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Matt Dillon
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Podcast Host / Announcer
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original Air Date September 15, 1957 and the title is Child Labor. Let's get into it and I hope you enjoy.
Matt Dillon
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 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
Bus Cheney
a man watchful and a little lonely.
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Bus Cheney
Well, look who's in town tonight, man.
Matt Dillon
Huh?
Bus Cheney
Over at the bar there.
Matt Dillon
Oh yeah, I see him. Marshall, step up, I'll buy you a drink. No thanks, Sybert. Something wrong with my money.
Bus Cheney
Cybert. The only thing wrong with your money is it belongs to you.
Matt Dillon
Oh, now Doc, that's no way to be when I'm celebrating my new contract. Oh, what contract?
Bus Cheney
The cavalry.
Matt Dillon
I Deliver the first consignment of horses next week.
Bus Cheney
And what's the cavalry gonna do with those stringy, wild renegades of yours?
Matt Dillon
Renegades?
Bus Cheney
Now, you don't figure on breaking those horses, do you? You're not good enough to do it yourself. And no rider in this territory will work for you.
Matt Dillon
I'll find somebody. I'll do it fast. Cybert and then get out of town.
Bus Cheney
All right, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Sure.
Bus Cheney
Yeah. You know, Matt, it makes me ashamed of myself, the way I feel about that man, but I. I just can't help it.
Matt Dillon
I feel the same way.
Bus Cheney
Matt.
Matt Dillon
Yeah? You're kidding.
Bus Cheney
Come on over here to the window.
Matt Dillon
No. Yeah.
Bus Cheney
I want you to see something.
Matt Dillon
What is it?
Bus Cheney
Look out there, Little. Two boys. Yeah.
Matt Dillon
What about them?
Bus Cheney
Did you ever see them before?
Matt Dillon
No, I don't think so.
Bus Cheney
Well, I've been watching them. They act real lost.
Matt Dillon
Maybe we better go see.
Bus Cheney
Yeah. Come on.
Matt Dillon
Hello, boys.
Bus Cheney
Hello, mister.
Matt Dillon
What are you doing out on Front street this time of night?
Bus Cheney
Is this Front Street?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it is. Where are you folks?
Bus Cheney
What do you want to know that for? Mister? This is Matt Dillon. He's the US Marshal here. We ain't done nothing.
Matt Dillon
Where are you boys from?
Bus Cheney
Texas.
Matt Dillon
Texas? Now, you're a long way from home.
Bus Cheney
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
What about your folks?
Bus Cheney
We ain't got any. Ma and Pa got burned up when our ranch caught fire.
Matt Dillon
Oh. How'd you get here to Dodge?
Bus Cheney
Followed a trail herd most of the way.
Matt Dillon
Or your horses?
Bus Cheney
Oh, we had to sell them up river, but the money's long gone. Our uncle is supposed to meet us here. You boys hungry? Yes, ma', am, but we don't want to beg no food. Well, you're not. You're my guest. Well, thank you, ma'.
Matt Dillon
Am.
Bus Cheney
Say, Matt. Yeah? Why don't have Chester take them down the livery stable later? Moffs, Grimmy can use their help, and they can earn their meals and get a place to stay.
Matt Dillon
That's a good idea. You boys know anything about horses?
Bus Cheney
Yes. You're a lot welcome on inside. We'll see about that.
Matt Dillon
You go on, boys. I'll be with you in a minute, huh? You still here? Severed.
Bus Cheney
I'm leaving, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Last thing I want is trouble.
Bus Cheney
Well, this is it, boys. Moss Grimmick says you can sleep up there in the loft. He'll tell you what to do in the morning. Okay. Oh, Mr. Dillon says come see him tomorrow, and he'll try to get in touch with your uncle. Thanks, Mr. Proudfoot. You might as well call me Chester. Everybody else does. We're sure lucky for this, ain't we, Bus? Yeah. People here in Dodge City are mighty nice. Especially that Miss Kitty. She's pretty antsy. Yeah, I guess so. Hello, boys. Hello.
Matt Dillon
I'm Oren Seibert.
Bus Cheney
I'm Bus Cheney. This here's my brother, Howie. Howdy.
Matt Dillon
I hear you boys know about horses. Ever break any?
Bus Cheney
Sure, lots of them.
Matt Dillon
Well now, if you can ride, you don't need to hang around here cleaning out stalls. I got a real job for you out of my ranch. Make yourself some money.
Bus Cheney
We could sure use some. All right then, you're hired.
Matt Dillon
Now get your horses, meet me out back.
Bus Cheney
We ain't got any horses. No?
Matt Dillon
Say, I'll tell you what I'll do. I got 10 head need breaking for next week. You boys break them 10 for me. After that you can take your pick.
Bus Cheney
You mean it? Both of us?
Matt Dillon
That's what I said, didn't I?
Bus Cheney
Come on out and get in the wagon. Get your stuff, Howie. Let's go. Foreign.
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Matt Dillon
Ah, Martin Moss.
Bus Cheney
Oh, morning, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Nice day? Yeah, it'll get hot. Well, how are you new helpers working out?
Bus Cheney
What helpers?
Matt Dillon
The Chaney brothers. Those two boys that Chester brought down here last night. I ain't seen hiding a hair of them. What happened to him? I guess they just pulled out and
Bus Cheney
left in the middle of the night.
Matt Dillon
That doesn't seem right. They talk like good straight boys. Boss. Anything turn up? Missing?
Podcast Host / Announcer
No.
Bus Cheney
I got that Telegraph sent off, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Oh, thanks. Chester, the way things look, we won't need it. The boys pulled out during the night? They did?
Bus Cheney
Well, that's funny. When I left them here, there was a dog tired. They as near asleep on their feet. They seem mighty grateful for everything, too.
Matt Dillon
You can never tell about footloose youngsters like that, Chester. Well, they're gone. There's nothing we can do about it. Let's get back to the office, Chester. We'll see you, Moss.
Bus Cheney
Good long, Michael. Bye, Mars Genius. Kitty's sure gonna be disappointed. She took a real liking to them boys. Me too.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, me too.
Bus Cheney
Ride him, bus. Stick with him, bus. Atta boy. He's running. Gotta grab him, huh? Hang on to him. I got him. Time up. I get my win. I'll take him around again. Oh, that was awful good riding, bud. Oh, does your leg hurt you much? Yeah, pretty much. But I guess I'm getting used to it after five days of this. Anyway, that's number seven. Only three more to go. We'll make it. But that big stallion's gonna be tough. Hey, you. Oh, yes, yes. Ms. Stabbit, go on up to the house. I want you to take the wagon into town. Me too? No, you stay. I know what you do. Any riding while I'm going, Howie? Oh, boss, I can ride now. You leave them broncs alone, you hear? You just do chores till I get back. I'll get busy now. I won't be gone long. You just put some feed down. All right, boss.
Matt Dillon
What are you fixing to do there, boy?
Bus Cheney
Put down some feed.
Matt Dillon
Mr. Sybert, I didn't hire you to do chores. I hired you to break horses.
Bus Cheney
Boss told me not to ride while he was gone.
Matt Dillon
He won't be back till supper time. You gonna waste the whole afternoon?
Bus Cheney
No, sir, but.
Matt Dillon
Then what are you waiting for?
Bus Cheney
I wouldn't mind riding, but Bus told
Matt Dillon
me he don't trust you.
Bus Cheney
I've watched you ride.
Matt Dillon
You're near as good as he is. You can handle any of them.
Bus Cheney
I don't know, Mr. Cybers.
Matt Dillon
You lost your nerve?
Bus Cheney
No, sir, I'm not afraid.
Matt Dillon
Well, you sure acting like you're afraid. One thing I can't stand is a coward.
Bus Cheney
I ain't no coward.
Matt Dillon
Then let's get a saddle on one of them horses.
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Matt Dillon
Another visit with Joe and Daphne Forsyth.
Bus Cheney
Joe. Huh? Do you think we can afford a vacation this year?
Matt Dillon
Well, I don't know. Let's see. The car could stand some work. Then there's that chair we've been meaning to buy. And I guess we could always cash in this. Kitty, if things stay this quiet, maybe you'd like to have supper with me tonight, huh?
Bus Cheney
Well, thank you, Matt. I was afraid I'd have to sit and watch Sam Noonan polish the bar all night. Hey, Matt, look. What? Isn't that Bus Cheney?
Matt Dillon
That sure is. Hey, Bus.
Bus Cheney
Hello, Marshall. Dillon. Miss Kitty. Oh, we didn't think we'd ever see you again.
Matt Dillon
Where have you been?
Bus Cheney
We've been working. You're all crippled up. We're breaking horses for Mr. Sybert Cyber. You know him, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. So did he come to the livery stable that night and hire you boys?
Bus Cheney
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
I should have figured that. Now, what kind of a bad deal did he give you?
Bus Cheney
Oh, he give us a real good deal, Marshal. Dylan, we break 10 head for him and he's going to give me and my brother each a horse. We can take our pick.
Matt Dillon
How near finished are you?
Bus Cheney
Only got three more to go. And how long has your leg been like that in five days you have. Doc, take a look at that young man. Well, I gotta send a telegram to Mr. Seibert and pick up some things at the store. Then maybe I will.
Matt Dillon
Bus, I'm not gonna stop you from going back to your job. But Orin Seibert's no good. He'll try to weasel out of your deal some way.
Bus Cheney
Mr. John. Mr. Jones. We better get. Oh, my. Hello, Chester.
Matt Dillon
What is it, Chester?
Bus Cheney
We gotta find Doc right away. A fellow just rode in and told me.
Matt Dillon
Told you what?
Bus Cheney
Well, he was passing Cybert's place and somebody hurt real bad out there.
Matt Dillon
Who?
Bus Cheney
Bus. It's your brother. Easy. Easy now. Real easy.
Matt Dillon
How bad is he, Doc?
Bus Cheney
Oh, get out of the way, Savage. Get up there. Now, Bus, you pack those robes in around them good and tight, will you? Sure, Doc. Crazy kid said he was anxious to ride, but I never figured he'd take on that big stallion.
Matt Dillon
Crazy fool. You've done enough talking, Cyber. Now shut up.
Bus Cheney
Matt, we're ready.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Bus Cheney
Your spine, Matt.
Matt Dillon
You understand? Yeah, Doc. I'll drive.
Bus Cheney
Bus. I'm here, Howie. It's getting cold since the sun went down.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it is.
Bus Cheney
I ain't no coward. I don't have a bus. Coward. Of course you ain't. Who says so? Mr. Cyber said. What? I ain't no coward. Doc, come back here. Keep driving, Matt. Here, let me. Let me.
Matt Dillon
Oh, dear.
Bus Cheney
Matt. No need to hold them in now. Give them their head, Matt.
Matt Dillon
I'll get the lamp. There we are.
Bus Cheney
Lay him here in the couch, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, that's it, Bus. Come away, Bus. It won't do any good.
Bus Cheney
No,
Matt Dillon
Matt.
Bus Cheney
There's some coffee in the kitchen. Good.
Matt Dillon
I can use something.
Bus Cheney
Reach that cup there, man. Yeah, the coffee's been sitting all day. It's pretty strong.
Matt Dillon
Thanks. Now, he stared at his brother's body all the way back to town. And he's in there staring at it now. I know. You know something else? Yes. He hasn't cried. Not one tear.
Bus Cheney
I wish he'd cry and let some of that grief out.
Matt Dillon
That's not natural, Doug. Come on, let's get
Bus Cheney
Bus.
Matt Dillon
He's gone, Doug. Come on.
Bus Cheney
That boy is in no condition to be by himself.
Matt Dillon
Well, he couldn't have gotten very far, Doug.
Bus Cheney
I don't see him.
Matt Dillon
No, Didn't.
Bus Cheney
What was that?
Matt Dillon
I look like it came from back of the livery stable. That's him, Doc.
Bus Cheney
It's got to be heading back to Cyber. You mean Marshall? Is that you, Moss? Mar, Somebody just walked into the stable.
Matt Dillon
Made off of the horse. Yeah, we heard it.
Bus Cheney
That gun I kept behind the office
Matt Dillon
door, it's gone, too. Come on, Doc. You know who it was. Yeah, Moss. I know. I'll get him.
Bus Cheney
There's no light showing in the house.
Matt Dillon
That could be a good sign. Come on.
Bus Cheney
See him?
Matt Dillon
No.
Bus Cheney
It's the stallion.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Something in that corral's got him spooked. Hold it, Doc. There he is, just inside the fence.
Bus Cheney
Sir, It's Sibert. He looks dead, but I'll see what I can do.
Matt Dillon
All right. Kid's probably holed up in the barn. I'm gonna see if I can find it. But you watch that stallion though.
Bus Cheney
I will.
Matt Dillon
Buzz, it's matt d.
Bus Cheney
Stay out of this barn. Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You young fool.
Bus Cheney
He killed my brother.
Matt Dillon
You should have left him to me.
Bus Cheney
You never could have proved it on him. Now don't come no closer.
Matt Dillon
You did what you had to. I'm gonna do what I have to. I'm gonna take you bus.
Bus Cheney
No, I.
Matt Dillon
Put the gun down.
Bus Cheney
Stay back.
Matt Dillon
Put it down. Don't make me kill you. I said put it down.
Bus Cheney
What'll happen to me now?
Matt Dillon
I don't know, boss.
Bus Cheney
It don't matter none anyway.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I ain't hear it. Doug. Sybert.
Bus Cheney
It's dead, man.
Matt Dillon
Ah, that's too bad. No, it's a good thing. I was thinking of the boy.
Bus Cheney
So was I. He can ride, but he can't shoot. Why, there's no bullet hole in cybert. I figured the shots did nothing more than scare him. But they scared him so bad he turned his back on that stallion. That's what killed him.
Matt Dillon
Did you hear that, bus?
Bus Cheney
Yes, sir, I heard marshall. Dope.
Matt Dillon
Now don't be ashamed. Just let it out, son. Come on.
Bus Cheney
Oh, I have had no luck lately.
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Bus Cheney
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Bus Cheney
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Bus Cheney
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Matt Dillon
Gun Smoke Produced and Directed by Norman McDonnell. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal the music was composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns were composed by Ray Kemper and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Parley Baer As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. George Walsh speaking. Join us again next week for another story of the western frontier of America in the 1870s on Gunsmoke. This is the united states armed forces radio and television service sa.
Bus Cheney
Sam.
Podcast Host / Announcer
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Matt Dillon
Foreign.
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Podcast Host / Announcer
Spinquest is a free to play social casino void where prohibited. Visit spinquest.com for more details.
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Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: June 7, 2026
This episode of Gunsmoke, titled "Child Labor," explores themes of hardship, exploitation, justice, and brotherly love on the American frontier. Set in Dodge City, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself involved in the fate of two orphaned boys who are swiftly drawn into a dangerous arrangement with a ruthless horse trader. The story navigates the tension between desperation and morality, while highlighting the vulnerabilities of children in a harsh and unforgiving land.
The episode balances the iconic stoicism of frontier justice with the vulnerability of young characters caught in adult schemes. Dialogue is concise, genuine, and often laced with dry Western wit or gruff wisdom. The emotional crescendo is marked by powerful silences and understated performances, particularly as Bus processes his brother’s death.
“Child Labor” is a classic example of Gunsmoke’s ability to blend gritty Western action with nuanced moral storytelling. It confronts the challenges and dangers facing children in the Old West and critiques those who would exploit them out of greed. The episode is anchored by memorable performances and a profound emotional payoff, showing both the harshness and humanity of Dodge City.