Gunsmoke 53-07-18 (065) Wild West

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode: Gunsmoke 53-07-18 (065) Wild West

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Episode Overview

In this captivating episode of Gunsmoke, titled "Wild West," listeners are transported back to the tumultuous era of the American frontier. Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully recreates the tension and drama characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio, bringing to life the relentless pursuit of justice by Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City.

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Plot Summary

The episode unfolds with Matt Dillon confronting a series of thefts and kidnappings plaguing the local ranchers. His investigation leads him to Yorkie Kelly, a distraught young man whose father, Mr. Kelly, has been abducted by a group led by the unscrupulous Webb Cutter and his associate Roark.

As Dillon delves deeper, he encounters Hattie, Mr. Kelly's young and seemingly charming wife, whose demeanor raises suspicion. Tensions escalate when Hattie's true intentions emerge, revealing her complicity in the nefarious schemes threatening the ranchers' livelihoods.

The climax intensifies with a confrontation that pits Dillon against Cutter and Roark, culminating in a dramatic showdown where loyalties are tested, and the true nature of each character is unveiled. The resolution sees Dillon navigating the complex web of deceit to restore peace and order to Dodge City.

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Character Profiles

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled and resolute U.S. Marshal dedicated to upholding the law amidst the chaos of the Wild West.

• Chester Proudfoot (Harley Bear): Yorkie Kelly's loyal friend, assisting Dillon in the quest to rescue Mr. Kelly.

• Yorkie Kelly (Joseph Kearns): A young rancher grappling with the abduction of his father and the manipulative influence of Hattie.

• Hattie Kelly (Michael Ann Barrett): Mr. Kelly's wife, whose facade of charm hides her involvement in the criminal activities threatening the ranch.

• Mr. Kelly (John McGovern): The patriarch of the Kelly family, whose disappearance sets the central conflict of the episode into motion.

• Webb Cutter (John Danar) and Roark (Nestor Piva): Antagonists orchestrating the theft of horses and the destabilization of the local ranching community.

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Key Scenes and Turning Points

1. Encounter with Yorkie Kelly (00:41 - 04:28):

   • Matt Dillon meets Yorkie Kelly, who explains the abduction of his father and the theft of their horses. This confrontation sets the stage for the ensuing investigation.
   • Notable Quote:
     Matt Dillon (01:07): "There's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal."

2. Introduction of Hattie (06:17 - 09:00):

   • Dillon interacts with Hattie, revealing her dissatisfaction with ranch life and her influence over Yorkie. Her backstory hints at ulterior motives.
   • Notable Quote:
     Hattie (08:45): "I'm sick of it, Marshall. Nothing but work and wind and dust and that awful kid."

3. Rescue of Mr. Kelly (12:28 - 14:48):

   • The team locates Mr. Kelly, who discloses Hattie's betrayal and the true nature of Cutter and Roark's plans to seize the ranch.
   • Notable Quote:
     Mr. Kelly (14:21): "I'll have another drop of this water. One of them fella called Webb Cutter. He's gonna run off with my wife Hattie, soon as they sell the ranch."

4. Confrontation and Revelation (20:02 - 26:49):

   • A tense face-off occurs between Dillon, Yorkie, Hattie, and the antagonists. Hattie ultimately takes drastic measures that complicate the situation further, leading to a moral dilemma for Dillon.
   • Notable Quote:
     Matt Dillon (24:19): "You shot Cutter, Hattie. Why did you do it?"

5. Resolution and Aftermath (27:00 - 27:59):

   • Mr. Kelly opts to resolve the situation by removing Hattie from the ranch, avoiding her prosecution and maintaining peace, while Dillon reflects on the necessity of balanced community roles.
   • Notable Quote:
     Mr. Kelly (27:19): "I'll get her things and drive her to town, Marshal. I'll give her some money, and then Yorkie and I will come back here."

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Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Morality: The episode explores the thin line between upholding the law and making morally ambiguous decisions, especially when personal relationships are involved.

• Trust and Deception: Trust is a central theme, with characters like Hattie embodying deception, challenging Dillon to discern truth from manipulation.

• Community and Responsibility: Matt Dillon represents the ideal federal authority figure, emphasizing the importance of leadership and responsibility in maintaining community order.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Matt Dillon on Law Enforcement:

   • [00:41] Matt Dillon: "There's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal."

2. Hattie's Frustration:

   • [08:45] Hattie: "I'm sick of it, Marshall. Nothing but work and wind and dust and that awful kid."

3. Mr. Kelly on Betrayal:

   • [14:21] Mr. Kelly: "I'll have another drop of this water. One of them fella called Webb Cutter. He's gonna run off with my wife Hattie, soon as they sell the ranch."

4. Conflict Escalation:

   • [24:19] Matt Dillon: "You shot Cutter, Hattie. Why did you do it?"

5. Resolution and Sacrifice:

   • [27:19] Mr. Kelly: "I'll get her things and drive her to town, Marshal. I'll give her some money, and then Yorkie and I will come back here."

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Conclusion

This episode of Gunsmoke intricately weaves a tale of betrayal, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Harold's Old Time Radio successfully encapsulates the essence of classic Western dramas, delivering a storyline that resonates with themes of trust, morality, and community resilience. Through Matt Dillon's unwavering dedication, listeners witness the restoration of harmony in Dodge City, underscoring the timeless appeal of lawmen taming the untamed Wild West.

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Notable Production Credits

• Written by: John Meston
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Rex Corey
• Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Michael Ann Barrett (Hattie Kelly), John McGovern (Mr. Kelly), Joseph Kearns (Cutter), John Danar (Roark), Nestor Piva (Additional Roles), Harley Bear (Chester Proudfoot)

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Enjoy more classic episodes by tuning into Harold's Old Time Radio, where the spirit of the Golden Age of Radio continues to thrive.

Transcript

[Styles Mackenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles Mackenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com fierce. This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair]

Wayfair Every style.

[Matt Dillon]

Every home.

[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.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Gun smoke.

[William Conrad]

Starring William Conrad. The transplant story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marsh.

[Matt Dillon]

I'd been up north for a few days. On the way back, I camped on the Pawnee river about 30 miles from Dodge, planning to ride on the next morning. During the night, however, my horse twisted his knee somehow, and it was gonna be slower traveling than I'd figured. So I started out before dawn. It was just breaking day when I had a rifle shot up ahead. A half hour later, I spotted a fallen horse and the figure of a man crouched by its head. As I came closer, however, the figure stood up and I saw it wasn't a man at all, but a small boy. He held a rifle in his hand.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's far enough, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm a friend, son. Put down your rifle.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hey, you sound like. Yeah, it's Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right. Who are you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Aw, gee, I'm glad to see you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You look familiar. We must have met somewhere.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm Yorkie Kelly.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, sure, I remember now. That camp on the Arkansas.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That's right.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what happened to your horse, Yorkie?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Busted his leg. I shot him just a little while ago. And I've been crying, Marshall. That's why I couldn't see you good.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know how every man loses his horse once in a while, Yorkie.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It ain't the horse so much, Marshall. It's my pa.

[Matt Dillon]

Your pa? Where's he?

[Chester Proudfoot]

They rode off with him, Marshall. Right that way. You gotta go after him. Please, Marshall, please. Something will happen if you don't.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute, Yorkie. Take it easy. Just tell me what happened. Who rode off with your paw?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know, Marshall. It was dark. I couldn't tell.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, let's sit down here. Come on.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, take your time and tell me the Whole story, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I was out hunting last night, Marshall. I sneaked off to shoot some coyotes, and then I heard a lot of horses coming, so I hid and watched him. Those were our horses. Marshall and two men were driving them. They stole them. I know they did.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what about your pa?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He was with them. They stole him too.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, how do you know?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It was dark, but I could tell the way he was riding. He had his feet tied under his horse's belly. That's why.

[Matt Dillon]

Go on.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I followed him till my horse went down. He busted his leg in a prairie dog hole, so I unsaddled him and then I shot him.

[Matt Dillon]

Where do you live, Yorkie?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Over there about five miles.

[Mr. Kelly]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

My horse is lame, but I'll get you home on him and go get you saddled.

[Chester Proudfoot]

But what about my pa? Ain't you gonna go after him?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll find him, but I gotta have a fresh horse. All right, hand me your saddle. Now get up behind me.

[Mr. Kelly]

Come on.

[Matt Dillon]

Pass it. You think there are any horses left at your ranch, Yorkie?

[Chester Proudfoot]

We only had six, and they were driving five. Paul was on the other one.

[Matt Dillon]

We're in a spot, then. My horse will never make Dodge. He's getting worse every step.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I got a little Indian pony out in the pasture, but he's not big enough for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you'll have to do it, Yorkie. When we get there, you'll catch your pony and you'll ride into Dodge.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What'll I do there, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Go to the jail and tell Chester I sent you. You can leave your pony there and ride back with him. Tell him to bring some extra horses. We'll need them.

[Chester Proudfoot]

We'll be just like a posse, won't we?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. And don't worry about your paw. We'll find him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

They got to. You tell Hattie where I've gone, will you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Hattie.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hattie ain't my real ma. My real ma, she's dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Hattie's awful pretty, but I don't like her much.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I hope you don't tell her that, Yorkie.

[Chester Proudfoot]

She ain't as old as Pa, but she's awful old. Oh, she must be 30, anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. How old's your pa?

[Chester Proudfoot]

65. But he's tough. You know, Marshall, I don't think Hattie's any good for a ranch.

[Matt Dillon]

Why is that?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know. I just don't think she is. You'll see. Yeah, I'll ride real hard for Dodge, Marshall. We'll be Tracking my PA before you know it.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure we will, Yorkie. When we got to the pasture, I helped Yorkie catch his pony and got him started for Dodge. Then I rode on into the ranch, put my horse in the corral and walked up to the house. Hattie came to the door. She was young, all right, and pretty. But she looked more like she belonged in a dance hall than on a ranch.

[Hattie]

What do you want?

[Matt Dillon]

My name's Matt Dillon, ma'am. I'm from Dodge, U.S. marshal.

[Hattie]

Marshal Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

I heard about Mr. Kelly from Yorkie. I ran into him out on the prairie.

[Hattie]

Where is Yorkie?

[Matt Dillon]

He's gone to Dodge for some fresh horses, ma'am. He will be back by evening. Then we'll get started.

[Hattie]

Get started?

[Matt Dillon]

Now, don't you worry any. We'll find him, all right.

[Hattie]

What did Yorkie tell you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Last night he saw the men who stole your horses and took Mr. Kelly.

[Hattie]

Where'd he see him?

[Matt Dillon]

He was out hunting, he told me, and he saw him ride by.

[Hattie]

So that's where he was. Darn little scoundrel. He's always running off like that.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't understand, ma'am.

[Hattie]

That boy's got the wildest imagination.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean, there's no trouble?

[Hattie]

Marshall Kelly went along with those men just to show him the trail, that's all. He sold them those horses? Oh, why, sure. Crazy Yorkie, always stirring things up. I'm gonna hide him good when he gets home.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Then you expect Mr. Kelly back soon, is that right?

[Hattie]

Sure, he'll be back.

[Matt Dillon]

When did he say?

[Hattie]

Today, I suppose.

[Matt Dillon]

Who were the men he rode off with?

[Hattie]

Well, I don't know their names. That's Kelly's business. I don't interfere. Come on inside, Marshall. I've got a pot of coffee on the stove. I expect you could use some.

[Matt Dillon]

We had coffee, and she insisted that I call her Hattie. And we talked for quite a while. It seemed she'd worked in a dance hall all right over in Abilene. Then old Kelly came along a few months ago and offered her a home and respectability. She jumped at it. According to her, Yorkie was the biggest problem she had. Aside from the fact that living on the prairie wasn't exactly her idea of a good time.

[Hattie]

I'm sick of it, Marshall. Nothing but work and wind and dust and that awful kid.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you planning to stick it out?

[Hattie]

Sure, I'll stick it out. Sure, I will.

[Matt Dillon]

You'll get used to it in time.

[Hattie]

Tell me, Marshall, how's Dodge these days? Pretty lively.

[Matt Dillon]

It was when I left.

[Hattie]

You know, I was planning to move to Dodge once before Kelly came along. I kind of wish I had now.

[Matt Dillon]

One town's pretty much like another, Hattie.

[Hattie]

Yeah, but the men are different.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe.

[Hattie]

I'd have got along real fine in Dodge, wouldn't I, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. Why not?

[Hattie]

More coffee?

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, no, thanks.

[Hattie]

It'll be night before anybody gets back here, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I suppose it will.

[Hattie]

You sure you don't want any more coffee?

[Matt Dillon]

No, thank you. I think I'll go see what I can do for my horse. He's pretty lame. I'll see you later.

[Hattie]

I'll be here, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I spent the day out by the corral doctoring my horse and taking it easy. It was after dark when Chester and Yorkie rode in, leading three extra horses. But I still didn't know whether we were gonna need them or not. I told Chester how things stood while Yorkie was watering the animals. And then we all walked up to the house. I explained to Yorkie that we'd have to wait for morning in any case. Hattie was waiting on the porchy.

[Hattie]

You ought to be real proud of yourself this time.

[Chester Proudfoot]

We're going after Pa in the morning. Hattie can't track him at night. At least that's what the marshal said.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right, Yorkie.

[Hattie]

Now, don't tell me you're gonna make a fool of yourself, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I hope not. Oh, excuse me. This is Chester Proudfoot, Miss Kelly.

[Mr. Kelly]

How you do, ma'am?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yorkie, I could whip you back.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute, Miss Kelly. He's done no harm. Your husband isn't back yet. And if he doesn't come in tonight, maybe. Maybe we better go look for him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How can he come home when he got them all tied up? Stole our horses, too.

[Hattie]

That's a lie, Yorkie. Those men bought our horses, and your father just rode out to show them the trail.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why are you saying that? You know Pa wouldn't sell our horses.

[Hattie]

Don't you talk back to me.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You shut up, that's all. I won't shut up. You ain't my mind. You can't.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Yorkie, take it easy. We'll find your pa. I promise you that.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, okay, Marshall, but you find him.

[Matt Dillon]

We will.

[Hattie]

Well, Marshall, I figured you'd all be back here, so I fixed some supper.

[Mr. Kelly]

Well, see, now, that's mighty kind of you, ma'am. I'm awful hungry.

[Hattie]

The marshal also missed his dinner. Come on inside and we'll eat.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I'm going around back and wash. Marshal, you don't have to if you don't want to, though.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay, Yorkie, we'll be along. Chester.

[Mr. Kelly]

Yes?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't think old Kelly's coming back tonight. We'll be riding after him in the morning.

[Mr. Kelly]

Yes, it sure is a lot cooler now the sun's down.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know when I rode so much in two days. Dodge yesterday and clear out here today. I must have covered a thousand miles.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, maybe you'll learn to ride. You keep this up, Yorkie.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, now, Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Huh? What's the matter?

[Matt Dillon]

Here they are. The tracks go off this way.

[Mr. Kelly]

They got a whole day to start on us. We can't follow them at night.

[Chester Proudfoot]

We'll find them. We got to.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, look up ahead there.

[Mr. Kelly]

Where? It's a man. And he's afoot.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Come on, man.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's Pa. It's Pa. Say, Pa. Pa. Pa, you all right? We found you. Me and the Marshall and Chester.

[Mr. Kelly]

We found you, boy.

[Matt Dillon]

Get him some water, Chester. He's about played out.

[Mr. Kelly]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

Sit down, Mr. Kelly. Chester's getting you some water.

[Mr. Kelly]

Here it is.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Thank.

[Mr. Kelly]

I needed that. They didn't give me any water.

[Matt Dillon]

Where are they, Mr. Kelly?

[Mr. Kelly]

They've gone. Camped near here all day. Then they left me so's I'd die out here. Looked like I got lost and starved. They had it all planned.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I knew it, Clark. I saw you with them and the horses. I knew it.

[Matt Dillon]

Have you eaten anything?

[Yorkie Kelly]

No.

[Mr. Kelly]

Marshallet didn't feed me either. Wanted me weak so's I couldn't walk far when they left me.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, dig out the jerky.

[Mr. Kelly]

I'm old. Wouldn't have lasted very long. It was a good trick. Blast them.

[Matt Dillon]

You mean they were gonna leave you out here to starve just so they could run off with your horses?

[Mr. Kelly]

No, it's more than that, Marshall. I'll have another drop of this water. One of them fella called Webb Cutter. He's gonna run off with my wife Hattie, soon as they sell the ranch. He is? Hattie had owned the ranch with me dead.

[Styles Mackenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Stiles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's Style Tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table from wayfair.com fierce this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair]

Wayfair every style.

[Matt Dillon]

Every home.

[Nicole Byer]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Nicole Byer helping you make those rooms. Flyer today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com.

[Styles Mackenzie]

Ooh, fierce.

[Nicole Byer]

This has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior.

[Wayfair]

Wayfair, every style, every home.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I never get like her.

[Mr. Kelly]

Here, Mr. Kelly, chew on some of this. And I got some hard biscuits, too, if you want to soak them in the water. I'll be all right once I get something in me.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Pa's old, but he's awful tough, ain't you, Pa?

[Mr. Kelly]

Yeah. You're an awful fool, too, Yorkie.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Aw, that's all right, Pa. We're better off alone, you and me, anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

Who was the other man, Mr. Kelly?

[Mr. Kelly]

Roark, he called himself Friend of friend of Cutter's. He's gonna get his share of the money off the sale of the ranch.

[Matt Dillon]

Did you know these men before?

[Mr. Kelly]

No. Had he knew him back in Abilene, so they said. They had it all figured out before we got married. Oh, Marshall, there's nothing worse than an old fool.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you aren't the first man to be fooled by a pretty woman, Mr. Kelly.

[Mr. Kelly]

I was lonely, that's all. And I thought Yorkie ought to have a mother. Sure picked a good one.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Just you and me, Pa. We don't need no woman around.

[Mr. Kelly]

Well, there ain't gonna be one long, that's sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Mr. Kelly, what did they do with your horses? They gonna drive them back to the ranch?

[Mr. Kelly]

That's what they said. Only thing that bothered them was Yorkie here. They weren't sure. He was asleep. Hattie said she'd take care of him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I sure fooled him, didn't I, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, you sure did, Yorkie. But if they're headed back to the ranch, Hattie will tell them we're on their trail and they'll all run off. I gotta stop them.

[Mr. Kelly]

They got a couple of hours start on us, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, but those horses they're driving will slow them a little. Chester, you stay here. You can ride in tomorrow when Mr. Kelly gets his strength back. I'm gonna take the horse Yorkie was riding and a fresh one.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll go with you, Marshall. I'll fight him.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, Yorkie. You've done your part. You stay here with your paw.

[Mr. Kelly]

Yeah, I'm the one that ought to go Marshall, but I just ain't up with that kind of ride.

[Matt Dillon]

That's all right, Mr. Kelly. You take it easy and come on back when you can. I'll see you at the ranch, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You.

[Matt Dillon]

You wouldn't have an extra horse, Chester, and you'd need it.

[Mr. Kelly]

Yes, that's true. Well, good luck.

[William Conrad]

We will return to the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment. But first, every Monday night, an affable man about murder, Thomas Hyland, invites you to come along on a CBS radio crime classic. Dramatizing all the known facts about actual killings of bygone days, crime connoisseur Hyland recreates atmosphere as well as details in his crime classics. Remember, Monday nights on most of these same stations, CBS radio presents crime classics for an unseasonal chill in the atmosphere. Now, the second act of Gunsmoke.

[Matt Dillon]

One thing in my favor was that Cutter and Roark weren't riding as hard as I was. They didn't know there was any special hurry. I changed mounts every few miles, but along toward the end, one of the horses began to sull and finally I had to leave him just before daybreak. When I came to the ranch, there were no lights on in the house. So I figured I'd beaten them after all. There was a room for my horse in the hayshed and I put him in there and closed the door. Then I walked up to the house, hid behind a rain barrel near the porch and waited. It was a half hour before they rode in. They put their horses in the corral and then came up to the house.

[Mr. Kelly]

Take it easy, Cutter. She's awake. She's lighting a lamp back there.

[Yorkie Kelly]

What'd she need a lamp for? It'll be daylight in a minute.

[Mr. Kelly]

She's your woman. Why don't you ask her?

[Yorkie Kelly]

She's my woman. And you remember it, Roark. I seen you looking at her the other night.

[Mr. Kelly]

One woman's just like another to me. They're all the same. They're all poisonous for you.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Hattie's poison, all right. I'm telling you, Rourke.

[Mr. Kelly]

But she's pretty. That's more than I can save her most.

[Matt Dillon]

You forget she's pretty, okay. There's something else about her I like.

[Yorkie Kelly]

What do you?

[Mr. Kelly]

Well, I've been thinking. When she sells this ranch, she gets a third. You get a third. I get a third.

[Matt Dillon]

That's right.

[Mr. Kelly]

But whoever gets Hattie sorta gets two thirds, don't it?

[Yorkie Kelly]

You try that, Rourke, and I'll kill you.

[Mr. Kelly]

I'm just joshing you. You really gonna marry her, Cutter?

[Yorkie Kelly]

I told her I was, didn't I?

[Mr. Kelly]

I didn't ask you what you told her.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Shut up. Here she comes.

[Hattie]

Hello, Webb. Rock.

[Yorkie Kelly]

What are you all locked up for? Old man Kelly ain't gonna come sneaking home.

[Hattie]

Come on inside. Hurry up. We haven't got much time.

[Yorkie Kelly]

What's the matter with you, Eddie? You're all upset.

[Hattie]

You'll be all upset too, when you hear I gotta tell you.

[Yorkie Kelly]

You mean that Marshall Dillon Dodge?

[Hattie]

He's got another man with him. A chest or something or other.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Well, I'll be.

[Matt Dillon]

This fixes everything.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Why didn't you take care of that bratty kid like I told you?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He sneaked off to go hunting.

[Hattie]

He wasn't even here, so how could I help him?

[Yorkie Kelly]

And he ran for smack into the marshall. Now we've really got our heads in a noose. Suppose the old man's dead when they find him?

[Mr. Kelly]

If he's dead, he can't talk, can he?

[Yorkie Kelly]

Oh, it's worse if he's alive. Blast you, Hattie. Can't you do anything right?

[Hattie]

You're blaming me?

[Yorkie Kelly]

Who would I blame? I didn't put that marshal on our trail.

[Mr. Kelly]

It don't matter now who did.

[Matt Dillon]

What are we gonna do?

[Hattie]

We're gonna have to get out of here fast. I'm all ready to go, just as soon as I get a riding skirt on.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Wait. You ain't going nowhere.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Yorkie Kelly]

You heard me. We can't be dragging a woman around. You'd wear out in no time.

[Mr. Kelly]

Now you're making sense, Cutter. We'd never get away with her holding us back.

[Hattie]

You're gonna leave me here, are you? You gonna let me face those people?

[Chester Proudfoot]

You know I'll go to jail, don't you?

[Yorkie Kelly]

Oh, they won't do nothing to you. Tell them you got misled or something. They always go easy on women.

[Hattie]

You're gonna run out on me.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Oh, now, Hattie, you'd be better off here. I'll let you go, and you can get on back to Abilene and I'll come by as soon as they forget about all this.

[Mr. Kelly]

Come on, Cutter, we're wasting time. They could be here any minute now.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You coward. You dirty, rotten coward.

[Yorkie Kelly]

No. Hetty.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Who is your mother, mister?

[Yorkie Kelly]

Enough, Hattie.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I hate you. Go on, get out, both of you. I wouldn't have either one of you.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Either one of us?

[Hattie]

You didn't think I cared, did you? I'd have made one of you shoot the other before I was through.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Pies don't cut three ways, mister.

[Mr. Kelly]

Now we all know Cutter. What I tell you, boy?

[Yorkie Kelly]

There, that'll hold you. Come on, Rock, let's go.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You dirty dog.

[Mr. Kelly]

Ah, forget it, Hattie. Maybe I'll get dabbling sometime. So long.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll fix you.

[Yorkie Kelly]

I should have known about you.

[Mr. Kelly]

You gonna talk all day? Come on.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, get your hands up.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Bother you.

[Matt Dillon]

Get up in the air and don't try anything.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Hello, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You touch that gun and I'll kill you.

[Mr. Kelly]

While you're killing him, what do you think I'll be doing, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Don't try it, either of you.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Hanging's bad, Marshall. I ain't going to hang.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't have to hang. Kelly isn't dead. We found him in time.

[Yorkie Kelly]

I don't believe you, Marshall. I think you've been here quite a long. You ain't even seen Kelly.

[Mr. Kelly]

Yeah. You just want to see us hang.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm telling you the truth.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Oh, no. Lawmen don't tell the truth true. Not to fellas like us, anyway. Do they roar?

[Mr. Kelly]

No, I don't believe they do.

[Yorkie Kelly]

Well, he can't kill us both.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Roar.

[Yorkie Kelly]

We'll draw at the same time.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm telling you, don't try it.

[Mr. Kelly]

Why not, Marshall? Let's kill him.

[Matt Dillon]

Cutter.

[Hattie]

We killed him. We killed him both.

[Matt Dillon]

Now give me the gun, Hattie. I said give it to.

[Hattie]

Take it.

[Matt Dillon]

You shot Cutter, Hattie. Why did you do it?

[Hattie]

I don't know, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You do it to help me because he was running out on you.

[Hattie]

He's dead. What difference does it make?

[Matt Dillon]

It could be murder, Haddy.

[Hattie]

You'll have to decide that, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah? Cutter might have killed me.

[Hattie]

He might have.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, go back in the house. You can wait in there.

[Hattie]

Now they're both dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Do you care?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No.

[Hattie]

No, I don't care. What's going to happen to me, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. I think I'll let Mr. Kelly decide that.

[Hattie]

Where is he?

[Matt Dillon]

He'll be here tonight, probably. He's with Yorkie and Chester.

[Hattie]

Marshall. Will I go to jail?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Hattie. Depends on Kelly.

[Hattie]

He's a nice old man. He wouldn't hurt anybody. I'm sorry I got into all this.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I wish I hadn't.

[Mr. Kelly]

Marshall Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Mr. Kelly]

I just had a long talk with Hattie, Marshall. Well, she tried to kill me. You know, she had a hand in it.

[Matt Dillon]

She'll go to jail for it if you prosecute her.

[Mr. Kelly]

I know, but Marshall, I can't send anyone to jail. Not a woman. If she was a man I'd shoot her.

[Matt Dillon]

But what do you want to do, Mr. Kelly?

[Mr. Kelly]

I'll get her things and drive her to town, Marshal. I'll give her some money, and then Yorkie and I will come back here. Yorkie will just have to grow up without a mother. And about me there, it don't matter none.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Mr. Kelly. I guess I wouldn't want to see her in jail either. We need women out here. Good or bad, we need them.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke Transcribed under the direction of Norman McDonnell stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U. S. Marshal. Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were Michael Ann Barrett, John McGovern, Joseph Kearns, John Danar and Nestor Piva. Harley Bear is Chester. Gunsmoke has been selected by the Armed Forces Radio Service to be heard by our troops overseas. 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 this Monday night, Herbert Marshall has the leading role in a story adapted from Daphne du Maurier's collection called Kiss Me Again, Stranger. It's the eerie story of the birds describing strange happenings on an otherwise quiet English countryside here at this Monday night on most of these same stations when CBS Radio presents the summer theater. Yes, this Monday night starring Herbert Marshall. And remember, there's action as a policeman really finds it in 21st Precinct Tuesdays on the CBS Radio Network.

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[Unknown]

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