Gunsmoke 53-02-28 (045) Trojan War

Summary

Episode Summary: Gunsmoke 53-02-28 (045) Trojan War

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Title: Gunsmoke 53-02-28 (045) Trojan War
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 9, 2025

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Introduction and Setting

The episode "Trojan War" from the iconic radio show Gunsmoke transports listeners to Dodge City, a bustling hub in the American West during the Golden Age of Radio. The narrative centers around Matt Dillon, the steadfast United States Marshal, as he confronts emerging threats to the town's peace and order.

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Initial Tensions: The Arrival of the Pueblo Gang

The story begins with Matt Dillon expressing his impatience for the arrival of spring, highlighting the enduring hardships of frontier life. His deputy, Chester, brings to his attention three suspicious men at a nearby table, whom Dillon recognizes as members of the notorious Pueblo gang—Ed, Rio, and Chuck Evans.

Matt Dillon [02:23]: "Well, I do. Ran into them about four years ago out in Arizona territory. That's the Pueblo gang."

The tension escalates as Dillon warns the trio about their reputation and the consequences of their criminal activities spreading eastward. Despite Dillon's stern warning, Rio Parks dismisses the threat, foreshadowing future conflict.

Rio Parks [04:05]: "Nothing important, Rio. I figure it's quite an honor to have the Pueblo gang in town."

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The Robbery: A Stagecoach Runs Aground

As the town anticipates the arrival of a valuable stagecoach shipment, unusual delays trigger Dillon's concern. Fixed in their routine, the late arrival deviates from the norm, prompting an investigation. Upon tracking the stagecoach, Dillon and Chester discover signs of a violent robbery: the driver and guard have been killed, and a passenger, Helen Ford, is severely injured.

Matt Dillon [07:15]: "Yeah, running at a dead gallop and out of control."

Their meticulous examination reveals that the assailants employed classic outlaw tactics—shooting the lead horse to cause chaos and facilitate their escape.

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Interrogation and Arrest: Confronting Rio at the Saloon

Dillon's investigation leads him to the local saloon, where he confronts Rio Parks. In a tense standoff, Dillon accuses Rio of murder based on circumstantial evidence and his known criminal background. Rio's dismissive attitude only solidifies Dillon's resolve to arrest him.

Matt Dillon [20:26]: "You're under arrest for murder, Rio."

With the support of Chester, Dillon successfully apprehends Rio, maintaining law and order despite the gang's arrogance.

Matt Dillon [19:10]: "They're under arrest for murder. Get your hands up."

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Climactic Confrontation: The Fate of Chuck Evans

The plot thickens as Dillon pursues Chuck Evans, the third member of the Pueblo gang. Their confrontation culminates in a dramatic showdown at the stable. Chuck, desperate to evade capture, attempts to flee but is ultimately shot by Dillon after a brief struggle.

Matt Dillon [25:18]: "Oh, I see."

Chester [25:57]: "I've got the car too much."

This decisive action ensures that the gang's reign of terror in Dodge City comes to an end, reinforcing Dillon's commitment to justice.

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Conclusion: Reflecting on Justice and Duty

In the aftermath, Matt Dillon reflects on the moral complexities of his duty. He contemplates the fine line between maintaining law and the personal regrets that come with making tough decisions.

Matt Dillon [26:40]: "I'm not liking it much right now. In the morning, I'm gonna have a talk with the preacher about holding the service for Helen."

Chester supports Dillon's introspection, acknowledging the difficult choices that lawmen must make in the pursuit of peace.

Chester [26:32]: "Even the moon looks brighter."

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon on Responsibility:

  "If you want some help, mister?"
  [01:48]

• Chester on Frontier Challenges:

  "The law doesn't say you can hang a man because he might steal a horse and forget it."
  [02:23]

• Matt Dillon on Gang Reputation:

  "I know your reputation. West of here, half the stage holdups in the last five years from Colorado to the California border can be laid right at your door."
  [03:18]

• Chester on Helena Ford's Condition:

  "She's in awful bad shape, Mr. Dillon."
  [13:15]

• Matt Dillon on Justice:

  "I'd have half a dodge in jail if I started that. No, Chester. It's the kind of a chance a lawman has to take."
  [26:56]

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Themes and Insights

"Trojan War" delves into themes of justice, duty, and the personal costs of maintaining law and order in an unforgiving landscape. Matt Dillon embodies the quintessential Western hero—resolute, principled, yet burdened by the moral dilemmas his role entails. The episode highlights the perpetual struggle between upholding the law and the human emotions that influence such steadfast roles.

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Conclusion

This episode of Gunsmoke masterfully captures the essence of the Western frontier, blending intense action with profound character development. Listeners are drawn into Matt Dillon's relentless pursuit of justice, witnessing the complexities and sacrifices inherent in his role as U.S. Marshal. "Trojan War" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke in portraying the nuanced battles between good and evil in the Wild West.

Transcript

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[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. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marshall.

[Chester]

It's a cold morning, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. I'm ready for spring, Chester. The tail end of winter always gets on my nerves.

[Chester]

Well, it shouldn't be long now. The worst of it's bound to be over.

[Matt Dillon]

I hope so. Here, let's try Delmonico's here, huh?

[Chester]

I'm always ready to eat, Mr. Dillon.

[Kitty]

Morning, Matt. Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, hi. You kidding?

[Kitty]

How about joining me, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, thank you. Pull up a chair, Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Kitty]

You're up early this morning, Matt. Usually you don't even start breathing till noon.

[Matt Dillon]

It's too cold to sleep. Kitty, that jail stove always burns itself out about 5 o'clock in the morning. From then on, you just have to.

[Kitty]

Well, what is it, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, that second table from the window over there. Those three men there. Do you know them?

[Chester]

No, sir, I don't think I do.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I do. Ran into them about four years ago out in Arizona territory. That's the Pueblo gang. Never heard of them coming this far east before.

[Chester]

Well, you want some help, mister?

[Matt Dillon]

No, just sit tight, Chester. Man, order me some sausage and buckwheat cakes. Kitty. Willie, I'll be right back. I don't wanna stay in this town.

[Chester]

I don't like it enough.

[Matt Dillon]

But go ahead. Morning, boys. It's the Parks brothers, isn't it? Ed and Rio and Chuck Evans. Well, what about it?

[Chester]

Easy, Rio.

[Matt Dillon]

It's still in the US Marshal, the one I told you about. Yeah, I bet you did. What'd you tell him, Chuck? Look, Dylan, our food's getting cold. You got something on your mind or not? Nothing important, Rio. I figure it's quite an honor to have the Pueblo gang in town. I just thought I'd drop over and tell you how I felt. About it. And how do you feel? Well, that depends, Ed. Are you boys here own business? Pleasure? Does it make a difference? Yeah. Yeah, it makes a difference. I know your reputation. West of here, half the stage holdups in the last five years from Colorado to the California border can be laid right at your door. As far as I know, you're clean In Dodge City so far. All right, you just keep it that way. You make one move here and your time's up, right? Then you're short. And I'll take you. All three of you. You understand? Sure, we understand. We'll think it over, Dylan, let you.

[Narrator]

Know what we decided. Rio.

[Matt Dillon]

You talk too much now. See you around, boys. You can put the gun away now, Chester.

[Chester]

All right. I'm just gonna be ready in case.

[Kitty]

Mass, I thought I'd tell you those boys are mean. They were in the Texas Trail last night. They're just downright mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know.

[Chester]

What do we do, Mr. Dillon? Run em out of town?

[Matt Dillon]

Not unless they give us some reason to. Chester. Yes? The law doesn't say you can hang a man because he might steal a horse and forget it. Let's eat, huh?

[Chester]

Our old train's just about ready to pull out, looks like.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's on time. It's 3:00.

[Chester]

Be in St. Louis tomorrow night, Chicago the next day.

[Matt Dillon]

If the engine holds up.

[Chester]

They don't break down so much anymore. They're getting them worked out. So they're pretty dependable.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Chester]

You ever get a hankering to take a trip back east, Mr. Dillon? Just to see how things have changed?

[Matt Dillon]

Not V. Chester. I've been on the frontier too long. I'd be lost back there. I wouldn't know how to act, I guess.

[Chester]

Man could get his rope kinked over which fork to use or what to do.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, hi, Will. You down watching your competition pull out?

[Chester]

There'll be a stagecoach running for a long time to come yet. Railroad's not bothering me any.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm glad to hear that.

[Chester]

Something else is, though.

[Matt Dillon]

No, Matt.

[Chester]

The stage from Buckeye is more than two hours overdue. I'm getting a little worried.

[Matt Dillon]

Why? It's usually late, isn't it?

[Chester]

Not on this particular day of the month.

[Matt Dillon]

What's today? Particular gold dust, huh?

[Chester]

This is the day. Those placer mines out there always ship their cleanup. Charlie's never missed getting it here at 3 o'clock on time for the eastbound Santa Fe. Not once.

[Matt Dillon]

Who's riding shotgun?

[Chester]

Will Houston, Jack.

[Matt Dillon]

He's a good man. I doubt if there's Any cause to worry?

[Chester]

That shipment runs 80 or $100,000 sometimes, Matt. Never been laid before.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Charlie will probably roll in any minute now. We'll see you later, Will.

[Chester]

What do you think, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Same as you do, Chester. Let's ride out and meet that stage.

[Chester]

I still think I heard a horse went in, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I thought I heard it, too.

[Chester]

We must be an hour and a half from town. The way the stage runs. He sure is late, all right.

[Matt Dillon]

I hope late is all it is, Chester. I hope it's not.

[Chester]

There, there. There it is again, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it came from that draw over there somewhere on that sumac thicket. Come on.

[Chester]

Look, Mr. Dillon. Wheel track's leading off the trail.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, running at a dead gallop and out of control. Well, Chester, there's the stage.

[Chester]

I don't see any sign of life, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's take a look.

[Chester]

There's tracks all around.

[Calvin]

Must have been three or four horses here.

[Matt Dillon]

Three, the way I'm figuring it, I'll lay any odds you want. If this is some of the.

[Chester]

That's Houston Jack, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Shot in the back of the head. And they didn't take any chances. He must have ridden up behind the stage and fired without any warning. That's probably what spooked the horses and started the runaway. Yeah, they shot the lead horse. It's an old trick.

[Chester]

Charlie still up here on the balk? They got him, too. That strong box has been forced open. It's empty.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester, let's cut these horses loose and get them out of the traces. Come on now, boy. It's the same way they used to work it out west. Shoot the guard in the back and let the team run until they're far enough off the trail. And then kill the lead horse to stop them.

[Chester]

Do that?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, who else? That's a good thing. There wasn't any passengers. They got the same treatment. All right. There you go, boy.

[Chester]

I think there were some passengers, Mr. Jones. One at least.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Chester]

There's a couple of trunks tied on top. And a carpet bag of some kind inside the state.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, let's have a look. Now, the only bodies are the guards and the drivers.

[Chester]

Say maybe one of the gang was riding as a passenger.

[Matt Dillon]

They wouldn't leave trunks behind it.

[Chester]

What is it?

[Matt Dillon]

There's stuff in the carpet bag. Belongs to a woman.

[Chester]

There's no woman here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know.

[Chester]

Apparently. And they must have taken her.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. It's almost dark. Come on, Chester. Let's try to pick up their trail.

[Chester]

It's Just no use going any farther, Mr. Dillon. It's too dark to tell what we're doing.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, they were heading towards a river. Here, let's take a look through these willows. And if we don't find anything, then we'll ride on back to town.

[Chester]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

I still keep getting a faint whiff of wood smoke from somewhere.

[Chester]

Sure wish we would find a fire. Getting colder in the.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute. Look over there.

[Chester]

I'll swear it's fire, all right. Or what's left of one. Ms. Dillon, you suppose you're still.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. Let's leave the horses here and go up on foot, huh? All right, Chick. Well, there's nothing moving. No signs of life.

[Chester]

They couldn't have left too long ago. That fire would have burned itself out.

[Matt Dillon]

Well.

[Chester]

I'd say we're too late. Mr. Dillon. I think they've gone.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it looks that way, all right. Yeah, a half hour or an hour ago. Made a fast camp, stayed long enough to warm up and then they would.

[Chester]

What was that?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. They're over here. Chester. There's somebody lying on the ground.

[Helen Ford]

Help me. Help me, please.

[Matt Dillon]

Throw some brush on the fire. Chester.

[Chester]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

No. It's all right, miss. It's all right now.

[Helen Ford]

Three of them robbed the state. Killed the driver and the guard. Brought me with them.

[Chester]

Anything I can do, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

No, Chester. I'm afraid. Nothing. I don't love it. Chester. Get some light over here. Grab one of those branches that's caught fire.

[Chester]

Down. Just a second.

[Matt Dillon]

Easy now, ma'am. Just easy now. It's gonna be all right.

[Helen Ford]

I pleaded with them, begged them to let me go.

[Chester]

Here. This help in?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Hold it. Over here, Helen.

[Helen Ford]

But they wouldn't. They wouldn't let me go.

[Matt Dillon]

Helen Ford.

[Helen Ford]

And when they left, they drew their guns and shot me.

[Matt Dillon]

Easy now.

[Chester]

They shot me.

[Matt Dillon]

You know who they were? Helen. Helen, can you hear me?

[Helen Ford]

One. One named Rio. One called Chuck. They sat on their horses, shot me. Then they laughed.

[Chester]

She's in awful bad shape, Mr. Dillon. We ought to get her to dock.

[Helen Ford]

Shot me and laugh, but it didn't matter. Nothing.

[Chester]

Well, I guess it's too late now.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's too late. I'll carry her back to Dodge. Get me your saddle blanket, will you, Chester?

[Chester]

You knew her, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

A long time ago. When things happen the way they do. Later she married Bill Ford and went out to Colorado. It was a long time ago. I didn't expect I'd ever see her again.

[Chester]

It's a bad thing, Mr. Nell.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, yeah, and I'm gonna see him. Hang.

[Chester]

On.

[Matt Dillon]

We will return.

[Narrator]

We will return for the second act of gun smoke in just a moment. But first, everybody's got a heart. That's a plenty solid reason for everybody to support with generous contributions the annual fund drive of the Hart campaign. Don't forget what your money pays for is aimed at making the sick well and keeping the well from getting sick sick. Support the Hart campaign again this year. Now for the second act of gun smoke.

[Matt Dillon]

Over here, Chester. We'll check the livery stable first. They could have pulled out, of course, but I'll lay out as they came straight back into town.

[Chester]

You won't take long to find out.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's go in.

[Chester]

Who's there?

[Calvin]

Who is it?

[Matt Dillon]

Matt Dillon. Is that you, Mr. Kelvin?

[Calvin]

Oh, yeah, sure is, Marshall. Hey, let me get a lantern. L just fixing to lock up the stable and go over and grab myself a bite to eat. Running things alone again tonight. Confounded boy didn't show up like he's not drunk.

[Chester]

And there. Come on, Marshall.

[Calvin]

We got a fire going back in the office. Come on back. Set us.

[Matt Dillon]

I'd like to, Calvin, but we don't have time. I'm looking for some horses.

[Calvin]

Well, I got him, Marshall. You want to buy, trade or hire?

[Matt Dillon]

Just look. There are three fellows staying over at the Dodge House. They've been there about a week. Ed and Rio Parks and Chuck Evans. They keeping their horses here?

[Calvin]

Yeah, they are. Right back here. And if I ever saw a ruination of good horse flesh, this is it.

[Matt Dillon]

There.

[Calvin]

Take a look there. That one belongs to the oldest Parks boy, Ed.

[Chester]

And the one next to.

[Calvin]

It's Rio's.

[Chester]

They been rode, Mr. Johnson, and they been rode plenty.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. What time did they come in, Kelvin?

[Calvin]

About an hour ago, more or less. Gone since forenoon. Just come back a little while ago.

[Matt Dillon]

Look at that horse.

[Calvin]

Been rubbed down twice. He's still wet.

[Matt Dillon]

They didn't say where they'd been, did it?

[Calvin]

No, not them. They ain't the talking kind. Just left their horses and went on over the hotel. Wherever they was though, they must have been riding like the devil himself was chasing them.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe he was. Thanks, Mr. Cuttle.

[Calvin]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I guess there's not much doubt of it, Chester.

[Chester]

No, sir. It was them all right.

[Matt Dillon]

And I could have stopped it before it happened. A man shouldn't be jailed on suspicion. I figured just because he might do something wrong.

[Chester]

Well, my everybody has to play it the way he sees it.

[Matt Dillon]

Only sometimes you can see it a lot plainer.

[Chester]

Afterward, what are we gonna do?

[Matt Dillon]

Go get him, that's all.

[Chester]

Well, where do we start looking?

[Matt Dillon]

The Texas Trail. One thing, Chester, before we go in. Now, you leave the play on this to me, huh? Just keep me covered, that's all, Mr. Dylan.

[Chester]

What was her name before she was married?

[Matt Dillon]

Marlo. Helen Marlo. All right, come on, let's go.

[Kitty]

Well, it was a real dull evening up until now. How are you, Max? Chester.

[Chester]

Hi, Miss. Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

Kitty. I'm looking for the Pueblo gang. Have any of them been in here?

[Kitty]

Why, yeah, One of them's here now. Bill talks. He's over there at the faro table, huh? Well, what's wrong, Matt? What happened?

[Matt Dillon]

They held up the Buckeye stage, killed Charlie and Houston Jack and a passenger, a woman, Helen Ford. All right, Chester.

[Kitty]

Be careful, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure, Kitty. Just cover me, Chester. That's all.

[Chester]

Yes, you.

[Narrator]

500 says I've got the car too much.

[Matt Dillon]

Are they going to cover me or not? What's the matter?

[Chester]

You all a bunch of bikers?

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe they haven't been out robbing stagecoaches, Rio. What do you mean by that? Maybe they don't make that living. But killing women, Dylan? A man could get in trouble shooting off his mouth that way. You're already in trouble. All right, boys. Rio's checking in his hand. The game's over. You can slide out at the end of the table over there. You're under arrest for murder, Rio. I don't know what you're talking about, Dylan. Murder. A murder that you're gonna hang for. And where are the other two? Go find him if you want him. I'm going to, as soon as I finish with you. I said you're under arrest, Rio, and I. Get your hands up. Oh, I don't. You're not gonna make any play. You don't have the guts. Shooting a man in the back is more your line, Rio. You're killing a woman. Now get your hands up. That's better. All right, Chester, get his gun.

[Chester]

Seems like it's getting colder, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Clear as a bell, though. Look at that moon.

[Chester]

Where do you suppose they are? We've been in nearly every saloon on Front Street.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Chester, but wherever they are, we're gonna find them.

[Chester]

And you know something, Mr. Dillon? When we do arrest the other two, they're as good as hung with the evidence we got on.

[Matt Dillon]

I haven't arrested them yet.

[Chester]

Maybe them other two won't be taken as easy as Rio.

[Matt Dillon]

That's up to them. If they want to surrender, they can. I'VE never shot a man with his hands up. Chester. Ben's Barbershop over there. The man that he's shaving.

[Chester]

It's kind of hard to tell who's all that lather?

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's Ed Parks. Come on.

[Chester]

There's just him and Ben in the shop. Wonder where Chuck Evans is.

[Matt Dillon]

We'll worry about him later.

[Chester]

Just help yourself to a seat, gentlemen. Be ready for you just as soon as. Oh, evening, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How you been? I didn't know you were in the habit of shaving outlaws.

[Chester]

Well, maybe you're mistaken, Marshall. You just have a seat there and.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I recognize him all right. It's Ed Parks. Well, looks like you got the advantage of me, Dylan. Well, we can't have that, Ed. Wipe the lather off his face, Ben. Yes, sir.

[Chester]

Sure thing, Marshall. Just a second now, Mr. Parks. There. There you are.

[Matt Dillon]

It's too bad you have to leave that shave half finished, Ed. But they'll give you a free one just before they hang you. What are you talking about, Dylan? Now, gentlemen, you're under arrest for murder. Get your hands up. Your brother's waiting for you at the jail. You arrested real. What about the hand Said. Are you gonna put him up?

[Calvin]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

Dirty kiddo, huh? That was a fast move for a barber, Ben.

[Chester]

I knew he had a gun under the towel, Marshall, but of course, I couldn't say anything about it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, thank you, Ben. And if you'll send the bill for your shaving mug to the stage company, they'll probably take care of it for you.

[Chester]

Yes, sir, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, spill some water on him. I want him to walk to jail.

[Chester]

I'll bet Chuck Evans got clean away, Mr. Dillon. The word must have got to him.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, he had to do it awful fast. The clerk said he checked out of the hotel less than 10 minutes ago. Kelvin. The light must hurt his eyes. He never keeps a lantern burning.

[Chester]

Afraid of fire, maybe.

[Matt Dillon]

Kelvin. Are you there, Kelvin?

[Calvin]

Yes. Hey, what's wrong? Who is he?

[Matt Dillon]

Matt Dillon. Oh, strike a light. A man could fall over something in this stable and break his neck. All right, all right.

[Calvin]

Don't get excited. I'm used to it myself or no. Just where everything is and don't see any point in wasting oil. Now, what's on your mind, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Chuck Evans. Is his horse still here?

[Calvin]

Indeed, it most certainly is. As a matter of fact, he's back there sidling up right now.

[Matt Dillon]

Good.

[Calvin]

I told him it seemed like a full time of night to start out on a trip. You can't reason with anybody that Treats.

[Matt Dillon]

Horses the way that bunch does, I guess. Nothing but. Well, go on answering.

[Calvin]

Yes, what is it?

[Matt Dillon]

Give me a hand back here, will ya? Tell him. Yes.

[Calvin]

All right, I'm coming.

[Matt Dillon]

What's this all about, Marshall? Nothing to get yourself worked up about. Just stay right here and stay out of the way, all right? Chester. Yes?

[Chester]

He's got a lantern back there at the stall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. You were right about one thing, Chester. He's trying to leave town. Give me a hand with this, Kelvin. I can't seem to get the. You're going somewhere, Chuck. Now look. Look, Dylan, you got nothing on me. Lay off. The Parks boys are in jail. I don't know anything about it. Dylan, you can't prove a thing. And you can't shoot me. I'm not even wearing a gun. It's hanging there on the saddle horn. Yeah, so I see.

[Narrator]

If the other boys did something, I.

[Matt Dillon]

Don'T know anything about it. You're a liar, Chuck. And you're a coward. You've got no call to talk like that. Now you're under arrest. Chester, get his gun off his saddle.

[Chester]

Look out, Mr. Dillon, he's got another gun.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll kill you, Dylan. Sir, Help me. You're scared, Chuck. You're too scared to shoot straight. Help me. Well, I guess that does it, Chester. Come on.

[Narrator]

Where is it?

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall?

[Calvin]

What happened?

[Matt Dillon]

Evans is dead. The Parks boys are gonna hang your short three customers co. Well, who's going.

[Calvin]

To pay the stable bill?

[Matt Dillon]

The stable bill? You got their horses, sell em.

[Calvin]

Oh, yeah. I never thought of that. Well, it serves them right. Anybody that would treat a horse the way that bunch did.

[Matt Dillon]

Davis.

[Chester]

I guess it's over, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it's over, Chester.

[Chester]

And it's just as well. This country will be a lot better off with them fellows dead than alive.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess so.

[Chester]

Even the moon looks brighter.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, you're still thinking you should have jailed him on suspicion, aren't you?

[Matt Dillon]

I'd have half a dodge in jail if I started that. No, Chester. It's the kind of a chance a lawman has to take.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Whether he likes it or not.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

But I'm not liking it much right now. In the morning, I'm gonna have a talk with the preacher about holding the service for Helen. It's about all I can do for her.

[Narrator]

Gunsmoke under the direction of Norman MacDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was especially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Tom Tully, Paul Dubov, John Boehner, Harry Bartel and Louise Lewis. Parley Bear is Chester and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Gun smoke is heard by our troops overseas through the facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service. 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 smok. More Godfrey. Yes, Starting tomorrow on most of these same CBS radio stations, there will be more Arthur Godfrey and his Gang presented by CBS Radio for our Sunday listeners. Folks who are regular Arthur Godfrey fans know there's been a 30 minute roundup of Arthur Godfrey time Sundays at the Start star's address. But starting Tomorrow, there'll be 30 minutes more with Arthur Godfrey and all the wonderful Arthur Godfrey gang. This is Roy Rowan speaking and remember, Lionel Barrymore is your host on the Sunday Night Playhouse on the CBS Radio Network.