
Original Air Date: August 21, 1960Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Sam Edwards• Jeanne Bates• Lawre...
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Chester Proudfoot
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.
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 where the U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke. Gunsmore, 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. Come on, come on, get your boots on. Let's go.
Chester Proudfoot
Oh, listen here.
Matt Dillon
Come on, get up, Har.
Chester Proudfoot
We're riding. Ain't no call to throw no water on me, Ollie.
Matt Dillon
Well, you sleep. You just lucky I didn't use coffee. Come on, now, get up.
Chester Proudfoot
All right, Ollie. All right. I don't know why we have to move so early.
Matt Dillon
Because I want to get this here stuff to Texas before the law starts sniffing around after us. Will you get that saddle on your horse?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, all right, but Molly won't even be up.
Matt Dillon
We ain't gonna wake her, Nina.
Chester Proudfoot
What do you mean, we ain't?
Matt Dillon
I mean we're heading straight for the border and we ain't making no stops.
Chester Proudfoot
Now, listen here, Ollie. You told me if I come into this with you, I could take Molly along.
Matt Dillon
I decided different. You just hold us up.
Chester Proudfoot
It wouldn't do no such thing. Molly can ride even with you.
Matt Dillon
Anytime a woman gets in the way, now, that's all there is to it.
Chester Proudfoot
I ain't going without her.
Matt Dillon
Oh, you young pup.
Chester Proudfoot
I ain't. Ollie, you need my horse, too, to help carry that goat. But you can't have it without we stop for Molly.
Matt Dillon
She ain't even got a horse to ride. Took them both.
Chester Proudfoot
All right, then, let's get her a horse. You're good enough at stealing.
Matt Dillon
I should have never took you on this job.
Chester Proudfoot
You couldn't have pulled it without me, Ollie. And I ain't going all the way to Texas without. All right.
Matt Dillon
All right, Ollie. But just get a mover. And if we don't find a horse by noon, the deal is off.
Chester Proudfoot
That's fair enough. But I'll find one. Don't you worry none about that.
Matt Dillon
Well, come on, Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
One, two, three.
Matt Dillon
This guy was shocked.
Chester Proudfoot
Isn't it, oh my.
Matt Dillon
I gotta hand it to you though, chester.
Chester Proudfoot
How's that, Mr. Young?
Matt Dillon
You hung onto that bar of soap, how come you brought it along in the first place?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I tell you, Command don't never know when he's gonna need a bath.
Matt Dillon
When he'll get a chance to take one.
Chester Proudfoot
That's right, Mr. D. Sir. That is exactly right. In Bing, I believe in being prepared.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's fine, Chester, but how about letting me use it for a while? You're pretty well lathered up.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, sure thing, Ms. Dylan. I didn't mean to make a pig of myself.
Matt Dillon
More like a mad dog. Thanks.
Chester Proudfoot
It's a nice little fool, ain't it?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Any water would look good after that three day ride, sir.
Chester Proudfoot
I guess you're right. Can you swim good, Mr. Jones?
Matt Dillon
I like to keep afloat.
Chester Proudfoot
That's real nice. I can swim real strong self.
Matt Dillon
Well, let's see you do it.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, there's just one thing wrong. I swim so strong I keep going under the water.
Matt Dillon
You better stick to the land.
Chester Proudfoot
Oh, yes, sir. I mostly do. Hey, somebody's coming, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, maybe somebody else wants a path.
Chester Proudfoot
I reckon they do. They're coming towards us right now. Hey, they're heading for our horses.
Matt Dillon
Hey, you just stay right where you.
Chester Proudfoot
Are so you don't get hurt.
Matt Dillon
Leave those horses alone.
Chester Proudfoot
He's shooting.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, we're going to stay where we are. That's more like it. Come on. I'll get both them horses now.
Chester Proudfoot
We'll use a spare. Sure. I.
Matt Dillon
Hand me them bridles now. You can go get the gun.
Chester Proudfoot
Sure. He's taking your gun, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
I should have known. Or get the booth, too.
Chester Proudfoot
Your boots.
Matt Dillon
That's what I said. All is going down.
Chester Proudfoot
Say, I don't know who you men are, but you better think this over. This here's Mr. Dillon, the US Marshal from Dodge. Fancy that.
Matt Dillon
Now, I'm real pleased to meet you, Marshall.
Chester Proudfoot
And I am thinking it over real good.
Matt Dillon
Come on, Harper, let's go.
Chester Proudfoot
They're getting away, Mr. John.
Matt Dillon
I know it, Chester. We're not in a position to do much about it.
Chester Proudfoot
Crane's Corners, I declare. I'm telling you the truth, Ms. Dylan. I didn't never think we'd make it this far. I saw folks who was mean in my time, but I ain't never saw nothing beat this. Yeah, taking a man's goose, leaving him stranded right on the prairie. Why, that ain't hardly human.
Matt Dillon
All right, all right, Jester.
Chester Proudfoot
What do you mean by all right?
Matt Dillon
All Right. That's what I mean.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, there ain't nothing all right about it having your stuff threw away.
Matt Dillon
Just quit talking about it, Jester.
Chester Proudfoot
Mr. Jones, a whole day and a.
Matt Dillon
Night of bellyaching ought to be enough for you.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, all right, sir. Mr. Jones, if you feel that way about it.
Matt Dillon
That's exactly the way I feel about it, Chester. That's right.
Chester Proudfoot
Very well, sir. Then I just won't talk none at all.
Matt Dillon
Good.
Chester Proudfoot
Never. I won't even mention how terrible bad cut up my feet are and slow up and. Yes, sir. Oh, Miss Joan, couldn't we please sit and rest first down?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I guess we could.
Chester Proudfoot
All right. Oh, oh.
Matt Dillon
Oh.
Chester Proudfoot
Mr. Dunn, do you hear that?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I hear it.
Chester Proudfoot
You don't suppose it. You don't suppose it could. Yes, sir. Yes, sir, it is. It is dark. Doc. Wife. Heaven sakes, Matt and Chesky.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Doug.
Chester Proudfoot
Oh, doc, you're a sight for sore eyes. What's the matter with you two? Just bucked off your horses.
Matt Dillon
Will you give us a lift, doc?
Chester Proudfoot
When have I ever saw a sorry looking pair?
Matt Dillon
It's you two, doc. We want to live.
Chester Proudfoot
We may hear about you for long. Branch. Look at you. Where are your boots?
Matt Dillon
Never mind, doc. Just give us a lift, will you?
Chester Proudfoot
How long have you been walking? A night and a day, doc. And that's an awful long time. Let me see your feet. I sure will.
Matt Dillon
Oh, my God.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, get in, get in. What are we waiting for? I think I better get you two up to my office right away. Hey, Matt, here's some more hot water.
Matt Dillon
Ah, thanks, doc. It feels good.
Chester Proudfoot
Now here's some for you, Chester. That's hot, doc. Well, it's meant to be. I tell you, I've never seen a pair of feet to beat these.
Matt Dillon
I suppose you quit talking about it and write it up in a medical paper instead.
Chester Proudfoot
Oh, I'm sorry. I guess you'd just as soon not hear any more about it. Yeah, but you've no idea who did it?
Matt Dillon
I never saw him before.
Chester Proudfoot
Would you recognize him?
Matt Dillon
I'm not sure. The light wasn't very good. We weren't exactly close.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I ain't never gonna forget him, I can tell you that.
Matt Dillon
Chester, when you spot him, you just let me know. That's all I ask.
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, sir, Miss Joan. I sure will do that. You both better hope you don't spot him for a few days at least.
Matt Dillon
Oh, how's that?
Chester Proudfoot
You're not gonna be able to do much walking.
Matt Dillon
Well, I can walk, doc.
Chester Proudfoot
Not very much. You can't Those feet of yours are in bad shape. And I'll just tell you something else.
Matt Dillon
Now. What?
Chester Proudfoot
You're not gonna be able to get your boots on for about a week.
Matt Dillon
What kind of a doctor are you?
Chester Proudfoot
I don't know what kind of a doctor I am, but I know one thing for sure. Yeah? I never had to walk home from any place without my boots.
Matt Dillon
Now listen, doctor.
Chester Proudfoot
You spill that water.
Matt Dillon
Ah, thanks, Sam.
Chester Proudfoot
Sure, Marshall. Well, you must be feeling like yourself again, man.
Matt Dillon
How's that, Kitty?
Chester Proudfoot
Sitting here having a drink like a human being. You haven't snapped anybody's head off yet.
Matt Dillon
No. Guess I haven't been too easy to have around.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, you're never easy. But this week you've been worse than usual.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll say this for you, Kitty. Man has a hard time getting swell headed around here.
Chester Proudfoot
I should think you'd thank me.
Matt Dillon
I don't know why.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, it'd be a shame if you couldn't get your hat on now that you've just started being able to wear boots again.
Matt Dillon
Oh, that's very funny, Kitty.
Chester Proudfoot
I'm sorry. Matt, you're walking all right again now, aren't you? Yeah, sure. Well, I'm glad. That was a terrible thing.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Well, I'll be. Kitty, excuse me a minute, will you?
Chester Proudfoot
Sure.
Matt Dillon
There's a man at the bar over there I want to see.
Chester Proudfoot
Isn't it?
Matt Dillon
That might be. I'll be back.
Chester Proudfoot
Want another drink, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
No, thanks, Sam. Not right now.
Chester Proudfoot
Anytime.
Matt Dillon
You, young fella.
Chester Proudfoot
Me?
Matt Dillon
You're new in town, aren't you?
Chester Proudfoot
Just riding through.
Matt Dillon
Well, where you headed?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I ain't decided.
Matt Dillon
Nice pair of boots you got there.
Chester Proudfoot
Yeah, well, you see.
Matt Dillon
A little big for you, aren't they?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, no. No, they ain't.
Matt Dillon
Why don't you walk over to the table and back, huh?
Chester Proudfoot
I ain't gonna.
Matt Dillon
I said walk.
Chester Proudfoot
Whoa. Sure, Marsh.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, they're a little wobbly, all right. Where'd you get them?
Chester Proudfoot
They was my pa's pa. Give them to me.
Matt Dillon
They're mine, aren't they? Well, now they're my boots. And your name's Harb.
Chester Proudfoot
Yeah. Yeah, Marshall, you're right. I'm glad you found out.
Matt Dillon
You weren't very anxious to help me find out.
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, I was. I was scared is all. I was even thinking to come to see you.
Matt Dillon
This isn't my office.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I figured maybe a couple of drinks and I wouldn't be so scared.
Matt Dillon
All right, tell me the story.
Chester Proudfoot
I want to lead you to him, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Oh, who is he?
Chester Proudfoot
He's My brother Ollie, he told me if I'd help him with a hold up, I would never have to worry no more.
Matt Dillon
I said, and you're a warrior.
Chester Proudfoot
He's run off from me with the money. I don't care so much about the money. Thing I can't about is he run off with my girl.
Matt Dillon
Oh. Do you know where they went?
Chester Proudfoot
Sure I do. There's a old spread my PA used to work in Texas. That's where he's heading.
Matt Dillon
And you want me to go get him, huh?
Chester Proudfoot
I sure do, Marshall. He ain't got no right to my girl.
Matt Dillon
How about the money?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, like I say, I don't care too much about the money. Marshall. Uh huh. Can we start today? They got an awful good start on us.
Matt Dillon
I'll let you know. You stay around till you hear from me, huh?
Chester Proudfoot
Sure, but ain't we wasting time?
Matt Dillon
You just do what I say. Don't leave town.
Chester Proudfoot
All right, Marshall, if you say so.
Matt Dillon
I say so.
Chester Proudfoot
I brung the mail, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
No thanks, Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
Didn't look like there's anything worth nothing in it. Uh huh, circulars and all. Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Chester Proudfoot
I've been wondering something.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Chester Proudfoot
Yes sir. Well, I figure when I get to pondering like this, I might just, well, come right on out with it.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, come right on out with it. What is it? What do you want? What is it?
Chester Proudfoot
I'll see. I've been wondering why we were just sitting here in Dawes instead of heading to Texas after that Ollie Bean like his brother wants.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's a long way to Texas, Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, sure it is. But my gracious, Mr. Jones, he's a hold up man, ain't he?
Matt Dillon
Oh, we're not sure of that.
Chester Proudfoot
Not sure? He stole our horses and our guns and our boots, didn't he?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, he did that all right. But I'm not sure the government would think I ought to ride all the way to Texas after your boots.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, but what about the holdup?
Matt Dillon
That's just it. What about it?
Chester Proudfoot
What do you mean by that?
Matt Dillon
I mean, we don't even know if there was a holdup. Or maybe just trying to get us to go after Ollie with him.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, but why would he make up a story like that?
Matt Dillon
He could have done it to get even with Ollie for running off with his girl, couldn't he?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, yes sir, you could be right about that, but. Hello, Miss Kitty. Hello, Chester. Matt.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Kitty. Is it time for me to take you to lunch?
Chester Proudfoot
Already? You don't sound very eager.
Matt Dillon
I just had breakfast well, as a.
Chester Proudfoot
Matter of fact, I came about something else.
Matt Dillon
Oh? How's that?
Chester Proudfoot
I was passing the telegraph office and Mr. Hightower asked if I'd bring this to you. Oh, here you are.
Matt Dillon
Thank you.
Chester Proudfoot
Good news?
Matt Dillon
Well, Chester may think so.
Chester Proudfoot
LA, Mr. John, we can take that.
Matt Dillon
Trip to Texas you've been so anxious for that. So the Bane brothers not only pulled a stage hold up, but they killed a man while they were in it. All right, come on.
Chester Proudfoot
You're right, Mr. Dillon. Texas is an awful long way from anything.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. It's better riding than walking, isn't it?
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, sir, it surely is that. Well, I reckon that was a pretty mean trick taking your boots away like that. Pretty mean. A man that'd think up something like that. No more than a cannibal. It was Ollie's idea then. I don't think much of your brother. I didn't think much of him anyway, of course, but. Oh, Ollie's a mean man.
Matt Dillon
Why did you put in with him then? Hark.
Chester Proudfoot
You talking about the hold up? Mm. Well, I reckon it don't make no sense no more, Marshall. But it was the first time Ollie ever treated me like I was worth anything. Oh, yeah, he beat me and he cuffed me all the time when I was growing up. He never had no use for me.
Matt Dillon
I shouldn't think you'd have had any use for him either.
Chester Proudfoot
He was big and strong, Marshall. Yeah, Ollie could do about anything, I guess. When he asked me to help with a hold up, I. I guess I figured he was getting some use from me. But he didn't, Marshall. As soon as he didn't need me anymore, he ran off with my girl. Oh, he's a mean feller, all right. We'll get him, won't we, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I expect we'll get him. That's good. Not gonna be so good for you though, Harv. He'll want you for the hold up and the killing also.
Chester Proudfoot
I know it, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You'd have been smarter to make a run for it by yourself instead of ever coming near Dodge.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I wanted you to get him.
Matt Dillon
And I'm gonna try.
Chester Proudfoot
It ain't right for a man to run off with his brother's.
Matt Dillon
From what you said, we must be getting pretty close.
Chester Proudfoot
That's right, Marshall. See them trees over there?
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester Proudfoot
And the place is just behind them.
Matt Dillon
All right, we'll ride up to him. Look it over from there.
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, sir. See the shack is right over there.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. We'll leave the horses here. Take care of them, will you? Trust Her.
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, I will. Come on. I'm going up there, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
That might not be too smart, Herb.
Chester Proudfoot
I just want to go and get my girl before the shooting starts. Man has a right to do that.
Matt Dillon
I guess he has it. That all right? Go ahead.
Chester Proudfoot
Thanks, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute.
Chester Proudfoot
What's the matter?
Matt Dillon
I want you to remember something. If you don't come right out, I'll have to come in after you.
Chester Proudfoot
Sure, I know that. I'll come right back. I can see you, Harv. I come for Molly. Go on back. She's mine. Not no more, she ain't. Go on, Harv. Oh, you better beat it while you still got a horse. I'm coming to get her. I warn you, Harp. Go on back. I'm coming on it. Dylan, he shot that boy.
Matt Dillon
Cover me. I'm going up there.
Chester Proudfoot
He'll shoot you, too.
Matt Dillon
I'll stick close to the trees. Not cover me, Mr.
Chester Proudfoot
Dylan.
Matt Dillon
It's all right, Chester. That shot was in the shack.
Chester Proudfoot
You're still looking. That woman coming out?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I see her.
Chester Proudfoot
Come on. You can take this gun now.
Matt Dillon
You fired that shot.
Chester Proudfoot
I killed Ollie. Never shot a gun before, but I killed Ollie.
Matt Dillon
Take a look, Chester. Is she.
Chester Proudfoot
He's dead, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Check the other one, will you?
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, sir. You don't have to look, Marshall. I knowed right away when Harb died.
Matt Dillon
Yes, ma', am, I guess you did.
Chester Proudfoot
She's right, Mr. Dillon. Man don't have no right to shoot his brother.
Matt Dillon
No, he doesn't.
Chester Proudfoot
Man don't have no right to run off with a woman neither. And beat her and be mean to her.
Matt Dillon
How, ma'?
Chester Proudfoot
Am? But mostly, a man don't have no right to shoot his brother.
Matt Dillon
You should have let the law take care of it, ma'.
Chester Proudfoot
Am. No, Marshall. I owed it to Harv.
Matt Dillon
He wouldn't have expected it.
Chester Proudfoot
I could have helped him before and I didn't. I thought it was smart to come with Ollie. Ollie? He wasn't fit to shine Harv's boots. No, Marshall, I owed it to Harv, whatever it cost.
Matt Dillon
Well, man, I. I just hope it doesn't. Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty, ice cold Pepsi Cola.
Chester Proudfoot
Sociability, Charlie.
Matt Dillon
All right, Kay. How's this? Pepsi is light. Refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi. Right now?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, offer it to everybody, Charlie.
Matt Dillon
I will enjoy Pepsi at the fountain. It's delicious. At home, too.
Chester Proudfoot
Have one at lunch or with a snack, Charlie. At the beach or at dinner.
Matt Dillon
Wherever you go, wherever you're Thirsty Pepsi is there.
Chester Proudfoot
It's here too in our Be Sociable song. Be Sociable, look far, keep up to date with Pepsi. Drink light, refreshing Pepsi. Stay young and fair and air, and air. Be sociable. Have a Pepsi for the weekend.
Matt Dillon
Have plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today.
Chester Proudfoot
CK I'm sociable with Pepsi, everyone is.
Matt Dillon
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 Gun Smoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Sam Edwards, Gene Bates and Lawrence Stkin. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.
Chester Proudfoot
Foreign.
Matt Dillon
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.
Chester Proudfoot
Be with you once more.
Matt Dillon
It's America growing west in the 1870s. It's gun smoke.
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. 707-986-8739 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.
Chester Proudfoot
Sam.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast - Detailed Summary of "Dangerous Bath | Gunsmoke" (08-21-60)
Introduction
In this gripping episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines presents a digitally restored rendition of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Dangerous Bath", originally aired on August 21, 1960. The episode immerses listeners in the tumultuous life of Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, as he confronts betrayal, familial strife, and moral dilemmas in the rugged Wild West.
Setting the Scene
The episode opens in the early hours with Matt Dillon and his companion, Chester Proudfoot, preparing for a critical mission. The dialogue sets a tense atmosphere as Matt emphasizes the urgency of their task.
Matt Dillon [00:23]: "Because I want to get this here stuff to Texas before the law starts sniffing around after us."
Chester, exhibiting a mix of reluctance and loyalty, insists on bringing his girlfriend, Molly, along, leading to a palpable tension between duty and personal attachments.
Chester Proudfoot [00:45]: "I ain't going without her."
This initial conflict highlights the personal stakes that often accompany Matt’s professional responsibilities.
Developing the Conflict
As Matt and Chester embark on their journey, their camaraderie is tested by external threats. The duo faces an attempted robbery, intensifying the dangers inherent in their work. The encounter not only showcases Matt’s authoritative presence but also Chester’s unexpected resourcefulness.
Matt Dillon [04:16]: "You hung onto that bar of soap, how come you brought it along in the first place?"
Chester Proudfoot [04:22]: "Well, I tell you, Command don't never know when he's gonna need a bath."
This exchange adds a touch of humor amidst the tension, illustrating the characters' personalities and the dynamic between them.
The Turning Point
The plot takes a dramatic turn when Chester reveals a deeper personal conflict involving his brother, Ollie. Chester discloses that Ollie betrayed him by stealing both his money and Molly, prompting a quest for vengeance.
Chester Proudfoot [14:31]: "I want to lead you to him, Marshall."
Matt, embodying the law’s impartiality, grapples with Chester’s plea for personal justice versus his duty to uphold the law.
Matt Dillon [15:09]: "I'll let you know. You stay around till you hear from me, huh?"
This revelation not only deepens the narrative but also explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities faced by those who enforce the law.
Climax: Confrontation and Justice
The tension culminates in a high-stakes confrontation where Chester takes matters into his own hands. In a moment charged with emotion and desperation, Chester shoots Ollie to prevent further wrongdoing.
Chester Proudfoot [22:39]: "I killed Ollie. Never shot a gun before, but I killed Ollie."
Matt, adhering to his principles, assesses the situation with measured resolve.
Matt Dillon [22:46]: "Take a look, Chester. Is she."
Chester’s actions underscore the blurred lines between personal vendetta and lawful justice, highlighting the internal conflicts that define the characters in the Wild West.
Resolution and Aftermath
In the episode's aftermath, Chester reflects on his actions, expressing remorse and reaffirming his commitment to justice despite the personal cost.
Chester Proudfoot [23:37]: "I owed it to Harv, whatever it cost."
Matt’s role as a mediator between the law and individual morality is evident as he contemplates the consequences of Chester’s decision.
Matt Dillon [23:59]: "I just hope it doesn't."
This resolution emphasizes the enduring struggle between personal ethics and professional duty, a recurring theme in Gunsmoke.
Conclusion
"Dangerous Bath" masterfully intertwines action, emotional depth, and moral ambiguity, staying true to the essence of the Gunsmoke series. The episode not only entertains with its thrilling narrative and dynamic characters but also invites listeners to ponder the intricate balance between law enforcement and personal justice in the unforgiving landscape of the Wild West.
Notable Quotes:
Matt Dillon [00:23]: "Because I want to get this here stuff to Texas before the law starts sniffing around after us."
Chester Proudfoot [00:45]: "I ain't going without her."
Chester Proudfoot [04:22]: "Well, I tell you, Command don't never know when he's gonna need a bath."
Chester Proudfoot [14:31]: "I want to lead you to him, Marshall."
Chester Proudfoot [22:39]: "I killed Ollie. Never shot a gun before, but I killed Ollie."
Chester Proudfoot [23:37]: "I owed it to Harv, whatever it cost."
This episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences through the art of old-time radio.