Chester’s Inheritance | Gunsmoke (04-02-61)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Chester’s Inheritance | Gunsmoke (04-02-61)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: October 26, 2025

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Overview

This episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast features a classic "Gunsmoke" radio drama titled "Chester’s Inheritance," originally broadcast on April 2, 1961. With restored audio, listeners are invited into the rugged world of Dodge City, where simple joys, human flaws, and moral dilemmas are as much a part of frontier life as gunfire and gambling. The main plot centers around Chester Proudfoot’s unexpected inheritance and the chaos, temptation, and lessons it brings to this beloved sidekick and those around him.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ed Grimes’ Legal Trouble and Bert Donald’s Ruthlessness

• The episode opens with Ed Grimes, an old friend of Marshal Matt Dillon, distressed over losing his farm due to an overdue loan held by Bert Donald, a former friend turned unsympathetic cattle broker.
• Matt is legally required to serve the eviction notice but shows empathy toward Ed, recognizing Bert’s changed and hardened nature.
  • Quote:
    "Bert's moved up in the world. Sometimes that changes a man." — Matt Dillon [04:34]
• The confrontation in the saloon exposes Bert’s lack of compassion and Ed’s public desperation. A heated exchange leads Ed to threaten Bert’s life, setting up a tense subplot.
  • Quote:
    "You ain't a man no more, Bert. You're something slimy. Ought to be stepped on." — Ed Grimes [08:00–08:12]

2. Chester Proudfoot’s “Trouble”: His Inheritance

• Chester confides in Matt that he’s received a letter from lawyers in Waco, Texas, and fears it's about being prosecuted for a long-unpaid $4 debt.
  • Quote:
    "They're after me. They're gonna have me arrested." — Chester Proudfoot [05:18]
• Matt reads the letter aloud, revealing Chester’s cousin, Clarence Webley Proudfoot, has died and left Chester an inheritance of $368.63.
  • Quote:
    "You've inherited $368.63." — Matt Dillon [06:35]

3. News Spreads: Chester Becomes Dodge’s “Millionaire”

• Chester can barely believe his luck, oscillating between paranoia and grand dreams (like building a white house with a red barn and owning an all-black suit, horse, and hat).
  • Quote:
    "It's gotta be a joke." — Chester [06:41]
    "The house I'm going to build, it'll be white with a red barn." — Chester [10:02]
• Friends and townsfolk are quick with advice on how to spend or “invest” the money, including offers to buy into a freight business and appeals for him to pay old debts or buy drinks for all.
  • Quote:
    "You don't mean for all them spongers and there, buddy." — Chester, regarding buying a round for the house [13:56]

4. The Weight of Wealth & Hidden Motivations

• Chester’s new fortune brings unexpected burdens—pressure from friends, opportunists, and even Matt and Kitty jokingly suggesting ways for him to contribute to the community.
  • Quote:
    "Chester, now that you have money, I think you should consider your responsibilities." — Kitty [13:35]
  • Quote:
    "I sure didn't never believe my best friends would dog a man just because all of a sudden he's got rich." — Chester [14:52]
• Chester feels isolated and hides in the jail to escape the demands, reflecting on the difficulty of being "rich" and not wanting to become stuck-up or a target.

5. Resolution: Generosity and Responsibility

• Chester quietly arranges for his inheritance to be used as collateral so the bank can help Ed Grimes save his farm.
  • Quote:
    "I underwrit the loan. I told Mr. Botkin to take my $350 and keep it till Ed could pay off the balance he owed." — Chester [23:39]
• Matt uncovers Chester’s secret generosity and is both moved and amused by his unorthodox financial wisdom (and relief that Chester hasn't been swindled).
  • Quote:
    "I reckon I just wasn't cut out to be real rich. I get squirmy and I don't trust people." — Chester [24:16]
• After giving away his windfall, Chester arranges with the bank to only withdraw $10 a month—thus limiting both temptation and his “worry” about being wealthy.
  • Quote:
    "Figure I can handle that much without all them tycoon worry." — Chester [24:02]
• The friendship and humility shown reaffirm the underlying values of Gunsmoke—community, kindness, and looking after one another—even when it means sacrificing personal gain.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chester’s Anxiety over the Letter
  • "I've been too scared." — Chester [05:40]
• Dreams of Riches
  • "Only reason I never won before was I didn't have enough stake. Now I can run that Waco money into the thousands. Maybe more." — Chester [10:52]
• Community Spirit and Guilt-tripping
  • "When a man has wealth, he should use it wisely. He should contribute to his community. Now, for example, you take the U.S. marshal's office. Now, there's an old stove there..." — Matt [13:56]
• On Friendship and Responsibility
  • "Chester, Doc and Kitty and I are interested in just two things: that you use your money wisely and that somebody doesn't cheat you out of it." — Matt [18:35]
• Chester’s Humble Wisdom
  • "Usually it's the other way around. How to get it instead of what to do with it." — Chester [18:55]
• Final Reassurance
  • "Forget Cousin Clarence. Come on, I'll buy you a beer." — Matt [24:25]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:01 | Ed Grimes’ farm is at stake; Bert Donald refuses leniency | | 05:09 | Chester’s panic about the letter from Waco | | 06:35 | Chester learns about his inheritance | | 10:02 | Chester dreams up elaborate plans for his “fortune” | | 11:11 | Friends and townsfolk angle for Chester’s newfound wealth | | 13:34 | Doc hands Chester a bill for “old injuries”; Kitty and Matt try to nudge Chester’s generosity | | 17:43 | Chester hides in the jail, overwhelmed by attention | | 19:15 | Bert accuses Ed of attempted murder; Matt’s investigation | | 21:58 | Ed’s loan is paid; Chester’s role is hinted at | | 23:32 | Matt uncovers Chester’s secret, selfless financial act | | 24:16 | Chester admits he’s not suited for riches |

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Episode Tone and Takeaways

This episode is imbued with gentle humor, homespun wisdom, and an undercurrent of poignancy. It uses Chester’s small inheritance to explore timeless themes: the unexpected burdens of "easy money," the true meaning of generosity, the dangers of greed, and the enduring value of community ties. The interplay between Chester’s naïve optimism and Matt’s protective pragmatism brings warmth and humanity to the frontier, all delivered in the familiar, inviting tones of "Gunsmoke's" cast.

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For those who treasure the nostalgic charm of radio westerns and the moral lessons at their heart, “Chester’s Inheritance” is a fine example—made fresh and vibrant by the Old Time Radio Westerns team’s meticulous restoration and Andrew Rhynes’ enthusiastic stewardship.

Transcript

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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Cut the camera. They see us.

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[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.

[Matt Dillon]

Around Dodge City and in the territory.

[Narrator]

On west, there's just one way to.

[Matt Dillon]

Handle the killers and the spoilers, and.

[Narrator]

That'S with a U.S. marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

And the smell of gun smoke. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it. I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

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[Matt Dillon]

People today think young.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Make more time for fun at home, family style. This is the life for Pepsi Cola. Light, bracing, clean tasting Pepsi. So think young.

[Matt Dillon]

Say Pepsi, please.

[Chester Proudfoot]

So go ahead and fix a drink that lets you drink young as you think. Yes, get the right one, the modern light one. Now it's tipsy for those who think young.

[Matt Dillon]

Try to understand, Ed. I have no choice.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Matt, we've been Friends a long time. I come here to your office expecting help. Now you tell me you're gonna throw me off my lane.

[Matt Dillon]

You saw the court order. It's perfectly legal. I've got to serve it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All I need's a little more time. I'll make the payment just like I made all the others.

[Matt Dillon]

You do have 10 days.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ain't enough time, and you know it. I poured too much sweat and too many years into that farm to lose it. What I owe on the whole note don't amount to much if I just have the time.

[Matt Dillon]

Did you talk to Bert?

[Narrator]

Bert?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Donald, my old friend. I can't even get to see him.

[Matt Dillon]

Bert's moved up in the world. Sometimes that changes a man.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He's flying high as a hawk. Big cattle broker. Now he's proving it to me. It's just plain Spite, Matt. Mr. Dillon, there's still. I've got it. Oh, howdy, Ed. Chester. Well, I'll get along, Matt, if you can't help me. I guess nobody can.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll try to think of something, Matt.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sure. Thanks anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester, what's your problem?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's just terrible, Mr. Dillon. I'm in trouble, real bad trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

What, are you broke again?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. I mean, that ain't the main trouble. It's this.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Chester Proudfoot]

That letter from Waco.

[Matt Dillon]

So?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's from lawyers in Waco, Feeny and Swift. Says so right on the envelope.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, it's from lawyers in Waco.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, don't you see? They're after me. They're gonna have me arrested.

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I didn't ever tell you this, but one time I borrowed $4 from a fellow down there. I was gonna pay him back, but I never quite got around to it, and now they're after me.

[Matt Dillon]

That's what it says in the letter?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. Well, I mean, I reckon so. I don't know what else it could be.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, have you read the letter?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I've been too scared.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, why don't you read the letter then, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I just can't. Don't hear you. Read it here.

[Matt Dillon]

Mr. Chester Wesley Proudfoot. Dear sir. Chester, will you take your hands away from your ears? Well, Dear sir, we regretfully inform you of the demise of your cousin, Clarence Webley Proudfoot.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Demise?

[Matt Dillon]

That means he died. Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, poor. I never did like him much.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Mr. Dylan, please be advised that probate of the will of said Mr. Profit has disclosed a bequest in your behalf in the sum of $368.63.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

A cashier's check in. This amount will be forwarded to you shortly. Well, what's the matter?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, now, that's a mighty puny joke to play on a man sending that kind of letter.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's no joke. You've inherited $368.63.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's gotta be a joke.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it doesn't.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester, you think they really ain't Jackson?

[Matt Dillon]

Of course not.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I don't know. Cousin Clarence always was pretty tricky. He might have changed there at the end, but the United States Mail is going to have to prove it to Matt. Has Chester taken up permanent residence down at the stage depot?

[Matt Dillon]

From the looks of the office, you'd think so. Doc, if that check from Waco doesn't get here soon, you're going to have two more patients on your hands.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Two?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't think Chester can last the week out. And I'm not sure I'm going to stand him for another day.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Matt, you better get over the bar.

[Matt Dillon]

Why, Kitty, what's the trouble?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ed Grimes. He's there with Bert. Donald.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I don't want to talk about it, Ed.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Not now, not never. Bert, at least you can be decent enough to answer me.

[Matt Dillon]

Ed, this isn't the best place in the world to talk business.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I think it is. I want to ask him in front of these people to give me time to make payment on that note. Marshall, I got nothing to say to him. Seems to me a man's got a right to have a drink without nobody annoying him.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Bert, Ed's kind of worried maybe. Maybe you might reconsider.

[Chester Proudfoot]

All right. I tried everything I know to make you listen to reason. I even begged in public. But I ain't gonna get down on my knees and crawl. You ain't a man no more, Bert. You're something slimy. Ought to be stepped on.

[Matt Dillon]

That's enough, Ed.

[Chester Proudfoot]

A man like him don't deserve to live. Somebody's gonna kill him. If nobody else does, it just might be me.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, get out of here, Ed. Go on home right now. Go on.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Don't you look at me like that, Marshall. I haven't broken any law. Till I do, whatever I say or.

[Matt Dillon]

Don'T say is none of your business. Bert, when you find time, remember he was your friend.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I just can't figure out what's happened to Bert. Matt, aren't there any legal steps that you can take?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not a lawyer, Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Ms. Dillon. It's here, Ms. Dylan. The letter. The one from Waco.

[Matt Dillon]

It's here.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Look, Here, I got it. The letter from Waco. It's right here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, I see it. Chester, sit down and open it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You better do it. I got a pure d case of flutters.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, all right. Let me have. There it is. A Cashier's check for $368.63. May not the Chester Wesley proud, but.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, congratulations.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester.

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Sam, Round of beers on the house. It's $368.63.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks like your money worries are over. Chester. Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

$368.63.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester. I don't hear any broom noises. Chester. Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

White. What? White. The house I'm going to build, it'll be white with a red barn. Oh.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I see.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It ain't easy deciding what color to.

[Matt Dillon]

Paint your house, but now you're sure?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, yes, sir. And I decided to get me an all black suit and an all black horse. I think I'd look good in all black, don't you, Mr. Dunn? Kindly get dignified lie.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I think that's the right word. Yeah, dignified.

[Chester Proudfoot]

And a man with a black suit ought to have a black hat, too. Reckon I'll have to buy me a new hat.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, I'm happy about your money and I want you to enjoy every penny of it. But you ought to slow down a little. This house you're talking about, the house alone is going to cost you more than you have.

[Chester Proudfoot]

More than $368.60.

[Matt Dillon]

I pray so, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, in badging I know what I'll do. I'll just go over at the Long Branch.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I know I shouldn't ask this, but why are you going over to the Long branch?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why now? I got enough money to play in a big poker game. Only reason I never won before was I didn't have enough state. Now I can run that Waco money into the thousands. Maybe more.

[Matt Dillon]

That's what I thought. Get your hat.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Are you coming with me at the Long branch?

[Matt Dillon]

No, you're coming with me, Chester, to the bank. You're gonna leave your money with Mr. Botkin and it's gonna stay there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, Mr. Villains, let's go over here. Oh, deadly. How come you mean? Well, I won't talk to you, Chester. I heard about your money. Well, you did, huh, George? All over town. Well, I reckon when a man gets all that money. Oh, now, now, now. I want to talk to you about a plan I got. You know I've been driving freight for Wells Fargo. Well, everybody knows that. Sure, I made a lot of money too, Chester, through Rain, sleet and snow. I drove them wagons and never lost an area one. Well, good for you.

[Matt Dillon]

Good.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now, Chester, don't you see? Now you and me can open our own freight line. We can?

[Andrew Rines]

Yeah.

[Chester Proudfoot]

We wouldn't need more than one wagon to start with all the money we made, we could buy more wagons and carry more freight. Pretty soon it'll be millionaires. You don't have to do anything but.

[Matt Dillon]

Put up the money.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Millionaires. Sure. Now, what.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you say?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I'll. I'll think about it. That I'll think real hard.

[Matt Dillon]

Sure.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Now. Now, you do that, Chester. And you think hard. Chester Wesley Pride put crate line well old money bags and decided to join.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Sit down, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you, Miss Kitty. Hello, dog. Hello, Chester. Miss Dylan. You know, Dudley Cheever is the fourth fella in two days with a good idea for investing my money.

[Matt Dillon]

And I hope you haven't done it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, not yet. I gotta have time to think it over. Good, because I have something here for you to think over. What's this? That, Chester, is a statement. An accounting. A build balance due $23. What for? What for? When? I can't remember all of it just. But just offhand, I can recall the times you came to me with back miseries. Heaves, stomach aches, shooting pains and wheezes. Well, and then there was a time you broke your toe kicking the can that had a rock in it and the splitter that I had to remove when you sat on the rear. I know, Doc, but them wasn't official calls. Not most of them, wasn't. Well, according to my calculations, that do represent just about one tenth of what you really owe me. Well, I never. I'm ready for another beer. How about you, ma'? Am?

[Matt Dillon]

I think that's a fine.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Me too. Chester, now that you have money, I think you should consider your responsibilities. My what? Like buying around a drink for the house. You don't mean for all them spongers. And there, buddy. Well, it's usual when a man has money like you have now, that could come to $5 or better. You can afford it.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute, Kitty. I think you're leading Chester into bad habits. When a man has wealth, he should use it wisely. He should contribute to his community. Now, for example, you take the U.S. marshal's office. Now, there's an old stove there. Well, if you know the right combination. But it smokes up the whole place. Now, there's the marshal's mattress.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, yes, now, the governor take care.

[Matt Dillon]

Of them things, but they don't Chester. So I thought that some wealthy public spirited citizens.

[Chester Proudfoot]

How about those drinks? Yeah, how about my bill? I sure didn't. Never believe my best friends would dog a man just because all of a sudden he's got rich. Well, who's dogging you? You are. All three of you. And I'm downright disappointed. You know what you are? You ain't nothing but fortune hunter. Foreign.

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[Chester Proudfoot]

Attention shoppers, if you want a real.

[Matt Dillon]

Deal, try Tide pods.

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[Narrator]

Radio Free Europe is the effective truth weapon of the free world. It is effective where other means of communication fail. Radio Free Europe gets its broadcast through the Iron Curtain and keeps captive peoples informed about events around the globe. Without these broadcasts, the captive peoples would become easy propaganda victims of the communists. They could then become ready tools in the communist drive to undermine freedom where it continues to exist. Radio Free Europe is a privately supported institution. It depends for its continued operations on the enlightened generosity of free peoples, chiefly in the United States. You are asked for your support and your truth dollars to continue this vital program. Send what you can to the Radio Free Europe Fund, box 1961, Mount Vernon 10, New York. When deciding how much to give, please remember that there is no substitute for Radio Free Europe in keeping the truth alive behind the iron Curtain. Radio Free Europe Fund, box 1961, Mount Vernon 10, New York.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester. Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester. What are you doing? Sitting back here in the cell, resting my eyes. Well, the light in the office isn't all that bright now. Come on, let's fix some coffee, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I ain't thirsty. Welcome.

[Matt Dillon]

You mind if I join you here?

[Chester Proudfoot]

It's a free jail.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, thank you.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

You. You still mad at us?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I ain't mad exactly. It's just that when a man's got business problems like I got and they keep weighing on him, a man don't expect his best friends to keep picking and nagging at him.

[Matt Dillon]

No, I suppose not, Ms. Dylan.

[Chester Proudfoot]

It ain't easy to be rich. I don't want to go around being show offy and stuck up. But like Miss Kitty says, I got responsibility.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, Doc and Kitty and I are interested in just two things. That you use your money wisely and that somebody doesn't cheat you out of it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You talk like a little bitty old baby.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but you must admit that you haven't had this kind of a money problem before.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Usually it's the other way around. How to get it instead of what to do with it. Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, how about some coffee, huh?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I reckon maybe I have thirsted up some good. Come on. Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, hello, Bert.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Marshall, I want you to arrest Ed Grimes. Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Chester Proudfoot]

He tried to kill me.

[Matt Dillon]

I was driving home from town.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He bushwhacked me. He put a bullet right through my hat. Another inch and I wouldn't be here. And I want him arrested.

[Matt Dillon]

What makes you so sure it was Ed Grimes? Did you see him?

[Chester Proudfoot]

No. I just seen a man ride off. But Ed's the only one that'd want to kill me.

[Matt Dillon]

You heard him say he would. Where'd all this happen? Turner's Crossing. All right, I'll look into it. Looking ain't enough.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I want him in jail now.

[Matt Dillon]

I said I'd look into it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't like the way you handle your job. I got a right to protection.

[Matt Dillon]

Why don't you go find another marshal somewhere? Maybe you'll like him better.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You can't get away with this, Marshal.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll tell everybody in Dodge. Fine. You go tell them. I will.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Right now. Oh, my. I reckon everybody's got problems.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess they have. You, Chester. You've been standing there long enough.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You going to sit in at me if. Well, no, no. No, thank you. I don't think so. Game too rich for your blood? Well, it ain't that. There's a chair open if you think you can afford it. Oh, I can afford it.

[Matt Dillon]

From what I hear, you're strictly a penny handyman.

[Chester Proudfoot]

That ain't so. There's nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to poker.

[Matt Dillon]

There's boys and there's men. You can always play with the boys.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Play with the boys. Just you don't let nobody take that chair. I'll be right back. Boys, huh? I'll just get me a clutch of my money out of that bank and I'll show that tin horn. I'll open for $10. $10? Yeah, $10. He'll be showing off, so he'll raise. I call. I'm gonna. Three kings. So I draw two queens. Full house. I got him. I bet $25. He raises. I just look at him kindly. Cold, white. Hello, chester. I raised $50. What? Oh, Ed, I was thinking about something. Where are you going?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I really don't know. Did you hear about Burt Donald? That story he has about being bushwhacked and all?

[Matt Dillon]

I heard.

[Narrator]

I heard.

[Chester Proudfoot]

He accused me, but I couldn't shoot a man from ambush. Not even Bert. Donald. Ed, have you had any luck about borrowing the money? I tried the bank. Mr. Botkin won't loan money on a second mortgage. I'm just finished. Yeah, well, now, now, now, don't quit hoping. Maybe Mr. Dillon can figure something out. The note's due tomorrow. Oh, yeah, I forgot. Well, come on, Ed. I'll buy you a beer. Thanks, chester.

[Matt Dillon]

I'd like one. 330, 40, 50. All right, Bert. You just mark that note paid in full, and I'll give it to Ed.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Where'd he get the money? Robbed the bank.

[Matt Dillon]

Never mind. You got paid and I'll sign it and get out.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll sign it, but I ain't finished with him. It's still a matter of him trying to kill me.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you take me for a fool, Bert? What do you mean? That hat of yours with a bullet hole.

[Narrator]

What about it?

[Matt Dillon]

There were powder burns on the hat.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I seen him.

[Matt Dillon]

It would have been pretty hard for a man to miss you if he were close enough to cause powder burns.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, he did.

[Matt Dillon]

You did the shooting, Bert. You took your hat off and you shot a hole in it, and you were too stupid to back away. It was Grimes. You Say so. I think different now. You got your money. Go buy yourself a new hat. Dylan.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'll see to Bert.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm getting real tired of you. Get out of here. And stay away from Ed Grimes or I'm gonna break you in two. Ch. Didn't you tell me Mr. Botkin refused to give Ed a second mortgage?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Why did he change his mind?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, now, that kind of puzzled me.

[Matt Dillon]

I've been wondering about something else, too.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Why is your bank balance down to $18.63? Ms.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Dune, you ain't got no right to go poking around my bank balance.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. I apologize, Chester, but it's kind of a coincidence. In the amount of money Mr. Botkin gave me and the amount that's not in your account anymore.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, maybe a small coincidence.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester, what happened?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I had a talk, Mr. Botkin, a financial talk, and I underwrit the loan. You what? Underwrit. I told Mr. Botkin to take my $350 and keep it till Ed could pay off the balance he owed. That way I don't have to worry about spending it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what happens when Ed pays the bank and the money goes back in your account?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, I got that all worked out. Mr. Botkin's gonna allow me to have $10 a month. I figure I can handle that much without all them tycoon worry. I think you can if you're careful, Ms. Dunham. I reckon I just wasn't cut out to be real rich. I get squirmy and I don't trust people. You think Cousin Clarence was banking on that? He was pretty mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Forget Cousin Clarence. Come on, I'll buy you a beer.

[Chester Proudfoot]

And you ain't mad at me for what I done?

[Matt Dillon]

No, Chester, I'm not mad at you.

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Narrator]

Gunsmoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald, stars William Conrad as Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Dillon, U.S. marshal the story was specially.

[Narrator]

Written for Gunsmoke by Vic Peron and.

[Matt Dillon]

Harry Bartel with editorial supervision by John Mester. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartell.

[Narrator]

Vic Perrin, Ralph Moody and Jack Moyles, Harley Bear As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as K.

[Matt Dillon]

This is George Walsh inviting you to join.

[Narrator]

Us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun Smoke.

[Matt Dillon]

Gary Moore, Bing and Rosie too. That's show Biz weekdays on the CBS Radio Network.

[Narrator]

Gorgo, the greatest monster picture ever produced, now showing at the Texas Theater like nothing you've ever seen before. Gorgo, the gigantic prehistoric monster from the ocean depths. This is the big one. Gorgo, now showing at the Texas Theater in Oak Cliff. You're in tune with KRLD AM at FM in Dallas. Stay tuned now for the world tonight on CBS.

[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 YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. 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 707-98-68739 this episode is copyrighted 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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