
Original Air Date: May 20, 1956Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Vic Perrin• John Dehner• Helen Klee...
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Doc
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 do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to otrwesterns.com or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about a hundred a month. So definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site, otnetcast, and that's N E T C A s t. So ot n e t c a s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape, Suspense and the Whistler. And we have plans on bringing other shows to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old Time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like, but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching ot t n e T C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original Air date is May 20, 1956 and the title is Buffalo Man.
Announcer
Gunsmoke. Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray, they satisfy the most.
Narrator
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 Dodge.
Announcer
Gun smoke.
Ben Siple
Gun smoke.
Narrator
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 and it makes a man watchful and a little lone. Come out into the office if you got time, Kitty.
Kitty
I better not, Matt.
Doc
It's late.
Kitty
Thanks for the supper.
Matt Dillon
It's my pleasure. It looks like you're going to have a busy night tonight, huh? Front Street's filling up fast.
Kitty
It'll be busy all right. Two trail herds came in today from Texas.
Matt Dillon
That's money, Kitty. Those boys will leave everything they got here.
Kitty
They sure go through a lot of misery for the sake of a few Nights howl and Dodge, don't they? Well, I'd better go start making it worth their while. Say, isn't that Doc's buggy?
Chester
Huh? Yeah, it is.
Matt Dillon
What's that on the seat with it?
Kitty
Looks like a body wrapped in a blanket.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it sure does. Maybe you don't want to see this kitty.
Kitty
I'll stay here.
Doc
Hello, Ma.
Matt Dillon
Who's that, Doc?
Doc
Well, he. He must have been a buffalo hunter. I found him on the south bank of the Pawnee near Turkey Bend. He had a camp there. He did until somebody came along shot him.
Matt Dillon
You mean he was alone?
Doc
There was another camp a few miles down river, but this man was alone.
Matt Dillon
I'd have just stopped by the other camp.
Doc
I figured that'd be your job, man. Bringing him in was bad enough.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean?
Doc
Whoever shot him took his head for a souvenir.
Chester
What?
Doc
It's not a very nice killing, is it, man?
Matt Dillon
I'll ride up there tomorrow, Doc.
Chester
It don't look like Nobody muches around.
Matt Dillon
Mr. Jones, there's a man coming out of the wagon now.
Chester
Well, now, there is the one longest, skinniest buffalo hunter I ever seen.
Ben Siple
He looks like a pluck crow.
Matt Dillon
He isn't very handsome, is he.
Doc
Leathers? Must be out hunting, huh?
Matt Dillon
Hello. Where's the rest of your outfit?
Ben Siple
There ain't but three of us. That's counting the woman.
Matt Dillon
Oh, you got a woman out here?
Ben Siple
Abby. She belongs to Ben Sipal.
Matt Dillon
Now, what's your name?
Doc
Hi.
Ben Siple
Merle Tix. But I ain't sure I care to do any more talking.
Matt Dillon
You'll talk. And you can start by telling me if you know anything about the hunter who was camped a couple of miles upriver from here.
Ben Siple
I don't know nothing about nobody, mister.
Matt Dillon
That man was killed, Tix. He was shot. Somebody ran off with his head.
Ben Siple
Oh, you done that, huh?
Matt Dillon
My name's Dylan tix. I'm a U.S. marshal.
Ben Siple
Don't turn around, mister.
Chester
No. Wagon behind you, Mr. Dillon. He's holding a sharp sticky.
Ben Siple
It'll shoot, too. It'll make an awful big hole in a man. You just stand steady. Get the gun sticks. Sure. It's better you can turn around now.
Matt Dillon
Ben Sifle, huh?
Ben Siple
I'm an alligator, mister. I can treat people terrible, like cutting their heads off. Ain't nobody going to come into my camp and start saying murder not to be.
Matt Dillon
You didn't do it. You got no cause to worry. Settle.
Ben Siple
I got no cause to worry. You standing there with a big 50 aimed at your belly. He ain't no marshal. Anyway, now you looky here. You two. Stop acting so crazy.
Chester
Didn't you never hear Marshall Dillon?
Ben Siple
There is no sign on him. Where's his badge?
Matt Dillon
I don't happen to be wearing a badge.
Ben Siple
Tix, go carve some thong out of one of them hide sticks and put it to soap. We'll tie these two up for the night. Tie them up? Do what I tell you, Tix. Sure. Hello, Abby.
Abby
What's going on, Ben?
Ben Siple
And get the wash done?
Abby
Yeah. I strung it in the brush to.
Ben Siple
Dry and get to cooking supper. I'm hungry.
Abby
We feeding them, too?
Ben Siple
No, we ain't feeding them.
Abby
Then what are they doing here?
Ben Siple
They come talking to murder. I feel like shooting them for it.
Abby
No, Ben.
Ben Siple
I kill them. I make you watch Heavy, Ben.
Abby
Someday somebody's gonna kill you. They got to.
Ben Siple
You cook a good supper, Abby.
Announcer
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Abby
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Announcer
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Abby
Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more.
Announcer
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Chester
You must have been laying here for hours. I just can't hardly move, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Texas. Pretty handy at tying people up.
Chester
Yeah, but it ain't him bothering me as much as Ben Sipel. That man, he's crazy.
Matt Dillon
I'd known how crazy, I'd have taken my chances when he first started talking. Yeah, we're in a bad spot here, Chester.
Chester
Maybe Abby can do something. She sure hates him.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. She's been looking over this way. Hey, wait a minute. She's leaving the fire now.
Chester
I hope we don't see her. She's coming here, Mr. Dylan.
Abby
Yeah, you must be right hungry.
Matt Dillon
It's not food we need, Abby.
Abby
I know that. If I cut you loose, he'd kill me.
Matt Dillon
We wouldn't go off and leave you to face him.
Abby
You wouldn't.
Matt Dillon
Abby, all men aren't like Ben Seifle and their old ticks. He can trust me and Chester here.
Abby
You really are, Marshal.
Matt Dillon
I am.
Abby
I'll do it, Marshall. When he's asleep, I'll do it.
Chester
I knew she would. I told you.
Ben Siple
Abby.
Abby
He seen me.
Doc
Hey there, Abby.
Ben Siple
Now, what you been talking about, Abby? You've been making plans, maybe?
Abby
No, I was on my way to river. I wasn't talking.
Ben Siple
You wasn't, huh? Well, I think I'll go to the river with you. No, walk ahead of me, Abby.
Matt Dillon
What kind of a man are you, Cy? You take it out on me if you have to, but not hurt.
Ben Siple
I'll take it out on both of.
Chester
You, you dirty dog disciple.
Ben Siple
Oh, shut up. Get going there, Mr. Dillon.
Chester
You hurt, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
No, I'll be all right. I said. That man's got a big foot.
Chester
Kick a man in the face that way, he ought to be hung.
Matt Dillon
I'll hang him myself if we ever get out of this.
Chester
It don't look too good for us.
Matt Dillon
Does no, not now.
Ben Siple
That poor Abby.
Chester
What does he stay with a man like him for?
Matt Dillon
Maybe she's never had a chance to get away.
Chester
He'd be a miserable enough life without being tied to a murderer.
Matt Dillon
Be quiet, Chester. Here comes Earl Tix.
Chester
Where's he been all his time?
Matt Dillon
I don't know, but he's moving pretty fast. What's the rifle for?
Ben Siple
Where is S? Tell me where he went.
Matt Dillon
That's the trouble, Ticks.
Ben Siple
Where is he?
Matt Dillon
He went down to the river.
Ben Siple
What for? S?
Doc
Oh, here.
Ben Siple
S. I'm coming. You better hurry. We got to get out of here.
Chester
What?
Ben Siple
What are you yelling about? Chicks. We got to get going. C Right now. Get going. What? Fire engine. I heard em out there yapping at each other like cows. You sure? I know Injuns when I hear em. We can't get out of here with that wagon. Chicks. They ain't fightin no Injuns over a wagon. Where's the woman? Never mind. Hurry. Let's get our horses and ride. What about these two? Leave em for the engines and their horses, too. I ain't no horse thief. Come on.
Chester
Day is breaking, Mr. Dill. Yeah, I guess them Injuns will be coming soon. Funny how a man gets to thinking things, ain't it?
Matt Dillon
Oh, like what, Chester?
Chester
Well, like how I'd like to see one of them circuses before I die. Huh?
Matt Dillon
A circus?
Chester
Oh, I. I spend an awful lot of time thinking about that. Wondering what lions and tigers and stuff like that looks like. Quiet.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I guess Tex was right.
Chester
I just hope they see we're tied up and helpless before they start planting arrows in us.
Matt Dillon
Look over there, just beyond the wagon.
Chester
He's got a rifle. He's signaling with it.
Matt Dillon
And there are four more, too. Five.
Chester
Signaling their mothers to stay back. Fierce looking. Ain't steady.
Matt Dillon
Now no more talking.
Ben Siple
No, I understand.
Matt Dillon
You hunt buffalo, Mr. Buffalo Hunter gone. Leave us like this.
Ben Siple
Leave you for pony to kill.
Matt Dillon
Why, we big enemies, you know.
Ben Siple
Hunt buffalo. Now we kill buffalo hunter. Pawnee teach white men leave buffalo to Pawnee. Cut off whole head.
Chester
Why they killed that.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute, Chester. Listen. Buffalo hunter want you kill us. Buffalo hunter gone. You know catch. Now you let us go. We find buffalo hunter big enemy. We take care of buffalo hunter for you.
Chester
Where is he going?
Matt Dillon
He's gonna have a talk with the others.
Chester
I guess that was awful smart of you, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Maybe if it works.
Chester
It makes sense.
Matt Dillon
It does to us, Chester. I just hope it will to them.
Chester
Looks like they've decided.
Matt Dillon
At least it didn't take him long.
Ben Siple
Oh, here he comes.
Chester
Got his knife out. He's doing it. He's cutting us loose. It worked. It worked. But he cut us loose and never said a word.
Matt Dillon
What difference does it make, Chester?
Announcer
We're free.
Matt Dillon
There they go.
Chester
Oh, my, it feels good to stand up, don't it?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it sure does, Chester, look.
Chester
They ain't even taking our horses.
Matt Dillon
I guess they figure we can't chase buffalo hunters on foot.
Abby
What's that, Marshall?
Chester
That's Abby yonder. She ain't laying in them weeds. Marshall, she looks terrible.
Matt Dillon
At least he didn't kill her. You hurt bad, Abby?
Abby
He hit me. He hit me something.
Matt Dillon
Chester, go hit your horses to that wagon.
Chester
Yes, sir.
Abby
Mar.
Matt Dillon
It's all right, Abby. We're going to take you to Dodge. And nobody's ever going to hit you again. I promise you that.
Announcer
Where are you listening to Gunsmoke? In your kitchen getting ready for Sunday supper? Maybe in your living room relaxing or.
Narrator
Out driving?
Announcer
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 than mildness it stands to reason a cigarette made better and packed better smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray, this electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacturer so accurate Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Yes, Chesterfield gives you something no other cigarette can give you Chesterfield packs more.
Abby
Pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed to.
Announcer
The touch, to the taste. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield Mild, yet they satisfy the most.
Doc
Ah, hello, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Come in, Doc, my man.
Doc
I hot today, isn't it.
Matt Dillon
Is that what you came to tell me?
Doc
Yeah, I came to tell you nothing. Oh, Except I ran into Kitty down at the depot. She and Abby were watching the Santa Fe come in. They said they might come by and say hello on their way back.
Matt Dillon
Ah, good.
Doc
Oh, my. That Abby's looking better every day, isn't she?
Matt Dillon
Well, between you and Kitty, she's been getting some pretty good care.
Doc
Now, she deserves it.
Matt Dillon
You know, she's already talking about finding a job.
Chester
I know, Matt.
Doc
I think she's gonna be real happy. Oh, that's Kitty.
Kitty
Matt. Matt, hurry.
Matt Dillon
Kitty. What's the matter?
Kitty
That man, that Ben Siple.
Matt Dillon
Siples and Doc.
Abby
Yeah.
Kitty
He came up to Abby and grabbed her by the arm and dragged her off toward his wagon. Oh, Chester saw it too. He thought he'd better stay nearby while I went for you.
Matt Dillon
Where are they now?
Kitty
Across the street there by that wagon.
Announcer
Now, you wait here, Kitty.
Kitty
Don't let him hurt her anymore, Matt.
Chester
I've just been talking to her so far, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Has he seen you, Chester?
Chester
No, sir. Neither 0tix.
Matt Dillon
They're in for a big surprise. You keep an eye on Tix, huh? Yes, sir, I will.
Ben Siple
What are you telling me lies for? Abby want another beaten.
Matt Dillon
That's enough, cyo.
Ben Siple
She wasn't lying. You really are a marshal, huh, Abby?
Kitty
Yes.
Matt Dillon
You can go with Sipal if you want. But if you don't want to, he'll have to kill me first. And I don't think he can do it.
Ben Siple
What are you saying? This ain't no business of the law.
Matt Dillon
You make your choice, Abby.
Abby
Kitty's waiting for me.
Ben Siple
Come back here, Abby. You keep your hands off me, disciple.
Matt Dillon
You broke a promise I made to her.
Ben Siple
What?
Matt Dillon
I told her nobody had ever hit her again.
Ben Siple
You interfering with my right to beat her when I won't.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Ben Siple
You'Re talking awful big, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Has everybody always been afraid of you, Sipal?
Ben Siple
Yeah, and for good reason.
Matt Dillon
Then you're about to lose that reputation. Cypo ticks.
Announcer
Come here.
Ben Siple
No. Get moving.
Chester
Like you tell.
Ben Siple
No. You can't beat me, Marshall. You wasn't me done nothing.
Matt Dillon
Just will help. You throw Sipal under the wagon. Then you drive him out of Dodge. And you keep on driving, Tix.
Ben Siple
Oh, I will.
Matt Dillon
I don't mean for a few days. I mean for weeks. You're through on the prairie. Texio and Sipo both. So say goodbye to this land. I see you on it again.
Chester
You'll rotate.
Announcer
In a moment.
Narrator
Our star, William Conrad.
Abby
Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.
Announcer
A cigarette made better and packed better smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray. This electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So accurate. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips, Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.
Matt Dillon
You know, during the frontier cattle sheep wars, men use the expression rimrock, meaning to run down or kill. Well next week a man tries to rimrock somebody and dies for his trouble. And that was the West. Good night.
Narrator
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 Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Vic Paran, John Danar, Helen Cleeb and Lawrence Dobkin. Marley Bear As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.
Announcer
Live Modern Smoke L and M.
Matt Dillon
Yes.
Announcer
Heaven Link no other cigarette you can buy plain or filter gives you the full exciting flavor you get through the pure white L M miracle tip through the modern miracle tip L M tastes richer, smokes cleaner, draws easier so light up, free up, let your taste come alive. Live Modern Smoke L and M Join.
Narrator
Us again next week for another specially transcribed story on Gun smoke.
Chester
Sat been.
Andrew Rines
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.
Doc
Ra.
Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "Buffalo Man | Gunsmoke" (Original Air Date: May 20, 1956)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Welcome to another episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, hosted by Andrew Rines. In this detailed summary, we delve into the classic "Buffalo Man" episode of Gunsmoke, originally aired on May 20, 1956. This episode showcases the timeless tales of the Wild West, brought to life through digitally restored audio that enhances every creak of a saloon door and the thundering hooves of a posse.
The episode "Buffalo Man" begins with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (voiced by William Conrad) anticipating a busy night in Dodge City due to incoming cattle from Texas. Early in the morning, a grim discovery sets the stage for the unfolding drama: a body wrapped in a blanket is found on Doc's buggy, indicating foul play ([04:10] Matt Dillon: "Maybe you don't want to see this kitty.").
Determined to uphold justice, Matt collaborates with his trusted associates, Chester (Marley Bear) and Doc (Howard McNear), to investigate the murder. Their inquiry leads them to Merle Tix, a notorious buffalo hunter with a violent reputation. Tix confronts Matt, escalating tensions and setting up a classic showdown between good and evil ([06:16] Matt Dillon: "My name's Dylan Tix. I'm a U.S. marshal.").
Matt Dillon: The principled U.S. Marshal dedicated to maintaining law and order in Dodge City. Matt's unwavering integrity and quick thinking are central to resolving the conflict.
Chester: Matt's loyal friend who provides both support and comic relief. His interactions add depth to the narrative.
Doc: The local physician who assists Matt with vital information about the crime, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the community.
Merle Tix: The antagonist, a ruthless buffalo hunter seeking vengeance. His menacing presence and aggressive tactics create the primary conflict.
Ben Siple: An associate of Tix, whose hostile demeanor amplifies the tension and danger surrounding Matt and Chester.
Abby Siple: Ben's wife, portrayed as a sympathetic character caught in the turmoil. Her struggle adds emotional depth and highlights the personal stakes involved.
The core conflict revolves around Matt Dillon's pursuit of justice against Merle Tix, who has committed a brutal murder by taking the victim's head as a macabre souvenir. When Matt confronts Tix, the situation escalates quickly:
Initial Confrontation: Tix, with his fierce demeanor, threatens Matt, challenging his authority and instilling fear ([07:24] Ben Siple: "I kill them. I make you watch.").
Tense Standoff: As Matt and Chester are held captive, Matt devises a strategic plan to outmaneuver Tix. He offers to help eliminate Tix’s buffalo hunter enemy, shifting the power balance ([15:40] Chester: "Why they killed that.").
Climactic Showdown: Through negotiation and courage, Matt gains Tix's temporary trust, allowing them to escape. However, the final confrontation comes when Matt stands up to Tix, ensuring Abby's safety and restoring peace to Dodge City.
Matt Dillon:
"I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." ([02:52])
Ben Siple:
"I kill them. I make you watch." ([07:24])
Matt Dillon:
"Abby, all men aren't like Ben Siple and their old ticks. He can trust me and Chester here." ([11:03])
Chester:
"I just hope they see we're tied up and helpless before they start planting arrows in us." ([14:36])
Matt Dillon:
"You make your choice, Abby." ([21:37])
Closing Narration:
"You know, during the frontier cattle sheep wars, men use the expression rimrock, meaning to run down or kill. Well next week a man tries to rimrock somebody and dies for his trouble. And that was the West. Good night." ([23:57])
"Buffalo Man" masterfully explores several enduring themes of Western storytelling:
Justice vs. Vengeance: Matt Dillon embodies the pursuit of rightful justice, contrasting sharply with Tix's personal vendetta, highlighting the thin line between law and personal revenge.
Moral Integrity: Matt's unwavering ethics and commitment to doing what's right serve as a beacon of hope and stability in the tumultuous environment of the Wild West.
Redemption and Compassion: Abby's character adds a layer of complexity, showcasing the possibility of redemption and the impact of compassionate intervention in a hardened landscape.
The Harshness of the Frontier: The episode does not shy away from depicting the brutal realities of the Wild West, emphasizing survival and the constant battle between civilization and lawlessness.
"Buffalo Man | Gunsmoke" stands as a quintessential example of the Golden Age of Radio Westerns, blending intense drama with rich character development. The digitally restored audio by Old Time Radio Westerns ensures that listeners experience the full depth and ambiance of the original broadcast, from the creaking saloon doors to the tension-filled standoffs. Andrew Rines' dedication to preserving these timeless tales allows both loyal fans and new audiences to appreciate the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke, celebrating the heroic journey of Matt Dillon and the mythical allure of the Wild West.
Enjoyed this summary?
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