt Dillon
Just a few colds. It won't hurt you. Now shut up and get on your horse. Oh, can you for this, Marshall? You can't hurt me like that. On your horse. Come on, now, get up there. Now, you just sit there, Sobo. I'm gonna throw a noose around your neck, so keep your hands down.
Stobo
There.
Matt Dillon
Now, you ride toward Dodge and you do anything I don't like, and I'll jerk you off your horse and drag you the rest of the way. All right, now, jail's on the left. You see it?
Stobo
I see it.
Matt Dillon
All right, pull up. Shiloh. Shilo.
Doc
Well, hello, Marshall. This other one?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Private. Get here.
Doc
More dead than alive, but he's here. That was rough, Marshall. Real rough.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Shiloh. How about Chester? Coming, Doc?
Doc
Ain't sure yet, but he's alive.
Matt Dillon
Lock Stovo up. I'm going over to Doc's.
Doc
All right, you get down and walk straight or I'll shoot you through both knees.
Matt Dillon
Chester was asleep, but the doc let me take a look at him. Seemed to me he had more trouble breathing than before. But the doc said another day might see him out of it. And there was nothing I could do. So I went up for a steak and some sleep, and the next morning I went back to the jail.
Doc
Morning, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Everything all right, Shiloh?
Doc
Doc looked over your prisoners. Trevor's pretty sick yet, but Stobe's all right. Got a few burns is all. Nothing could hurt that moose.
Matt Dillon
A hanging might.
Doc
Sure. But what if Chester pulls through? You can't hold us then, Marshall. There's no law that says.
Matt Dillon
I don't like the sound of your voice, Trevit. But you can't be quiet.
Stobo
Don't worry, Travis. There's nothing.
Matt Dillon
You too, Sobo. Shut the door, Charlo. I don't even want to look at him.
Doc
That Stobo's a mean one. But I feel kind of sorry for.
Matt Dillon
Trevor and go cry about it someplace else. I don't feel sorry.
Doc
Don't you take it out on me, Marshall. I didn't send Chester off to do my job.
Matt Dillon
I. Yeah. Yeah, you're right. I'm. I'm sorry. Go get some breakfast, huh? Shiloh. I'll wait here now.
Doc
I'll be back later.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Marshall. Doc. What?
Stobo
Well, what?
Matt Dillon
Is the doc coming? Chester. He's gonna be all right. You sure? Why, of course, Marshall.
Doc
His breathing suddenly changed. The pressure's off somewhere.
Matt Dillon
Oh, he's gonna be fine. That's.
Doc
Of course, he'll be in some pain.
Matt Dillon
For a while yet, but. Yeah. Yeah. All right, Doc. I'll come see him in a little while. I'll tell him for you, Marsh. All right. Come on, Trevin.
Doc
Where to?
Matt Dillon
Come on, I said.
Stobo
What's up, Marsh?
Matt Dillon
I'll be back for you. Stubble. Now get going.
Doc
It was Stobo, did he?
Kitty
Not me.
Doc
You can't do anything to me.
Matt Dillon
Shut up. Rivet your horses down at the National. Go get on it.
Doc
You turning me loose?
Matt Dillon
Get your horse and ride and don't ever come back to Dodge. Not while I'm alive. Now go on before I change my mind.
Doc
Yeah, yeah, sure, sure, sure. I'll go.
Matt Dillon
You're next, Stubbo.
Stobo
What you do with Trevit? Put a knife in him.
Matt Dillon
I turned him loose. Now, come on, get out of that cell.
Stobo
Am I free, too?
Matt Dillon
You will be in a little while.
Doc
So the dock, Marshall. Chess, it's. Hey, where you going with Stovo?
Stobo
Gonna shoot me in the back? Probably. That right, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
I'M gonna do what I should have done three days ago when I sent Chester after you. Bring him outside, Shiloh.
Doc
Let's go, Stovo. Slow and easy.
Matt Dillon
Bring him over here, Shiloh.
Stobo
You're gonna drag me, is that it? You try that.
Matt Dillon
That's what you do, isn't it? Stubble.
Stobo
Don't try.
Matt Dillon
Never mind. Try to hold my guns.
Narrator
Here.
Doc
What?
Stobo
Oh, I get it. You're gonna fight me, a marshal. You're crazier than I thought.
Matt Dillon
Why, I'll tear your throat out if he wins. Let him go, Charlotte.
Doc
Maybe I will.
Matt Dillon
I said you'll let him go.
Doc
All right, Marshall, all right. Maybe you are crazy, but I guess this is your party.
Stobo
Come on, Marshall. I'll make it short for you. Real short.
Doc
Stand back, everybody.
Matt Dillon
Get back, do you hear? You're big, Stobo, but you're stupid. You're ugly stupid.
Stobo
Why, you.
Matt Dillon
Give me my guns.
Doc
Shallow. You don't look too good, Marshall. I better get that doc.
Matt Dillon
He's hurt, but he isn't dead. If he can't ride, throw him on a stage. We get him out of here. If I see him again, I'll shoot him. Chester, Can I come in?
Chester
My, what happened to you?
Matt Dillon
I been lecturing a couple of hard nosed cowboys. One in particular.
Chester
Oh, I see. I'm sorry, Mr. Dillon. Those two sort of got the drop on me.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, sure did.
Chester
Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Chester
I've been thinking and. And?
Matt Dillon
Yeah? What is it, Chester?
Chester
Well, Mr. Dillon, I. I'm not much help to you here. Maybe I better just.
Matt Dillon
That's enough, Chester.
Chester
Well, but I. I've been thinking.
Matt Dillon
Well, just stop thinking.
Chester
Yes.
Matt Dillon
Now, look, Chester, I'm gonna tell you something. I. I need you here. You see, you're the only man in Dodge I can really trust. The only one.
Chester
Yes, sir. Well, you. You can trust me, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, and I know, and I'm thanking you, Chester. But you're sure no help to me lying there, you know, no help at all.
Chester
Well, I don't aim to stay here long. The doc says I'll be up and around again.
Matt Dillon
Look, Chester, I tell you what. I'll go get patched up and then we'll make Kitty come over and fix us some steaks and we'll have some beer too, huh? What do you say?
Chester
My, that'd be fine, Mr. Dillon. My, I'd sure like that.
Narrator
Gunsmoke Transcribed under the direction of Norman MacDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was especially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in tonight's cast were Paul Dubov, Lou Krugman and Georgia Ellis with Don Diamond, Gil Stratton and Jack Crucian. Parley Bear is chester and Howard McNear is DOC. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, US Marshal, fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gun Smok. Meet Millie. This delightfully funny little secretary is heard from every Sunday evening here on CBS Radio. Audrey Totter stars as Millie, a gal with a one track mind on the subjects of love and marriage, especially where the boss's son is concerned. Remember, you can now meet Millie every Sunday night on most of these same CBS radio stations. This is Roy Rowan speaking. And remember, tune in history starting next Monday here the Republican Convention on the CBS Radio Network.
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Podcast Summary: "Gunsmoke 52-07-05 (011) Never Pester Chester"
Podcast Information
Overview In the "Never Pester Chester" episode of "Gunsmoke," listeners are transported to the rugged landscapes of Dodge City during the tumultuous days of the American West. Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad, faces challenges that test his resolve, authority, and compassion. This episode delves into themes of loyalty, justice, and the complexities of maintaining law and order in a lawless frontier.
Plot Summary
Introduction to Conflict The episode opens with a seemingly mundane interaction between Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester, a newcomer to Dodge City. Chester, a former salesman from Texas specializing in lightning rods, seeks Dillon's assistance with local troublemakers, Stobo and Trevit.
Chester's Plea for Help
At [01:33], Chester approaches Dillon, commenting on the sweltering heat:
Chester: "Sure is hot today, Mr. Dillon."
Their conversation reveals Chester's brief stint in Sweetwater, Texas, hinting at his desire for stability.
Rising Tensions in Dodge City
Doc Adams informs Dillon about the disruptive behavior of two cowboys, Stobo and Trevit, who have been harassing the town's women:
Doc: "A couple of cowboys been feeling their liquor over at the Texas Trail." ([02:25])
Dillon decides against confronting them directly due to the oppressive heat, prompting Chester to volunteer:
Chester: "I'll go, Mr. Dillon." ([02:49])
Attempted Mediation and Escalation Chester's attempt to mediate the situation at the Texas Trail fails miserably. The antagonistic cowboys mock his Texan demeanor, leading to a physical confrontation. Chester is overpowered, leaving Dillon with mounting concern for his new associate's safety.
Dillon's Determination
Faced with Chester's abduction, Marshal Dillon exhibits his stern dedication to justice. He expresses regret for sending Chester alone:
Matt Dillon: "Now, why did I have to send him? Why didn't I go?" ([06:12])
Determined to rescue him, Dillon foregoes his usual precautions, even discarding his guns to blend in:
Matt Dillon: "I got up and unbuckled my guns and I hung them on a peg behind the desk." ([07:05])
The Pursuit
Dillon tracks Stobo and Trevit along the Arkansas River, ultimately finding Trevit wounded near a campfire. His confrontation with Trevit is tense:
Matt Dillon: "Trevit, don't kill me." ([14:22])
Through sheer force and unwavering authority, Dillon overpowers Trevit, securing him for justice.
Showdown with Stobo
The climax intensifies as Dillon faces Stobo. In a strategic move, he denies himself his guns, forcing Stobo into a vulnerable position:
Matt Dillon: "I'm a U.S. marshal out of Dodge, that's all." ([11:29])
Their verbal sparring culminates in a physical struggle where Dillon asserts his dominance without resorting to lethal force, embodying the moral code of the Old West.
Resolution and Reflection
With Stobo apprehended and Trevit subdued, Dillon returns to Dodge City, where Doc Adams tends to Chester's injuries. The episode concludes with Dillon reinforcing the importance of trust and collaboration in maintaining peace:
Matt Dillon: "Look, Chester, I'm gonna tell you something. I. I need you here. You see, you're the only man in Dodge I can really trust." ([27:33])
Chester's recovery symbolizes hope and the restoration of order, underscoring Dillon's role as the steadfast protector of Dodge City.
Notable Quotes
Chester on Texas Heat:
"Sure is hot today, Mr. Dillon."
— Chester ([01:33])
Doc on Troublemakers:
"A couple of cowboys been feeling their liquor over at the Texas Trail."
— Doc Adams ([02:25])
Dillon's Reflection on Responsibility:
"Now, why did I have to send him? Why didn't I go?"
— Matt Dillon ([06:12])
Dillon's Determination to Rescue:
"I cut straight down to the Arkansas and followed it west... I stood up and heaved it out to the river."
— Matt Dillon ([13:32]-[14:20])
Confrontation with Trevit:
"Trevit, don't kill me."
— Matt Dillon ([14:22])
Final Appeal to Chester:
"Look, Chester, I'm gonna tell you something. I. I need you here. You see, you're the only man in Dodge I can really trust."
— Matt Dillon ([27:33])
Conclusion
"Never Pester Chester" is a quintessential "Gunsmoke" episode that encapsulates the essence of the Golden Age of Radio—rich storytelling, complex characters, and moral dilemmas played out against the backdrop of the Wild West. Marshal Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice and community resonates throughout the narrative, offering listeners a compelling blend of action, suspense, and heartfelt moments. This episode serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of "Gunsmoke" in American radio history.