Bad Seed | Gunsmoke (05-29-60)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Bad Seed | Gunsmoke (05-29-60)"

Old Time Radio Westerns hosted by Andrew Rines presents "Bad Seed," an evocative episode from the legendary radio drama Gunsmoke. Originally aired on May 29, 1960, this episode delves deep into themes of abuse, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of the Wild West.

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Introduction

Set in the rugged vicinity of Dodge City, Gunsmoke introduces us to Matt Dillon, the steadfast United States Marshal portrayed by William Conrad. In "Bad Seed," Matt's routine patrol leads him to an unexpected and emotionally charged encounter that tests his resolve and compassion.

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Initial Encounter with Trudy Trent

At approximately [05:00], Matt Dillon returns from what he anticipates to be a routine trip. Looking forward to a moment of personal respite at Mr. Teeter's saloon, his plans take an unforeseen turn. During the night, Matt discovers a young woman, Trudy Trent, lurking near his campfire (05:52).

Notable Quote:

• Trudy Trent (05:52): "Pa. He gets drunk almost every night. Ain't likely he's out riding around on the prairie."

Trudy, portrayed by Eve McVeigh, timidly approaches Matt, expressing her desperate need for food and shelter. Through their conversation, Matt learns that Trudy has fled from an abusive home approximately 40 miles from Dodge City (05:24). Despite her resistance and emotional pleas, Matt insists on ensuring her safety by escorting her home the next morning.

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Conflict at Trent Farm

As dawn breaks, Matt believes he can facilitate Trudy's return, but her defiance surfaces. Trudy expresses a strong desire to escape her oppressive circumstances by traveling with Matt to Dodge City, a place that promises better opportunities but is fraught with its own dangers (07:24).

Notable Quote:

• Trudy Trent (07:24): "I changed my mind. I'm not going home. I'm going to Dodge with you."

Matt grapples with his responsibility, torn between professional duty and personal compassion. He agrees to stay the night, leading to an unsettling confrontation with Trudy's father, Alex Trent.

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Confrontation with Trudy's Father

Alex Trent, depicted by Sam Edwards, arrives intoxicated and confronts Matt about his daughter's absence (10:15). A vehement exchange ensues, where Alex demands Matt leave his daughter alone. The confrontation escalates, resulting in Alex attempting to assault Matt. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to upholding the law, Matt defends himself, reinforcing his role as the protector of peace.

Notable Quote:

• Alex Trent (10:18): "You don't need him around here."

---

Love Triangle and Rising Tensions

The narrative thickens with the introduction of Gar Klein, another suitor interested in Trudy. Gar, voiced by Sam Edwards, arrives with intentions to win Trudy's affection, leading to jealousy and rivalry with Matt (25:28). This love triangle adds layers of complexity, as Trudy oscillates between her longing for freedom and the gravitational pull of Matt's protective nature.

Notable Quote:

• Trudy Trent (14:30): "Ain't I worth fighting for? Just a little?"

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Climax: The Shooting Incident

The tensions culminate when Gar confronts Matt, falsely accusing him of shooting Trudy's father to abduct her (25:25). In a heated altercation within the barn, Gar attacks Matt, resulting in Matt being wounded.

Notable Quotes:

• Matt Dillon (23:04): "Trudy, you're a foolish, romantic little girl. And I'm sure not about to get married to you or anybody else."
• Matt Dillon (26:10): "Why don't you finish me off?"
• Gar Klein (25:32): "Trudy told me right how you shot her pa so she could run off with her."

Despite the attack, Matt remains composed, emphasizing that he did not intend harm and reaffirming his dedication to justice and protection.

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Aftermath and Resolution

In the wake of the shooting, Matt addresses the fallout with the assistance of Kitty, the local saloon owner (17:21). Trudy's father is subdued, and Trudy herself becomes entangled with a gambler from St. Louis, leaving Matt to reflect on the complexities and personal costs of his mission.

Notable Quote:

• Matt Dillon (28:19): "I guess you're right, Kitty. I guess you're right."

---

Conclusion

"Bad Seed" masterfully portrays the moral dilemmas and interpersonal conflicts that define Gunsmoke. Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to law and order is tested by Trudy's plight and the ensuing violence. The episode underscores the harsh realities of frontier life and the enduring struggle between duty and compassion.

Key Themes

• Abuse and Escape: Trudy's desperate attempt to flee an abusive father highlights pervasive issues of domestic violence.
• Duty vs. Compassion: Matt's internal conflict between enforcing the law and providing personal support reflects the complexities of his role.
• Jealousy and Rivalry: Gar Klein's antagonism introduces a dynamic of romantic rivalry, adding depth to the narrative.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon (05:12): "I'm the U.S. marshal. And Dodge."
• Trudy Trent (07:24): "I changed my mind. I'm not going home. I'm going to Dodge with you."
• Trudy Trent (14:30): "Ain't I worth fighting for? Just a little?"
• Matt Dillon (22:38): "I just thought you ought to know. Now I'm gonna get married."
• Trudy Trent (22:43): "To you."
• Matt Dillon (23:04): "Trudy, you're a foolish, romantic little girl. And I'm sure not about to get married to you or anybody else."
• Gar Klein (25:32): "Trudy told me right how you shot her pa so she could run off with her."

---

"Bad Seed" stands as a compelling narrative within the Gunsmoke series, blending action, emotion, and moral inquiry to deliver a memorable story that resonates with its audience. Through rich storytelling and dynamic character interactions, the episode offers listeners a gripping tale of courage, resilience, and the quest for a better life in the untamed frontier.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Dennis James]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers. And that's where the 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 and the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, but it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

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[Dennis James]

Millions of Americans are now crowding our highways, pushing and impatient to get the most out of this weekend. The hundreds of highway deaths and thousands of highway injuries can be avoided provided that every single motorist does his bit. That bit means driving safely and sanely all the time. There's positively no excuse for excess speed. By observing all speed limits, you'll get to your destination almost as soon. Whereas if you speed, you may never get there. Just as important is the necessity of paying strict attention to traffic signs and those white lines on the highway. They were put there for your protection. Never pass unless you're absolutely certain it's safe, that the road is clear ahead. Never pull out of line, slow up, stop or turn without first looking in your mirror, then signaling clearly, well ahead. And don't be afraid to give the other fellow the right of way. If you let him go, you won't crash into him at all times. Drive with caution and courtesy. You'll live longer.

[Matt Dillon]

It had been a long, hard ride to Fort Larned and as it turned out, a useless one. The prisoner Colonel Matthews had been holding for me died before I could get there. So I spent the night at the fort and then started back for Dodge the next morning. The trip back was more pleasant. A breeze from the Rockies swept across the high plains. And it was cool for the first time in weeks. And now, camped for the night, just a day's ride out of Dodge. I was looking forward to a bath and a shave at Mr. Teeter's. I must have been asleep for some time when a sound awakened me. Somebody was standing just outside the circle. A light cast from the dying fire. All right, hold it. Now, you raise your hands and you walk in here slow. Keep coming right up to the fire. Now just stand it. Is there anybody with you?

[Trudy Trent]

No, I'm alone. Please, mister, I didn't mean any harm.

[Matt Dillon]

What are you doing here?

[Trudy Trent]

I was hungry. Thought maybe I could get some food.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I might have shot you.

[Trudy Trent]

I'm awful hungry, mister. I've been sitting out there watching your fire. I thought you were asleep.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, there's some side meat in that fry pan. It's cold, but you can have it if you want.

[Trudy Trent]

Thank you, Mister.

[Matt Dillon]

You really were hungry, weren't you?

[Trudy Trent]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

What did you eat last this morning?

[Trudy Trent]

Just before I ran away.

[Matt Dillon]

Ran away?

[Trudy Trent]

That's right. I ran away from home.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. What's your name?

[Trudy Trent]

Trudy. Trudy Trent.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, where is it, Trudy? Your home?

[Trudy Trent]

About 40 miles from here. What's your name?

[Matt Dillon]

Dillon. Matt Dillon. I'm the U.S. marshal. And Dodge.

[Trudy Trent]

Dodge? That's right where I'm headed.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, Trudy, Dodge is a long way from here. A whole day's ride. Don't you think you better ride back home tomorrow and think about this a little? Your parents are going to be a little worried.

[Trudy Trent]

That's just me and Pa, Marshall. I sure ain't going back to him.

[Matt Dillon]

He's probably out looking for you right now.

[Trudy Trent]

Pa. He gets drunk almost every night. Ain't likely he's out riding around on the prairie.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Trudy Trent]

He's about the most terrible man ever lived. Marshall, I could tell you things he done to me you wouldn't believe. You want to hear?

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Trudy, a lot of kids don't always get along with their pa.

[Trudy Trent]

I'm not a kid, Marshall. I'm old enough. I've been old enough a long time.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, you're going back home in the morning. I'm gonna ride with you to make sure you get there.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't you like me, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure I like you, Trudy. But you're still going home.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't make me go back there, please. I'll do anything you want, but please don't make me go back.

[Matt Dillon]

I got a Blanket for you? You can sleep with a fire.

[Trudy Trent]

Marshall, please.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Trudy, whether you think so or not, you're still just a kid. And I'm taking you home in the morning. In the morning, I awakened to a clear, warm day. But the blanket I'd given to Trudy lay crumpled and empty on the ground. For a minute, I thought she'd run off. Then I heard splashing from the other side of the willows. She was taking a swim. Few minutes later, she was out dressed and we were breaking camp.

[Trudy Trent]

It was wonderful, Marshall. You should have tried it.

[Matt Dillon]

You ready to ride?

[Trudy Trent]

You're mad at me, Trudy.

[Matt Dillon]

You had something to eat, you got some sleep, you had your swim, and now you're going home.

[Trudy Trent]

I changed my mind.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Trudy Trent]

I changed my mind. I'm not going home. I'm going to Dodge with you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, can you think of one.

[Trudy Trent]

Good reason for not taking me to Dodge?

[Matt Dillon]

That Dodge is no place for a girl like you.

[Trudy Trent]

You still think I'm too young, Will you just wait till you see me all dressed up? You won't think I'm too young.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you belong at home, Trudy. Now, let's get mounted.

[Trudy Trent]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Trudy Trent]

If you want, you can marry me. You want to marry me?

[Matt Dillon]

It's not going to work, Trudy. I told you, you belong at home with your pa, and that's where you're going.

[Trudy Trent]

And you keep talking about how Dodge is no place for a decent girl.

[Matt Dillon]

We're wasting time. Let's.

[Trudy Trent]

Well, there it is, Marshall. You can see we don't make out too good.

[Matt Dillon]

This is hard land, Trudy.

[Trudy Trent]

Any land's hard for Pa. He had a pretty good farm once, but he left it. Why, he had to. Neighbors run him off for stealing stock. He told me about it one night when he was drunk. He laughed fit to kill. Marshall, will you stay the night and think about taking me away with you?

[Matt Dillon]

We'll see.

[Trudy Trent]

Come on, let's go in, get this over with. Hey, Pa. Hey, where.

[Trudy's Father]

Where'd you run off to, girl?

[Trudy Trent]

I guess you was worried some, huh?

[Trudy's Father]

You sash me and I'll fix your clout.

[Trudy Trent]

This is marshalling Pa from Dodge.

[Trudy's Father]

What you bringing the law out here for?

[Trudy Trent]

He brought me home, Pa. You what? I ran away yesterday morning. Marshall brought me home.

[Trudy's Father]

I oughta ten you good girl, running off that way.

[Trudy Trent]

Worried about who'd do the chores, weren't you, Pa?

[Trudy's Father]

Now, don't you talk like that, girl. I missed you. I missed you something fierce.

[Trudy Trent]

I'll bet you did.

[Trudy's Father]

I worried so much that I didn't hardly eat nothing.

[Trudy Trent]

But you sure been drinking enough though.

[Trudy's Father]

Hey, Marshall, don't you pay her no mind. She's my little girl and I care a whole.

[Trudy Trent]

Listen to him. Don't I make you sick, Marshall, I.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll spend the night like you asked, Trudy. Now, I better take care of the horses.

[Trudy's Father]

But you, switchie, just about spending the night.

[Trudy Trent]

I asked him to, Pa. Where for?

[Trudy's Father]

You don't need him around here.

[Trudy Trent]

And I'll tell you something else. Tomorrow I'm riding to Dodge with him to stay.

[Trudy's Father]

You what?

[Trudy Trent]

I'm leaving you, Pa, for good and all.

[Trudy's Father]

No, not hardly, you ain't.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't you hit me.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, Mr. Trash, you'll.

[Trudy's Father]

I. I tell you true, you take her away, I'll come to God. I'll tell people what you done. Young girl like that.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't we wait and talk about all this later, huh? When you're sober.

[Trudy's Father]

Well, I don't know as I aim to get sober. But I know one thing for sure is you ain't taking Trudy away.

[Trudy Trent]

Never mind him, Marshall. You go take care of the horses. I'll find something for supper.

[Trudy's Father]

Drunk or sober, I'll say just one thing. Just don't mess with me, my cootie. Just don't mess.

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[Dennis James]

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[Matt Dillon]

The Trent farm wasn't much of a place inside or out. The front room where we ate was just a broken stove, a couple of bunks and burlap hung over the 21 glass windows. Supper was some boiled Greens and sheepherder's bread, which Asa used to sop up his plate.

[Trudy Trent]

You eat like a hog, Pa.

[Kitty]

She's.

[Trudy's Father]

Got a real sharp tongue, ain't she, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Now, she can talk, all right.

[Trudy's Father]

She can do everything, sure.

[Trudy Trent]

Cook, clean, baby stock, anything.

[Trudy's Father]

Yeah, I taught her them things, and.

[Matt Dillon]

A lot more, I'll bet. And it's cheaper than hiring somebody.

[Trudy Trent]

Even cheaper than getting married, ain't it, Pa? Cause if you married, you'd have another mouth to feed.

[Trudy's Father]

Ah, don't talk like that. No, you're my little girl. We have good times together, don't we?

[Trudy Trent]

It's a palace of joy, Pa. Now, Trudy girl, you know how we celebrated Christmas, Marshall? Pa got drunk and set me on fire. I had to run out and roll in the snow or I'd have burned up. And he wouldn't let me back in. I near froze to death.

[Trudy's Father]

Ed, I'm gonna go out to the barn, get me another jug of whiskey. The one under the bed's empty. Get myself a.

[Trudy Trent]

Well, Marshall. What do you think now? Still think I shouldn't go on to Dodge with you?

[Matt Dillon]

Is he always like that?

[Trudy Trent]

Not always. Right now he's kind of on good behavior on account of you being here.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Trudy Trent]

Dodge couldn't be worse than this, could it?

[Matt Dillon]

No, I guess not him.

[Trudy Trent]

Will you take me, please? Yeah, I'll take it, honest.

[Matt Dillon]

But your PA is gonna make a fuss, there's gonna be trouble.

[Trudy Trent]

You afraid of him?

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's not that. I just don't want anybody hurt.

[Trudy Trent]

Ain't I worth fighting for? Just a little?

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Trudy, I want you to get something straight. I'd do the same for anybody. Now, look, the first thing in the morning.

[Trudy Trent]

Pa. How long you been standing there?

[Trudy's Father]

Marshall, you can sleep in the barn.

[Matt Dillon]

Fine.

[Trudy's Father]

You'll find a good spot right at the edge of the loft. You'll like it fine there.

[Matt Dillon]

You'll sleep good too. The barn was warm and filled with a smell of sweet hay. As I drifted off to sleep, the figures of Trudy and her father turned and twisted in my mind. Then suddenly I was awake again, wide awake, because somebody was moving toward me across the barn floor. For a moment, I thought it was Trudy, and then I saw the rifle in his hand.

[Trudy's Father]

All the Trent die, blast you.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, sir. Hey, sir. In the barn. Trudy, what happened?

[Trudy Trent]

Did he shoot you?

[Matt Dillon]

No.

[Trudy Trent]

I heard him get up and go out. And I followed his sinner. A coup. Is he dead?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Trudy Trent]

He shouldn't have tried it.

[Matt Dillon]

Truly, I'm sorry.

[Trudy Trent]

Don't Be he had it coming.

[Matt Dillon]

You go on back to the house. It'll be dawn in an hour. I got some work to do here.

[Trudy Trent]

I ain't gonna stay on this rotten farm now, Marshall. That's for sure.

[Matt Dillon]

You get your things together, Trudy. We'll leave for Dodge as soon as it's light. Just as the sun was breaking over the horizon, Trudy and I rode away from her father's ranch for the last time. She never once looked back. But I did. The roof sagging at one end, the boarded windows, the unwatered patch of corn. The makeshift barn, small cross now stood over a stone covered grave. It wasn't a hard place to leave in Dodge. I told Kitty about the whole affair and she promised to give the girl a hand. So she put Trudy to work on the long branch that she could keep an eye on her. That. That way.

[Kitty]

Hello, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, you're doing quite a business.

[Kitty]

Yeah. Sit down.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, thanks. Well, how's Trudy working out?

[Kitty]

Oh, fine, I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean, you guess?

[Kitty]

It's a little soon to know yet. That girl's got a mind of her own.

[Matt Dillon]

Any trouble with her?

[Kitty]

No, no trouble. She's over there at the bar now talking with Gar Klein.

[Matt Dillon]

Gar Klein?

[Kitty]

Yeah, that nice looking kid.

[Matt Dillon]

Then who's he?

[Kitty]

I don't know too much about him. Never used to come in here too much. I think maybe he's in love with Judy.

[Matt Dillon]

In love?

[Kitty]

What's the matter? You jealous?

[Matt Dillon]

Don't start that, kiddie.

[Kitty]

Well, I know one thing. Girl's got quite a case on you.

[Matt Dillon]

But you're just a kid and more.

[Kitty]

I don't know about that. A U.S. marshal's a good catch for a girl.

[Matt Dillon]

She meets a lot of men here. Maybe she'll forget about it.

[Kitty]

From what I can see, Guy doesn't let her meet many men. He's so jealous, he won't let her out of his sight.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess they're both pretty young.

[Kitty]

Don't underestimate young love magic. Besides, this has been going on for three days now.

[Trudy Trent]

I thought you'd come in, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How are you, Trudy?

[Trudy Trent]

God says he never met.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Marshall. You new in town, girl?

[Trudy Trent]

Guy hasn't been here much longer than I have, Marshall. But he's staying on. Ain't you, G?

[Gar Klein]

Yes, I am.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's good.

[Gar Klein]

I've been promised a job of work out at Emmett Bower's place. Then when I'm able, I'm getting Trudy out of here.

[Kitty]

Well, the long branch isn't that bad? I keep an eye on her when you're not around, Gar.

[Gar Klein]

I thank you for that, Miss Kitty. But just the same, girl like Trudy, she shouldn't have come here in the first place. She's not used to being around a saloon.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess you're right.

[Gar Klein]

Like I say, it wasn't fitting to bring her here at all.

[Trudy Trent]

Now don't talk like that. Marshall knew what he was doing. He wanted to bring me here. Didn't you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know as I had much choice.

[Trudy Trent]

But you did bring me. And now you're responsible for me.

[Gar Klein]

No, I ain't. There's not any such thing. I'm the one who's responsible for you and me. Only you keep away from her, Marshall. You keep away from now on. Come on, Trudy.

[Kitty]

Well, you see what I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

All I came in here for was a quiet drink. You know, the next time you better have Sam bring a bucket of beer down to my office.

[Kitty]

It's not that bad, Matt. I'll tell you what. This time it's on the house. Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

I guess I'm getting old, Kitty. But somehow it rubs a wrong way. To be warned off by a youngster who's not dry behind their ears yet.

[Kitty]

He's just showing off, Ma.

[Matt Dillon]

I hope you're right. Well, how about that drink?

[Kitty]

Hu.

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Matt Dillon]

Try it.

[Dennis James]

Okay. Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Come in.

[Trudy Trent]

Evening, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Trudy, what are you doing here this time of night?

[Trudy Trent]

I came to see you.

[Matt Dillon]

Aren't you supposed to be working?

[Trudy Trent]

I asked Kitty for a few hours off. Said I was sick. I see you haven't been to long. Branch all night, and I've been busy. You don't seem very glad to see me.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, look, Trudy. Let's get this straight, Marshall.

[Trudy Trent]

I came here to tell you something.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Trudy Trent]

I just thought you ought to know. Now I'm gonna get married.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's fine.

[Trudy Trent]

To you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute. I thought you were talking about Gar Klein.

[Trudy Trent]

Gar? Why, he.

[Matt Dillon]

Cause he's in love with you. He got himself a job at Emmett Bowers so he could save enough money to marry you, get you a place.

[Trudy Trent]

Gar's just a fence riding cowboy, and that's all he's ever gonna be. I'm not gonna marry a man like that. Like I said, I'm gonna marry you.

[Matt Dillon]

Trudy, you're a foolish, romantic little girl. And I'm sure not about to get married to you or anybody else. Not now or anytime. Now, have you got that straight, little girl?

[Trudy Trent]

Am I?

[Matt Dillon]

You asked.

[Trudy Trent]

I'll teach you how to talk to her.

[Matt Dillon]

Stop it. Stop that.

[Dennis James]

Take it.

[Matt Dillon]

I said stop it. You just calm down. You feeling better?

[Trudy Trent]

Now I'll tell you how I feel. I'm gonna tell everybody in Dodge you killed my pawn and then you ran off with me. How my PA tried to stop you and you shot him dead and forced me to come with you.

[Matt Dillon]

Fruity. You listen to me. You don't really care about me at. Now, you be honest with yourself. You just want to be a U.S. marshal's wife. Isn't that right? Trudy? Trudy, wait a minute. You try and do good for somebody, and this is what happens.

[Gar Klein]

Matt, you look kind of tired.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Gar Klein]

I say you look tired. Oh, well, just like I've always told you, Chester. You can't burn the candle at both ends and not have it show. Oh, she must be a handful, all right, huh? She's got Matt going all right. It's a sure sign something's in the wind when they won't even talk about it. Yeah, well, it even happened to me one time, Doc. Yeah, back in Texas it was. And this little old gal, bless her heart, just wouldn't give me a minute's peace.

[Matt Dillon]

She must have been a ridge running beauty.

[Gar Klein]

Well, now, she wasn't too bad. Mr. John say, you better get married, Matt. It's a whole lot easier in a man than all this court.

[Matt Dillon]

I just hate to do this to you gentlemen, but I'm gonna have to leave. Don't forget my check when you leave, huh? Steak, eggs and coffee. Thank you.

[Dennis James]

Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? Oh, God.

[Gar Klein]

I've been looking for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Now what's the trouble?

[Gar Klein]

I heard all about it.

[Matt Dillon]

All about what?

[Gar Klein]

Trudy told me last night. She told me everything.

[Matt Dillon]

You've been drinking.

[Gar Klein]

Last night I was, but not now.

[Matt Dillon]

I see.

[Gar Klein]

Last night Trudy told me how you shot her paw so she could run off with her.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute. Guard.

[Gar Klein]

Now you gotta hear in dodge and you don't want her no more.

[Matt Dillon]

You listen to me. Trudy's lying to you. You're a fool to believe all that talk.

[Gar Klein]

I love her, Marshall, and she loves me. And I ain't gonna have you make sport of her.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not trying to hurt her. I haven't said anything against her. Can't you see this is what she wants? She's trying to make you jealous. Trying to get back at me for turning her down.

[Gar Klein]

I'm going to kill you.

[Matt Dillon]

You better just go along, son. We can talk about this later. Not hardly. Mar. Don't be a fool.

[Gar Klein]

This is for Trudy and what you done to him.

[Matt Dillon]

G. Why don't you finish me off?

[Gar Klein]

Why don't you?

[Matt Dillon]

You're not hurt bad, son. You're going to be all right. What in the world happened? Mr. John, aren't you all right, Lid? Yeah. Doc, see to this boy here. And then Chester can take him over to the jail till he cools off.

[Gar Klein]

Where are you going?

[Matt Dillon]

Down to the Long Branch. I'm gonna have a talk with Trudy Trent.

[Kitty]

I heard the shooting, Matt. What was it?

[Matt Dillon]

Gar Klein. But I'll tell you later. Right now, where can I find Trudy?

[Kitty]

It won't be too easy, I'm afraid.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, easy or not, I'm gonna find her and I'm gonna run her out of town. Trudy's caused all the trouble she's going to around here.

[Kitty]

She's already gone, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Kitty]

What happened to Gar? Did you shoot him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but he'll be all right. What's this about Trudy?

[Kitty]

Well, last night Gar was in here with Trudy, and she got him pretty drunk. From what I could tell, they were talking about you. Later, Gar passed out and I had Sam put him in the back room to sleep it off. That's when Trudy met the gambler.

[Matt Dillon]

Gambler?

[Kitty]

Yeah, from St. Louis. He came in last night, late, real late, on his way to San Francisco. Judy was at loose ends and she got to talking with him. And they left together just half an hour ago on the morning stage.

[Matt Dillon]

I see. I guess maybe he was a better catch than Gar Klein.

[Kitty]

Looked like he was pretty rich, fancy clothes and all. So I suppose she figured he was better than you two, since she finally figured out she'd never get you.

[Matt Dillon]

It's too bad about Gar. But I guess he was trying to do the right thing. At least the way he saw it.

[Trudy Trent]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Trouble is, she never really cared for him at all. He was fighting for just a lot of shadows.

[Kitty]

Well, maybe that's better than not fighting for anything at all.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess you're right, Kitty. I guess you're right.

[Dennis James]

Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty, ice cold Pepsi Cola.

[Trudy Trent]

Sociability, Charlie.

[Dennis James]

All right, Kay.

[Matt Dillon]

How's this?

[Dennis James]

Pepsi is light, refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi right now.

[Trudy Trent]

I'll offer it to everybody. Charlie.

[Dennis James]

I will enjoy Pepsi at the fountain. It's delicious at home, too. Have one at lunch or with a snack at the beach or at dinner. Wherever you go, wherever you're thirsty, Pepsi is there.

[Trudy Trent]

It's here too, in our be sociable zone.

[Dennis James]

Be sociable.

[Matt Dillon]

Look smart.

[Trudy Trent]

Keep up today with plenty. Drink light with refreshing. Plenty.

[Trudy's Father]

Stay.

[Trudy Trent]

Be sociable.

[Dennis James]

Have a Pepsi for the weekend. Have plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today. CK I'm sociable.

[Trudy Trent]

Pepsi, everyone is.

[Dennis James]

Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Norman McDonald with editorial supervision by John Neston. Featured in the cast were Eve McVeigh and Sam Edwards. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is kidding. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve, Technogod and Craig who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam.