Old Time Radio Westerns — Ben Slade’s Saloon | Gunsmoke (05-24-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: February 12, 2026 (podcast), May 24, 1952 (show)
Episode: Gunsmoke – "Ben Slade’s Saloon"

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns presents a restored classic Gunsmoke drama, “Ben Slade’s Saloon.” The story follows U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon as he investigates a string of murders near Dodge City, all pointing back to a local saloon and its owners. Rich in atmospheric sounds and period-accurate dialogue, the episode blends suspense, drama, and character-driven storytelling, capturing the turbulent and violent nature of the Old West.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Another Murder Near Dodge City (01:41–04:48)

• Discovery: A buffalo hunter, Les Jones, is found stabbed near Cimarron Crossing, the third similar killing in two months.
• Suspects: Jones was last seen at Tad Slade’s Saloon, winning $3,000 at the faro table.
• Marshal Dillon's Approach: With evidence missing and a pattern of stabbings, Dillon suspects a serial killer.

Quote (Matt Dillon, 03:14):
"$3,000 and a widow woman on the Arkansas river."

(Noting both the victim's winnings and the potential impact on his family.)

2. Notifying the Jones Family (04:48–07:28)

• Personal Impact: Marshal Dillon travels to inform Mrs. Jones and her son Alvin of Les Jones’s death.
• Dillon's Compassion: He encourages Mrs. Jones to help her son cope, aware of how grief can lead boys to become future gunmen.

Quote (Matt Dillon, 07:16):
"Talk to the boy, Miss Jones. Explain it so he won't be bitter. Too many gunfighters got their start from a kid. I like it."

3. Investigating the Saloon (07:28–09:31)

• Confronting Tad Slade: Dillon questions Slade at the saloon, who claims an alibi (spent the night with his partner Ben Ramirez’s sister, Eve).
• Suspicion: Dillon stakes out inconsistencies but finds no direct evidence.

Quote (Matt Dillon, 08:08):
"You had a reason. I wasn't even here last night. My partner, Ben Ramirez, was running the place. Where were you?"

(Dillon probing Slade’s alibi.)

4. A Visit to Ramirez’s Place (09:31–14:50)

• Meeting Eve Ramirez: She recounts being with both men, but her flirtatiousness and reluctance to answer directly draw Dillon’s suspicion.
• Tense Encounter: Ben Ramirez confronts Dillon at gunpoint, asserting his protectiveness over his “sister” and warning Dillon away.

Quote (Eve Ramirez, 12:11):
"Tab Slade thinks we will marry. Well, we won't. Because I don't love him. I don't love anybody. Maybe."

Quote (Ben Ramirez, 13:51):
"The only reason I came to your place was to talk to you. I want to find the killer, Mr. Jones, and thought you might be able to help."

• Dillon’s Ultimatum: He threatens to get to the bottom of the murders, regardless of Ben and Eve’s threats or warnings.

5. Lynch Mob at the Saloon (16:03–18:58)

• Mob Psychology: Local ranchers gather to lynch Tad Slade after another murder—a rancher named Olson is found stabbed post-gambling.
• Dillon’s Stand: Dillon defuses the mob, threatens to shoot if necessary, and arrests Slade for trial, warning the crowd of the dangers of vigilante justice.

Quote (Matt Dillon, 18:28):
"If one of these men lays a hand on Tab Slade, I'll start shooting. There'll be a lot of men dead. How about you, Marshall? Might be you can get hurt, too. That's right, John. You could kill me. All right, which of you is going to shoot first and die first, huh? Well, which one?"

6. Breakthrough: Olson’s Dying Words (18:58–19:53)

• Clue from the Victim: Olson mentions "I fired a couple of times. I think it hit... just being friendly..."—indicating he may have wounded his attacker.

7. Final Confrontation at the Ramirez Place (21:52–27:24)

• Dillon’s Accusation: Dillon accuses Eve Ramirez of being the murderer, noting only a familiar or unthreatening figure could lure the men on the road.
• Evidence: He observes blood by the door and on the table, linking to Olson’s dying confession and the gunshot wound.
• Truth Revealed: Ben admits Eve is not his sister, but his wife. Dillon finds a wounded, dying Eve.
• Motivation: Eve confesses she killed for money, unable to love anyone but desiring wealth and briefly, love.

Quote (Eve Ramirez, 25:57):
"I killed four men for a very simple reason. I wanted the money they had. I wanted it very much."

Quote (Eve Ramirez, 26:46):
"Would you hold my hand?"
(Matt quietly agrees, and she passes away moments later.)

8. Resolution (27:24–28:50)

• Tragic Ending: Eve and Ben (her husband) die. Dillon reflects on the loneliness and tragic end of those consumed by greed and violence.
• Life Goes On: Dodge City continues to bustle, hinting at the unending cycle of violence and frontier justice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Too many gunfighters got their start from a kid. I like it."
    — Matt Dillon to Mrs. Jones (07:16)

• "Men are such fools. But Matt Dillon is not so. But you wouldn't keep me out of town."
    — Eve Ramirez (12:06)

• "If one of these men lays a hand on Tab Slade, I'll start shooting. There'll be a lot of men dead."
    — Matt Dillon confronting the lynch mob (18:28)

• "I killed four men for a very simple reason. I wanted the money they had. I wanted it very much."
    — Eve Ramirez’s confession (25:57)

• "Would you hold my hand?"
    — Eve Ramirez’s final request (26:46)

Key Timestamps

• 01:41: Introduction to the murder and Marshal Dillon’s investigation.
• 04:48: Dillon breaks the news to the Jones family.
• 07:28: Confrontation with Tad Slade at the saloon.
• 09:31: Visit to the Ramirez home; suspicious conversation with Eve and Ben.
• 16:03: Lynch mob assembles; Dillon’s tense standoff.
• 18:58: Aftermath—Slade arrested; clues from Olson's dying words.
• 21:52: Final confrontation, Eve’s confession, and denouement.

Tone & Style

The episode stays true to Gunsmoke’s signature tone—gritty, tense, morally complex, and compassionate. Dialogue is crisp, performances nuanced, and there’s an undercurrent of melancholy as lives are lost to violence and greed. The restored audio adds immediacy to the period soundscape, immersing the listener in the world of Dodge City.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode of Gunsmoke encapsulates the dangers, complexities, and heartaches of frontier life. Marshal Dillon’s investigation into a series of murders uncovers secrets, misplaced loyalties, and the destructive power of greed. The show’s highlights include sharp character interactions, a powerful portrayal of mob justice narrowly averted, and a haunting final confession. Both a classic mystery and a human tragedy, “Ben Slade’s Saloon” stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Old Time Radio Westerns—brought vividly to life by careful restoration and passionate preservation.