Bringing Down Father | Gunsmoke (03-11-56)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "Bringing Down Father | Gunsmoke (03-11-56)"

Host: Andrew Rines
Original Air Date: March 11, 1956
Release Date on Podcast: July 22, 2025
Podcast Description: The "Old Time Radio Westerns" podcast, hosted by Andrew Rines, breathes new life into classic Western radio dramas through meticulous digital restoration. This episode, “Bringing Down Father” from the iconic series Gunsmoke, immerses listeners in the rugged frontier of Dodge City, featuring the steadfast U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon.

---

1. Introduction to Dodge City and Matt Dillon

The episode opens with the familiar voice of Matt Dillon (William Conrad) introducing himself:

“[02:05] 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 that makes a man watchful and a little lonely.”

This sets the tone for the law and order that Matt embodies in the tumultuous environment of Dodge City.

2. The Incident: A Man Shot by the Trail Boss

The narrative quickly escalates when Andy Gilden, a newcomer from Texas, approaches Matt with alarming news:

“[04:11] Andy Gilden: There's a man been shot, Marshall. An unarmed man.”

Andy reveals that Harley Burke, the trail boss of the Star M cattle outfit, has shot an unarmed man named Hodges. Despite Burke's rough demeanor, Matt is skeptical of the accusation:

“[05:08] Matt Dillon: Burke's a man of temper and he's pretty rough, but he's decent. Hard to believe he'd shoot an unarmed man.”

3. Investigation and Burke’s Confession

As Matt delves deeper, he confronts Burke, who admits to the shooting:

“[08:43] Jack Ruman: It was raining. I'd been out with a guard. Only dry spot I could find when I come in was way over there by Hodges. I went to sleep then he must have woke up and saw who it was. Then he came over and kicked me in the head. Hurt me bad. But somehow I got a bullet in him before I blacked out.”

Despite the confession, Matt senses that Burke is withholding crucial information, hinting at a larger conspiracy.

4. Kitty’s Insight: The Motive Behind Andy’s Actions

The plot thickens when Kitty, a local woman, confronts Matt about Andy's behavior:

“[11:40] Kitty: You saw me sitting here with that drunken kid. Why didn't you come over?”

Kitty reveals that Andy harbors deep resentment towards his father, Mr. Gilden, suggesting that Andy’s actions are driven by a desire to prove himself and possibly exact revenge.

“[12:14] Kitty: Matt, I think that boy'd kill his paw if he had a chance. All he talked about was how he'd like to get back at him.”

This insight directs Matt to investigate Andy’s motivations, linking the current turmoil to familial tensions.

5. Unmasking the True Culprit: Jack Ruman’s Revelation

The climax unfolds as Matt pursues Andy, leading to a confrontation where Jack Ruman steps forward with the truth:

“[19:55] Chester: What do you mean was?”

“[19:57] Jack Ruman: You kicked me in the head and shot Hodges. You know what you're gonna say.”

Ruman confesses that he was the one who shot Hodges, not Andy. His actions were driven by a complex relationship with Andy’s father and a desire to protect Andy from the repercussions of their deceit.

“[21:31] Jack Ruman: Because I was afraid it might have been the kid that done it. Old man Gilden's the best friend I got in this world. I couldn't never have faced him if I'd brought his boy up here to hang.”

6. Resolution: Upholding Justice and Reflecting on the Events

With the truth unveiled, Matt ensures that justice is served. Ruman is arrested for his actions, and the deceptive circumstances are laid bare. Matt reflects on the tragedy of how Andy’s quest for manhood and his strained relationship with his father culminated in unnecessary bloodshed.

“[21:02] Jack Ruman: Well, I knew I didn't shoot that man, Marshall. But I knew the only way I'd ever find out who did was to just wait and see what they was after.”

“[21:58] Matt Dillon: Something went wrong with that. Sure did. Burke. Yeah, you did all your cutting. When the old man hears the whole story, he’ll know what a good friend you’ve been.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon on his role:

  “[02:05] Matt Dillon: I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal...”

• Andy Gilden reporting the shooting:

  “[04:11] Andy Gilden: There's a man been shot, Marshall. An unarmed man.”

• Jack Ruman’s confession:

  “[19:57] Jack Ruman: You kicked me in the head and shot Hodges. You know what you're gonna say.”

• Kitty on Andy’s motives:

  “[12:14] Kitty: Matt, I think that boy'd kill his paw if he had a chance...”

• Ruman explaining his actions:

  “[21:31] Jack Ruman: Because I was afraid it might have been the kid that done it...”

Conclusion

“Bringing Down Father” intricately weaves themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of frontier justice. Through Matt Dillon’s unwavering pursuit of truth, the episode highlights the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those seeking to uphold the law in a lawless land. The revelation of Jack Ruman’s true motives underscores the complexities of human relationships and the tragic consequences of concealed truths.

For listeners new to Gunsmoke, this episode exemplifies the series' ability to blend compelling storytelling with deep character development, offering a window into the challenges of maintaining justice in the Wild West.

---

Produced by: Norman McDonald
Cast Highlights:

• William Conrad as Matt Dillon
• Chester Howard McNear as Doc
• Georgia Ellis as Kitty
• Lawrence Dobkin and Vic Perrin in supporting roles

Tune in next week as a new challenger arrives in Dodge City, threatening the delicate balance Matt Dillon strives to maintain in the ever-tumultuous West.

Transcript

[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is March 11, 1956 and the title is Bringing Down Father. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy.

[Commercial Narrator]

Gunsmokes. Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray. They satisfy the most.

[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. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The transcribed 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 that makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[Doc]

You get caught in the rain last night, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

I never left the office, Doc.

[Doc]

I stayed home, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, for once.

[Doc]

Ordinarily, bad weather brings a rash of broken legs and babies with it all out in the country somewhere.

[Matt Dillon]

You always told me living in the open is good for a man, Doc.

[Doc]

I said sun is good for a man.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you'll get some sun next summer. And you'll complain just as hard about.

[Doc]

That when I think I could have an office back in Baltimore when nice, clean people come to see me.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but nobody needs you in Baltimore, Doc.

[Doc]

They get sick there, too, don't they?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. I never been there. You've never been.

[Doc]

You've never been there?

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, John.

[Doc]

You wouldn't last two days in Baltimore, Matt. No, no, people are too polite and well managed.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you teach me what it's like, Doc. But some other time.

[Doc]

Ah, there, now, you see what I mean? Yeah, that's what I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh.

[Doc]

Oh, and Chester here, he could use a little refining.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't get carried away, doc.

[Chester]

Good morning, Mr. Dillon.

[Jack Ruman]

Oh, doc.

[Doc]

Good morning.

[Matt Dillon]

What are you doing out here, Chester?

[Jack Ruman]

Oh, I got up early this morning.

[Matt Dillon]

I saw you could sit on the porch here and watch the street like an old man.

[Jack Ruman]

I already swamped out the office, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, for the first time in two weeks. Maybe you ought to get up early every morning.

[Andy Gilden]

I've got too civilized for that.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute. You didn't get up at all this morning. You were still up.

[Jack Ruman]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

How much did you lose?

[Jack Ruman]

Oh, I wasn't gambling. I sat and talking to a little old gal I met kindly keeping her.

[Doc]

Out of the rain, you know. Yeah, it's a guy we know. Yes, it's your ring to barrel last night, too, didn't we, Chester?

[Andy Gilden]

It sure did, Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Who's this?

[Doc]

Some kid.

[Jack Ruman]

I never seen him before.

[Andy Gilden]

Mr. Jones, do people tell me where I can find the marshal?

[Jack Ruman]

You done found him.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the trouble, son?

[Andy Gilden]

My name's Gilden. Andy Gilden. Just come up from Texas with a herd.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh. What's on your mind, Andy?

[Andy Gilden]

There's a man been shot, Marshall. An unarmed man.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Andy Gilden]

Up the river a ways, where we're holding the cattle. The trail boss shot him this morning before it got light. We put a guard on the boss.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the name of this outfit?

[Andy Gilden]

They're Star M cattle marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

Star M. Then Harley Burke's the trail boss.

[Andy Gilden]

He won't be for long. Not after this.

[Matt Dillon]

Burke's a man of temper and he's pretty rough, but he's decent. Hard to believe he'd shoot an unarmed man.

[Andy Gilden]

Well, he did, Marshall.

[Doc]

Is the man dead, son?

[Andy Gilden]

He's unconscious. Has been right along.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, let's get going, Doc.

[Commercial Narrator]

That whistling man, Bobby Haggard, really started something. Tonight we'd like to introduce a player piano that could have come right out of the long branch in Dodge City.

[William Conrad]

Packs more pleasure, Packs more pleasure. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

[Commercial Narrator]

The more perfectly packed your cigarette, the more taste and mildness are released for you. Chesterfield, made by exclusive accuray, has an open, easy draw that unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobaccos. Now, Accuray ensures an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying.

[William Conrad]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more.

[Commercial Narrator]

Perfectly packed to the touch, to the taste. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield. Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam.

[Doc]

Where is the man, Andy?

[Andy Gilden]

He's over yonder behind that bush.

[Doc]

There's a lot of bush around this camp. Suppose you show me.

[Andy Gilden]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm gonna talk to Burke, Doc. You let me know what you find, huh?

[Doc]

I will, man.

[Chester]

Hey, he was a Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right.

[Jack Ruman]

Just look at the guard they got on Burke there.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, I set the man to hold in Marshall. He ain't gonna get away.

[Matt Dillon]

Who are you?

[Chester]

I'm rooming Jack Ruman.

[Matt Dillon]

You help run this outfit? No, I'm just a rider.

[Commercial Narrator]

Someone had to take over.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Ruman, you can tell those men to fall back now.

[Chester]

All right, stand back now, you men. Laws here.

[Andy Gilden]

Stand back.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Burke. Marshall, tell me you shot a man.

[Andy Gilden]

Oh, he shot him all right, Marshall.

[Chester]

And Hodges wasn't even armed.

[Matt Dillon]

I wasn't asking you, Rumi.

[Chester]

You gotta hear the truth, Burke. He had done nothing but fight with.

[Matt Dillon]

Hodges the whole trip.

[Chester]

On his neck about something every minute. Go on. You gotta admit it, Burke.

[Jack Ruman]

I had no use for him.

[Chester]

You hated him.

[Jack Ruman]

He was lazy and no good. Course I hated him.

[Matt Dillon]

Burke, I've known you a good many years. You're as rough a trail boss as there is. You're rock headed and you drive the men as hard as you do yourself. And I've seen you be downright mean about it.

[Jack Ruman]

Could be.

[Matt Dillon]

I sure never figured you'd shoot a man.

[Jack Ruman]

Surprised me too, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, tell me what happened.

[Jack Ruman]

It was raining. I'd been out with a guard. Only dry spot I could find when I come in was way over there by Hodges. I went to sleep then he must have woke up and seen who it was. Then he come over and kicked me in the head. Hurt me bad. But somehow I got a bullet in him before I blacked out.

[Matt Dillon]

You didn't know he was unarmed?

[Jack Ruman]

What difference it make, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Make a lot of difference if he doesn't live.

[Jack Ruman]

Doc here will know about that now.

[Doc]

Hello, Burke.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc. Hello, Doc. How is he?

[Chester]

He's dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Burke.

[Jack Ruman]

I know, I know. I'll get my stuff together and come with you.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall, who's gonna boss this outfit?

[Jack Ruman]

Oh, Andy Gillen.

[Matt Dillon]

Andy? Just a kid.

[Jack Ruman]

His PA owns this herd, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what do you want, Burke?

[Jack Ruman]

Andy, your PA sent you on this drive to make a man out of you.

[Andy Gilden]

Working for a murderer.

[Jack Ruman]

You're boss now. Sell the herd, pay off the men and get the rest of the money back to your pa. Can you do that?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll be right with you, Marshall.

[Andy Gilden]

Fine boss.

[Matt Dillon]

He was.

[Andy Gilden]

Hey, Ruman, let's start moving them cattle down river.

[Chester]

All righty. Let's go, you men.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what do you think, Doc?

[Doc]

Where Matt? That man Hodges was shot in the head and by somebody who was lying on the ground.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Burke admits doing It.

[Doc]

Then I guess he did it all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but there's something he isn't telling me, Duck. Knowing Harley Burke, I'm going to have a hard time finding out what it is. Oh, hey, Sam. Yeah, Marshall? Bring me a bear. Hum, why, sure.

[Chester]

Evening, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, hello, Ruman.

[Chester]

You get Burke down to jail all right this morning?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's in jail.

[Chester]

Ever I seen a man earned a hanging, he's it.

[Matt Dillon]

Huh? I take it you don't like him, Ruman.

[Chester]

We got along just fine, Marshall. Hey, you ain't seen Andy Gildon, have you?

[Matt Dillon]

He's been sitting over there with Kitty.

[Chester]

Where?

[Matt Dillon]

No. There he goes out the door. Looks like he's pretty drunk, too.

[Chester]

He is drunk. Been hunting everywhere.

[Jack Ruman]

Here you are, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, thanks, Sam. I think I'll take that beer over to the table with me. Hello, Kitty.

[Kitty]

You sure take your time, Matt.

[Chester]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

What's wrong?

[Kitty]

You saw me sitting here with that drunken kid. Why didn't you come over?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Andy Gilden may be a kid, but his pa owns the Star M& Andy's now boss of the outfit.

[Kitty]

I heard all about his pa.

[Matt Dillon]

He must be a rich man.

[Kitty]

Andy wasn't talking about his money. Oh, he hates him, Matt. I never heard anything like it. Oh, why, the old man's too strict. Probably like sending him up the trail just to make a man out of him.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, now that hasn't hurt him, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Matt, I think that boy'd kill his paw if he had a chance. All he talked about was how he'd like to get back at him. What are you staring at me for?

[Matt Dillon]

What? Oh, I'm sorry, Kitty. I was just thinking.

[Kitty]

Thinking about what?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm glad I talked to you, Kitty. Maybe now I can find out what Harley Burke's holding back from me.

[Jack Ruman]

I sure don't understand you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, why not?

[Jack Ruman]

Bert come in this morning, turned me out of jail. Now you're taking me down to the stock pins. What for?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I thought you'd like to know how young Gilden made out with the sale of those cattle.

[Jack Ruman]

I think you're lying.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, there he is with that fellow rooming again. They seem to be pretty good friends, don't they?

[Jack Ruman]

I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

He just won't tell me anything. Will you, Burke?

[Jack Ruman]

I'll tell you anything you want to know, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah, sure. I'm on Auntie Roman.

[Chester]

What's Harley Burke doing out of jail?

[Matt Dillon]

A man gets cramped in there. I was walking him around a little.

[Chester]

Well, I ain't gonna be seen with no murder, Andy. I'll be in my room at the Dodge House should you want me.

[Andy Gilden]

Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

How'd you sell the hurt, Andy?

[Andy Gilden]

I sold it.

[Jack Ruman]

You get a good price.

[Andy Gilden]

It's no business of yours, Burke. Not no more.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, we can always find out from the agent, Andy. All right.

[Andy Gilden]

I got $20,000 payable tomorrow.

[Jack Ruman]

20,000 is a fair price. Your Paul'll be pleased.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll let you take it to Mr. Bodkin at the bank tomorrow, Andy. He'll give you a note for it.

[Andy Gilden]

I don't need no bank. And I don't need no advice either, Marshall.

[Jack Ruman]

Now, look, Andy, you can't carry that money home in cash.

[Andy Gilden]

Why not?

[Jack Ruman]

Nobody does. There's too many jayhawkers and bushwhackers waiting along the trail. Now, you know that.

[Andy Gilden]

I don't know nothing except you can leave me alone.

[Commercial Narrator]

Both of you.

[Matt Dillon]

We're only trying to help. Auntie.

[Andy Gilden]

I'll do my job and you do yours. Marshall. You go hang Harley Burke.

[Jack Ruman]

Well, Burke, the boy's kind of headstrong, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

That's all you've got to tell me, huh?

[Jack Ruman]

That's all?

[Matt Dillon]

All right, then. Let's get back to jail.

[Commercial Narrator]

Where are you listening to Gunsmoke? In your kitchen getting ready for Sunday supper? Maybe in your living room relaxing or out driving? Say, be sure and watch the road, but remember, there's pleasure ahead when you smoke Chesterfield. When you satisfy yourself with Chesterfield's better taste and mildness. You see, Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. A more perfectly packed cigarette gives you an open, easy draw that unlocks all the better taste and mildness of fine tobaccos. And Chesterfield, made by exclusive accuray, is more perfectly packed with an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Remember to the touch, to the taste.

[William Conrad]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more.

[Commercial Narrator]

Perfectly packed by Chesterfield. Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Jack Ruman]

You sure are In a hurry, Mr. Doom.

[Matt Dillon]

I want to find Andy before he talks. The room in Chester. It's been over a half hour already.

[Jack Ruman]

There's his room if he's in it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, well, let's hope he is. Who is it? Open up, Andy.

[Andy Gilden]

What do you want now, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Your gun.

[Andy Gilden]

Here. Now. What are you taking my gun for?

[Matt Dillon]

Put Chester to hold on you while he's walking you to jail.

[Andy Gilden]

Jail? Well, you're talking crazy, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Keep your voice down. Here's his gun, Chester, and you put him in a farcell. You keep him quiet, huh? Real quiet. I Understand?

[Jack Ruman]

Come on.

[Andy Gilden]

Get moving.

[Matt Dillon]

Ow. Now, look here.

[Jack Ruman]

You don't shut up, I'll lump up.

[Matt Dillon]

Your head with this gun.

[Andy Gilden]

You can't arrest me.

[Matt Dillon]

I ain't done nothing.

[Andy Gilden]

Get moving.

[Matt Dillon]

You can't do this. Of course I can.

[Chester]

Hello, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I'd like to talk to you. Roman.

[Chester]

Shark Money.

[Matt Dillon]

Roman, have you seen Andy Gilden in the last half hour?

[Chester]

For sure. You was there at the stock pen. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, a few minutes ago, he was seen leaving town, riding north. So I saw him myself. He was riding awful fast.

[Chester]

Lot of men right out of town. Marshall. Maybe he's got a gal out the country somewhere. Yeah, what you think?

[Matt Dillon]

I was with the agent who bought the Star M herd. He got the $20,000 up today, and he didn't have to wait till tomorrow.

[Chester]

Say he was headed north.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. Texas is south of here.

[Chester]

Stealing that money. Stealing it from his own pa?

[Matt Dillon]

Looks that way.

[Chester]

Well, ain't you going after him, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

He's a gilder. And I kind of look on it as a family matter, Renan.

[Chester]

And I'm going after him.

[Matt Dillon]

No, you're not. You go after him, there'll be a fight. Maybe a killing will let his paw worry about him.

[Chester]

I'm going after him, Marshall. You can't stop me.

[Matt Dillon]

Can't I? Roman.

[Chester]

Here. Marshall. You got Burke back in jail.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Well, I got something to say, and I want him to hear it too.

[Matt Dillon]

Cells are out back. Rooming through that door there, Burke. Ruman's got something he wants both of us to hear.

[Jack Ruman]

Room and. Huh. Well, I've been waiting long enough.

[Chester]

What do you mean was?

[Jack Ruman]

You kicked me in the head and shot Hodges. You know what you're gonna say.

[Chester]

It was not me, Dunnage.

[Jack Ruman]

Of course it was.

[Chester]

Don't be a fool, Burke. What'd I get out of it? I don't hate old man Gilton. I don't want to steal his money.

[Jack Ruman]

Nobody stole his money.

[Chester]

You ain't heard?

[Jack Ruman]

Heard what?

[Chester]

Andy got paid off for them cattle today, and he rode out of town headed north.

[Matt Dillon]

He did.

[Chester]

And what's more, he told me he killed Hutches.

[Matt Dillon]

He's lying.

[Andy Gilden]

And I can prove it.

[Chester]

They tricked us, Andy. They tricked us. They got us crossing each other.

[Andy Gilden]

Roman killed him, and I can prove you.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I kill you for that, Roman. Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

He.

[Doc]

He got him, all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Shot him right in the head.

[Doc]

He's dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jack Ruman]

What'd you let him do that for, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Hell, he wouldn't have talked if I'd have disarmed him, Burke. I had to take a chance.

[Jack Ruman]

Yeah, I guess you did.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe if you had a talk, none of this would have happened.

[Jack Ruman]

Well, I knew I didn't shoot that man, Marshall. But I knew the only way I'd ever find out who did was to just wait and see what they was after.

[Matt Dillon]

You knew they were in it together down at the stock pens. You knew they were gonna keep the money.

[Jack Ruman]

But I didn't know which one was the killer.

[Matt Dillon]

It doesn't matter much now. Andy's dead and rumin'll hang anyway. But why were you protecting the two of them? Why did you take the blame?

[Jack Ruman]

Because I was afraid it might have been the kid that done it. Old man Gilden's the best friend I got in this world. I couldn't never have faced him if I'd brought his boy up here to hang.

[Matt Dillon]

I understand the boy hated him.

[Jack Ruman]

But he didn't hate Andy Marshall. All he wanted was for him to be a man.

[Matt Dillon]

Something went wrong with that. Sure did. Burke. Yeah, you did all your cutting. When the old man hears the whole story, he you'll know what a good friend you've been.

[William Conrad]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.

[Commercial Narrator]

Chesterfield made by exclusive accuray Packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed Unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobacco Chesterfield.

[William Conrad]

Packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly.

[Commercial Narrator]

Packed Firm and pleasing to the lips Chesterfield mild yet they satisfy the most.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, one of the most unpopular men on the frontier was the peace officer. Most everyone felt that they had some reason to dislike him. But next week, a man arrives in Dodge who wants to be Marshall. And that was the West. Good night.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke Produced and Directed by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Our story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns by Tom Handley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were William Idleson, Lawrence Dobkin and Vic Perrin. Barley Bear is Chester Howard McNear is DOC and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.

[Commercial Narrator]

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[William Conrad]

Make today your big red letter day.

[Commercial Narrator]

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[William Conrad]

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[Commercial Narrator]

L and M today Relax with L and M so good to your taste so quick on the draw Join us.

[William Conrad]

Again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke.

[Commercial Narrator]

This is the CBS Radio Network.

[Andy Gilden]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon]

Sam.