
Original Air Date: October 04, 1959Host: 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 Producer:• No...
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Narrator
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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. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Matt Dillon
Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with the U.S. marshal and the Smell of Gun Smoke Gun 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. Choose an American Express card that can earn you rewards for your purchases. Explore benefits from green, Gold and Platinum cards. Put some cash back into your wallet from everyday purchases with Blue Cash every day and Blue Cash Preferred cards. When you're traveling again, bring back some bonus points or miles as a souvenir with our partner cards from Delta and Hilton. See if you pre qualify for an American Express card with no impact on your credit score. Learn more@americanexpress.com check for offers. Your credit score may be impacted if you accept a card. Terms apply.
Doc
Hey Matt, wait a second.
Matt Dillon
Oh, hello, Doc.
Doc
I was on my way over to jail after you. You heard about the lady gay?
Matt Dillon
The lady gay? What about it?
Doc
You haven't heard or you wouldn't ask?
Matt Dillon
Heard what, Doc?
Doc
Well, I'll walk along with you if you're heading that way.
Matt Dillon
As a matter of fact, I was, but what's all that crowd out front?
Doc
In due time, Matt. In due time.
Matt Dillon
You know, Doc, there's only one thing that makes you Happier than having a secret. That's to collect your coroner's fee.
Doc
You might get a fee out of this too, before it's over.
Matt Dillon
Well, no wonder you're all worked up.
Mamie
Good morning, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Chester.
Doc
You heard about the lady Gage?
Matt Dillon
No, Chester, I have not heard about the Lady Gage.
Doc
What? He's upset, Chester. He's the only man in Dodge who hasn't.
Matt Dillon
So help me, Doc, if this is one of your practical jokes.
Doc
No, no, no. I had nothing to do with it. You'll see.
Matt Dillon
Pardon me, please. Would you let me? Yes, thank you. Would you pardon me, please?
Doc
Well, Mr. Dillon. What do you think of it, Matt? Aside from the misspelled words?
Matt Dillon
The Lady Gay Saloon will open up at 8:00 tonight with new management and new policy. Everybody welcome. Signed, the new manager, Mamie. A woman lately of Kansas City, St. Louis and points East.
Doc
A woman can't run a saloon in Dodge? Oh, I don't know, Miss Kitty.
Mamie
Well, I. I've been doing pretty well at it.
Doc
Well, yes, ma'am, but what I meant was I.
Matt Dillon
You're not a woman, Kitty. You're an insane.
Mamie
That might be a compliment, Matt, but.
Doc
I'm not quite sure the reason you manage is because you got respectable patrons like me and Matt and Chest End.
Mamie
I'm not sure I'd call any one of you respectable.
Doc
Oh, now, Kitty.
Mamie
You three know anything about this Mamie person?
Doc
Nobody ain't even sorry, Miss Kitty. She must have come to town last night sometime.
Mamie
Probably some frilly little piece of Boston fluff.
Matt Dillon
You sound jealous, Kitty.
Mamie
Why should I be jealous? There's enough business in town for both of us. Well, satisfy your curiosity and then come.
Doc
On over the long branch for a decent drink. Well, now, Kitty, I'll have to wait until I get a look at her.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, and you just might lose our trade. You know, I kind of doubt that.
Doc
I'll see you boys later. Goodbye, Kitty. Say, Miche. It is. Mamie is the new manager. What went with Herman Bleecker?
Matt Dillon
I don't know. Maybe he sold the saloon tour. But he sure didn't say anything about it yesterday morning.
Doc
That's right. And I seen him over at the lyrics table yesterday afternoon showing off one of them fancy vests he's always ordering. He never said a word about it. Well, you know that little Papa Jay, he's flighty.
Matt Dillon
It probably happened suddenly too sudden, Doc, even for Herman.
Doc
Say, come to think of it, I ain't saw him all morning. And he's usually strutting up and down Front street greening himself like a powder pigeon. He's probably upstairs there sleeping in, getting ready for the opening night. We going to be here for opening night, Mr. Doan?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Chester, I think maybe we better. Where's Mimi? Sorry, boy, she's upstairs.
Doc
Said she'd be down at 8 o'clock.
Matt Dillon
That's all I know about it. Now, if you want to order anything, let's hear it. If you don't shut up, my boys.
Doc
Is getting kind of rambunctious. Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Doc
I was talking to the bartender earlier, Matt, asking what she looks like. He said if he told me, I wouldn't believe it.
Matt Dillon
That fella I'd like to talk to is Harmon Bleeker.
Mamie
Howdy, stranger. Welcome to the Lady Gay. I'm Mamie, the new owner.
Doc
Holy jumping the hot back.
Matt Dillon
190 pounds if she weighs an ounce.
Doc
That bargain was right, I wouldn't have believed it.
Mamie
Boys, looks like we're gonna be doing business together. So let's get things straight right in the beginning. Now, in the first place, the minute you stick your foot inside that door, you're on my stomping ground. I'm the boss of the shoebang and don't ever forget it. When I tell anybody to hop, he hops and they're clear. I aim to get the squarest deal in town. All the liquor here is going to be aged over 30 days and the dancing girls aged under 30 years.
Doc
Who cares how the liquor's straight?
Mamie
The girls are grateful. There's only four aces in every deck, and the cards only read from the front side. You'll get a fair shake for your money, but there ain't gonna be no fan dangle. And another thing. I know, mister, I'm talking.
Matt Dillon
So am I. Old Battle Axe.
Mamie
Excuse me, boy. He paid for his drink. Vinegar.
Matt Dillon
Yes, ma'am.
Mamie
All right, you warliker, throw his hat out after him. Now, as I was saying, boys, I just won't stand for no fantangle. Maybe some of you figured I was wearing a six shooter for decoration. Well, just cast your eyes on that ace of spades that got tacked up on the back wall. You ready? Now.
Doc
Did you see that draw, Mr. Miller?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, and she got the card, too.
Mamie
All right, boys, the first one's on the house and it's the last free one you'll get. The only credit I give is for funeral expenses. Belly on, boy.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll be right back, Chester. I want to have a talk with her. Mimi.
Mamie
Oh, you're the Marshall, huh?
Matt Dillon
That's right. My name is Dylan.
Mamie
Proud to shake your hand.
Matt Dillon
Oh, thanks, Mimi. Welcome to Dodge.
Mamie
Mighty decent of you to express the sentiment, Marshall. I reckon you won't get much business around the Lady Gay. I'll take care of any trouble.
Matt Dillon
It'll be quite a change. The boys used to push Bleeker around every now and then.
Mamie
Ah, that rundy little prairie dog.
Matt Dillon
I. I didn't know that he was planning to sell. He must have made his mind up in a hurry, huh?
Mamie
Yeah, I made him an offer and he took it. Just like that.
Matt Dillon
Uhhuh. Found himself some new living quarters, I suppose.
Mamie
Oh, yeah, he. He moved out last night.
Matt Dillon
I see. There were a couple of things I want to talk to him about.
Mamie
Well, now, I'm afraid he left town, Marshall. I think he said something about taking the train to St. Louis.
Matt Dillon
Oh, that's too bad. I'd like to have seen him. Well, I'll probably be dropping in now and then, Ms. Mamie.
Mamie
Sure, anytime, Marshall.
Doc
Did you find out anything, mister? Doing.
Matt Dillon
Let's get out of here, Chester. You coming, Doc?
Doc
You sure? My gracious. Alive. I sure would hate to meet her in the dark. She's got a voice like a bull. Buffalo. Ain't it awful? Just ifes your ear something fierce. What she say about Herman?
Matt Dillon
She says she thinks he left town. Now, Chester, I want you to check all the rooming houses and the hotels along Front Street. I'm going to the railroad station and the stage lines, and I'll meet you back at the office, huh?
Doc
All right.
Matt Dillon
And Doc, I think Herman keeps a horse over at the livery stable. Would you look into that for me?
Doc
Sure.
Matt Dillon
I'm happy.
Doc
You know, Mr. Doane, she's an awful straight shot.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Chester, I know.
Narrator
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Doc
You here, Matt?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Come on in, Doc.
Doc
Well, Bleak, his horse is still at the stable. Yeah, he didn't tell them anything about leaving.
Matt Dillon
He didn't leave, Doc. Mimi came in on the 9 o'clock train last night. Only one train out after that, around midnight, and he wasn't on it. And he didn't buy a ticket on the stage.
Doc
I tell you, Matt, that's something. Mr. Don Manuel wants to see you.
Matt Dillon
Oh. Oh, come on in, Manuel.
Doc
Gracias, senor.
Matt Dillon
Dylan. What's on your mind?
Doc
I was at the railroad depot when I hear you ask about Senor Bleecker.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, go on.
Doc
Senor, last night I see something which is strange.
Matt Dillon
Huh?
Doc
I come home very late. One hour, two hours before dawn. I was visiting Franny.
Matt Dillon
You understand? Yeah, I understand.
Doc
I. I woke home in much hurry, you know. It's very dark, senor. Well, all at once I see this lantern in the arroyo behind the Lady Ga Cantina. A lantern. I'm thinking to myself, what is this? So I wait, and this lantern keeps coming toward me. And when it's closed, this woman, who I have never seen no one like her. This made me. What a scare.
Matt Dillon
What was she doing in the arroyo?
Doc
Quien sale? But she carries something in her hand.
Matt Dillon
Well, what was it?
Doc
A shovel. Senor Matt. Finding anything?
Matt Dillon
Oh, there's something here, Doc, but I can't quite. Chester, hold the lantern over here, huh?
Doc
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Found something here, but just get it loose.
Doc
Lantern. All right. Can you see it?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, that's fine, Chester. There, I got it. That's a boot. Now here's another one.
Doc
All that fancy stitching, Matt, those are his. I've seen them on him.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, so have I. Yesterday, in fact. Here, take them, Chester. There's a bundle of some kind here.
Doc
The body?
Matt Dillon
No, no, it's clothes, I think. Have a look. That's all there is, too. The hole doesn't go any deeper. There's hard pan on the bottom here. Hold a Leonard down, Chester. Let me get this unwrapped.
Doc
I'm not sure about that coat. We're doing bottom like that around town.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. Take a look at this vest.
Doc
Oh, yes, yes, that's Herman's.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Doc
Nobody else in Dodge did. He'd wear a thing like that.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, and from the looks of it, he won't be wearing it again either. How you coming, Doc?
Doc
Now, don't. Don't rush me, man. I. I haven't made one of these blood tests in years. If you ask me, I don't see any use of making one now. But we'll see. Here. And pour the precipitants into here. Yes, Matt, what other kind of blood could it be except human?
Matt Dillon
Doc, I only want to be sure that's all right.
Doc
All right then. Let me see here. Five drops of the sulfate and. Yeah, you sure look uncomfortable, man.
Matt Dillon
How would you like to try arresting M. Doc?
Doc
It's not my job to arrest him.
Matt Dillon
You're lucky.
Doc
And now we'll shake this up and warm it a bit. Well, one thing, Mr. Dillon. Shooting at a mark, not the name's a gunfight. And maybe she won't resist.
Matt Dillon
You really believe that, Chester? Ok, well, there's still a chance we may be going off half cocked here. That blood could have got on Herman's vest a dozen different ways.
Doc
We'll soon see. Now then, a couple of drops of reagent and look for the color change. Turn up that lamp a little bit. Reaches it and.
Matt Dillon
Well, Doc.
Doc
Too bad, Matt. It's human blood.
Narrator
You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job post seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, Sponsored jobs posted directly on Indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.
Doc
Matt. I thought we were going over for Lady Gay and talked Mimi.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, so D. Chill, Keith. She's not going anywhere.
Doc
It looks cut and dried to me, Matt.
Matt Dillon
It might not if you were in my shoes. Come on in the office.
Doc
You know, Mr. John, I talked that barkeep Finnegan. He said when he showed up this morning to open the saloon, this woman was inside waiting for him. Told him to come back at 8:00 tonight. She never seen no sign of Herman Beaker. Well, there's another nail in your coffin, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Know, Doc, I ought to deputize you and take you along to help me.
Doc
I will not lift a hand in anger against a woman.
Matt Dillon
I just keep thinking that we can still be wrong.
Doc
Especially that woman.
Matt Dillon
Suppose Herman hurt himself some way.
Doc
How?
Matt Dillon
And he wanted to get away by himself and recuperate. And suppose he didn't want anybody to know about it.
Doc
Why?
Matt Dillon
So he decided to Stay with some friend and maybe. Oh, all right, all right. But it could have been something like that. Well, even if something had happened to him, Mamie may have not had anything to do with it.
Doc
But then how come she's running the lady Gay calling herself the new owner?
Matt Dillon
Oh, okay, Doc, you're probably right. Come on, Chester, let's get it over with. Well, there she is at the end of the bar.
Doc
What are you gonna do, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
Take her in, Jesse. Maybe she'll talk when she's arrested. But I've got to get that gun away from her somewhere.
Doc
By jing, it's not gonna be easy.
Matt Dillon
That's gotta be done. I've never drawn a gun on a woman yet. I'm gonna start now.
Doc
You got a plan?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Come on.
Mamie
Well, Marshall, mighty glad you dropped back in.
Matt Dillon
Just wondering how you were getting along.
Mamie
Maybe like a kid with two tongues and an all day sucker. How did you find that little weasel, Herman Bleeker?
Matt Dillon
I. I thought you told me that he left town.
Mamie
Well, I was just guessing, Mr. Dillon. He said something about planning too. Step up and have a shot of poison.
Matt Dillon
No, thanks. As a matter of fact, I came back here for a particular purpose. You see, Chester and I have a bet on.
Doc
We do?
Mamie
What kind of bet, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Well, it was that shooting trick of yours, hitting the center of that playing card. Chester figures it was nothing but luck, so he's betting me that you can't do it five times in a row.
Mamie
Well, now, we'll soon settle that. The card's still up there. Stand aside, boys. Mamie's gonna limber up a shooting iron. All right, there's one. A couple of them.
Matt Dillon
You're doing fine so far.
Mamie
How am I doing up there, boys?
Doc
All dead centers so far.
Mamie
Three down and two to go. That's far. And one more. Oh, yeah.
Matt Dillon
What's the matter? What are you stopping now for?
Mamie
I got some rules I go by, Marshall. One of them's never to fire my last shot and leave my gun empty.
Matt Dillon
I see. Well, that's a pretty good idea.
Mamie
Sorry to lose your bet for you, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I just guess you're not a gambler, Miss Mamie.
Mamie
Who says so? I'll take a fair bet at even aunt any day of the week and twice in Philadelphia.
Matt Dillon
Oh, in that case, I'll make you one. I got a pretty fair gun here. Or at least I thought so until I saw yours in action.
Mamie
I'd say yours is every bit as good as mine.
Matt Dillon
Then how about a bet, huh? Your gun against mine. One cut for High card. Well, it's course all right with me if you'd rather back out.
Mamie
Who's backing out? You got yourself a bet. Marshall Finnegan.
Doc
Yes, ma'am.
Mamie
Shovel at the deck.
Matt Dillon
Yes, Miss Mamie.
Mamie
If it's a bat or a fight, Mamie never backs out.
Matt Dillon
Hey, honest Mamie.
Doc
Now, who goes first?
Mamie
Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Ladies always.
Mamie
All right, if your friend Lester will cut him for us once.
Doc
Chester.
Mamie
Never mind. Cut the card.
Doc
Yes, ma'am.
Mamie
Now, let's see what we've got.
Matt Dillon
Well, jack of spades. That's not bad.
Mamie
Pretty good, Marshall. Bloody good enough to beat anything.
Matt Dillon
King of diamonds.
Mamie
All right, I'm beat fair and square. You won yourself a gun.
Matt Dillon
Thanks. Here, Chester, will you take it now? The handcuffs.
Mamie
Hey, what's it.
Matt Dillon
Maybe you're under arrest.
Mamie
What? Alibara. A sidewind and double cross and backhanded.
Matt Dillon
Maybe you're going to stay fastened to me until I get you in a cell, so you might as well make the best of it.
Mamie
Why, you.
Matt Dillon
And as far as that's concerned, you'll be safer in jail than out of it. Once word gets around. People here in Dodge thought a lot of Herman Bleeker.
Mamie
Oh, that little sword of ground.
Matt Dillon
That's no excuse for killing him in cold blood.
Mamie
What?
Doc
You hear him, baby?
Matt Dillon
You killed me, Bleeker.
Doc
Oh, my, this is a big night of my whole life to hear somebody finally shut Mamie up and make her like it.
Matt Dillon
What's this all about, Herman?
Mamie
Well, I'll tell you what it's all about. This little grub worm ran out on me in Cincinnati three years ago. I've been hunting him ever since. And last night I found him. I whaled the living daylights out of him.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, he looks it. But why did you bury his clothes?
Mamie
Would you want to be married to a man that dressed like that?
Doc
She pretty near murdered me, Marshall. I've been up there in bed all day, just too bruised and embarrassed to hobble downstairs.
Mamie
Ah, we've had our ups and downs, Marshal, me and little Herman, but you know how it is.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Chester, give me the keys to the handcuffs.
Doc
Yes, sir, I got them right here in the. Maybe they're in. No, I guess they're.
Matt Dillon
What's the matter, Chester?
Doc
Well, Mr. Jones, when we was digging out there, I, I, I guess I maybe lost them keys.
Matt Dillon
Chester, can't you file that thing any faster?
Doc
Not you like this. Well, relax, Mr. Dunning. Took me nearly an hour to get the other off of Ms. Mamie's wrist.
Matt Dillon
All right, but hurry it up.
Doc
Mamie. Sent this bottle of whiskey to make the waiting a little easier.
Matt Dillon
Oh fine. Just let that go for a minute and open up the bottle, huh?
Doc
Oh yes sir.
Matt Dillon
Can you imagine a Doc Little Herman Bleeker married for years to a woman like that?
Doc
I don't want to imagine. I get nightmares. Here you go, Mr. John.
Matt Dillon
Thanks, Judge.
Doc
And one for you, Doc. Thank you.
Matt Dillon
Well boys, here's to the weaker sex.
Doc
Whichever one that is.
Narrator
You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs. Your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com Arts. Just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.
Matt Dillon
Gunsmoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman Macdonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon. U.S. marshal story was freshly written for Gun Smoke by Les Twetfield with editorial supervision by John Metson. Barley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Waltz inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.
Mamie
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 707-98-68739. 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.
Narrator
You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed. Stop struggling to get your job posts seen on other job sites with Indeed sponsored Jobs, your post jumps to the top of the page for your relevant candidates so you can reach the people you want faster. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Don't wait any longer. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit. To get your jobs more visibility at Indeed.com Arts, just go to Indeed.com Arts right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "Hinka-Do | Gunsmoke (10-04-59)"
Episode Overview In the "Hinka-Do" episode of Gunsmoke, the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast transports listeners to Dodge City, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon faces a new challenge with the arrival of Mamie, the enigmatic new owner of the Lady Gay Saloon. As tensions rise and secrets unfold, Matt must navigate deceit, rivalry, and unexpected alliances to maintain peace in the untamed frontier.
Plot Summary
Introduction to the Conflict The episode opens with Matt Dillon discussing the recent takeover of the Lady Gay Saloon by Mamie, a formidable woman from Kansas City. Matt expresses his skepticism about Mamie's sudden management and questions the disappearance of the previous owner, Herman Bleecker.
Key Interaction Between Characters At [03:19], Doc, Matt's trusted deputy, informs him that Mamie is the new manager. Matt confronts Mamie, who asserts her authority and lays down strict rules for her establishment. Their interaction reveals an underlying tension, hinting at possible motives behind Mamie's takeover.
Discovery of Herman Bleecker's Disappearance As the evening progresses, Matt and Doc investigate the unexplained absence of Herman Bleecker. At [15:35], they uncover Bleecker’s belongings, including his distinctive vest, suggesting foul play. This discovery deepens the mystery surrounding Mamie’s true intentions.
Confrontation and Revelation The climax unfolds when Matt decides to confront Mamie directly. At [21:03], Matt engages Mamie in a series of bets and challenges her credibility. Mamie's impressive sharpshooting skills intimidate Matt, but an unexpected twist reveals Mamie's true nature.
Resolution In a dramatic turn of events at [24:19], Mamie confesses to killing Herman Bleecker, explaining her motives rooted in personal vendetta. Doc attempts to intervene, but Mamie's actions seal her fate. Matt apprehends Mamie, restoring order to Dodge City and reaffirming his role as the steadfast marshal.
Character Insights
Matt Dillon [01:09 – 26:58]: As the central figure, Matt exemplifies integrity and determination. His cautious approach to Mamie's takeover reflects his commitment to justice and community welfare. Matt's interactions reveal his leadership qualities and unwavering sense of duty.
Notable Quote:
Matt Dillon [07:15]: “I aim to get the squarest deal in town.”
Doc [03:19 – 27:54]: Doc serves as Matt's reliable deputy, providing both support and comic relief. His skepticism about Mamie adds depth to the investigation, showcasing his role as a critical thinker and loyal companion.
Notable Quote:
Doc [11:38]: “You know, Mr. Dunning, she's an awful straight shooter.”
Mamie [07:04 – 26:43]: Mamie emerges as a complex antagonist with a mysterious past. Her authoritative demeanor and hidden motives drive the central conflict, making her a pivotal character whose actions challenge Matt's authority.
Notable Quote:
Mamie [07:25]: “The minute you stick your foot inside that door, you're on my stomping ground.”
Key Moments with Notable Quotes
Mamie's Introduction [07:04 – 07:25]:
Discovery of Herman's Vest [15:35 – 16:14]:
Mamie's Sharpshooting Challenge [21:03 – 22:19]:
Revelation and Arrest [24:19 – 26:18]:
Themes and Insights
Justice and Vigilantism: The episode delves into the thin line between upholding the law and taking justice into one's own hands. Matt's pursuit of Mamie underscores the marshal's role in maintaining law and order.
Power and Authority: Mamie's assertiveness in taking over the saloon challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the dynamics of power in a frontier town.
Mystery and Suspense: The gradual unfolding of Herman Bleecker's disappearance keeps listeners engaged, blending suspense with Western drama.
Conclusion "Hinka-Do | Gunsmoke (10-04-59)" masterfully blends classic Western elements with a gripping narrative of deceit and justice. Through well-developed characters and a tightly woven plot, the episode reinforces Matt Dillon's enduring legacy as the principled U.S. Marshal. The confrontation with Mamie serves as a testament to the complexities of frontier life, where personal vendettas and the pursuit of truth intersect.
Noteworthy Quotes Summary
Mamie: “The minute you stick your foot inside that door, you're on my stomping ground.”
[07:25]
Matt Dillon: “I aim to get the squarest deal in town.”
[07:15]
Doc: “You know, Mr. Dunning, she's an awful straight shooter.”
[27:54]
Final Thoughts This episode exemplifies why Gunsmoke remains a beloved staple of radio Westerns. Its rich storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless themes continue to resonate with audiences, offering a vivid glimpse into the rugged spirit of the Wild West.