
Original Air Date: January 29, 1961Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Eve McVeagh• John Dehner• Ben W...
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Do babies hold grudges?
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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.
Matt Dillon
This.
Andrew Rines
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.
Narrator/Announcer
Handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal.
Matt Dillon
And the smell of gun smoke. John Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it. I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.
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Narrator/Announcer
Some people are born pessimists. They go about spreading doom and gloom, often without recourse to established facts. Actually, their fears are groundless. The future in our still growing America is still onward. Still upward. Former President Eisenhower's nonpartisan Commission on National Goals has made a complete report, many, many pages long, in which A Course to a Bright Future is roadmapped. You can get a free copy of Highlights of the report simply by writing for it. Get a pencil ready and we'll give you the address. With changes taking place all around the world, many of them profound and sweeping, Americans need more than reassurance of their continued leadership role. They need the blueprint right now. For the free booklet Goals for Americans, send your name and address to goals box 1776, New York. 17 New York. That's goals box 1776, New York dot 17 New York. When you've read this booklet and you've shown it to any local gloom spreaders of your acquaintance, you'll be able to stop the gloom spreading. To replace such an attitude with a justifiable air of confidence.
Matt Dillon
M that smells good. Irish stew.
Harriet Horn
Yes, but it won't be ready for half an hour. Why don't you go over to the wagon and take a rest?
Matt Dillon
Oh, now, don't you worry about me, Harriet. Taking out the horses doesn't tire a man out.
Harriet Horn
I know, but this trip has been hard on you.
Matt Dillon
You should have had a real plainsman for a father, not a withering, pallid school teacher.
Harriet Horn
I prefer a withering, pallid school teacher, if you don't mind. How far is it to dodge?
Matt Dillon
Oh, another 40 miles, I believe. I'll Be glad when we get to Pueblo. I feel a lot safer about you.
Harriet Horn
Father.
Matt Dillon
What?
Harriet Horn
Look. There are two men riding up out there.
Matt Dillon
Oh, yes, yes, I see them. All right, Harriet. Now, you hurry. You get over on the brush there and hide.
Harriet Horn
Do I have.
Matt Dillon
You stay there no matter what. Don't argue. Now, hurry. And don't show yourself until I call for you. You promise me now?
Harriet Horn
All right, I promise.
Matt Dillon
Well, hello, honey. You alone here? Yes, I. I'm alone. What's a man like you doing out here alone? Well, I'm a schoolteacher. I'm headed for Pueblo. School teacher? No. Ain't that son. What you got in that wagon, mister? Oh, I. Nothing. I mean, just my personal belongings, that's all. Take a look. We wouldn't want to miss nothing. Now, you keep away from there. You got no right to go through my things. You just keep quiet, mister. Oh, I'll not have this. You just stand still. I'll have to rough you up good. You've got no right. Looky here. Dresses. What? Well, now, you got a woman with you? Oh, no, They're. They're my wife. She died on the way. No. That's too bad. Just about the size I like. Hey, maybe he's lying. Maybe the woman's hiding somewhere. Let's take a look around. Oh, no, you don't. Good thing you shot him.
Chester Landon
He was trying to cut me.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Coming. All right, we better clear out of here. Yeah. He ain't got nothing we want anyway.
Harriet Horn
Father. Father. Oh, no.
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Chester Landon
Oh, this way. You see her, Ms. Dung? She's not the prettiest lady I've ever saw.
Matt Dillon
I don't know why you dragged me along, Chester. There's nothing I can do for the girl.
Chester Landon
Well, I want you to see her. It ain't every day a lady walks in off the prairie and just ups and collapses in a body's arms. Oh, I sure am glad I was here in the Dodge House when she come in.
Matt Dillon
You say Doc's up there now, huh?
Chester Landon
Yes, sir. It's that room up the top of the stairs. But she was just war to a frazzle. And Ms. Dun, you know what? She ain't got no friends here at all.
Matt Dillon
With you working, you'll soon know everybody in town just see it. Oh, hello, Matt. Doc.
Chester Landon
How is she, Doc?
Matt Dillon
Well, there's nothing wrong, but about 24 hours rest won't cure.
Chester Landon
Ms. Harriet. I brung the marshal. This is him here.
Harriet Horn
How do you do, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Hello.
Chester Landon
There'll be some vittles along soon. I told them over at El Monaco's and they're fixing you a big pot of soup.
Harriet Horn
I do appreciate all you've done, Chester Landon.
Chester Landon
It ain't nothing.
Matt Dillon
I hear you had a 40 mile walk, Harriet.
Harriet Horn
Yes.
Matt Dillon
You were driving a wagon. Chester says your horses ran off.
Harriet Horn
They got away during the night.
Matt Dillon
And you were traveling alone?
Harriet Horn
Yes, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Where are you from, Harry?
Harriet Horn
I'm from St. Louis. I was coming to Dodge. I made it too. I had a little bad luck, that's all. It could happen to anybody.
Matt Dillon
Sure, but it's not often a young girl tries to make a trip like that alone.
Harriet Horn
I did, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Harriet, those powders I gave you will put you to sleep soon. You'll be fine by tomorrow.
Harriet Horn
Thank you, Doc. And you too, Chester.
Chester Landon
Oh, well, anything you need or anything, you just send word.
Harriet Horn
Thank you.
Matt Dillon
Goodbye, Harriet.
Harriet Horn
Goodbye, Marshall. Doc.
Chester Landon
Well, what do you think now, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
Chester, I sure hate to disappoint you, but that girl's a liar. What? I'll ask Doc what he thinks.
Chester Landon
She wasn't lying about walking 40 miles.
Matt Dillon
But of the rest of it I.
Chester Landon
Have to agree with Matt. Well, now you're both wrong. Why she be lying? What are they to lie about anyway. Just cuz the poor girl's all alone and broke and everything. You have to call her a liar.
Harriet Horn
Dog on it it ain't. Hello. Hello. Are you Kitty Russell? Yes. They told me you were the owner of this place. That's right. My name's Harriet Horn. I'm looking for a job. Sit down. Thank you. I've heard about you. The Marshall and Chester are friends of mine. Oh, you look pretty good for a girl who arrived yesterday broke and on foot. I bought this dress this morning on credit.
Chester Landon
Well, I'd say you're a good risk.
Harriet Horn
But Harriet, the Long Branch is no place for a girl like you. You don't think I can handle it? There are other jobs. Maybe I can help you find one. Chester was talking about this place. He said that sooner or later every man in the west comes here. What's that got to do with it? I want the job, Kitty. I've got to have it. You're looking for somebody, is that it? Yes. Well, maybe I know him. I. I'm looking for a husband, Kitty. All right, Harriet, you can work here. Thank you. But you're gonna hate it. You're really gonna.
Chester Landon
Well, it's a doggone shame, Ms. Hurd. It purely is.
Harriet Horn
Now Chester, don't worry so about me. I get along fine here.
Chester Landon
No, you don't. An old lady like you.
Harriet Horn
Couldn't you tell Kitty that and she'll fire me.
Chester Landon
She should never let you come to work here in the first place. And I told her so too. Chester, what's the matter?
Harriet Horn
You know those men coming over to the bar?
Chester Landon
Them too?
Matt Dillon
Why, that's Dan Scorp and Web Hobler.
Chester Landon
And one's no better than the other neither. What do you care about them?
Harriet Horn
Why, I don't. But I better talk to them.
Chester Landon
Chester, what in the world for?
Harriet Horn
I'm supposed to be working here, you know.
Chester Landon
Well, I'm a customer too, Ada.
Harriet Horn
You're a Grandchester now. Please excuse me. Hello, gentlemen.
Matt Dillon
Here, come on, have a drink. Bary, bring us a glass here. Hey, you're.
Narrator/Announcer
You're new here, ain't you?
Harriet Horn
Yes. My name's Harriet. You should come in more often.
Matt Dillon
Well, never mind. Here. Very nice. I'm the one who asked you to have a drink.
Harriet Horn
I've only been here a couple of days. I hope you're not just riding through.
Matt Dillon
No, I will. We'll be here while we drift in and out. You know, good in and out.
Harriet Horn
This town needs some real men.
Matt Dillon
You're talking about me, ain't you? What do you mean.
Harriet Horn
I'm talking about both of you? Come on now, let's find a table. It's cozier.
Matt Dillon
Don't you think it could be without him?
Harriet Horn
I like both of you. Now, come on.
Matt Dillon
Okay. The Hogler here ain't got no manners at all, Harriet. And you can't stand him very long. I'll put money on how long she can stand me.
Harriet Horn
You men, you're always betting on everything.
Chester Landon
Ms. Dunn.
Matt Dillon
Chester, where you been?
Chester Landon
Oh, just dogging around town. I was at the long range for a little bit.
Matt Dillon
Things pretty quiet, are they, Mr. Dunn?
Chester Landon
How could a lady like Harriet Horn walk up to men like Dan Scorp and Webb Hogler and start acting real friendly with them?
Matt Dillon
Scorp and Hogler with the long brow? Yes, sir.
Chester Landon
I swear. I just don't really believe I heard it.
Matt Dillon
Well, just what was she telling them?
Chester Landon
Oh, I don't know. She played up the first one and then the other.
Matt Dillon
Is she still at the Long branch?
Chester Landon
No, that was over an hour ago. She's in her room now.
Matt Dillon
I'll see you later.
Harriet Horn
Who is it?
Matt Dillon
Marshall Dillon. Hello, Harriet.
Harriet Horn
What do you want?
Matt Dillon
Marshall, I want to talk to you.
Harriet Horn
Oh, all right.
Matt Dillon
Come in.
Harriet Horn
Sit down.
Matt Dillon
No, thank you. Won't take long. What I came here about is Dan Scorp and Web Hogwart.
Harriet Horn
What about them?
Matt Dillon
You're setting them up for a fight, aren't you?
Harriet Horn
What?
Matt Dillon
You want them to kill each other? If you can arrange it.
Harriet Horn
You're smart, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Just smart enough not to have believed you right from the start. Who was traveling with you, Harriet?
Harriet Horn
My father. And they killed him.
Matt Dillon
Oh, I'm sorry.
Harriet Horn
I was hiding and I saw it all.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll go find them.
Harriet Horn
No, Marshall. They're mine.
Matt Dillon
Harriet, I know how you feel, but those men will get a trial and probably hanged.
Harriet Horn
I won't testify. I won't give any evidence. I won't even tell you where it happened.
Matt Dillon
Now, look, Harriet.
Harriet Horn
No. They're mine. They're gonna die because of me. I'll be their hangman, not you or anybody else.
Matt Dillon
If I tell them, you know, maybe they'll confess.
Harriet Horn
Don't bluff me, Marshall. You know they won't confess. And if you tell them about me, they'll kill me. You can't put them in jail without my evidence, and you know it.
Matt Dillon
All right, Harriet. You come to me if you change your mind. In the meantime, remember, this isn't your kind of a game. You can get hurt bad.
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Narrator/Announcer
In a world in ever heightened tension, Americans want to know, need to know more than ever in the past what's going on in their world. Expanded CBS News has geared itself to meet this need with longer, stronger coverage for 1961. Now, every hour on the hour, every weekday, CBS newsmen report in greater depth and detail from their far flung posts around the globe. A small army of CBS newsmen is concentrated in areas in Algiers, in the Congo within fast jet distance of the scenes of any developing news. These men are your on the scene links to fastest, fullest, most accurate reporting via CBS News on this station. CBS News bringing you the facts from wherever they emerge. Together with this station's own efficient news gathering services are your combination for top coverage. First of all, news local, national and global. You will do well to make this address your listening post for latest information as well as for diversion. Our pledge, CBS News on this station first, Harris fully factual at all times.
Chester Landon
Good evening, Mr. John.
Matt Dillon
What do you want to see me for, Marshall? I'm busy. It's a matter of Scorp. You're afraid your partner will move in on Harriet while you're to going, huh? How do you know so much? I can understand Hogler getting taken in by her. He hasn't had as much experience as you had. What are you talking about? Harriet's new here, Scorp. But she's smart. Right off she's getting a couple of men to fight over her. That'll set her up good, won't it? That'll make her talked about, important. Like I say, she's smart. What's your interest, Marshall? I don't like gun fighting, Scorp. Even among your kind. You put things mighty straight, don't you? You know I don't like either you or Hogler. I'm trying to stop a fight for the sake of the law, not to save either of you, boy. Golly, Marshall. Man just has to believe you. I'll let Hogler have her like you say. He's a younger man than I am. Yeah. Thanks. Yeah.
Chester Landon
What do you think, Mr. Dun?
Matt Dillon
Jester, you had a good sleep last night, didn't you?
Chester Landon
Yes, I did. And a little nap this morning, too.
Matt Dillon
Well, you hang around. Keep an eye on Harriet as best you can without anybody knowing it from now on. From now on?
Chester Landon
Till when?
Matt Dillon
I don't know, but you better get started.
Harriet Horn
Pretty out here, isn't it?
Matt Dillon
That's why I want you to come. River's just over, beyond their brush. Let's get down.
Harriet Horn
Oh. Oh, we can't stay. I promised Dan Scoffer. Have dinner with him at Delmonico's at 1:00'. Clock.
Matt Dillon
Well, it ain't hardly noon yet. We got plenty of time.
Harriet Horn
All right, but just for a few minutes.
Matt Dillon
Sure. Come on. Yeah. You want to walk over and look at the river?
Harriet Horn
No, I. I don't have that much time.
Matt Dillon
What's bothering you, Harry?
Harriet Horn
Nothing.
Matt Dillon
You worried Scarf might take it wrong if you're late?
Harriet Horn
Of course not. I told him we were going for a ride this morning.
Matt Dillon
Sure you did.
Harriet Horn
What do you mean by that?
Matt Dillon
Well, looks like we got company.
Harriet Horn
What? It's Dan Scorp.
Matt Dillon
It sure is.
Harriet Horn
Ken. What are you doing here? Harriet, you aren't jealous because I'm here with Webb, are you?
Matt Dillon
Oh, I ain't jealous. No reason I should be jealous, is there, Hoobler? None I know of. We've been partners a long time. No gal can bust us up. Not oddly. I sure don't like being used by a gal, do you? Anybody tries it ought to be taught a lesson.
Harriet Horn
What are you two talking about?
Matt Dillon
Mr. Garb, did you tell everybody we was leaving town? Everybody I run into. I told him you and me was headed for Wyoming territory. Good. And when Harriet turns up missing, they'll think she run off with us of her own free will. Makes sense. She sure put on a good show of liking us.
Harriet Horn
You. You're not gonna kidnap me.
Matt Dillon
You tell her, Hogler. Harriet, do you ever hear the Comanchero?
Harriet Horn
No.
Matt Dillon
They're renegades. We'll run into them when we get down into the panhandle country.
Harriet Horn
I'm not interested.
Matt Dillon
Oh, that don't matter. They'll take you. White woman Fetches a good price, especially a pretty one.
Harriet Horn
You're crazy, both of you.
Matt Dillon
You get mounted. Hurry up.
Harriet Horn
You are not angry Alone, both of you.
Matt Dillon
You ever been whipped by a rope, Harriet?
Chester Landon
Sure.
Harriet Horn
What?
Matt Dillon
If you don't get on that horse, I'll whip you good and tie you up and gump you up. All right, hold up there. Well, hello, Marshall. What's going on here, Scorp? Nothing, Marshall.
Chester Landon
What are you doing with that rope?
Harriet Horn
Kidnapping. They said they'd sell me to some renegades.
Matt Dillon
Harriet, you sure tickle me. You never know what she's gonna do next, do you?
Harriet Horn
Don't listen to the marshals.
Matt Dillon
You ready to play it my way, Harriet?
Harriet Horn
Yes. Yes, arrest them.
Matt Dillon
What are you talking about? You two killed a man on the prairie about a week ago. What? It was Harriet's father. She was hiding. She saw the whole thing. Get him over here. Don't try it. Hey, you. You killed him. He didn't even have a chance to draw. He was going for his gun. Now, you drop your gun to the ground, Scorpio. No. No. You ain't taking me in, Marshall.
Chester Landon
Is he dead, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, they're both dead, Marshall.
Harriet Horn
It's true. They were going to sell me to some renegades down in Texas.
Matt Dillon
Well, they didn't, thanks to Chester here.
Harriet Horn
Why, what do you mean?
Matt Dillon
It was Chester who camped all night in the street outside your room. He saw you ride out with Hogler this morning.
Harriet Horn
Oh, Chester. Oh, I've been terrible, ignoring you like I did.
Chester Landon
Oh, well, I. I just didn't understand at first.
Matt Dillon
All right, take her back to town, Chester. I'll hang around here till you send somebody out with a wagon.
Chester Landon
You up to the ride, Ms. Harriet?
Harriet Horn
It'll be the best ride I ever had.
Chester Landon
Well, I'll hurry right back, Mr. Donan.
Matt Dillon
Now send somebody, Chester. We'll hire this job done, huh? Well, dog on.
Chester Landon
Yes, fear that. That's fine. Shall we get going, Ms. Harry?
Harriet Horn
Yes, thank you, Marshall.
Dale, Framing Contractor
I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.
Chester Landon
Hey, good morning.
Dale, Framing Contractor
Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.
Matt Dillon
Yep, they sure are.
Dale, Framing Contractor
We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.
Matt Dillon
It's all right.
Dale, Framing Contractor
We're so far up here.
Chester Landon
Look at me. Take a deep breath.
Dale, Framing Contractor
I'm good. So good.
Narrator/Announcer
Get a commercial auto insurance quote today@geico.com. and see how much you could save. Get more with Geico.
Matt Dillon
Hi, this is Dennis James to make a point about reliable, effective Kellogg's All Brand. Repeat after me please. What do you want when you need brand? What do you want when you need brand? Reliability.
Chester Landon
Reliability.
Matt Dillon
Now what do you get in Kellogg's All Brand? What do you get in Kellogg's All Brand? Reliability, Right? You see, Kellogg's All Brand is the reliable brand that millions depend on for the effectiveness they want. It's the real Battle Creek formula that brings you more bran bulk in every serving. More of the vital brand bulk that helps you keep regular. Kellogg's All Brand is also low in calories and mighty pleasant tasting. You can trust Kellogg's for that. The crisp toasted shreds have the kind of good bran muffin flavor that most folks are partial to. So next time you are shopping, get Kellogg's All Brand and you'll get reliability.
Harriet Horn
That's what you get in kellogg's all brand.
Matt Dillon
Rel Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon. U.S. marshal story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston and adapted for radio by Frank Harris. Featured in the cast were Eve McVeigh, John Dana, Ben Wright and Barney Phillips. Harley Bear as Chester. Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis's Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke, have a Happy Habit Monday through Friday with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney on the CBS Radio Network. 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.
Matt Dillon
Become one.
Andrew Rines
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.
Harriet Horn
Sam.
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: Harriet | Gunsmoke (01-29-61)
Release Date: September 27, 2025
In this digitally restored classic episode of Gunsmoke from January 29, 1961, Marshal Matt Dillon confronts the dark realities of revenge, deception, and survival on the rough frontier. The tale centers around Harriet Horn, a determined young woman whose journey westward is upended by tragedy and her ensuing quest for justice. Through nuanced characterization and suspenseful plotting, "Harriet" explores the toll of frontier lawlessness and the lengths individuals will go for retribution.
[05:22 - 08:04]
"You stay there no matter what. Don't argue. Now, hurry. And don't show yourself until I call for you. You promise me now?"
— Matt Dillon, as Harriet’s father, showing his protective nature ([06:13])
[09:46 - 12:14]
"Well, what do you think now, Mr. Dillon?"
— Chester, hopeful yet confused by Dillon’s skepticism ([11:47])
"That girl's a liar."
— Marshal Matt Dillon, highlighting his doubt and distrust ([11:51])
[13:02 - 17:10]
"You're setting them up for a fight, aren't you? You want them to kill each other, if you can arrange it."
— Marshal Matt Dillon, confronting Harriet’s motives ([17:19])
"They're mine. They're gonna die because of me. I'll be their hangman, not you or anybody else."
— Harriet Horn, revealing her thirst for personal vengeance ([17:47])
[22:38 - 25:00]
"You’re not gonna kidnap me."
— Harriet Horn, as the plot against her surfaces ([24:09])
"You two killed a man on the prairie about a week ago. It was Harriet's father. She was hiding. She saw the whole thing."
— Matt Dillon, presenting the evidence and justice ([25:10])
[25:50 - 26:42]
"Oh, Chester. Oh, I've been terrible, ignoring you like I did."
— Harriet Horn, finally recognizing Chester’s loyalty ([26:11])
"You up to the ride, Ms. Harriet?"
— Chester Landon, ever caring, ensuring Harriet's wellbeing ([26:26])
Protective Parent:
"You get over on the brush there and hide."
— Harriet’s father, minutes before his death ([06:06])
Marshal’s Wisdom:
"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."
— Matt Dillon’s iconic series introduction ([02:15])
Harriet’s Determination:
“I’m looking for a husband, Kitty.”
— Harriet, masking her hunt for justice ([13:05])
The Lawman’s Ultimatum:
"If you don't get on that horse, I'll whip you good and tie you up and gump you up."
— Dan Scorp threatening Harriet ([24:35])
True to the tradition of Gunsmoke, the episode maintains a tense, dialogue-driven atmosphere, where every character’s motive is tinged with desperation or hardship. The language is plain-spoken, sometimes tinged with wryness or bitterness, especially from Matt Dillon and Harriet, reflecting the hard edges of frontier justice and personal vengeance.
“Harriet” is a tightly woven Western drama about grief, survival, and the cost of personal vengeance versus the demands of law. As Harriet seeks retribution for her father’s murder, Marshal Dillon’s steadfast sense of justice ultimately prevails—though not without heartbreak and reminders of the loneliness the law can bring. The enhanced audio restoration not only preserves but enriches the experience, drawing listeners into every footstep, gunshot, and moment of desperate hope on the wild prairie.