Doc’s Revenge | Gunsmoke (01-08-56)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: "Doc’s Revenge | Gunsmoke" Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host/Author: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode: Doc’s Revenge | Gunsmoke (01-08-56)
• Release Date: July 7, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Doc’s Revenge" episode of the "Gunsmoke" series, presented by Andrew Rhynes on the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, listeners are transported to the tumultuous days of the Wild West. This digitally restored classic Western radio drama, originally aired on January 8, 1956, brings to life the intricate dynamics of Dodge City through enhanced audio quality that immerses the audience in the authentic sounds of the frontier.

Plot Overview

The episode centers around Doc Adams, the town’s doctor, who harbors a deep-seated grudge against Clem Maddow. The tension escalates when Doc confronts Maddow with lethal intent, prompting U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon to intervene. As the narrative unfolds, themes of revenge, justice, and redemption are explored, culminating in a dramatic revelation that reshapes Doc Adams’ path.

Detailed Summary

Setting the Stage

The story begins with Doc Adams and Chester Proudfoot engaging in a conversation about local ailments and patent medicines. Doc expresses his commitment to treating Jake Morrison's son suffering from the ague, highlighting his role in the community (02:37).

Rising Tensions

Doc Adams' demeanor shifts when Chester Proudfoot informs Matt Dillon that Doc is on a mission to kill a man using his old army walker pistol (06:16). Concerned, Matt rushes to the Long Branch saloon, where he finds Doc threatening a man named Clem Maddow (06:57).

• Doc Adams (07:24): "I've got good reasons, ma'."

Matt confronts Doc, urging him to reconsider his actions and emphasizing the importance of his role as marshal in maintaining peace (07:28).

Confrontation and Conflict

Despite Matt’s attempts to defuse the situation, Doc Adams remains resolute in his quest for revenge against Maddow. Clem Maddow and his partner, Ben Bartlett, become central to the unfolding drama as Doc’s aggressive stance poses a threat to their safety.

• Matt Dillon (08:00): "But you won't defend yourself."
• Doc Adams (08:09): "I won't draw with him. No. He's gonna shoot me."

The Climax: A Deadly Encounter

As tensions peak, Doc Adams fires his gun, shooting Clem Maddow in the back. Matt Dillon quickly assesses the situation, realizing that Doc couldn't have shot Maddow with his old pistol, leading him to suspect Bartlett instead (08:33).

• Matt Dillon (17:10): "You see, Doc, I knew you didn't shoot Maddow, but I had to be able to prove it."

Through diligent investigation, Matt gathers evidence that Maddow was shot from behind, clear proof that Doc is innocent. This revelation shifts the focus to Ben Bartlett, exposing his ulterior motives.

Resolution and Redemption

In the aftermath, Doc Adams confronts his past, revealing that his desire for revenge stemmed from a tragic love triangle involving a woman who chose Maddow over him, leading to her untimely death (19:14).

• Doc Adams (19:32): "I swore I'd kill him. And I carried that hate in my heart all these years. That's not good for a man."

With Matt Dillon’s unwavering support, Doc realizes the futility of his revenge, seeking redemption by saving Maddow and embracing his role as the town’s healer rather than an avenger.

Character Analysis

• Doc Adams: Portrayed as a complex character, Doc struggles between his duties as a doctor and his personal vendetta against Clem Maddow. His journey reflects the internal conflict between professional responsibility and personal emotions.

• Matt Dillon: As the steadfast U.S. Marshal, Matt embodies justice and moral integrity. His intervention prevents potential chaos and helps Doc reconcile his past, emphasizing the theme of redemption.

• Clem Maddow and Ben Bartlett: These characters represent the darker aspects of the frontier, with Bartlett emerging as the true antagonist behind Maddow’s attempted murder, driven by greed and malice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Doc Adams (07:24): "I've got good reasons, ma'."

• Matt Dillon (08:00): "But you won't defend yourself."

• Matt Dillon (17:10): "You see, Doc, I knew you didn't shoot Maddow, but I had to be able to prove it."

• Doc Adams (19:32): "I swore I'd kill him. And I carried that hate in my heart all these years. That's not good for a man."

Conclusion

"Doc’s Revenge" masterfully blends tension, drama, and emotional depth, showcasing the intricate relationships and moral dilemmas inherent in Western frontier life. Through stellar performances and a compelling narrative, the episode not only entertains but also delves into themes of forgiveness and the transformative power of justice. For listeners new and old, this episode of Gunsmoke offers a poignant reminder of the enduring struggle between personal vendettas and communal responsibility.

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Produced By: Norman Macdonald
Starring: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Vic Perrin, John Dana, Marley Mayer (Chester), Howard McNair (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty)
Music: Rex Corey, Sound Patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James

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For more episodes and information, visit otrwesterns.com.

Transcript

[Doc Adams]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

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 is January 8, 1956 and the title is Doc's Revenge. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy.

[Chesterfield Announcer]

Gunsmoke, brought to you by Chesterfield.

[William Conrad]

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

[Chesterfield Announcer]

Thanks to Accuray, they satisfy the most.

[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. Gunsmoke, starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.

[Doc Adams]

It.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, hello, Doc.

[Doc Adams]

It's just it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You going out on a sick call? I don't usually carry my bag when I'm going for a beer.

[Doc Adams]

Why, did you want something?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, no, no, no. I just thought I'd stop by. Well, you can walk with me at.

[Doc Adams]

The stable if you want to. I'm going out to Jake Morrison's. This boy has the ague.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, now, ain't that a shame. Seems like everybody's getting agy these days. Had a touch myself last week.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, that's. Huh.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You know, most folks swears by Osgood catalogue, but I found me some new stuff. Professor Curtis's original Mameluke liniment. Look, it says right here on the bottle what it's good for. Guaranteed to cure cramps, pains in the joints, sore throat, frosted feet, brahumatism, ombago, old sores, bites of insects, ant and reptiles, mange, salt, rahoom, dysentery, Diora and Clarion.

[Doc Adams]

Well, a regular medical arsenal all in one bottle. And it's doing you good, is it?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, of course, Doc. Well, then how come you're still walking around like a buffalo with ring bone? Well, maybe I should go. Oh, so you come to me for some free advice now, didn't you?

[Doc Adams]

Well, I'll just give you some free advice.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Chester. Stop eating all that salt pork and dried beans and put some fresh greens in your stomach and stay away from.

[Doc Adams]

The saloon for a few days.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, now, Doc, a little whiskey and sugar?

[Matt Dillon]

Never.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Oh, a little whiskey. Oh, and most important, take all those patent medicines you got and use them for cleaning your boots. They're just the thing to kind of.

[Doc Adams]

Toughen up the leather. And as far as I'm concerned. Now, Chester, you can, you.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Minor.

[Doc Adams]

Doc. Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

What is it? Something about that fellow that just rode by.

[Doc Adams]

Yes, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Why, you was staring like you seen a ghost.

[Doc Adams]

You go ahead, Chester. I'm going back to the office.

[Chester Proudfoot]

The office? What for?

[Doc Adams]

To get my gun.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Your gun?

[Doc Adams]

Why, I'm going to kill that man.

[Chesterfield Announcer]

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Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more.

Perfectly packed to the touch to the taste Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, what's the trouble, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

You better come on out the plaza. Maybe you can stop him.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll stop who?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Doc. He's gonna kill a man.

[Doc Adams]

Doc. Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yes, sir. He's gone and got his old army walker and strapped it to his belt. And he's marching up Front street looking for the fellow, whoever he is.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, let's go.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I tried my best to stop him, but he wouldn't listen. Oh, you should have saw his face, Mr. Dillon. He means business. I never seen Doc like.

[Matt Dillon]

Who was the fellow, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

I never seen him before.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you know what it's all about.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, sir. But I do know one thing. I'd hate to have to face that old Walker pistol, even if it is an old Captain Ball. Why, it'd blow a hole clean through a buffalo.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, wait a minute. There's Kitty at the door of the Long Branch.

[Chester Proudfoot]

She's waving. He must be down there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Come on.

[Doc Adams]

Matt.

[Chesterfield Announcer]

It's Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

Is he in there, Kenny?

[Chesterfield Announcer]

Yeah, and he's got a gun. He's threatening some man.

[Matt Dillon]

All right.

[Doc Adams]

Thanks, Kenny. And if you won't come outside, I'll.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Kill you where you stand.

[Doc Adams]

I told you, I'm not gonna fight you. That's up to you. But I'm gonna kill you whether you defend yourself or not.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, that's enough.

[Doc Adams]

Matt, you stay out of this.

[Matt Dillon]

Happens to be my business. Doc. When a man threatens another man in this town, when the other man doesn't want to fight, Won't defend himself. It could turn out to be murder.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You think I don't know that?

[Matt Dillon]

You must want to kill him pretty bad.

[Doc Adams]

I've wanted to for a lot of years.

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Doc Adams]

I've got good reasons, ma'. Am.

[Matt Dillon]

But you won't tell me, huh?

[Doc Adams]

No.

[Clem Maddow]

All right.

[Matt Dillon]

What about you?

[Doc Adams]

I could say, I don't know. I'm just a stranger passing through town.

[Matt Dillon]

But I know there's no good reason for murder.

[Doc Adams]

I guess he thinks there is. Do you? Not many men would say yes to that, now, would they, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

But you won't defend yourself.

[Doc Adams]

I won't draw with him. No. He's gonna shoot me. He'll have to take the consequences. I'm not a fighting man, Marshall. I'm a miner. Me and my partner here, we're just traveling through Dodge. We don't want any trouble.

[Clem Maddow]

That's right, Marshal. We made our strike out in Arizona Territory and we're headed back for St. Louis. Oh, we was just minding our own business, having a quiet drink when this fellow comes along.

[Matt Dillon]

What's your name?

[Doc Adams]

Clem Maddow. This is Ben Bartlett, my partner.

[Clem Maddow]

We don't want no trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

You won't have any. Go on back to your drinks.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'm gonna kill him one way or the other, Matt, and you can't stop.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Doc, you're taking an awful lot for granted. Maybe you think I won't throw you in jail for threatening murder. Maybe you think because you're the town's only doctor that you can get away with.

[Doc Adams]

Listen.

[Matt Dillon]

No, you listen to me. You've forgotten a lot. You ought to remember, Doc, for instance, your position in this town. You ought to be setting an example instead of acting like an ordinary gun hand. More important, your responsibility. Another man's life may be his own risk, but yours belongs to this whole town. And a good many lives depend on you. So you calm down and you put that gun away.

[Clem Maddow]

Hey, you sure told the old fool off.

[Chester Proudfoot]

You shut up.

[Matt Dillon]

Mado. I don't know anything about you. Maybe you're what you say. But if Doc doesn't like you, that's good enough for me. So you get out of Dodge while you got a whole skin. And you stay out.

[Clem Maddow]

Why should we? We got a right.

[Matt Dillon]

And you take your partner with you, Maddo, because I don't like him.

[Doc Adams]

You're a marshal. We was going on tomorrow anyways. Right on tonight. Soon as we stock up on some grub.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Where did Doc go, Chester?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Up the street. Probably back to office like you said to Me, Matt. The look on his face when he went out.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, Kitty. Well, I'm going up there, Mat.

[Chesterfield Announcer]

You had to do it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. I'll see you later, kitty.

[Doc Adams]

Shut up.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dylan. That Maddo, he didn't seem like such a bad fella.

[Matt Dillon]

No, he didn't trust him.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I'd sooner bleed bad of that partner of his, that Bartlett. That one. Seemed like he could be a hard case, all right. Thought half tried. But Maddow wouldn't even defend his son.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but I don't think that was because he was afraid to.

[Chester Proudfoot]

No, that's true. Seemed more like you just didn't want to fight.

[Doc Adams]

Doc.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Didn't seem mad at all like Doc. More like he was sad, maybe.

[Matt Dillon]

A man with a guilty conscience, Chester, you know.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I guess so, Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

You better go on over to the office, Chester, Huh? I want to go up alone.

[Doc Adams]

Yes, sure it. Huh.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, I wonder where he could have gone.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Did you find him, Mr. Jones?

[Matt Dillon]

No, Chester.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, he didn't show up at Del Marcos for his supper, and it's way past his usual time. I've been watching the office and his light ain't come on. Of course, he could be sitting up there in the dark.

[Matt Dillon]

I just tried again. He's not there.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Mr. Dillon. You don't reckon he might have just.

[Matt Dillon]

Left town, run away because of what I said?

[Doc Adams]

Not Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

He's too bullheaded for that. Most likely he's out there somewhere with an old pistol of his looking for Maddo.

[Doc Adams]

I'm afraid you're right. Doggone it.

[Chester Proudfoot]

I don't know what this town would do, thought Doc. He can be awful irritating at times and all, but. Hey, that was a shot.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Doc Adams]

Marshall.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Marshall, over here. Is that Bartlett? Mr. Dillon.

[Clem Maddow]

It'S Clem Marshall. I think he's dead.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, everybody stay back. Give me that lantern, will you?

[Doc Adams]

He was shot in the back, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Yeah, it looks mighty bad.

[Clem Maddow]

He said he'd kill him and he's done it.

[Matt Dillon]

Did you say Lieutenant Bartlett? No.

[Clem Maddow]

We was loading horses and I just turned to go back into the store for another load and I heard the shot.

[Matt Dillon]

Anybody else around to see it? Why, no.

[Clem Maddow]

But after all, Marshall can't be much doubt who did it, can there? Everybody in town heard him threaten to kill Clam. Just because the man's a doctor doesn't give him any right to go around murdering people.

[Matt Dillon]

That's enough, Bartlett. The important thing right now is to try to save this man's life.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Where are we taking that, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

There's only one place. Chester.

[Doc Adams]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Where have you been, Doc?

[Doc Adams]

I was down by the stable and I heard a shot.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter? He's still alive. But he was shot in the back.

[Doc Adams]

Oh, I see. As if you didn't know.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, I can understand you getting into a fair fight, but not shooting a man in the back.

[Clem Maddow]

You just gonna let him walk away like that, Marshall?

[Doc Adams]

Doc.

[Matt Dillon]

He'S gonna die if he doesn't get attention right away. And you're the only doctor in town. You're gonna let him die?

[Chester Proudfoot]

Where do you think I was going? Matt, bring him up to the office. I'll have everything ready.

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[Doc Adams]

There we are.

[Matt Dillon]

Is it going to pull through, Doc?

[Doc Adams]

I don't know. I've done all I can.

[Matt Dillon]

It's good.

[Doc Adams]

You really didn't have to stand here and watch me.

[Matt Dillon]

I know I didn't, Doc. That's not why I stayed. I thought maybe I could help. And I wanted this.

[Doc Adams]

The bullet?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right. You see, Doc, I knew you didn't shoot Maddow, but I had to be able to prove it.

[Doc Adams]

How did you know?

[Matt Dillon]

Because Maddow was shot in the back. I tried to tell you out there, Doc, only you didn't understand that you did have me kind of worried when you started to walk away from him.

[Doc Adams]

Why, it never occurred to me to walk away from him. I guess being a doctor is a lot more important than any personal grudge. Well, I reckon I'm under suspicion, aren't I, doc?

[Matt Dillon]

Look at this.45 bullet took it out of Maddow's chest. Now, it couldn't have been shot from that old pistol of yours, could it?

[Doc Adams]

No. No, I guess it couldn't. Well, then who did it?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's not hard to figure. Oh, Bartlett. Just him. You can come.

[Clem Maddow]

How is he, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

I think he's gonna be all right.

[Clem Maddow]

He ain't gonna die. Say, that's mighty fine. I was Plenty scared. With this man operating and all.

[Matt Dillon]

You needn't have worried. He's a doctor, and a good one. You see, he didn't shoot your partner.

[Doc Adams]

He didn't?

[Matt Dillon]

No. We have the proof for that.

[Doc Adams]

Who did?

[Matt Dillon]

There's only one other man in town who'd have had any reason to. A coward who saw a golden opportunity to double his takings of a mining strike by shooting his partner in the back. You just keep your hands away from your belt, Bartlett.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Well, I want me to get his gun, Mr. Dillon.

[Doc Adams]

Yeah, Chester.

[Clem Maddow]

You're a crazy marshal. You can't prove this.

[Matt Dillon]

I think we can, Bartlett. Anyway, we'll just wait and see. All right, take him down and lock him up, Chester.

[Doc Adams]

Yes, sir.

[Chester Proudfoot]

Come on, you.

[Matt Dillon]

Doc, looks like Maddo's gonna come too.

[Doc Adams]

Yes, maybe his color's better. You know, it's funny. I don't hate him anymore.

[Matt Dillon]

You mind telling me why you ever did?

[Doc Adams]

Yeah. It happened a long time ago. It had to do with a girl they're both pretty fond of. She chose Maddo, but he jilted her. She drowned herself. I swore I'd kill him. And I carried that hate in my heart all these years. That's not good for a man.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it's not, Doc.

[Doc Adams]

Well, you brought me to my senses, Matt, in that saloon. Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

I looked all over for you afterwards.

[Doc Adams]

Guess I was out of Jake Morrison's. I remembered I had to treat his boy for the ague, so I did. Yes. Yes. Now, you just take it easy. That's right. You lie still. You're gonna be all right. Jack, I wanted to tell you I'm awful sorry for what happened. Maybe sorrier than you. I loved her. I would have come back if I could have. Well, I guess I never even thought of that. Well, we both been sorry too long. It's all over now. Thanks. Now, you just go on to sleep. You get your rest, then, Aunt, and the world look a lot better to you tomorrow. That's it. That's it. Well.

[Matt Dillon]

Good night, doctor.

[Doc Adams]

Good night, ma'. Am.

[William Conrad]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Chesterfield Announcer]

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[Matt Dillon]

You know, cowboys with six months trail pay made the frontier a good place for a crooked gambler. Next week, one comes to town and gets cured of his bad habits. The hard way. And that was the West. Good night.

[William Conrad]

Gun Smoke Produced and directed by Norman Macdonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal the Special music for Gunsmoke was composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin and John Dana. Marley Mayer is Chester, Howard McNair is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.

[Matt Dillon]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Chester Proudfoot]

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[Clem Maddow]

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[William Conrad]

This is it. L and M. Superior taste and filter. L and M. America's best filter tip cigarette. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story of the Western frontier when Matt Dillon, Chester Proudfoot, Doc and Kitty, together with all the other hard living citizens of Dodge, will be with you once more. It's America growing west in the 1870s. It's gun smok.

[Doc Adams]

Sam Ram.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate our shows in your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube and send us an email podcast trwesterns.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.