
Original Air Date: February 14, 1960Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Editorial Supervisor:• John Meston Writer:• Mar...
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Matt Dillon
Foreign.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
William Conrad
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, starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.
Matt Dillon
I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chance, a job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.
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Miss Kitty
Let's see now. All right, Sam, stand still.
Raffy
No, ain't Nothing worth your trouble, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
Well, it will be if it gets any worse. Lean over.
Raffy
All right.
Sam
I'll thank you to have a sure hand with that needle.
Miss Kitty
Now, don't worry, Sam. I'm not much of a seamstress, but I ought to be able to catch up a rip and a pair of britches without doing much damage.
Matt Dillon
There.
Miss Kitty
That ought to hold it.
Sam
Thank you, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
You're welcome, Sam. I just hated to see you start the day with a hole in your britches. With that trail herd. Doing town is going to be hard enough.
Sam
Yes, ma'am.
Miss Kitty
What in the world's that?
Doc
Hey, look at him go there. He's in for them swinging doors. Please drop in there. I gotta hide someplace. This kitty.
Raffy
I ain't hurting nobody.
Dobie
Now, look here, Ratty.
Miss Kitty
I'll handle this, Sam. All right, you two, settle down.
Doc
Why, old Ratty, Raffy's got a friend.
Miss Kitty
You two go along.
Dobie
She's hiding behind a galaxy. Play your drum for her, Raffy.
Miss Kitty
I said get along. Big strong man, aren't you? Picking on the likes of Raffy. Now, you get out of here and don't come back.
Matt Dillon
Well, what do you know about that?
Miss Kitty
It's all right now, Raffy. There's some.
Raffy
I. I wasn't doing nothing wrong, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
No, of course you weren't. Come on over and sit down, huh?
Doc
You know.
Raffy
It'S a drum, Miss Kitty. They give me misery on count of the drum.
Miss Kitty
Yeah, I know that.
Raffy
Ain't nothing wrong about wearing the drum.
Miss Kitty
No, of course there isn't.
Raffy
He give it to me, that captain for Antietam. He told me you were proud. Always done that, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
I know you have.
Raffy
AFY don't hardly play the drum calls no more. Don't see much need.
Miss Kitty
Well, no, with a war over and all.
Raffy
But I always wear it. Like the captain said, I wear it proud. Folks give me misery.
Miss Kitty
Well, I got no right to do it. You can always come in here when they do. Raffy. You don't have to be afraid.
Raffy
You're a true good lady, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
I don't know about that.
Raffy
Yes, ma'am, you are. You're a true good lady.
Miss Kitty
Laughing Are you hungry?
Raffy
Well, I ain't weak with it, Miss Kitty, but it's a fact. I ain't ate yet.
Miss Kitty
Well, we better fix that wine.
Raffy
Taking no more handouts.
Miss Kitty
But if you're hungry, Rafa.
Raffy
I can work, Miss Kitty. If folks had just left me. If they'd just stop plaguing me and let me work, I could make out fine.
Miss Kitty
All right, then, Raffy. Sam.
Doc
Yes, Miss Kitty?
Miss Kitty
Come here a minute, will you?
Dobie
Sure thing.
Miss Kitty
Take Raffy out to the woodshed, will you, Sam? Set him to chop in that wood out there. He wants to work.
Doc
Why, sure.
Dobie
Come along, boy.
Raffy
I'm obliged to you, ma'am. Oh, Miss Kitty.
Miss Kitty
What is it, Raffy?
Raffy
You watch after the drum for me. I wouldn't want nothing to happen to it after. The captain trusted it to me like he did.
Miss Kitty
Sure, Raffy, sure. I'll watch after. No, it was enough to break your heart. As soon as it chopped the wood, it came back in. And I gave him his money. And he hung that drum around his neck again and left. Poor boy.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. You want some more gravy, Kitty?
Miss Kitty
No, thanks, man.
Matt Dillon
Doc?
Doc
No, not for me. It's better with this food. Not to cover it up while you're eating it.
Matt Dillon
You know where Rappy went, Kitty?
Miss Kitty
No. No, I don't. He just appears now and again, and he's always in trouble. Somebody's always plaguing him, as he says.
Doc
Ah, it's a shame.
Miss Kitty
What's the answer to it, Doc? What makes Raff hit? Well, what makes him the way he is?
Doc
It's hard to say, Kitty. Maybe it's just too much war.
Miss Kitty
He must have been very young during the fighting.
Doc
His mind hasn't grown any older.
Matt Dillon
Why would he hang on to the drum then, Doc? It reminds him of a bad time.
Doc
He can't tell about these things for sure, man. Maybe because the drum was the last thing he was ever proud of. Oh, Miss Kitty. Marshall.
Miss Kitty
Hello.
Matt Dillon
Hello.
Doc
I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. I was sitting right over there. You got good ears. Hey, you know, I think it's important to know what this fellow Raffi might do. The town has a right to know. Well, you can't tell for sure. He might go along just as he is for the rest of his life. Wearing that drum around his neck and being crucified for it. And then again, he might decide to turn on somebody someday.
Miss Kitty
Well, you couldn't blame him.
Doc
Well, then, Marshall, I say you ought to take steps.
Matt Dillon
How do you figure that, Dovey?
Doc
Well, either way, he isn't doing the town any good. He might turn mean and cause trouble. Even if he doesn't, he gets in the way of the town's normal citizens. Wandering around that way wearing that drum night and day.
Matt Dillon
Oh, come on now, Dobie. I can't arrest the boy for that.
Doc
Well, Doc just said he might cause trouble. It'd be better to act.
Matt Dillon
Now, you listen to me, Dobby. If he causes trouble, it'll be because he's been driven to it by normal citizens and I spent some time talking to him about it.
Doc
Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Right here, Chester.
Miss Kitty
Like somebody's been after Chester.
Doc
What's the trouble, Mr. Dylan, you better come right away. It's that rapid blight. I told you. Marshall.
Matt Dillon
What's he done, Chester?
Doc
He ain't done nothing. But some of the boys has got him Creed down there at the liver stable.
Matt Dillon
You better come with us, Doc.
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William Conrad
Are you one of those people who are always on the go? Like you, our CBS newsmen are on the move all the time too. Always in the direction of the biggest news developments of the day. Their own busy schedules give them a practical understanding of the value listeners put upon their services. They know you rely on them for accuracy at all times. They have a first hand appreciation of the importance, importance of clarity and brevity as well. That all of these standards are kept in mind by our highly skilled, highly experienced newsmen is demonstrated over and over again in the frequent news broadcasts you hear on CBS Radio. The busier your own day, the more you'll appreciate the efforts of our CBS News staff. These men offer you a direct link with history day by day. But more than that, they do their job with full regard for your busy schedule. They keep you fully informed with no waste of time, no waste of words. For accuracy, brevity and clarity in news reports. For news at frequent intervals and at convenient times. Keep tuned to CBS Radio every day.
Matt Dillon
No, please go ahead.
Raffy
Slow.
Dobie
Here's a rope. Another little pull. Swing the drum out there. Sure, Bo. If you want it rappy, you'll have to crawl out on that branch.
Doc
My drum.
Dobie
You give me my drum roll out, then.
Raffy
It's too far.
Dobie
Oh, you can do it.
Doc
Sure.
Dobie
He looks just like a monkey up there.
Matt Dillon
Don't he.
Dobie
Have to be up no tree look like a monkey? Swing the drum out more. Salute down the end of that limb there.
Doc
Well, it's getting kind of thin down there. Bull.
Dobie
I said swing that drum.
Doc
All right, bull. All right.
Dobie
Go ahead, kid. Let's see you get your full drum. Crawl out there. Go ahead, crawl.
Raffy
Please, mister.
Dobie
Oh, come on now. If you want it, go get it. It's too far. If you don't crawl out and get it, Rappy, I'm gonna shoot it full of holes like this. Please, please don't shoot it.
Doc
I'll get it.
William Conrad
Go on then.
Dobie
That's right.
Doc
Let me pull in the drum. Boy, he's gonna fall short.
Matt Dillon
Leave it. Whoa.
Doc
He's hurt himself.
Dobie
Oh, he's too simple to be hurt bad. Come on, slow bl. Let's get it.
Matt Dillon
All right, just a minute.
Doc
Oh, come on.
Matt Dillon
Take a look at the boy, Doc.
Doc
Sure, man.
Matt Dillon
All right, you men, you're in an awful hurry to get away all the way a sudden.
Dobie
Oh, Marshall, there ain't no reason to hang around.
Matt Dillon
The show's over, is that it?
Dobie
I know what you're talking about, Marshall. This boy just fell out in the trees.
Matt Dillon
You know what I'm talking about, all right. And so do the rest of you men. Voila, Marshall. A bunch of real life two legged coyotes. Now listen here, you listen to me. If I catch you, any one of you deviling this boy again, falling out of a tree won't seem easy to you. I go on and get out of here. Well, we was going anywhere. Just remember, you leave this boy alone. How is he, doc?
Doc
Well, can't tell yet, man. He's unconscious. I'll have to get him to the office.
Matt Dillon
All right, couple of you men give us a hand here. They get in the ducks.
Raffy
And there.
Doc
There you go, Rafi. That cool cloth ought to make you feel better.
Raffy
My head hurts pretty bad.
Doc
Hurts? Well, I expect it does.
Matt Dillon
You took quite a blow.
Doc
But it's gonna be all right, Rapha.
Matt Dillon
Nothing to worry. Does he come to, Doug?
Doc
Yes, Matt. He's conscious.
Matt Dillon
You gonna be all right?
Doc
I think so, Matt. Yeah, there's no signs of a fracture or.
Matt Dillon
Or concussion. Oh, that's good. Well, Rappy, you feeling better?
Raffy
My drum. You got my drum?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I got it. It's down in my office.
Raffy
Won't nothing happen to it.
Matt Dillon
I think it's safe enough.
Raffy
That's good. I sure do thank you, Mar.
Doc
It's all right.
Matt Dillon
It's all right. You come get her when you're feeling better, huh?
Raffy
Yes, sir. I gotta do that. You know, it seems like folks don't like me to wear it. Why don't they, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Well, maybe it's because they just don't know any better.
Raffy
I ain't never hurt nobody. Ain't got no call to hurt me.
Matt Dillon
That's right.
Raffy
Them folks who hurt me, they ought to learn different, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, that's what I came to tell you. I'm gonna see that they do.
Raffy
I can see it real clear, Marshall. Real queer. Them folks need to learn it real good. Them folks that hurt me, they gotta be taught different.
Doc
Here's mail, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Oh, thanks, trustee.
Doc
Well.
Sam
Well, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
What?
Doc
Well, seems to me you'd want to.
Raffy
Know what's in it.
Doc
Man should hard open up his meal when he gets it. Might even be government business.
Matt Dillon
Chester, what are you muttering about?
Doc
Well, I just can't understand, Miss Dillon. After I went and fetched it to you and all.
Sam
Why you don't open it up?
Matt Dillon
The.
Doc
The man.
Matt Dillon
All right. All right, Chester. I'll open it up. Expecting something special?
Doc
No, sir, I ain't. Tell you the truth, I could see there wasn't nothing there worth bothering about.
Matt Dillon
You put on a pretty good show of bothering.
Doc
Well, it just seems to me that a man should. Or open up his mail whether it's worth anything or not. Marshall, you were too bullheaded stubborn to listen.
Matt Dillon
What's on your mind, Dobby?
Doc
I told you last week, right there in the restaurant. I told you you ought to do something about it.
Matt Dillon
Oh, come on, Dobby. What are you sputtering about?
Doc
That. That boy, that Raffy blight. I told you he'd cause trouble.
Matt Dillon
What's happened?
Doc
It's worse than I even expected. And you could have prevented.
Matt Dillon
Dobie. Quit babbling and tell me what's happened.
Doc
He. He's killed him.
Matt Dillon
Who's been killed?
Doc
Bull Ramsey's been killed, and Rafi did it. They found a drumstick by the body. And now we got a lynching on our hands.
Matt Dillon
Where are they?
Doc
They're taking him to hang him, and it should never happen.
Matt Dillon
Toby, where are they?
Doc
They're taking him up west of town.
Matt Dillon
All right, come on, Chester. Bring.
Doc
There they are, Mr. Joan. In that clump of tree.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Doc
They got him up on a horse, but it don't look like they've got the rope on him yet.
Matt Dillon
They're lucky. All right, let him go.
Doc
We was just trying to help the law, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I'll take care of the law. I said let him Go.
Doc
Sure, you can have him if you want to waste jail space on a murderer.
Matt Dillon
I gotta have a lot more than your say so on that slope.
Doc
Why, it's plain as plain. Everybody knows he had it in for Bull.
Matt Dillon
Never mind, Sloan. If he needs to be tried, he'll be tried. By a judge, not by you and that drum. I said never mind. Test him until I wrap his hands and take that gag out of his mouth.
Raffy
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Then lead his horse over here.
Doc
That's my horse he's on. Marshall, you ain't gonna take it.
Matt Dillon
He's riding it back to town slow. Then I wouldn't argue about it it if I were you, I. I'm gonna have to keep you here for a little while, Rafi.
Raffy
It's all right, Marshall. You ain't one to plague me.
Matt Dillon
No, no. Nobody will plague you here. Now you can go on in.
Raffy
Thanks. Marshall. What they're saying about me killing that bull Ramsey.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Raffy
Well, I don't think I ever killed nobody, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Well, I hope you're right about that, Rappy.
Raffy
I. I don't recollect too good about last night. My head was hurting real bad and I just don't recollect too good.
Matt Dillon
Well, don't worry about it. We'll find out.
Raffy
I know I was out there some. I was trying to cool my head in the night.
Matt Dillon
All right, Rafael. I'll see you later.
Raffy
Oh, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah? What's that?
Raffy
My drum. Marshall, have you got my drum?
Matt Dillon
Chester found it. We'll take care of it for you.
Raffy
I thank you for that. Oh, and here, Marshall, you might as well take care of these two, huh?
Matt Dillon
What have you got there?
Raffy
Well, my drumsticks, Marshall. I always keep them right here in my shirt. I only got one set, you know.
Matt Dillon
Are they both there?
Raffy
Sure, they're both here. You take care of them for me, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, yeah, I'll do that.
Dobie
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Sam
There you are, mister. Here's your change. And here's your parcel. I'll be right with you, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I know. Hurry.
Miss Kitty
Thank you, Mr. Jonas.
Sam
I should have that new bolt calico any day now.
Miss Kitty
Well, that's fine. I'll stop in again soon. Goodbye, Mr. Jonas.
Sam
Goodbye, Miss Curtin. Now, Dan Marshall. Something I can do for you?
Matt Dillon
I sure hope so. Tell me, Jonas, do you sell drums here?
Sam
Well, I. I had a couple a few years ago. I think stocked them recent. Marshall, Tell you truth, I. I don't get much call for drums in Dodge City.
Matt Dillon
I suppose. Suppose not. I guess you don't get a call for drumsticks either, huh?
Sam
Well, now, that beats all.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean?
Sam
You think we was getting ready for a parade or something?
Matt Dillon
How's that?
Sam
You're the second feller in two days come in here to ask him after drumsticks.
Matt Dillon
Oh. Well, who was the other one?
Sam
I don't rightly know his name, Marshall. Big thin fella. Used to steam around town with Bull Ramsey.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, but you didn't have any drumsticks, is that right?
Sam
Oh, I found a pair, Marshall, but I didn't really need it.
Matt Dillon
Oh, what do you mean?
Sam
Well, this fellow only wanted one. I made him buy the two, though. Now, what incarnation would a fellow want with just one drumstick?
Matt Dillon
Marco. I'll see you later, Jonas.
Doc
So the Marshall got there too fast.
Matt Dillon
For you, did he?
Doc
Slow. No sense to it. No sense to it at all.
Raffy
Oh, no.
Doc
Lynching ain't a very nice thing to do. I ain't gonna make no difference to that boy. No difference at all.
Raffy
I don't know why you can't tell.
Doc
Well, they're going to hang him one way or another. Sure is.
Dobie
Sure slow.
Matt Dillon
I want to talk to you.
Doc
I ain't hard to find.
Matt Dillon
Marshall, I want that other drumstick.
Doc
Drumstick? You're talking crazy, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I want the drumstick you didn't leave by Bull's body.
Doc
Now listen here. That Raffy, he's the one with the drumstick.
Matt Dillon
That's right, Sloot. And he's still got two of them.
Doc
Now listen, Marshall, I've been listening.
Matt Dillon
I've been listening to Jonas.
Doc
Jonas?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, he sells drumsticks.
Dobie
Well, it wasn't me.
Doc
It was some other fell.
Matt Dillon
No, it wasn't slow. It was you. Trying to buy just one drumstick so you could kill Bull and blame Raffy.
Doc
You can't prove it.
Matt Dillon
I don't have to prove it because you're going to tell me about it, aren't you? Isn't that right, Slo?
Raffy
I mean, go you.
Matt Dillon
Isn't that right? Oh, yeah.
Doc
Yeah.
Matt Dillon
All right. Come on. I don't think Rafi will mind giving up his cell to. All right, Rafi, here's your drum.
Raffy
Thank you kindly, Marshall. I sure am proud to be wearing it again.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Now, things ought to be better for you around here. Now, I don't think folks are going to bother you anymore.
Raffy
I'm right glad to hear that.
Matt Dillon
I'm pretty sure we can fix you up with some odd jobs. Jonas and Dobie already got some chores you can do.
Raffy
Thank you, Marshall, but I think it's time for me to be moving on.
Matt Dillon
I can't say I blame you after the way they treated you in Dodge. But things will be better now.
Raffy
Maybe they will, Marshall, but it's time I moved on anyway.
Matt Dillon
I don't know why.
Raffy
Well, I don't know why either, Marshall, but I don't rightly belong nowhere. I keep looking for a place. I never found it yet. I just gotta keep moving on.
Matt Dillon
That's up to you.
Raffy
Funny, ain't it, Marshal? For a drummer boy like me to be always out of step.
Matt Dillon
A lot of folks more out of step than you are, Ravi. I see him all the time.
William Conrad
Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another 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 this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com Become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Episode: Distant Drummer | Gunsmoke (02-14-60)
Release Date: April 5, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhines
Andrew Rhines kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast. He highlights the podcast’s dedication to digitally restoring classic Western radio dramas, ensuring enhanced audio quality that brings timeless tales to life with exceptional clarity and richness.
The episode features a classic Gunsmoke story titled "Distant Drummer," originally aired on February 14, 1960. Set in the rugged landscape around Dodge City, the narrative centers on Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal, as he confronts the troubled character Raffy Blight.
Opening Conflict
“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 chance, a job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.” (02:44)
Introduction of Miss Kitty and Raffy
“I just hated to see you start the day with a hole in your britches.” (04:18)
Raffy’s Struggles
“I always wear it proud. Folks give me misery.” (06:09)
Rising Tensions
“He might turn mean and cause trouble.” (09:24)
Incident Leading to Accusation
“He’s killed Bull Ramsey, and Rafi did it.” (19:27)
Climactic Confrontation
“If he needs to be tried, he'll be tried. By a judge, not by you and that drum.” (20:44)
Resolution and Reflection
“I don’t think I ever killed nobody, Marshall.” (22:13)
Raffy's Departure
“Maybe they will, Marshall, but it’s time I moved on anyway.” (28:37)
Matt Dillon on Law Enforcement:
“If I catch you, any one of you deviling this boy again, falling out of a tree won't seem easy to you.” (14:23)
Doc on Raffy's Condition:
“He can't tell about these things for sure, man. Maybe because the drum was the last thing he was ever proud of.” (08:42)
Raffy on Misunderstanding:
“I ain't never hurt nobody. Ain't got no call to hurt me.” (17:10)
The episode "Distant Drummer" delves deep into themes of justice, redemption, and the lingering scars of war. Through Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to the law and his compassionate understanding of Raffy's plight, the story portrays the complexities of human behavior and the struggle for inner peace in the tumultuous Wild West.
Andrew Rhines wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast through ratings and social media, ensuring the legacy of these classic Western dramas continues to thrive.
Production Details:
Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald.
Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, Harley Bear as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, and Georgia Ellis as Kitty.
Further Engagement:
Listeners are invited to like, rate, and follow the podcast on various platforms, as well as join the "ranch hands" community for exclusive content.
This summary encapsulates the key elements, character dynamics, and pivotal moments of the "Distant Drummer" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both new listeners and long-time fans.