
Original Air Date: January 17, 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:• Vic Perrin• Jeanne Bates• Harry...
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Chester Proudfoot
Foreign.
Andrew Ryans
Welcome to the Oldtime Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Ryans 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.
Chester Proudfoot
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.
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 chancer job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.
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Chester Proudfoot
It don't look like this storm is going to let up. Nothing for spell, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
No, it sure doesn't, Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
I never seen country that beat this.
Matt Dillon
Uh huh.
Chester Proudfoot
There just ain't no halfway about this either hot and dry or cold and wet. Ain't that so, Lady Jones? Like a body should have it a little better than that. I swear, you can either fry yourself to death or get soaked to death. And that's about the way it is.
Matt Dillon
Well, there's one other way, too.
Chester Proudfoot
How's that?
Matt Dillon
You can talk yourself to this.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, mister, I was just saying how things.
Matt Dillon
Well, we better start looking for a place to take cover. You may be right. We just might get soaked to death. Ah. Over there, Chester. That shack.
Chester Proudfoot
That's where I see it.
Matt Dillon
All right, we'll head for it for the night, huh?
Chester Proudfoot
All right. There ain't even no shed there for the horses.
Matt Dillon
Let's ride around to that side out of the wind. Have to leave them there.
Chester Proudfoot
It sure ain't much shelter.
Matt Dillon
Doesn't look like the shack is, either. Come on.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I sure didn't expect to see no stove in here, Mr. Doan.
Matt Dillon
I don't expect you'll find any dry wood, either.
Chester Proudfoot
Right about that. They ain't a stick.
Matt Dillon
Well, we can shake some of this water off anyway. That's some better.
Chester Proudfoot
Ain't much warmer in here and two winters out.
Matt Dillon
You can always stay outside with the horses, Chester. Well, no, if you don't mind, I'm going to try to get some sleep, huh? Hold it, both of you.
Chester Proudfoot
You don't need a fret none. You sit real easy now. Mr. Dylan have drobbed their guns. Me and Mosley's particular when walk into.
Matt Dillon
A place particular not very friendly.
Chester Proudfoot
We figured to live longer this way. Who are you?
Matt Dillon
Matt Dillon. I might ask the same of you.
Chester Proudfoot
Who's the other one? Well, I'm Chester Proudfoot. That means anything to you? No, it don't mean nothing to me. And as long as you behave yourself, maybe it won't.
Matt Dillon
I don't know who you are, mister.
Chester Proudfoot
But you set right there where you are mostly. Get a light going. Sure, Hyde. That's better. Now maybe we can see what we got here. There ain't neither one of them look like much to me. Now you just see. Shut up. What are you doing here?
Matt Dillon
You put that gun away. Maybe we can talk.
Chester Proudfoot
You ain't calling the play? Hey, Hide. He's wearing a badge. Hello. Now, who told you, mister? Who sent you here?
Matt Dillon
I don't know what you're talking.
Chester Proudfoot
Millie. Millie done it. Oh, now, I don't write. She done it. She called a law on me. Well, she ain't never done it before, huh? She was bound to turn me in one day, and she Done it. Well, I'll fix her now. I'd wait. It ought to give her a chance. She sure didn't give me much. She'll be here with the grub for long. Wait till Lynn Hyde and give her a chance to talk. Now, there ain't no use waiting. Why, sure there is. Besides, Hyde, you wouldn't want to go off and leave these two like this. They might break out. Well, maybe you're right. Sure, I'm right. Just sit down, huh? And wait till Millie gets here and let her speak her peace.
Matt Dillon
I can tell you right now, nobody sent me after you, even though it would have been a good idea.
Chester Proudfoot
Shut up. You better look out who you're. You keep shut, too. I'll beat your head clean off. Now we just sit here like Mosley said. We just sit here and wait for Millie to come. There's somebody. There's somebody coming. Now, Mosley. A buggy. It's really all right. Now, you just keep quiet. I'll do the talking. Just give her a chance. I'll give her a chance.
Millie
Hod. I brought the food like you told me.
Chester Proudfoot
You done it, didn't you? You finally done it. You sit right there, lawman. Keep him covered real good, Mosley. All right, but take it easy.
Matt Dillon
There's no use bullying her for something she didn't do.
Chester Proudfoot
I told you to shut up. Yeah, that'll keep your big mouth quiet. Tie him up, Mosley. Both of them. I want to talk to Millie. You sure? Do what I tell you. All right, Millie.
Millie
I ain't done nothing.
Chester Proudfoot
He's here, ain't he? The law's here.
Millie
Was none of my doing.
Chester Proudfoot
I ain't believing that, Millie. You've been just crying to get the law on me.
Millie
I ain't done it hard.
Chester Proudfoot
You always been too nicey nice, Millie. You ain't never took to my riding out.
Matt Dillon
I don't know.
Millie
It was Steven, I gotta say that. But I didn't.
Chester Proudfoot
So you finally told the Lord you finally tried to fix me.
Millie
Honest, Todd, I didn't do it. I just brought the food here like you told me.
Chester Proudfoot
Please. You're lying.
Millie
No, Hod.
Chester Proudfoot
No. Leave her be. Stay back, Mosey. Well, listen to me, you. You waste any more time, we won't be there when the stage comes through. Yeah, I guess you're right. You bet I'm right. Come on, now. Leave her be. That's right. All right, Mosley. All right. But I ain't leaving her here like this, free with the law. You talk, she won't do that. I said tire up and we'll get out of here.
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Chester Proudfoot
Like 24.
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Seven claims, I'm on cloud nine disclaimer.
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American Express Representative
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Matt Dillon
Mr. Dillon? Yeah, Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
You all right?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I'm all right. If I can just get this rope loose.
Chester Proudfoot
Why? He hit you awful hard with that gun. I thought you wasn't ever gonna move again.
Matt Dillon
Well, I deserved it. Well, letting him catch me like that. Ah, there.
Chester Proudfoot
Good for you, Mr. Dillon. I can't get my hands even to wiggling. They're tired.
Matt Dillon
So tight. Wait a minute. There you go, Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
I sure do thank you.
Matt Dillon
I may get the woman on side.
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, sir.
Millie
Thank you. Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You all right, ma'am?
Millie
I'm all right.
Matt Dillon
That man, Hod. Hod Mueller, he your husband?
Millie
No, Marshall, he ain't. Husband couldn't be so heavy handed.
Matt Dillon
Means you want to get free of him.
Millie
I'm feared to. I'm feared to death, too.
Matt Dillon
You tell me where he's gone.
Millie
He'd kill me, Marshall. He just plain beat me to death.
Matt Dillon
If he was arrested, you'd be free of him.
Millie
But maybe only for a little while. When he got out, he'd get Me? Somehow he'd get me.
Matt Dillon
All right, then, Millie. Chester.
Chester Proudfoot
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
I want you to take her into Dodge.
Chester Proudfoot
Take her right now?
Matt Dillon
Right now. Tell Kitty to take care of her till I get back.
Chester Proudfoot
You going after them men?
Matt Dillon
I'm going after them while the tracks are still clear.
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I'd ought to go with you, mister.
Matt Dillon
Take the woman into town, Chester. Right now.
Chester Proudfoot
If you say so.
Matt Dillon
I say so. Now get going.
Chester Proudfoot
Sure could have picked a better day for it. The gold don't wait for good weather. Hearing these rocks is like lining a barrel of water. Shut up, Mosley. Next time I'll pick me a man to do the job with me. Any man can get cold and wet. Just shut up and watch for that stage. What's that? Some rocks washing down, I reckon. Sure would be nicer if it was dry. Will you quit your music? The Marshall. Get him.
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Hot.
Chester Proudfoot
No, I'm not hot, Marshall. You're the Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I'm the Marshall.
Chester Proudfoot
You get hot?
Matt Dillon
Not yet.
Chester Proudfoot
Where is he?
Matt Dillon
He's running.
Chester Proudfoot
Mosley, you run off?
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester Proudfoot
I shouldn't have done that. Marshall run off and left me. Maybe shouldn't have run up.
Matt Dillon
No, a man shouldn't. But I tell you one thing. He's not running fast enough. Carry around.
Chester Proudfoot
Why, no, she isn't right now. Marshall said she'd be here about now, though.
Matt Dillon
And I guess I'll wait a little while.
Chester Proudfoot
Have a drink, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Might as well have a beer.
Chester Proudfoot
Yeah, sure thing.
Matt Dillon
Ah, thanks, Sam.
Millie
Oh, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Doc. Yeah.
Chester Proudfoot
Glad to see you finally got back.
Matt Dillon
You been looking for me?
Chester Proudfoot
Oh, no. No, No, I haven't.
Matt Dillon
Want a beer?
Chester Proudfoot
No, thank you. No. Say, Matt, you know that woman you sent in with Chester? She sure needs a lot of help.
Matt Dillon
In bad shape, is she?
Chester Proudfoot
Awful bad. She. She's been beaten hard and often for a long time. It's a brutal thing.
Matt Dillon
I'm not surprised.
Chester Proudfoot
How's that?
Matt Dillon
She was living with a brutal man.
Chester Proudfoot
Oh, yes, Ron, she must have been. She must have been.
Matt Dillon
Where is she?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, she's up in Kitty's room at Ma Smolla's. Matt. I'm having her stay in bed for a few days. She's got a lot of strength to catch up on.
Matt Dillon
All right if I talk to her, Doc?
Chester Proudfoot
Well, I don't think it'll hurt her, man. Oh, there's just one thing now. What's that? Try not to scare her to death. She's scared enough already.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll try, but seeing me isn't what she's scared of.
Chester Proudfoot
No? I guess you're right. Try to take it easy there.
Matt Dillon
Sure, Doc, I will. I'll see you later. All right if I come in?
Millie
Oh, Matt. Sure. Come on in.
Matt Dillon
How are you? Kidding?
Millie
Oh, I'm fine, Mass. Would that be more than I can say for that poor thing upstairs?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. How's she feeling?
Millie
She doesn't feel very well. I don't suppose she'll be feeling very well for a long, long time. She's been through a lot.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Doc says I could come over and see her.
Millie
Yeah, sure, Matt, but be easy on her, huh?
Matt Dillon
I'm not gonna beat her, Kitty.
Millie
Of course not, Matt, but those questions.
Matt Dillon
Listen, Kitty, it's time you and Doc realize something.
Millie
What?
Matt Dillon
I'm not asking questions to hurt anybody. The questions I ask may just save her life.
Millie
Sure, man.
Matt Dillon
All right, let's go upstairs.
Millie
Millie. Millie, Marshall Dillon's here. He'd like to see you for a minute. Can I bring him in? Bring him in.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Millie. Marshall, I'd like to ask you a few questions.
Millie
You didn't get him?
Matt Dillon
No. No, I didn't get him. I killed Mosley, but Hod got away.
Millie
He'll be back. He'll be back for me. Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Millie, I want to keep him from hurting you. You believe that?
Millie
I believe it. But nobody can stop him. He'll be back. He'll hurt me again.
Matt Dillon
Not if I find him first.
Millie
You won't find him.
Matt Dillon
Well, I might if you tell me where he might be. Where he goes to hide out.
Millie
I can't tell you anything.
Matt Dillon
You know where he came from. Millie. Millie. Millie, if you tell me, it might save your life.
Millie
Marshall, I. I like to tell you, but I can't. I cannot.
Matt Dillon
All right. Kitty.
Millie
Scared to death.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. Kitty'll know where I am. Millie, if he decides you want to.
Chester Proudfoot
Talk to me, he'll be coming. I know he will. I know it.
Millie
Millie, Matt'll take care of him. He won't let him get you. Will you, Matt?
Matt Dillon
I sure hope not. K I sure.
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American Express Representative
Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage I need. Like 247 claims, I'm on cloud nine.
Geico Representative
Clouds are wholly unable to support the weight of an adult human.
American Express Representative
What's happening?
Geico Representative
Furthermore, clouds are not numbered. Even if you procured a jetpack and searched, you'd find no cloud numbered nine. However, at that altitude, you'd likely befriend a flock of migrating snow geese. Geese who'd encourage you to leave your 24.7geico motorcycle claims insurance behind, as they would take you in and even share their dinner of crickets and clovers with you. Geico assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. Geico expertise for your motorcycle.
Chester Proudfoot
Another whiskey?
Matt Dillon
Sure.
Chester Proudfoot
I sure don't think much of your whiskey. I don't think much of your town, either.
Matt Dillon
Ain't nothing keeping you here, is there, stranger?
Chester Proudfoot
I got business here.
Matt Dillon
What's too bad, you not liking it and all.
Chester Proudfoot
It ain't gonna be too bad for me.
Matt Dillon
Who you aiming for?
Chester Proudfoot
I'm aiming for that big marshal.
Matt Dillon
Well, now, I tell you, mister, better men than you have aimed for Matt Dillon. They're keeping company on Boot Hill.
Chester Proudfoot
He got my woman.
Matt Dillon
She what?
Chester Proudfoot
Now, what's funny?
Matt Dillon
It just don't sound right. Matt Dillon taking your woman, that's all.
Chester Proudfoot
He's a man, ain't he?
Matt Dillon
He's man enough so that he don't have to go around asking for other folks. Women. She must have been willing.
Chester Proudfoot
I aim to find her.
Matt Dillon
Besides, there's Miss Kitty. I don't think she'd like it.
Chester Proudfoot
Who's Kitty?
Matt Dillon
She'd been a friend of the marshals a long time.
Chester Proudfoot
She'd know about any other woman. Woman, Kitty.
Matt Dillon
She knows about everything that goes on.
Chester Proudfoot
In D. Where is she?
Matt Dillon
Well, she ain't hard to find.
Chester Proudfoot
I said, where is she?
Matt Dillon
She owns part of the long branch down the street.
Chester Proudfoot
She's there most of the time, I believe. I'll pay her a. What do you have, Mr. Whiskey? Yeah. You got a girl here named Kitty? Well, Miss Kitty ain't here right now. Now, they told me I'd find her here. You got some business with her? Yeah, I got some business with her, and I come a long way. Well, it's a fact. She's here most of the time. She's been staying up to her room the last few days, though. Attending a sick lady. A sick lady? Yeah, she don't like to leave her much. Well, where does she live? My Miss Kitty keeps her room at Ma Smolley's down the street. But she ought to be in for long. I ain't got time. Well, hey, you didn't pay for your whiskey. Miss Kitty's paying for it.
Millie
That you, Matt? Matt? Who are you?
Chester Proudfoot
I want to see the sick lady.
Millie
Now, just a minute.
Chester Proudfoot
Get out of my way.
Millie
You can't go in there.
Chester Proudfoot
There ain't nobody keeping. Now, you just stay right down there and you won't get hurt no more.
Matt Dillon
Hod.
Chester Proudfoot
No.
Millie
No, please.
Chester Proudfoot
Now, don't worry, Millie. I ain't gonna hit you, Hod. I ain't gonna hit you no more at all. You deserve it, though, don't you, Millie? Running off with a marshal that way. Turning me in.
Millie
I didn't do it. I didn't do it. Don't hurt me.
Chester Proudfoot
I ain't going to hurt you hardly at all. Leastwise, you won't hurt Long.
Millie
Not enough. Leave her, Al.
Chester Proudfoot
Get to you next.
Millie
No, you won't.
Chester Proudfoot
Put that lamp down. I'm on fire. Come on, Millie. I'm on fire. Somebody pull it out.
Matt Dillon
All right, stand as side, Kitty.
Chester Proudfoot
Chester, throw the blanket over. Come on. Carry on, Ms. J. I think it's out. All right.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. All right. Get up, you. Come on.
Chester Proudfoot
She had no call to burn me.
Matt Dillon
She didn't burn you bad enough.
Millie
I'm sorry, Maddox. I didn't know what to do. He had that knife.
Matt Dillon
It's all right, Kitty.
Millie
But it's a terrible thing to burn a man.
Matt Dillon
Don't worry about it.
Millie
Is he gonna live through it all right?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, he'll live through it long enough to go to trial, anyway. All right. Come on, Chester. Let's get him out of here.
Indeed Representative
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Chester Proudfoot
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. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Gene Bates, Harry Bartel, Barney Phillips and Sam Edwards. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. May we take a moment to welcome three new affiliates to the CBS Radio Network, kbee, Modesto, California, afbk, Sacramento, California and watv, Birmingham, Alabama. We're very happy to have you with us. This is the CBS Radio Network.
Andrew Ryans
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 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.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary
Podcast Information
In the episode titled "Fiery Arrest | Gunsmoke," listeners are transported to the tumultuous environment of Dodge City, where law and order are maintained by the steadfast United States Marshal, Matt Dillon. The narrative weaves a tale of violence, protection, and redemption, focusing on Dillon's efforts to safeguard an abused woman named Millie from her abusive husband, Hod Mueller. The episode skillfully balances intense confrontations with moments of vulnerability, highlighting Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice and the well-being of the townsfolk.
Arrival Amidst the Storm ([02:04] - [06:05])
The episode opens with Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad, introducing himself as the first person out looking for trouble and the last people the trouble want to meet. As a storm rages over Dodge City, Dillon and his associate, Chester Proudfoot (Chester), seek shelter in a dilapidated shack. The harsh weather conditions set a tense atmosphere, emphasizing the ruggedness of the Wild West.
Confrontation with Hod Mueller ([06:31] - [11:04])
Inside the shack, tensions escalate when Hod Mueller arrives with his associate, Mosley. Hod accuses Matt Dillon of interfering in his life, specifically targeting Millie, whom Hod claims Dillon has wronged. The dialogue reveals Hod's volatile nature and his history of violence. As Hod threatens Dillon, Millie arrives with food, ostensibly to placate the situation. However, discrepancies in her account sow seeds of distrust, hinting at underlying secrets and motives.
Millie's Plight and Matt's Determination ([11:04] - [22:27])
Millie admits to being afraid of Hod and reveals her desperate situation. Matt Dillon, determined to protect her, insists on taking Millie into town for her safety. Despite Millie's reluctance to divulge Hod's whereabouts, Dillon remains resolute, emphasizing his role as a protector. The narrative delves into Millie's fear and her hope that Dillon can save her from further abuse.
Final Confrontation and Resolution ([22:27] - End)
As tensions reach their peak, Hod attempts to reassert his control over Millie, leading to a climactic confrontation. Matt Dillon intervenes decisively, preventing Hod from causing further harm. The episode concludes with Hod being subdued, and Millie finding a semblance of safety under Dillon's protection. The resolution underscores the themes of justice and the transformative power of a steadfast lawman in restoring peace to the community.
Matt Dillon Introduction ([02:40] MM:SS):
Matt Dillon: "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
Seeking Shelter ([03:43] MM:SS):
Chester Proudfoot: "It don't look like this storm is going to let up. Nothing for spell, Mr. Dillon."
Dillon’s Determination ([07:35] MM:SS):
Matt Dillon: "You put that gun away. Maybe we can talk."
Millie’s Fear ([14:06] MM:SS):
Millie: "He'd kill me, Marshall. He just plain beat me to death."
Dillon’s Assurance ([21:52] MM:SS):
Matt Dillon: "I can tell you right now, nobody sent me after you, even though it would have been a good idea."
Final Assurance ([22:27] MM:SS):
Matt Dillon: "Not if I find him first."
Matt Dillon: Represents the epitome of law and order. His calm demeanor and unwavering sense of justice drive the narrative forward, showcasing his role as a protector of the innocent.
Chester Proudfoot: Dillon's associate, provides support but also introduces elements of local tension and personal grievances that complicate the main conflict.
Millie: A pivotal character whose plight highlights the darker aspects of frontier life. Her fear and vulnerability humanize the challenges faced by individuals in the Wild West.
Hod Mueller: The antagonist whose volatile nature and abusive behavior create the central conflict. His interaction with Dillon and Millie underscores the themes of power, control, and redemption.
The episode features stellar performances, particularly William Conrad's portrayal of Matt Dillon, bringing depth and gravitas to the character. The digital restoration enhances the audio quality, making the ambient sounds—such as the storm's fury and the tension-filled silences—more vivid and immersive. Background scores and sound effects are meticulously crafted to complement the narrative, ensuring a captivating listening experience.
Conclusion
"Fiery Arrest | Gunsmoke" is a compelling installment in the Old Time Radio Westerns series, blending classic storytelling with modern audio enhancements. Through its rich character development and intense plot, the episode offers listeners a profound glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of life in the Wild West. Matt Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Western heroes.
For enthusiasts of classic radio dramas and Western tales, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Gunsmoke and the art of storytelling that continues to resonate across generations.