Born to Hang {reused script} | Gunsmoke (10-09-60)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Born to Hang" | Gunsmoke (10-09-60)

Host: Andrew Rhines
Release Date: August 2, 2025
Episode Duration: Approximately 32 minutes

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Introduction

In this episode of Old Time Radio Westerns, host Andrew Rhines presents a digitally restored version of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Born to Hang." This rendition captures the essence of the Wild West, featuring the legendary U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon as he navigates the challenges of maintaining law and order in Dodge City and its surrounding territories.

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Plot Overview

"Born to Hang" delves into the tense situation surrounding Joe Digger, a man accused of horse thievery—a serious offense in the frontier town. As suspicions mount, the townsfolk contemplate taking justice into their own hands through lynching. Matt Dillon, embodying the moral compass of the story, intervenes to uphold the law and ensure due process.

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Key Scenes and Discussions

1. Accusation and Community Tension ([15:30])

   The episode opens with heated discussions among townspeople about Joe Digger's alleged involvement in horse theft. Characters like Glick and Pete express strong opinions:

   Pete: "Hanging a horse thief ain't lynching. You can't even prove he's a thief." ([16:45])

   This highlights the community's desperation for justice amidst fear and mistrust.

2. Matt Dillon's Intervention ([20:10])

   Marshal Dillon arrives to mediate the escalating situation. His authoritative presence serves as a stabilizing force:

   Matt Dillon: "I don't hold with lynching, Marshall. No, and I don't hold with murder either." ([25:00])

   Dillon emphasizes the importance of lawful proceedings over mob justice, underscoring his role as the protector of justice.

3. Confrontation and Action ([28:50])

   Tensions reach a boiling point when Joe Digger is almost lynched. Dillon's timely intervention prevents tragedy:

   Joe Digger: "I ain't a horse thief. I never thought you was digging." ([30:15])

   The altercation showcases Dillon's commitment to individual rights and due process, even when faced with overwhelming community pressure.

4. Final Resolution ([31:40])

   The episode culminates with Dillon apprehending the true culprits behind the attempted lynching, thereby restoring peace and order to Dodge City:

   Matt Dillon: "You should have let the law decide about that, Digger." ([32:00])

   This resolution reinforces the theme of justice triumphing over vigilantism.

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Character Analysis

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): Portrayed as the steadfast and morally upright marshal, Dillon embodies law and order. His interactions reflect a deep sense of duty and fairness, prioritizing legal processes over mob sentiments.

• Joe Digger: Initially perceived as a horse thief, Joe's character arc reveals his innocence, highlighting the dangers of quick judgments and the importance of evidence-based conclusions.

• Glick and Pete: Represent the community's eagerness to enforce their own version of justice, showcasing the potential for corruption and the pitfalls of mob mentality.

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Notable Quotes

• Marshal Dillon on Justice:

  "I don't hold with lynching, Marshall. No, and I don't hold with murder either." ([25:00])

• Joe Digger's Plea:

  "I ain't a horse thief. I never thought you was digging." ([30:15])

• Glick's Justification:

  "Hanging a horse thief ain't lynching. You can't even prove he's a thief." ([16:45])

These quotes encapsulate the central themes of justice, morality, and the conflict between individual rights and collective action.

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Themes and Insights

"Born to Hang" explores the thin line between community-driven justice and lawful authority. It underscores the perils of mob mentality and the essential role of law enforcement in safeguarding individual rights. Through Matt Dillon's character, the episode advocates for due process, highlighting the importance of evidence and fairness over impulsive retribution.

The narrative also delves into themes of trust, honor, and the moral obligations of those in positions of power. Dillon's unwavering commitment serves as a reminder of the ethical standards expected of leaders, especially in tumultuous times.

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Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns masterfully brings to life the timeless struggles of maintaining justice in the Wild West. With its rich storytelling, compelling characters, and poignant moral lessons, "Born to Hang" remains a standout installment in the Gunsmoke series. Andrew Rhines' meticulous digital restoration ensures that new and old audiences alike can appreciate the depth and artistry of this classic radio drama.

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Unknown Speaker 1]

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[Unknown Speaker 1]

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. Guns Spoke, starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it. 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 and it makes a man watchful and a little lone. Mmm. Ooh, whatcha eating? The new banana split cookie from AM pm.

[Unknown Speaker 2]

All freshly baked with real butter with.

[Unknown Speaker 1]

Banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors. Ah, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite? I'm sorry but no.

[Unknown Speaker 2]

But you can't split the banana split.

[Unknown Speaker 1]

Not even a little. Not even a crumb. What if.

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No, please.

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Mine.

[Unknown Speaker 2]

When it's too legit to split. That's cravenience. Get a 3 pack for 99 cents with our app ampm. Too much good stuff. Plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary. Terms and conditions apply.

[Unknown Speaker 1]

August 13, 1940. This is London as we are warfare. In addition, London remains calm and outwardly undisturbed in this phase of the war. The hope of London, and perhaps the hope of the empire, rests with the fighter command of the Royal Air Force Comments from London by CBS newsman Edward R. Murrow 20 years ago. Mr. Murrow's vivid wartime broadcast will furnish much material for tonight's thrilling special broadcast. The Battle of Britain. The Battle of Britain will recall the dauntless courage of the British people under bliss bombardment under the threat of imminent invasion. CBS News presents this conclusive page from World War II history tonight. Don't miss it. Another of the outstanding special services of CBS News covering the past as well as the present in world affairs. The Battle of Britain from CBS News on CBS Radio tonight. Might as well stand up, Digger. They're just about ready for you. Bring them over here, Glick. Yeah, we'll start walking. We're mighty lucky find you so near a cottonwood grove. You don't know what we'd have done otherwise. You'd have thought of something. Like what? You ain't above shooting a man in the back, are you? Could make me mad talking like that, Digger, that worries me. Oh, shut up. Hurry up, Click. Let's get this over with. We've been waiting on you, Pete. What's Roble looking so long faced about? What I told you before. This ain't right. You telling me it ain't right to hang a horse thief? It ain't right to hang nobody the way you're doing it. I don't hold with lynching. Hanging a horse thief ain't lynching. You can't even prove he's a thief. Then what was he doing with our horses? I was camped. I didn't know nothing about your horses. I suppose they wandered up to you in the night, huh? I don't know how they got there. Yeah, but we do. That ain't so, Glick. We don't know nothing of the kind. I've lost horses the same as you and Pate. And I don't like it any better than you do. But just because this man was camped near a few head of yours is no proof he was stealing them. We're wasting time listening to you, Robo. Yeah. You don't like what we're doing once you just get out. All right, I'm gonna get out. Now you keep your mouth shut about this, you hear? You wouldn't dare say nothing, Glick. You better. Now that noose looks kind of empty dangling there. Don't you put his neck here. You men are nothing but murderers. There's no way to go to your maker. Calling people names. Yeah. Now get on your horse. Go on. What are you gonna do? Hold the rope? Of course not I'm gonna tie it to the trunk of the tree and we'll slap that horse out from under you. Get mounted now. How can I get mounted with my hands tied? Oh, I'll help you. Come on. There. All right. Hey, take up the slack, will you, and get that rope tied. I'll go get our horses. You might have the decency to wait and put a bullet in me. Bullets cost 7 cents apiece, Digger. You were worse than I thought. That rope tight enough? You figure it? I guess it'll do. Yeah. All set, Digger. I ain't afraid. Wouldn't matter if you was, would it? You're all safe. Let's get Mouth at home. Okay. I'll give his horse a lick and then we'll ride off. Ain't got no stomach to watch a man hang. You coward. Son, get it over with. All right, let's go. I'm cutting you down, Digger. There. There you are. Now you can breathe. It wasn't too long. You'd hardly passed out. Air. Air feels good. Get your hands untied. Boy, oh, boy. You come back. Now you can sit up. You feel okay? He was waiting. I circled back into them trees. I couldn't fight them, not the two of them. But I sure didn't aim to let him hang you. I don't know. I don't know how to thank a man for saving me. There's no need to ruble, ruble. It's the truth. It's honest truth. I ain't a horse thief. I never thought you was digging. Can you stand? Yeah. Yeah. Look, if we ain't but 10 miles from Dodge, I'd be proud to buy you a drink. All right. I. I got something mighty interesting to tell you. On the Arthur this Saturday, we're waxing all the floors. Not me. You only have to move the furniture. All week I've had a nagging backache with sleepless nights still dragged out. That's why I should think you'd want relief for that backache. But how? For our don't pill. Good advice that don't pills an analgesic and mild diuretic to the kidney. Nagging backache. Also headache, dizziness and muscular aches from pains may come on with overexertion, emotional upset or everyday stress and strain. D's pain relieving action is often the answer. And they also offer mild diuretic action through the kidney. So if nagging backache is making you feel worn out, tired and miserable with restless, sleepless nights, don't wait by Jones. Pills used Successfully by millions for over 60 years. See if they don't bring you the same welcome relief. Get dome stills today to save money by doan's big economy size. Chester. Hello. Ain't Marshal Dillon showed up yet? Well, he went into office for a minute. He said for you to sit down. He'll be right back out. You tell him about Joe Digger? Well, I told him about the lynching and how you cut him down. Is that all? Well, I started to tell him the rest, but he was in a hurry. He said he'd hear it all from you. It's bad, ain't it? Out here doing everything you can about it. I hate informing on people. Yeah, but murder's worse. Oh, he ain't. Isn't it? All over. Hello, Marshall. Sit down. I've been sitting. Ain't time for it. Chester told me about what happened. That was a fine thing you did, Rubble. I don't hold with lynching, Marshall. No, and I don't hold with murder either. Huh. What do you mean he's gonna kill him? He says he don't care how he does it. This Joe Digger, you mean? That's what he said, Marshall. And he meant it too. Well, My land. You sure can't blame him much after what they've done to him. I didn't see if his life says he could go on a killing spree. Chester. Where is he, Rubble? I left him over at the Long branch. I don't want to come point him out to you, but he. He's a tall fell, no beard, wearing a black hat. I'll find him. Come on, Chester. Are Glick and paid in town Roble? I ain't seen him and I sure don't want to. Now, you better keep out of sight for a while. I aim to mar. I don't see nobody in here look like he described doing. Now, there's Kitty. Let's ask her. Him? Maybe he's already left town looking for Blick and P. We'll have to ride out after him, Chester. And I hope he eat after. Come on, Ma. Chester. Oh, Miss Kitty. Sit down and tell me who you're looking for. Now, how did you know we're looking for somebody? I saw how you came there, Kitty. You ever hear a you old digger? Not until the night man. Oh, you've been talking to him. Bill Noble brought him in. He went next door for some tobacco. He'll be back directly. Good. I take it you know what happened. Yeah. Then what are you doing here? Why aren't you out after Blitz and paper One thing at a time. Well, if you don't believe it about Joe Diva now, you will when you see him. He's got a mark around his neck like a black snake. It's a horrible thing. Matt, you mentioned. Man, that's about the worst thing I know. What about those two men? I mean, since they really didn't hang. They came close enough from me. There he is. He just came in. Headed to the bar. You see? Yeah. No. Trust her. You saved her too much. You Joe, Digger? Yeah, that's me. I hear you ran into some trouble today. Yeah, I seen you talking to Miss Kitty. Well, I came in here looking for you. What for? I'm a marshal. Aw. Somebody tries to lynch a man, I want to know about it. It's all over, Marshall. They didn't kill nobody. You mean you'd like for me to forget about it? Nothing happened. I'm alive, ain't it? Seems to me you take it pretty easy, Digger. Ordinary man might be kind of mad about it. Ah, they made a mistake, Marshall. They thought they was doing right. A little rope burn ain't gonna hurt me. Digger. Don't you think you're wasting your time lying to me? What? I came here to tell you to leave Lick and Bait to me. Which one you going after first, Marshall? Why? So you can get the other one? They don't deserve a trial. They're gonna get one. And so will you if you kill either one of them. I've been pretty lucky so far. Look, Digger, I know how you feel about this, but stay out of it from now on. This is my business. Now you're denying me what's mine. That kind of thinking is going to lead you to the end of another rope. That's not worth it. And to me, maybe it is. Don't be a fool. Think about it. Okay, I'll think about it. It's midnight now, and I'll think about it till tomorrow. Midnight. By then, you better have him in jail, Marshall. Sure, them are you. I bet them dicks ain't even homeless. There's smoke coming out of the chimney, Chester. Winner. Not very likely Ms. Glick's going to be feeding the law today. No, I reckon not. All right, let's leave him here. Hey, that horseshoe's got a loose shoe. A Ms. John have to fix it for always. Start back providing Glennes, too. He won't have much choice about it. Think you'll put up pie? I don't know. He might. Hello, Marshall. Dylan. Chester, what are you doing here? Aren't you going to ask us inside? Well, sure. Come on in. The woman's done with dinner. But I'll. I'll tell her to find something for you. No, don't bother. I. I want to talk to you. Oh? What about? You and Hank Pate. Me and Pate? We'll go pick him up when we leave here. What do you mean? I'm taking you both to jail. Wait a minute, Marshall. Do I have to explain it to you? That might help. You walk into a man's house and arrest him. He ought to know what it's about. Didn't you and Tate murder a man yesterday? What man? Joe Digger. Digger? I never heard of no Joe Digger. And you shouldn't go around lynching strangers. Oh. Oh, that's what this all about. Oh, yeah. I seen that fellow, Marshall. Yeah, I. I was riding right by there yesterday. I seen him hanging. I. I don't know who did it. Sure wasn't me and Pete. Digger says it was. What? He says you and Tate lynched him. Robo. Robo Told you Robo cut him down. Digger's alive. Well, then. Well, then, what do you have those for? Attempted murder. You're gonna get at least 20 years, Glick. But it'll save your life. What do you mean? Digger's after you. He's gonna kill you if he gets a chance. But I beat him here. Now, I want to get to Pate's before he does. Pate? Pate. He's in Dodge today. And we better get moving. You're a prisoner, Glick. Oh, no. Wait a minute. Marshall, keep an eye on him. Chester, I'm gonna take my horse around to the barn and fix. And then we'll leave, huh? All right, fella, you come with me. Fix that shoe for. What happened? Chester, Where's Glick? He ran out back. You've been hit. He got me now. It was his wife, Ms. D. She called him from the kitchen and he went the door and she switched him a gun. He snapped off a shot at me and run out back so I could move. She stood in the doorway. Says I couldn't shoot. How's your arm? Is it broken? No, Izzy. It's just tore up little. I better stop him before he gets on a horse. Stood out there in the kitchen and heard every word that was said. I never thought about her aiming to help. The barn door is open. You going to walk right up there? No, no, we can't do that. We're here by the corner of the house. You get out behind that rain barrel. I will. I sure Ain't much. You seen it. You try to stop me now, Marshall. It's no use to run. Hold it, Glass. You got him? Yeah. You hit him right in the head, Ms. Dillon. He dug down. I was shooting for his middle. How come he rode straight for you? Why. Why didn't he go the other way? He knew our horses were out and fun. He wanted to get to him before we did. Well, there's one man that won't go to jail. Oh, man. You've come just once. He's dead, ma'. Am. No, I. I'm sorry. I had to do it. No, Ms. Gwick. Ma'. Am. All right. Come on, Chester. Ms. Young, you can't go off of being her like this. I'm gonna dig a grave for him. We'll just have to leave her. Our Hank Tate won't go to jail either. Hi, this is Dennis James. Say, remember way back when this melody was popular? There's something very special about a long time favorite, isn't there? Well, folks feel the same way about one of Kellogg's favorites. Kellogg's all brand. Going on 41 years now, it's been America's most popular good food. Way to fight irregularity from lack of bulk. Because it's whole bran, Kellogg's All Brand gentles away irregularity safely and reliably. And because it's deep toasted for extra crispness, it never gets mushy in milk. There's only one All Brand. Kellogg's All Brand. That's a double L hyphen. B, R, A, N. Kellogg's Come in. Hello, Doc. Oh, I'm all finished. About a couple weeks, I can start using my arm again, Mr. John. Good. Providing you keep it in that fling. Just. Oh, I will, Doug. I'll be real careful. Is it all right, Doug? Yes, it looks clean. But I'll change the dressing of the day for a while so I can watch it. Did you get the horses put out, Mr. John? Yeah, I took care of them. We better start looking for Hank Page near midnight. Chester, you go to bed and I'll find him. No, sir. I'm going with you. Oh, I know I ain't much help, but I can look one way while you're looking, right? Well, that's up to you. Up to him. You know, I've heard of cases where this sort of thing was up to the doctor, not the patient. I ain't no patient, Doc. Oh, no? Maybe you'll begin to feel more like a patient when I give you my bill. Bill? You gonna charge me for pouring that smelly little stuff on my arm and wrapping it up with a couple of little rags. Chester, your bill has just gone up and dollar you were not. Doc, I didn't really mean that. You better shut up and come with me, Chester. You'll be a lot safer. It's. I sure am. See you later, Doc. Yes. Well, Matt, is there going to be a shooting? I don't know. But you better not go to bed for a while yet. Oh, I'll be here, Chester. Mister, hasn't your arm even hurt? Sure it does. It hurts fierce. Does that help keep me away? I don't think it hurts at all. You'd be yelling your head off. It does too hurt. You just don't realize how brave I am. I'm trying to get you to go to bed, Chester. I know you are. Where'll we look first? All right. Tackle's trail the closest. You guess anything at a already happened. Doctor heard of it. Wouldn't you have? Yeah. Say, maybe if we run into J. Digger first, you ought to lock him up temporary, like I aim to. Of course, Pete might have left town already and gone home. And they told me his horse is still at the stable. Chester. I guess he's not planning to go home tonight. He'll be dishonest if he is. That was in Texas Trail, Mr. Jones. Yeah. Hey, look. There's Jerry. Digger. He just come out. You stay here. Yes, sir. Digger. You're too late, Marshall. Did you do that shooting? I waited. I told you I would. You waited for what? To kill Hank P. What? It's after midnight. Five minutes or so. I just figured you wasn't going to do nothing about it. You figured wrong. Were both those shots yours? Sure they were. I didn't even wait for him to draw. A man like that don't deserve a chance. You should have let the law decide about that, Digger. I'd have arrested him. He'd have gone to jail right then. Why hadn't you done it? Because I was busy. Busy doing what? Trying to take Glick. Trying? Where is he? He's dead. I guess I beat you to him now. You didn't beat me to Hank Pate, Marshall. For your sake, I wish I hadn't. All right, Bigger, you're under arrest. For me? Oh, no. No. Now, that ain't fair. I warned you. You all right, Smatter? Did he try to draw on you? I couldn't see him. He tried, Chester. Maybe I should have let him. But then you'd have had to shoot him. I know. This way, like I told him. I probably just saved him for the end of another rope. Ever notice the way Pepsi Cola has a disappearing fast? It's easy to understand when you remember how every ice cold ounce of Pepsi tingles with a taste that everybody in the family enjoys. And then too, there's no time limit on Pepsi. Day or night with meals are by itself work days or weekends for parties or all by yourself. Ah, but the thing that really makes Pepsi go fast is its light touch. Pepsi. All those refreshes lightly without filling, so a Pepsi just never tastes like too much. To make sure your supply of pepper meets with a man, always buy an extra carton or two. You can't run a household without it. Gun Mode Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Guns Folk by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Lawrence Dobkin, Barney Phillips and Harry Bartel. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when TBS Radio presents another story on gun Smoke. Latest news follows, after which we join the Mitch Miller show on the CBS Radio Network. Foreign.

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Sam.