Loading summary
VRBO Narrator
Whether it's a birthday trip, a family reunion, or just a fun getaway, booking a VRBO vacation rental means no worrying about surprises. VRBoCare and 247 Life Support have your back if something's off. The Loved by Guest filter helps you find top rated homes. And verified reviews mean real feedback from real VRBO guests so you know exactly what you're booking. Honestly, I just booked my VRBO because there was a sweet wine fridge. Hey, we all have our reasons. Don't walk into a surprise if you know you. VRBO terms apply. See vrbo.com trust for details.
NHTSA Seatbelt PSA Speaker
You think a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt is the worst that could happen? A fine, an inconvenience, a little embarrassment. But then comes the crash. There are injuries, a hospital bed, the long road to recovery, the moments you'll miss. Suddenly a ticket doesn't seem so bad. That ticket? That was nothing. Click it. Don't risk it. Paid for by NHTSA.
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 August 11, 1957 and the title is Jayhawkers. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoy.
NHTSA Seatbelt PSA Speaker
You think a ticket for not wearing your seatbelt is the worst that could happen? A fine, an inconvenience, a little embarrassment. But then comes the crash. There are injuries, a stay in the hospital, the long road to recovery, the moments you'll miss. Suddenly a ticket doesn't seem so bad. That ticket? That was to remind you to buckle up before it's too late. Click it or ticket paid for by nhtsa.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird.
Liberty Mutual Bird Voice
What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Together, we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Bird Voice
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
VRBO Narrator
A vacation rental should come with support, not surprises. That's why VRBO comes with a VRBoCare guarantee and 24. 7 life support from real people. So if something goes sideways, VRBoCare can help. If the host cancels Verbocare. If the listing says heated pool, but there's actually no pool to heat. Definitely a Verbocare thing. If My teenager starts calling me Leslie instead of Mom. That's a family thing, Leslie. That makes sense. Sorry. Book with support, not surprises. Verbo Care and 247 Life Support. If you know you verbo terms apply. See vrbo.com trust for details.
Narrator (Gunsmoke Introduction)
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 story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.
Phil Jacks
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
Matt Dillon
a man watchful and a little lonely. You don't have to walk me all the way, Doc. Oh, why, it's a pleasure, Kitty. I don't often get to be seen with a beautiful woman. That's true. What's more, you know it. Ah, there you go. And I was just beginning to enjoy myself. There's Matt. Just came out of his office. Let's go say hello to him. He's sitting down. We better hurry before he falls asleep. Wish I had a job like his. Say, where's Chester these days, anyway? Yeah, he's still visiting a friend out at Fort Dodge. Some old army pal from the war. Is he ever coming back?
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Of course he'll be back.
Matt Dillon
Soon as he gets tired of the cooking out there. Matt, you've got company. Hello, Matt.
Phil Jacks
Hello, Kitty. Doc, why don't you sit down? Thank you.
Matt Dillon
Just for a minute. I gotta get to work pretty soon.
Phil Jacks
You've been shopping.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, but I didn't buy anything. What about all those clothes and stuff
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
you told me you ordered?
Matt Dillon
Well, that's different. It is?
Phil Jacks
Well, sure.
Matt Dillon
No, no, no. Don't explain it to me now. It's too hot today. Who's this? Huh? Who's this?
Phil Jacks
I don't know. He's a stranger to me.
Matt Dillon
Well, he's from Texas, that's for sure. Look at that rig.
Phil Jacks
I'm looking for a U.S. marshal. You're wearing a star. Maybe you're him. Sit down, stranger. You met Dylan? That's right. Oh. Well, I'm Phil Jacks, Marshal with a herd of 3,000 San Saba cabins about five days drive from here.
Matt Dillon
Name of the trail boss is Dolph Quince.
Phil Jacks
Dolph Quince? He was in here last year. Give me my regards, will you? Well, he says for you to ride back with me.
Matt Dillon
Marshall. Huh?
Phil Jacks
That's all. He said me to bring you back. Why can't you tell me what it's all about? It's about Kansas, Marshall. Kansas. We don't like it. Now you run into trouble, huh?
Matt Dillon
About to quit driving cattle and turn
Phil Jacks
into an army, Marshall. Now, you go get yourself a drink. Jax, meet me here in about a half hour. I'll go with.
Matt Dillon
You. Just drop your saddle anyways, Marshall. I'll turn your horse in with a remuda. Ah.
Phil Jacks
All right. Thanks, Jack. So, well. And Dolph Quince will be over there
Matt Dillon
by the fire somewhere.
Phil Jacks
Okay, I'll find it. How about Dove?
Matt Dillon
How are you, Marshall?
Phil Jacks
Good to see you again.
Matt Dillon
Hey, it's fresh meat in camp.
Phil Jacks
Ask Cook for plate. Oh, thanks, I will.
Matt Dillon
Come, I'll go with you. I need some more coffee. You like Buffalo Bill, huh? One of the boys wrote and shot a calf this morning.
Phil Jacks
Sure, I like it fine.
Matt Dillon
Guess it was buffalo that scared of horses last night. Old muta broke loose. Hey, Cook, give this man a plate of meat.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Yeah, sure thing, dog.
Phil Jacks
It looks mighty good, doesn't it?
Matt Dillon
Give me some coffee, will you? Yeah, thank you. Nester woman came to the bed ground before daylight this morning. Asked if we had any little calves that have been dropped during the night.
Phil Jacks
She probably picks up calves from all the herds that pass the this way.
Matt Dillon
We'd have to get rid of them anyway, so I'll let her have him, even if she was a Kansan. Oh, you know, if it been a Kansas man as for calves, I don't think I could have talked these boys into l it.
Phil Jacks
How is that so?
Matt Dillon
It sure is, Martin.
Phil Jacks
Tell me, do have you seen any Kansas jayhawkers on the way up?
Matt Dillon
How do you know?
Phil Jacks
That's a pretty good guess.
Matt Dillon
Two nights ago, some mjhawkers managed to sneak up on Snyder over there when he was out on guard. They stripped him and flogged them, then stampeded the cattle. Had our hands full for the next few hours or we might have caught up with them.
Phil Jacks
Any trouble, sons?
Matt Dillon
Not yet.
Phil Jacks
You know, Duff, the ordinary Kansan hates jayhawkers as much as you do. It's nothing but shifty, murderous criminals. They got started on the Missouri border during the war and they got the taste of blood in their mouths. And now it's like I got no place to go.
Matt Dillon
We can show them a place.
Phil Jacks
They're bandits, that's all. You got bandits in Texas. But that doesn't make every Texan one, does it?
Matt Dillon
Kind of hard to make the men see it that way. Marshall.
Phil Jacks
Yeah? I know it is. I just hope they understand it before a regular war breaks on. Another visit with Joe and Daphne Forsyth.
M
Overhead, the moon is big.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Hold it, Daphne.
Matt Dillon
Hold it.
M
Oh, hi, Joe. Guess what, honey? I'm trying out for the operetta.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
As what?
M
A singer?
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
You could have fooled me.
M
I was just practicing one of the songs.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Well, I don't think you quite fit the role.
M
Why not?
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Well, if this version of the Student Prince is like the version I know, that particular number is sung by a tenor. Oh, not that you don't come close, but I think you better stick to being a housewife.
M
But I want to be a singer.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Daphne, honey, a singer you'll never be.
M
I could take lessons.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Yeah, but lessons cost money. Money better invested for us in savings bonds.
M
You and your old savings bond.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
I can't help it, honey. I just can't get over the way those Savings bonds pay. $4 for every three. That's what I call an investment.
M
What good do they do me now?
Matt Dillon
A lot.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
The money we put in those bonds, every payday helps keep America strong and protects you and me. No bonds, maybe no operetta. Ever think of that?
M
I still want to be a singer.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Well, when those bonds start bringing in the green, if you still want to sing, they'll pay for the lessons and more.
M
Good. Gee, if those bonds mature as fast as you say, I better start practicing now. Just so that I'll be ready. Overhead, the moon is be.
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Daphne. Daphne. Did anyone ever tell you you have a bad voice?
Matt Dillon
Hello, Dolph. Marshall. Jax join you, if you don't mind. Sit down, Jax. I've been sitting here drinking coffee, complaining to Marshall about our welcome in Kansas. Yeah, I heard. The trail drivers buying off them Jayhawkers.
Phil Jacks
Two, three dollars a head. Now, let's see. 3,000 cattle and cost us.
Matt Dillon
I'm paying nobody nothing.
Phil Jacks
Well, they ain't asked us yet, but I'll kill the first one I see anyway.
Matt Dillon
So, Marshall, one reason I wanted you to come down here was to ride with us a few days, get to know the boys a little. You're in a bad temper. And when they hit Dodge, they're gonna be looking for Kansas scalps.
Phil Jacks
All right, I'll ride with him.
Matt Dillon
I figured you would. See, Marshall, the way we look at it, the good citizens of Dodge are out to fleece us anyway. And on top of that, they hire gunfighters to shoot us as soon as we kick up our heels a little. All in all, it makes for a bad feeling.
Phil Jacks
There's some misunderstanding on both sides I
Matt Dillon
guess you and I know that, but they don't D. I near forgot.
Phil Jacks
What stranger just rode up to the remuda over there and asked for a job? I told him to eat first.
Matt Dillon
Where is he? I'll go get him,
Phil Jacks
said Dolph. I'd like to stand a guard tonight.
Matt Dillon
There's no need for that.
Phil Jacks
Well, if I'm riding with you, I'll do my share of the work.
Matt Dillon
All right. You go out with a second watch. Rango give you a night horse.
Phil Jacks
Thanks.
Matt Dillon
Here he is. Dolph.
Phil Jacks
This here's Dolph Quince.
Matt Dillon
Trail boss, Mr. Quince. Quince will do. Well, my name's Studer. Carl Stooder.
Phil Jacks
You lost?
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
I don't know what you mean.
Matt Dillon
Well, you know, we're only four days drive out of Dodge. I was wondering, could you use a hand for four days? That it help? You must be awful hungry. I thought maybe you'd be driving past Dodge. I'm not. But we'll feed you from here to Dodge if you work. I won't pay anything, though. I haven't got the money. I don't need a hand anyway. Fair enough. Hey, by the way, where are you from? Colorado. And you ain't a Canson. No. Good. Maybe the boys won't tear you apart. You'll be on the third watch tonight, Stooder. All right. Sort of man. Spends his whole miserable life just looking for Salt Fork and sundown.
Phil Jacks
Yeah, if that's all he's looking for.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean?
Phil Jacks
Just an old habit of mine, Dolph. I wouldn't be alive if I trusted everybody on first sight.
Matt Dillon
You don't trust this fellow?
Phil Jacks
Oh, he's probably all right. Still, I'd keep him in camp unless it's daylight. I wouldn't put him on night guard.
Matt Dillon
All right, Marshall. I always thought I led a hard life till now. I think you beat me.
Phil Jacks
I just got shot at more than you, so maybe that's it.
Matt Dillon
Hey, you better stretch out somewhere. You'll be out singing to those cow brutes in two hours. Yeah.
Phil Jacks
Well, I'll see you later, though.
Matt Dillon
Breakfast at 4. You find it don't take long to stay all night at this ranch.
Phil Jacks
I didn't have much chance that night to get to know the boys on guard. Two of us rode around the herd in opposite directions singing or humming a little to let the cattle know where we were. And after two hours, we were relieved by the third watch. But at breakfast the next morning, the men treated me a little less like a gunfighter hired to shoot them when they got to Dodge, after the cattle had grazed for a few miles, we got them on the trail. And I started to forget that I was old man Must Sil. Jax and I were riding the swing of the herd when Dolph Quint sloped up behind us.
Matt Dillon
Hey, how's it feel to be a trail hand, Marshall?
Phil Jacks
There's nothing to it. If I can sleep all winter like
Matt Dillon
you do, where would you spend your money? I already offered to trade jobs with him. Dog. Hey, look, you two crossed the Cimarron yesterday. What's it like now?
Phil Jacks
The water's gone down. You won't have any trouble.
Matt Dillon
I was also thinking about the sand. Well, it was sound where we were dove. And then we'll cross right there. You go up ahead and ride point Jax and lead us to it. All right. Take that new fellow, Studer with you. I don't need him. I want him up front where I can see him. Oh, okay. First crossing I tried last year, had a quicksand bottom at Boga. Saddle blanket, huh?
Phil Jacks
Lose many cattle?
Matt Dillon
30 head. Couldn't even dig your tails out.
Phil Jacks
You know, Dolph, I sometimes wonder if it's worth it to you driving cattle up here.
Matt Dillon
Well, Texas is bankrupt, Marshall. War broke us. All we got is these wild longhorn cattle.
Phil Jacks
Yeah, I know. Maybe there'll be an easier way someday.
Matt Dillon
We'd starve waiting for the railroad.
Phil Jacks
I suppose so. Anyway, the San Saba herd of yours is the first to reach Dodge this year. The price is pretty high. You ought to profit, oh, about $20 a head.
Matt Dillon
I hope so. Money in your pocket. Dodge could offer high class entertainment.
Phil Jacks
Almost anything you'd want.
Matt Dillon
The boys will be.
Phil Jacks
Hey, that's up ahead. Come on.
Matt Dillon
Look, he's got a blanket. He's starting to stay in peace.
Phil Jacks
Yeah. Is that Jack's horse running loose?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. And here's Jack's lying on the ground. They shot him, Marshall.
Phil Jacks
That man with a blanket, that's Stooder. I'm going after him.
Matt Dillon
Do you take care of Jack off. Get him, Marshall. Get him alive.
Phil Jacks
I'll get him.
Matt Dillon
Helen. Helen. Helen. Ellen. Hi there. What are you doing? I'm memorizing my wife's name. You a memory expert? What happened? I called her Joanne. Oh, yeah. I was nearly a hospital case. Which brings us to the subject of Medicare. I knew you'd work it in somehow. Why not? Sooner or later, Medicare comes into the lives of every serviceman and his dependent. Well, you sure got it into mine a lot. Excuse me. I got to get back to my memory work. Hazel. Hazel. Hazel.
Phil Jacks
You know, I've got a hunch somebody
Matt Dillon
is going to need medical care real soon. To learn how Medicare helps your family get the pamphlet Dependents Medical Care Program, Maryland, Maryland, Maryland.
Phil Jacks
As I followed Studer, a few shots whipped past my head. But they didn't come from him. They came from behind a small rise he was headed for. Whoever was shooting was still too far away from me for me to worry about. I wanted to take care of Studer first. And slowly the distance between us closed. I pulled my rifle out of the boot and I snapped one off at him. He threw up his hands and pitched forward out of the saddle. I glanced at him as a road passed and crossed him off as one Jayhawker less. When I reached the rise, I jumped off of my horse and I ran up it on foot. And near the top I got down and I crawled. When I poked my head over, there was only one man in sight. The other Jayhawkers, if there had been any, had disappeared. This one was afoot and running for his horse. So I took my time and I put a shot into the kentle of his saddle. Horse bolted and the man dropped behind a rock and lay there. He was only half covered, so I stood up. A step at a time. I started tort him down the hill.
Matt Dillon
That's far enough, Mr. Worn Back. You're in pistol range now.
Phil Jacks
All right, fella, put down and come forward.
Matt Dillon
All I want's a horse. I'll get out of here. We won't bother you no more.
Phil Jacks
Yes, sure won't.
Matt Dillon
Just let me on the horse.
Phil Jacks
Listen to me. I'm a United States Marshal. You give up and I promise you there'll be no lynch and you'll get a fair tr.
Matt Dillon
No.
Phil Jacks
If you don't give up, you're gonna die right where you are.
Matt Dillon
Let me go. I'm warning you.
Phil Jacks
I'm coming after you.
Matt Dillon
No.
Phil Jacks
You just had to try, didn't you?
Matt Dillon
You leave a bloody trail. Marshall.
Phil Jacks
Yeah.
Matt Dillon
I brought Snyder with me at the whipping they gave me other night. I figured he deserved to be in on this. Guess I'm too late. Looks like the marshal's done taking care of everybody.
Phil Jacks
Be glad you don't have to kill a man, son.
Matt Dillon
I don't think I'd mind. Marshall.
Phil Jacks
Yeah, I know Tommy Dothowell's jacks there.
Matt Dillon
Dude a shot him in the back of the head.
Phil Jacks
He was a good man.
Matt Dillon
Boys have got the lead cattle turn. Let em mill around for an hour and then graze them out good.
Phil Jacks
Snyder. I left my horse over the rise there. Would you get him for me?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, sure. Looks like you walked right down onto this man.
Phil Jacks
Well, I tried to take him alive like you asked.
Matt Dillon
I just wanted to hang him myself. Anyway, I'm glad he's dead.
Phil Jacks
Yeah, sure.
Matt Dillon
Marshall will be burying Jax out here. I'm wondering if you might know how to do it. Maybe a. A prayer or something.
Phil Jacks
I tried.
Matt Dillon
Let's get back in.
Phil Jacks
When we got back to where Jax had fallen, the cook had driven the chuck wagon up and was busy fixing coffee for the men. Even though it was far from noon, the cattle were spread out and feeding now. And one by one, the men rode up sober.
Matt Dillon
Quiet.
Phil Jacks
Just a glance at Jax where he lay covered by his saddle blanket. A grave was soon dug, and with the in gate of the chuck wagon for a headstone, Phil Jacks was placed in the ground and covered with prairie earth, their hats in their hands. The Texas men had watched the service in silence. When it was done, they turned and walked away. Oh, Snyder.
Matt Dillon
Yeah?
Phil Jacks
I want you to do something for me.
Matt Dillon
Huh? What?
Phil Jacks
I smuggled a quarter wagon yard whiskey out of Dodge when I came down here. The cook's got it hid in the chuck wagon. Well, now, Marshall, it's not much, but it'll cut the alkali in your drinking water. Why don't you get it and pass it out to the men?
Matt Dillon
Mighty decent of you, Marshall. All as wants a drink of the marshal's whiskey. Get on over to the chuck wagon. There's times when a drink's good for a man, Marshall. I guess this is one of them.
Phil Jacks
I think Jack should approve. He sure would.
Matt Dillon
By the way, the boys all know how you handle them Jayhawkers, huh? It ain't changed their minds about Kansans much. But maybe they think a little more highly of the law around here. The kind of gunfighter hired by the law, anyway.
Phil Jacks
That's good.
Matt Dillon
Of course, it don't mean they won't hurrah. Dodge a little when we get there.
Phil Jacks
I expect that.
Matt Dillon
Sure. Come on. We got a drink coming out of that bottle, too. Sam. Sa.
Narrator (Gunsmoke Introduction)
GUN SMOKE Produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal the script was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston. The music was composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns were by Ray Kemper and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Parley Baer As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kitty. George Walsh speaking. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on Gun smoke. This is the united states armed forces radio and television service.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Bird Voice
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
With VRBoCare.
Matt Dillon
Help is always ready before, during and after your stay.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
We've planned for the plot twists, so
Matt Dillon
support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Bird Voice
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty
Daphne or Joe (Supporting Character)
Foreign.
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 podcasttrwesterns.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.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual, even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Together we're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Bird Voice
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
You know what they say. Early bird gets the ultimate vacation.
Matt Dillon
Home.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
Book early and save over $120 with VRBO because early gets you closer to the action, whether it's waves lapping at the shore or snoozing in a hammock that overlooks. Well, whatever you want it to so you can all enjoy the payoff come summer with Verbo's early booking deals. Rise and shine. Average savings $141 select homes only.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
And Doug, there's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insur with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Bird Owner)
Hey, everyone. Check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
Oh, no.
Liberty Mutual Agent
We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together.
Liberty Mutual Spokesperson (Human)
We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.
Liberty Mutual Agent
Anyways, get a quote@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.
Liberty Mutual Bird Voice
Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Date: May 23, 2026
Source: Digitally restored episode from August 11, 1957
Classic Show: Gunsmoke, starring William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon
In this episode, listeners are transported back to the tense, rough frontier of post-Civil War Kansas as Marshal Matt Dillon gets caught between Texas cattlemen and Kansas Jayhawkers. As Dillon accompanies a cattle drive, he’s forced to confront violence, prejudice, and the ever-present threat of lawlessness on the open range. The underlying theme centers on the fine line between justice and vengeance, with Dillon striving to prevent a new war between drifting Texans and embittered Kansans in the wake of Jayhawker raids.
[03:45–06:34]
“About to quit driving cattle and turn into an army, Marshal.”
– Phil Jacks, inviting Dillon to witness the situation firsthand [06:34]
[07:13–09:21]
“You got bandits in Texas. But that doesn’t make every Texan one, does it?”
– Matt Dillon, on the danger of generalizing [09:24]
[13:17–14:24]
[15:21–16:10]
“Well, Texas is bankrupt, Marshal. War broke us. All we got is these wild longhorn cattle.”
– Dolph Quince, contextualizing the economic desperation driving the cattle push north [17:05]
[17:40–18:52]
“If you don’t give up, you’re gonna die right where you are.”
– Matt Dillon, confronting the Jayhawker [21:01]
[23:15–24:25]
“Be glad you don’t have to kill a man, son.”
– Matt Dillon, after the deadly confrontation [21:50]
[24:30–24:46]
“It ain’t changed their minds about Kansans much. But maybe they think a little more highly of the law around here—the kind of gunfighter hired by the law, anyway.”
– Dolph Quince, recognizing Dillon’s impact [24:30]
On the dangers of stereotyping:
“You got bandits in Texas. But that doesn’t make every Texan one, does it?”
– Matt Dillon [09:24]
Marshal Dillon’s warning:
“If you don’t give up, you’re gonna die right where you are.”
– Matt Dillon [21:01]
On hard choices on the frontier:
“Be glad you don’t have to kill a man, son.”
– Matt Dillon [21:50]
Resigned acceptance of ongoing tensions:
“It don’t mean they won’t hurrah Dodge a little when we get there.”
– Matt Dillon [24:48]
The episode captures the gritty, stoic sensibility of Gunsmoke, blending sharp dialogue, moments of dry humor, and understated emotion. The restored audio highlights the immersive soundscape, bringing to life not just the violence of the old West but its quieter moments of sorrow and camaraderie. William Conrad’s performance as Matt Dillon anchors the episode, conveying courage in the face of moral ambiguity.
"Jayhawkers" is an evocative example of classic Western storytelling: It grapples with prejudice, justice, and the difficulty of maintaining peace in a hostile land. Marshal Dillon walks a thin line, seeking to represent the law impartially amid danger and suspicion. This well-paced drama offers a window into the America of the old cattle trails, with all its brutality, pride, and enduring humanity.