Cheap Labor | Gunsmoke (06-17-56)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast - Episode Summary

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Podcast Information

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Description: Step into the past with the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, featuring digitally restored classic Western radio dramas. This podcast revives the golden age of radio with enhanced audio quality, bringing to life the sounds and stories of iconic shows like Gunsmoke and The Lone Ranger. Hosted by Andrew Rhynes, each episode offers a journey into the untamed frontier, showcasing legendary radio actors and compelling storytelling.

Episode Details

• Title: Cheap Labor | Gunsmoke
• Original Air Date: June 17, 1956
• Release Date on Podcast: August 15, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Gunsmoke, titled "Cheap Labor," listeners are immersed in the rugged landscape of Dodge City, where tensions simmer between local ranchers and the evolving dynamics of labor. United States Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself at the center of a conflict that threatens to disrupt the fragile peace of the frontier town.

Main Plot Overview

"Cheap Labor" revolves around the strained relationship between Matt Dillon and Foss Capper, a prominent rancher resistant to change and protective of his interests. The episode delves into themes of power, control, and personal integrity as Matt navigates the complexities of enforcing the law in a town where not everyone plays by the rules.

Key Characters and Their Motivations

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal dedicated to maintaining order in Dodge City. Matt embodies justice and fairness, often finding himself mediating disputes to prevent escalation.

• Foss Capper (Lawrence Dobkin): A rugged rancher who values tradition and resists modernization. Capper's antagonistic stance creates friction with Matt, especially concerning labor issues and personal affairs.

• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): Matt Dillon's confidante and romantic interest, providing emotional support and insight into Matt's personal struggles.

• Ben Stael (Vic Perrin): A rider caught in the conflict between Capper and Matt, representing the working class affected by the tensions.

• Carrie (Harley Bear): Ben Stael's sister, whose well-being becomes a focal point of the escalating conflict.

Critical Scenes and Dialogues

1. Opening Conflict Over a Cookie ([00:00] - [00:19]):

   • The episode begins with a light-hearted exchange between Matt Dillon and Foss Capper over a banana split cookie, setting the stage for their contentious relationship.
     • Matt Dillon: "Mmm." ([00:00])
     • Foss Capper: "The new banana split cookie from AM pm. All freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors." ([00:02])

2. Intervention in a Dispute ([05:17] - [08:50]):

   • Matt intervenes when Ben Stael is confronted by Capper for trying to help his sister, Carrie. This scene highlights Matt's role as mediator and his commitment to justice.
     • Matt Dillon: "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet." ([05:17])
     • Ben Stael: "I've had enough of fighting, Marshall." ([07:40])

3. Romantic Tensions and Ultimatums ([14:05] - [16:05]):

   • Matt expresses his desire to marry Carrie, challenging Capper's control and setting the stage for a personal showdown.
     • Matt Dillon: "I want Carrie to marry me." ([16:05])

4. Climactic Showdown ([22:30] - [25:29]):

   • The tension culminates in a potential gunfight, which Matt seeks to prevent, emphasizing his aversion to unnecessary violence.
     • Matt Dillon: "Here it is. Thank you. Now, what's this?" ([22:30])
     • Matt Dillon: "A man gets tired of killing. That's why I asked Carrie to marry me." ([25:29])

Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Tradition: The episode explores the clash between Matt Dillon's sense of justice and Foss Capper's adherence to traditional ways. This dynamic reflects the broader tensions of change vs. preservation in the American West.

• Personal Integrity: Matt's unwavering commitment to fairness often places him at odds with powerful figures like Capper, highlighting the personal sacrifices required to uphold the law.

• Conflict Resolution: Throughout the episode, Matt strives to mediate disputes peacefully, underscoring the value of dialogue over violence in resolving conflicts.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon on His Role:

  • "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet." ([05:17])

• Matt Expressing His Intentions:

  • "I want Carrie to marry me." ([16:05])

• Matt on Avoiding Violence:

  • "Here it is. Thank you. Now, what's this?" ([22:30])

• Matt Reflecting on Violence:

  • "A man gets tired of killing. That's why I asked Carrie to marry me." ([25:29])

Conclusion

"Cheap Labor" offers a compelling narrative that encapsulates the essence of classic Western dramas. Through Matt Dillon's interactions with Foss Capper and the ensuing conflict, the episode delves into timeless themes of justice, personal integrity, and the struggle between progress and tradition. Andrew Rhynes' meticulous restoration brings clarity and depth to the performances, allowing modern audiences to appreciate the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke. This episode not only entertains but also provides insightful commentary on the complexities of maintaining order in a rapidly changing frontier.

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For more episodes and information, visit otrwesterns.com or find Old Time Radio Westerns on your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Matt Dillon]

Mmm.

[Kitty]

Oh, whatcha eating?

[Foss Capper]

The new banana split cookie from AM pm. All freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[Matt Dillon]

Wow, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[Foss Capper]

I'm sorry but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Matt Dillon]

Not even a little.

[Foss Capper]

Not even a crumb.

[Matt Dillon]

What if.

[Foss Capper]

No, please.

[Commercial Voice]

Mine 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.

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[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 O t N a 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 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 June 17, 1956 and the title is Cheap Labor.

[Kitty]

Oh, what you eating?

[Foss Capper]

The new banana split cookie from AM pm. All freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[Matt Dillon]

That sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[Foss Capper]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Matt Dillon]

Not even a little.

[Foss Capper]

Not even a crumb.

[Matt Dillon]

What if.

[Foss Capper]

No, please.

[Commercial Voice]

Mine 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.

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Gun Smoke Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray. They satisfy the most 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, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely. So your name's Force capper, huh? Yeah, that's right. Mister. Will you say your name out like you got nothing to hide? Well, now you're right again. I guess a man wanted to hide something, he'd be wearing a gun to help him do it. Maybe. Well, are you agreeing with me or ain't you agreeing with me? Any way you want it, mister. You're big, captain, but I ain't afraid of you. There's no reason you should Be, you're awful to big man. Be a fool. Go against you without a gun. Wouldn't he? But wouldn't he, mister? Have a drink. No. Here, you have this instead. I always carry an extra gun in my belt. I don't want your gun. Well, I can't fight you less than you have a gun. You're too big. We got no cause to fight, mister. You take your gun back, you're free. You're a coward. You're a stinkin. Don't you push it, mister. I said you're a coward. All right, fellow, you've had enough. Now you. You keep out of this. I am wearing a gun, mister, and I'll bend it across your skull in a minute. Oh, you're the marshal. Get out of here. Go on, move. Sure, sure. Suppose I ought to thank you, Marshal. No need. Name is Boss Capper. You know, most men around Dodge do wear guns, Kepper. I've had enough of fighting, Marshall. Oh, and where was that by the war? Had it from Harpers Ferry all the way to Richmond. You know, a man gets tired of killing. Yeah, I know. Dylan. Yeah, what is it, Chester? Mr. Dylan. Ben Stael's out there in the street. So? He's about to beat up one of his riders. I suppose it has to do with his sister again. Yes, it sure does. And car's there, too. All right, let's go. Oh, I declare that Poor Carrie, Mr. Dillon. She was trying to load their wagon all by herself. And this rider, Santos come along and he was helping her when Stanley himself.

[Commercial Voice]

Come up and got real sore about it.

[Matt Dillon]

Stle doesn't deserve a sister like Carrie. She's as nice as he is mean and ugly. There they are. Yeah. Well, say, where's that cowboy at? He's lying on the ground behind Stan. Well, I sure didn't hear no shooting. Back to loading that stuff. Jerry, you hear me?

[Kitty]

Yes, I hear you, Billy.

[Matt Dillon]

I hope you didn't kill him, Stencil. Oh, he's all right, Marshall. I only knocked him down. Well, I'll go get some water from over there. I should have killed him. For what? Trying to help Carrie do a man's work. Carrie's my sister, Marshall. What she does ain't no business of yours. No, but you're keeping men away from her the way you do is going to lead to real trouble one of these days, Mike. Trouble, Marshall? Not if you kill somebody. You know, I guess men don't like the way you treat her. There's somebody else trying to help her. Huh? By him. You Just take it easy, Stancil. That man's not wearing a gun and he better go get one. What do you think you're doing, stranger? That box seemed a little heavy for a lady to be lifted.

[Kitty]

Please, Ben, he meant no harm.

[Matt Dillon]

You know this man?

[Kitty]

He told me his name.

[Matt Dillon]

Jerry, you're turning into a regular duxie. I wouldn't talk like that, mister. You shut up. You're gonna beat me like you did the other fella? There's been enough fighting for one day. Sans all. Your wagon's loaded, so why don't you get going? All I can say to you, mister, you better get yourself a gun. Get up on the seat, carrie. Good day, Ms. Gary.

[Kitty]

Goodbye, Mr. Capper.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, how did you get mixed up in this, Capper? I was curious or followed you out. And I seen her struggling with that box. Couldn't just stand there and watch her, could I? You just remember something. Someday Stencil's gonna kill somebody over here. Well, I sure hope it won't be me. And you know what to do, huh? Yeah, I know what to do. Mar.

[Commercial Voice]

You've heard Bobby Haggard whistling it on radio and television right now. A country style version. Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

Partners.

[Kitty]

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[Commercial Voice]

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[Kitty]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chester Chesterfield's.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Kitty]

Hello, Max.

[Matt Dillon]

Hi, Kenny. Are you shopping?

[Kitty]

I guess. A woman's always shopping, Matt, whether she buys anything or not.

[Matt Dillon]

I believe that. Well, now what? That's Gary Stencil. Oh, well, sure, but isn't that false Capper driving her wagon?

[Kitty]

Well, where you've been the last few weeks, Matt, he drives her wagon every time she comes down.

[Matt Dillon]

He does?

[Kitty]

Well, sure. He rides out, meets you partway, carries his horse behind and they drive in together.

[Matt Dillon]

And this has been going on for a couple of weeks or so. Oh, well, at least Ben Stensel hasn't found out, I take it.

[Kitty]

I doubt if Capper's ever showed himself anywhere near the ranchman.

[Matt Dillon]

You think he's afraid, don't you? Maybe he only wants to avoid a fight.

[Kitty]

Isn't that the Same thing.

[Matt Dillon]

No, not necessarily, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Well, if he wasn't a coward, he'd be wearing a gun, wouldn't it?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Kitty. I haven't decided about Foss Cabbard.

[Kitty]

Look at them, Mac. They're so wrapped up in each other, they don't even see us. This is the last time he's got to come.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't want to bring you no trouble, Carrie, but I ain't gonna stop seeing you.

[Kitty]

She's smarter than he is.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, maybe.

[Kitty]

You know, I guess she'll never be able to get away from that brother hers. Oh, Matt, look. Yeah, there's gonna be trouble, Matt. Stancil looks awful mad.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't like to interfere in family matters, but this time I guess I better.

[Kitty]

You better hurry, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, well, long it's been going on, Carrie.

[Kitty]

Please, Bear, let's talk about it at home, not here.

[Matt Dillon]

We're gonna settle this here and now. You ain't gonna stop it, Marshall. I just want to be sure you remember that Foss Kepper doesn't carry a gun. Stencil. Dirty coward. Of course he doesn't. A gun wouldn't solve anything, Stancil. It'd get you killed. That'd solve things. Maybe for you. Not for Carrie. I don't even want to hear you saying her name. You're gonna have to hear it now. It's gone on long enough, Stancil. The way you treat her. What I do with Carrie ain't no business of yours. I want Carrie to marry me.

[Kitty]

Of course, you never told me that.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I've been thinking on it, Carrie. I figured to wait, but I guess there ain't time now for waiting of pair. He's worked hard for you, Stansil. You never gave her a thing of her own. You kept everybody from her for fear of losing her. She ain't a woman to you, a sister. She's nothing but cheap labor. I'll kill you sure now. No, you won't. Cause you'd hang for her. I'll get you, Capper, one way or the other. Carrie.

[Kitty]

Yes?

[Matt Dillon]

You go on back the ranch and get what things you need. I'll be waiting right here for you tomorrow, noon. No, Carrie. No. Don't stop us, Tansel. You're gonna be free, Carrie. You make up your mind later about marrying, but you're gonna be free, Carrie.

[Commercial Voice]

Dancel.

[Matt Dillon]

You shut up. And don't you lay a finger on her, or I'll just beat you to death. Go on now, Carrie.

[Kitty]

All right, boss.

[Matt Dillon]

Noon tomorrow. Carrie. I'll be waiting.

[Commercial Voice]

Then.

[Matt Dillon]

You mind what I said, Stancil. Don't you try to stop her. I won't try to stop her. You I'm going to stop now. You know, Marshall, I didn't mean to cause trouble when I come here. Maybe not cover, but you sure done it.

[Commercial Voice]

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[Kitty]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more.

[Commercial Voice]

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]

Mr. Dylan. Yeah, what is it, Chester? Better get on out there quick. It's fixing to happen. Ben Stampel just rode into two of his men. Has the carry showed up yet? No, sir, she ain't. But Foss Capper was waiting for her when their mothers come in. Yeah, I didn't think Stencil had let her go without a fight. Oh, there's gonna be a fight, all right, of some kind. Look how they're crowding him. Get out of here. We have fixed you good. I see you brought plenty of help. You're too big for one man to handle. If the three of us can do it. Oh, yeah. Don't, Stancho. You keep out of this. Marshall, you don't think I'm gonna stand by and watch three men work over one, do you? Wait, Marshall. Yeah, what? Kevin, now, there ain't no other way. I'll take them on. All of them. It's got to be done. Wait a minute. Look who's coming yonder. It's Carrie. I told her to go back home. What in the world is the matter with her? She looks like she got drugged. You keep away from her. Shut up, Stancil. Leave him be, Carey. What happened to you?

[Kitty]

They caught up with me.

[Matt Dillon]

You talk here, I'll help you down.

[Kitty]

I got here anyway. He couldn't stop me.

[Matt Dillon]

Did your brother do this to you? Did he knock you around? When you get back on that wagon and go home, Carrie. All right, hold that stencil. Let her talk. Carrie, did he do it?

[Kitty]

Yes.

[Matt Dillon]

You sure need convincing. I told you to shut up. Stencil. Jester. Yeah? Would you be good enough to take Carey over to miss Kitty's? Cause I got a little business here. Be glad to. Don't you move, Stansel. You come on. Please. All right, boys, let's get to work. Wait just a minute, Stansil. I've changed my mind. What? I ain't gonna fight you. Not now. Not that way. We're gonna settle this for good and all. What are you talking about? Marshal Dillon, could I ask you a favor? What? Cabbard? Lend me your gun. Well, all right.

[Commercial Voice]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

Here it is. Thank you. Now, what's this? What are you two doing? Whoever heard of a lawman landing his gun? I think Capper's right, Stencil. This business has got to be settled for good. He's the one to do it, not me. Okay. And you can watch him die. You ready, boy? Now wait a minute, Stencil. You didn't say nothing about no gunfight. What difference that make? There's something about him. I don't like the way he wears that gun. He looks kind of professional to me. He's nothing but a tin horn. And he's a coward at that. He ain't no coward. And I ain't having no part of this. Come on, Bob. Let's don't be foolish now. You're fired. Both of you. Good stancelow. Was he right, Kepler? Are you a gunman? You can find out easy enough. You gonna stand there and allow this, Marshal? I can't stop it now. Well, I think he is a gunman. I think he's a killer. You're through. Get going, Marshall. You're done. I thank you. Sure. You remember I told you how a man gets tired of killing? I had a feeling it was more than a war that did it. I thought I was all through wearing a gun. That's why I asked Carrie to marry me. So you tell her for me, Marshall. Tell her I was ready to kill her brother. I can't ask her to marry me now. That day will always come when I'll have to put on a gun again. Not against Stencil. Well, there's others. Man like me, he's got enemies. Why don't you tell her about it yourself? Cover it wouldn't be fair. I'd be influencing her the wrong way just being there. Will you do it? It's too late. Huh? Behind you. Oh, she didn't go to Keddie's. She was waiting to see what happened. Yeah, she saw you, Capper. Gun and all. She doesn't look like she's coming to tell you goodbye. No. Oh, she doesn't does.

[Kitty]

Sam.

[Commercial Voice]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Kitty]

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

[Commercial Voice]

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, Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, writers like Ned Buntline drew exaggerated word pictures of the west, yet they did no real harm. But next week, two writers from New York come to dodge under the cause of an Indian massacre. And that was the West. Good night.

[Commercial Voice]

Gunsmoke, 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 Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perrin, Gene Bates, Bart Barney Phillips and Harry Bartel. Harley Bear is Chester and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Live Modern Smoke L M Live Modern Smoke L M Only with L M could you enjoy the full extent exciting flavor of today's finest tobaccos. No other cigarette, plane or filter gives you the full exciting flavor you get through the pure white miracle tip. So light up, free up, let your taste come alive. Live Modern smoke L and M Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke.

[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 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.