
Original Air Date: November 08, 1959Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Lawrence Dobkin• Harry Bartell...
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Matt Dillon
Foreign.
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.
Narrator
Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there is just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal and the Smell of Gun Smoke.
Matt Dillon
Gun.
Narrator
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 and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.
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Miss Kitty
More coffee, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yes, ma'am, I guess so. How about. How about you, Chester? Yes, sir, I believe I will. Now, why don't you just leave the coffee pot right here on the table, Miss Kelly?
Miss Kitty
Sure thing, Marshall. I got some fresh eggs this morning if you're interested. They were just brought in Fresh eggs.
Matt Dillon
Oh, good. Why don't you cook us up about a half a dozen, huh?
Miss Kitty
Have them for you right away.
Matt Dillon
All right.
Doc Adams
Fresh eggs. I swear, if Don Monica's ain't getting be about as fancy as some of them Kansas City restaurants.
Matt Dillon
That's civilization, Chester. Progress, you know. Another five years in Dodge City will be tamed, curried and bridal.
Doc Adams
Well, seeing believing, Mr. Dunn, you'll see it.
Matt Dillon
We'll both say it is that we live that long. I beg your pardon, gentlemen. Yeah. You the marshal here? That's right. Well, I'm sorry to bother you at your breakfast, Marshall. My name is Hunter. Ed Hunter. I'm a deputy sheriff from Richmond, Virginia. Came in on the train this morning. I see. Won't you pull up a chair, Mr. Hunter? Oh, thank you, sir. This is my first trip to the frontier. I find it a rather remarkable experience, I imagine. Oh, that's my assistant, Chester Proudfoot. How are you, sir? How'd you do? Would you like to have some coffee? Thank you, no. No. Marshall, I've come out here to arrest two men who are wanted in Virginia. Here are the warrants and the orders of extradition. I stopped off in Topeka for them. John Allison, Calvin Moore. Both wanted for murder. Huh? Do you know these men, Mr. Hunter? No, sir, I don't. The names aren't familiar to me. I never heard of them. Well, I have some information that might help. Not much on Allison, I'm afraid. He shot and killed a bank teller in Greenbrier last spring. He's about 30 years old, dark hair and mustache, medium build. Excellent horseman. Confirmed gambler. Fine. That narrows it down to about two thirds of the men inside the city. Possibly I do a bit better regard to the other man. Calvin Moore. He came down to Richmond from the north. He was about 33 at the time. He ambushed and shot young Roger Beauregard and left town. That was 19 years ago. Beauregard family been trying to trace him ever since. Well, I'm afraid that I haven't. I have a picture of this Moa. Photograph? No. Cause he's much younger in this. What is it? Monster? Something familiar about the picture. 19 years? He'd be somewhere past 50 now. You sure these men are here in Dodge, Mr. Hunter? Reasonably so. Is there something about the photograph? It was too blurry to tell much about it. And Besides, he'd be 19 years older now. That's true. I tell you what, Mr. Hunter, why don't you leave me this picture in the descriptions and I'll check around town. Keep in touch with you. All right. Thank you, sir. And I wonder, could you suggest a good hotel? Yeah. Why don't you try the Dodge House as a corner of Railroad Avenue at the east end of the plaza? You tell Mr. Dobie I sent you. Thank you again, Marshall. I'm grateful for any help you can give me in this matter. Sure. How long you want to see the photograph, Chester? Yes, sir.
Doc Adams
How much you doing that?
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Doc Adams
What are you going to do?
Matt Dillon
I don't know, Chester. He's my friend. But now the law says he's a murderer. And I'm part of the law.
Doc Adams
Maybe it ain't him, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
No, it's him all right, Chester. You saw it, same as I did. It's Doc. Work, work, work, work.
Doc Adams
Yeah. This is the first chance I've had this week to clean a few instruments properly. Gunshot wounds.
Columbia Stereo Announcer
Mad.
Doc Adams
I'd lay odds I'm the only doctor in the United states who makes 3/4 of his living off a gunshot wound.
Matt Dillon
That's a rough country document. Maybe you ought to have stayed back east, huh?
Doc Adams
Broken bones and babies and gunshot wounds. I wouldn't know the first thing about a good civilized case of gout anymore.
Matt Dillon
What part of the east did you come from?
Doc Adams
I went to medical school in Boston. Studied consumption and colic. Liver complaints. Never had a case of liver complaint in all the time I've been out here.
Matt Dillon
No. I guess that kind of thing is more common down south around Richmond. Virginia, for instance.
Doc Adams
Matt, stop beating around the bush. You've got something on your mind and it's bothering.
Matt Dillon
All right, Doug. A deputy sheriff from Virginia came in on the morning train. He's got a warrant for murder against a man named Calvin Moore. And a photograph of Moore taken 19 years ago. Would you like to take a look at it?
Doc Adams
I don't think so, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Are you Calvin Moore?
Doc Adams
It wasn't murder, Matt. They said it was murder. Of course.
Matt Dillon
Would you like to tell me about it?
Doc Adams
Not much to tell, Matt. I'd been in practice in Richmond about a year. There was a girl. Oh, she was a beautiful girl. With spirit and fire and that soft radiance that only Southern girls seem to have. Me, it was so long ago, I.
Matt Dillon
Better south myself, Doc.
Doc Adams
Well, Jim Beauregard and I were both courting this girl. He was a typical Virginia gentleman. Hot headed, used to having his own way. He started threatening me, warning me, and I laughed it off. Well, then one day I was coming back from a case and I ran into Jim on a country road. He had a pair of Dueling pistols. And he challenged me.
Matt Dillon
That's not a crime, Doc. Self defense. It's not a crime here.
Doc Adams
Anyway, I tried to talk him out of it, but he was crazy mad. He shoved one of the pistols in my hand and pulled back on his horse and leveled his gun. I had no choice. We both fired. He missed and I didn't. Self defense? Yes. But there were no witnesses. And I was an outsider. A Yankee.
Matt Dillon
You ran for it, is that it?
Doc Adams
I ran for it. St. Louis, Virginia City, the Panhandle, Abilene, Dodge.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. The girl. What happened to the girl?
Doc Adams
I waited for her in St. Louis. We were married there. Two months later, she. She died at typhoid fever. I can't go back there, Matt. I've got no defense. It means prison. I'd rot in prison. I won't go back.
Matt Dillon
Matt. Hutter is here. After two prisoners, Doc. I got no right to my own rules. Go after one man and keep the other one covered. I always figured the only kind of law that'd work out here is an honest law.
Doc Adams
What are you gonna do?
Matt Dillon
I don't know. Do.
Miss Kitty
You're late, Matt. I figured you weren't gonna stop in tonight, Chester.
Matt Dillon
Wrong Kitty.
Miss Kitty
Over there by the faro table. Matt, what about this Virginian who's been hanging around for the last two days?
Matt Dillon
A hunter, huh? Here's a deputy sheriff. Got a couple of warrants to serve.
Doc Adams
Why?
Miss Kitty
Oh, he's been asking questions. Some of the boys.
Matt Dillon
Hey, you free now, Miss Kitty, or are you busy?
Miss Kitty
What's it look like?
Matt Dillon
I figured maybe he's just killing time. Howdy, Marshall. Bunco.
Doc Adams
Bought your drink, kiddie. It's over on the bar.
Miss Kitty
All right. Thanks, Matt. I'll be off in a couple of hours.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, maybe they understand you got a.
Doc Adams
Rival law man in town, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
There's a deputy here from Virginia. That's what you mean. I always figured you was a law here.
Doc Adams
You short in this town. Why should you say the word? We'll run him out.
Matt Dillon
I ever ask you for help, Marco?
Doc Adams
Well, no, brother.
Matt Dillon
The man's short in, Sarge. I'll run him out.
Doc Adams
No offense, Marsh.
Matt Dillon
Keep your own cinch tight. Don't worry about anybody else. I'll see you, bunko.
Doc Adams
I swear, Mr. Dillon, I ain't ever seen nobody with such bad luck in my whole life. You are square off barrel and stick to stud.
Matt Dillon
Oh, chapter.
Doc Adams
Hey, Jethro Keener. He just lost three whole weeks pay. And Bunko Benson sitting right there beside him. Mind you, picked up $230 so that's.
Matt Dillon
Why he's feeling sick. Take a walk, Judge.
Doc Adams
We're three weeks. Say, I never seen such luck.
Matt Dillon
What about Doc?
Doc Adams
Oh, he turned in a couple hours ago. That's when I come on over here.
Matt Dillon
How's the acting?
Doc Adams
Oh, about as usual. One thing he is doing, though, that he ain't never done before. He's toting a gun.
Matt Dillon
Good evening, Marshall. Oh, hello, Mr. Hunter. Since you didn't come to see me, Mr. Dillon, I've come to you. Wondering what progress you made. Well, I'm still checking. Any results at all, Marshall? Haven't got much to go on. You know, Calvin Moore was a doctor by profession. He might still be practicing. I suggest we investigate local doctors. Well, that wouldn't take long. We've only got one Doc Adams. How old a man is he? Early 50s, I imagine. But he doesn't show much resemblance to that photograph he gave me. Maybe you're too used to him to notice the resemblance. Yeah, maybe I'd like to look him over myself, Marshall. He's pretty busy. Out on calls most of the time, but not all of the time. No, not all the time. Course. All right, I'll bring him around.
Doc Adams
That's funny, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah? You should have answered by now. Well, we're wasting our time, Chester.
Doc Adams
Well, now, he might have got called out on a case.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. I was across the plaza, down toward the Dodge House. Come on.
Doc Adams
Up.
Matt Dillon
Smoke. That's across the street edge of the railroad yard. Is that you, Marco? Yeah. What happened, Mr. Hunter? Somebody tried to kill me. I started into the hotel and they fired from the dock back here. I fired back, but he got over it. You got to look at him. No, I just saw the flashes. It's an easy time to get killed in, Mr. Hunter. So it seems. About that Dr. Marshall, you didn't bring him around? He's out on a call, but I think I want to meet him more than ever now. You will. What time is it, Justin?
Doc Adams
L. It's quarter after two. Sure do hope we won't have to spend the whole night waiting in here. Don't see how Doc puts up the smell. All this medicine and stuff.
Matt Dillon
He's used to it, I guess.
Doc Adams
Poor man can get used to anything except dying, Mr. Dillon. You reckon it could have been Doc that fired them shot?
Matt Dillon
Tester. Somebody coming. Docker. Marshall. Come on in. Bunko. Well, Albert, what's the matter with your arm?
Doc Adams
Oh, I got sewed into a barbed wire fence.
Matt Dillon
Yeah? Let's have a look at it, huh?
Doc Adams
No, it's all right.
Matt Dillon
The gunshot wound? Oh, they both are. Is that the same gun you tried to kill Hunter with? Bunko.
Doc Adams
Stay where you are, Marshal.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, about 30 years old, dark hair, mustache, medium build, excellent horseman. Confirmed gambler wanted for murder. John Allison, alias Bunko Benson. Why Bunko? He's not taking me back here.
Doc Adams
Stay where you are, Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Don't be a fool. Bunko. And I put away that gun. Stay back.
Doc Adams
I'm warning you.
Narrator
Bunko, look.
Doc Adams
What? That worked pretty slick, didn't it, Mr. Dylan?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, thanks, Chester. All right, let's get him down to the jail. And you can go find Doc. We're going to need him.
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Doc Adams
Just hold still now, Bunko. One more second. Have a hold of that bullet and then wheel hard. Yeah, add that one to your collection, Max.
Matt Dillon
I'll make Hutter a present of it. Wasn't bad shooting to be firing in the dark at a gun flash.
Doc Adams
Never get me back to Virginia. Oh, shootle bunker. How you expect a man to tie a bandage? How did you know that he'd come to my office, man.
Matt Dillon
Didn't. Doc, we were waiting for you.
Doc Adams
I don't. I see. There. That ought to stop the bleeding. Don't loosen it up now. And you live the hang yet? Don't worry about my hanging, Doc.
Matt Dillon
I'll outlive you.
Doc Adams
In view of the circumstances, I'd say odds are about even. Well, Mats, shall we adjourn to the front of the office?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Come on. Okay. Like the cell chapter?
Doc Adams
Yes, I would. I turned in at 10:00 tonight, Matt. I got one hour's sleep. They called me over to Mrs. Behance. They thought her baby was on the way. Paul's line, of course, usually is the first time. Then I got back and came straight over here.
Matt Dillon
Doc, you were wearing a gun earlier today. What did you do with it?
Doc Adams
I put it back in the drawer where it belonged. Realized I was acting like a fool. Was that why you were waiting in my office? Somebody tried to kill Hunter. And you thought it was me?
Matt Dillon
I've tried to think of some way out of this. A way out for both of us, Doc. But I got one man under arrest back there. Now, I can't rightly set myself up as a judge and free the other man. I'd even hope you'd cut and run for it. You'd get away if you did, because Hunter doesn't know the country.
Doc Adams
No, no, no. I'm too old to run, Matt. What are you gonna do?
Matt Dillon
I'm a law man, Doc, right or wrong.
Doc Adams
Well, then I guess I'm under arrest.
Matt Dillon
No, I didn't say that. Doc Adams. Oh, there you are.
Doc Adams
Yeah. What's the problem?
Matt Dillon
Fell in the railroad yard. Was asleep on the track. Drunk, I guess, and they went to switching cars. Well, you better come, Doc. He's awful bad. He's sitting there. The loading fence down this way, I guess.
Doc Adams
Yes. There's some lights over there and people standing around.
Matt Dillon
Marshall, is that you? Yeah. Hunter. I thought you went to bed hours ago. I'm a light sleeper, Mr. Dillon. I heard there's an accident over in the yard. I'll just walk along with you. Give me a chance to meet your local doctor. And I guess you can meet him right now if you want to. Oh, Doc. This is Ed Hunter. Doc Adams, sir. How do you do, sir?
Doc Adams
Mr. Hunter.
Matt Dillon
I got one of your prisoners locked up, Mr. Hunter. John Allison, known here as Bunko Benson. Good. He's the man who tried to kill you tonight. One down, then just one to go. Calvin Moore. Dr. Calvin Moore. All right, move back, will you, please? Will you Let us through here, please. Here, Doctor, I'm right.
Doc Adams
Will you, Matt?
Matt Dillon
All right, stand back. Will you give Doc a chance away? Will you stand back, please? Please.
Doc Adams
Bad is right. I will do if we can.
Matt Dillon
That man who's hurt Marshall, who is he? I tripped her. Been around Dodge a couple of years. Calls himself Texas Joe.
Doc Adams
Easy matter.
Matt Dillon
No friends or family.
Doc Adams
Have you fixed up here in a couple of years.
Matt Dillon
Nobody knows where he came from. It's the usual story, Doc.
Doc Adams
That's right. I told him that. You be all right. You guys here be all right.
Matt Dillon
He certainly has to work under primitive conditions, Doc.
Doc Adams
Yeah.
Matt Dillon
Chester, will you get those lanterns going and give Doc some more light?
Doc Adams
Yes. He's dumped the sick of these.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. He's the only real doctor this side of Apple.
Miss Kitty
Is there anything I could do to help, Mr. Dylan?
Matt Dillon
I guess not, Ms. Kelly. Thanks anyway.
Miss Kitty
Paul text. And he stopped in at the restaurant not more than four hours ago. And I fixed him a meal.
Matt Dillon
You never know.
Miss Kitty
Well, Doc can pull him through if anybody can.
Doc Adams
Jerry can put one of those liners on the other side.
Matt Dillon
They seem to put a lot of faith in your Dr. Adams. They got reason to. Yeah.
Doc Adams
Matt, could you give me a hand here?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, sure.
Doc Adams
Lift his head up a little bit there, will you, Matt? Yeah. Not much chance, Matt. All I can do is make him comfortable.
Matt Dillon
Don't try to talk, Nautex. You're gonna be all right.
Doc Adams
You've been decent to me, Marshall. You treated me square. You and Doc only friends. I got short text. I got one more favorite. Could someone read me some scripture?
Matt Dillon
Well, Tex, I just don't recall an answer.
Miss Kitty
Well, I do.
Doc Adams
Mrs. Covey, I doubt if you can hear. I can hear. Please.
Miss Kitty
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul.
Doc Adams
I think that's enough. Well, you can't win them all, I guess.
Matt Dillon
No, I can't win them all.
Doc Adams
Well, I just.
Matt Dillon
Dr. Adams, as only physician here, I suppose you also function as coroner.
Doc Adams
That's right.
Matt Dillon
And this man here, he'll be buried under the name of Texas. Guilt.
Doc Adams
Don't worry about it. Boothill is full of men buried under nickname in this country.
Miss Kitty
Doc. Doc, I got tendons. Oh, yeah, Doc, I've been sitting up with Mrs. B. And you left too soon. She needs you over there right away.
Doc Adams
Well, then there wasn't a false alarm. All right, Kitty. I'll be there as quick as I can. Well, as soon as.
Matt Dillon
Well, Kitty, you Go on back over and do what you can for her. Doc will be along.
Miss Kitty
All right, Matt. But you better hurry.
Matt Dillon
Well, Mr. Hunter. Well, gentlemen, this seems to have been my lucky night. Both my fugitives located within an hour of each other. Yeah, I guess there's nothing I can do to safe in jail and one of them dead. Or didn't you notice the resemblance? Marshall, Texas Joe here. Obviously the man in the photograph. I saw it immediately. Well, I hope you'll take all necessary steps to see that he's buried under his real name, Alvin Moore. And his death, of course, closed the case. I've been leaving for Virginia with my other prisoner tomorrow.
Doc Adams
Leave, Mr. Hunter.
Matt Dillon
Doctor, I'd say this is no time to stand around here talking. You have a patient waiting. This. This town seems to depend on you, Ma. Well, Doc, you've got work to do. You just make sure it's a boy, huh?
Doc Adams
Well, I'll you sir. I'll do my darnest match. Good night, gentlemen.
Matt Dillon
Good night, doctor.
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Narrator
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 Les Clutchfield with editorial supervision by John Messman. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartel, Ralph Moody and Virginia Christine. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Hawkins is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story of the western frontier when Matt Dillon, Chester Proudfoot, Doc and Kitty, together with all the other hard living citizens of Dodge, will be with you once more. It's America growing west in the 1870s. It's gun smok.
Matt Dillon
Foreign.
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 Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Detailed Summary of "Cavalcade | Gunsmoke (11-08-59)"
Introduction
In the "Cavalcade | Gunsmoke" episode from the "Old Time Radio Westerns" podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a compelling installment of the classic Western radio drama. Originally aired on November 8, 1959, this episode delves into the moral dilemmas and intricate relationships that define life in Dodge City, showcasing the steadfast U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon as he navigates a challenging case that strikes close to home.
Characters Introduced
Plot Summary
Arrival of Deputy Sheriff Ed Hunter ([01:10] - [03:45])
The episode opens with Ed Hunter arriving in Dodge City aboard the morning train, bearing warrants to arrest John Allison and Calvin Moore for murders committed in Virginia. He provides Matt Dillon with detailed descriptions:
Hunter's arrival sets the stage for a tense investigation as Matt must determine the presence of these fugitives in Dodge City.
Matt Dillon's Moral Quandary ([07:00] - [11:19])
As Matt Dillon reviews Hunter’s information with Doc Adams, doubts arise about Calvin Moore’s identity. Matt discusses his concerns with Doc:
"I'm part of the law." ([07:03])
Doc Adams reveals a haunting past from Richmond, Virginia:
"I got no defense. It means prison. I'd rot in prison. I won't go back." ([09:36])
This confession suggests that Doc Adams might be Calvin Moore, thrusting Matt into a profound moral dilemma between duty and friendship.
Confrontation and Tension ([12:04] - [24:35])
The tension escalates when an attempt is made on Ed Hunter’s life, leading Matt to apprehend John Allison (Bunko Benson) after a violent confrontation:
"Stay back, please." ([17:20])
With Bunko eliminated, the focus shifts entirely to Calvin Moore. Suspicion mounts around Doc Adams, especially after reports of his erratic behavior and possession of a firearm, uncommon for him.
Climax and Resolution ([23:00] - [28:27])
The climax unfolds as Matt confronts Doc Adams, confirming that Doc is indeed Calvin Moore. Despite their friendship, Matt enforces the law, leading to Doc’s arrest:
"I'll outlive you." ([20:44])
Doc Adams accepts his fate, embodying the tragic cost of upholding justice in the unforgiving landscape of the Wild West.
Themes and Analysis
Justice vs. Friendship: Matt Dillon’s internal conflict highlights the struggle between professional duty and personal loyalty, a recurring theme in Westerns.
Redemption and Irredeemable Past: Doc Adams’ backstory explores themes of redemption, illustrating how past actions can haunt individuals and affect their present lives.
Isolation and Responsibility: The episode portrays the loneliness inherent in Matt’s role as Marshal, emphasizing the heavy burden of maintaining law and order alone.
Notable Quotes
Matt Dillon on his role and conflict:
"I'm part of the law." (07:03)
Doc Adams revealing his troubled past:
"I got no defense. It means prison. I'd rot in prison. I won't go back." (09:36)
Matt Dillon expressing his commitment to honest law:
"I always figured the only kind of law that'd work out here is an honest law." (11:19)
Doc Adams contemplating his fate:
"I can't win them all, I guess." (26:25)
Conclusion
"Cavalcade | Gunsmoke" masterfully intertwines personal conflict with the overarching theme of justice. Matt Dillon’s unwavering dedication is tested when faced with the possibility that his closest friend may be a dangerous fugitive. The episode poignantly illustrates the sacrifices made by those who uphold the law, set against the gritty and morally complex backdrop of the Wild West. Through its rich character development and emotionally charged narrative, this installment remains a standout example of the enduring legacy of "Gunsmoke."