Kitty’s Outlaw | Gunsmoke (02-12-56)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Kitty’s Outlaw | Gunsmoke (02-12-56)
Original Air Date: February 12, 1956
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Host: Andrew Rines

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Introduction

In this captivating episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, host Andrew Rines presents the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Kitty’s Outlaw." Originally airing on February 12, 1956, this installment delves deep into the intricate dynamics of Dodge City, exploring themes of trust, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships in the Wild West.

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Plot Summary

Arrival of Cole Yankton The episode opens with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (voiced by Riley Herbst) surveilling Dodge City for any signs of trouble. His vigilance brings him face-to-face with Cole Yankton, a mysterious stranger whose behavior raises red flags. Yankton’s deliberate and cautious movements around town make Marshal Dillon suspicious of his true intentions.

Riley Herbst (Matt Dillon) [04:10]: "You looking for somebody, mister?"

Over the next few days, Yankton’s presence in Dodge City becomes increasingly enigmatic. His interactions hint at a shadowy past, particularly his connection to Kitty, the saloon owner. Dillon’s instincts tell him there’s more to Yankton than meets the eye, leading him to investigate further.

Suspicion and Tension Marshal Dillon observes Yankton's reluctance to engage in typical town activities, such as frequenting the saloon. This unusual behavior adds to the mounting tension, as Dillon senses that Yankton may be hiding something sinister.

Riley Herbst (Matt Dillon) [05:01]: "I come here to take the Santa Fe to Wichita, Marsh."

The plot thickens when a bank robbery occurs, and evidence points directly to Yankton’s involvement. With his partners already neutralized, Dillon is determined to bring Yankton to justice. The pursuit takes Dillon and his trusted assistant, Chester (voiced by Barney Phillips), into the rugged wilderness surrounding Dodge City.

The Confrontation After a relentless chase, Dillon and Chester discover Yankton hiding in a dilapidated shack. A tense standoff ensues, revealing the multifaceted nature of Yankton's character. Despite his criminal actions, Yankton's interactions with Kitty suggest a deeper, more personal motive behind his deeds.

Riley Herbst (Matt Dillon) [16:09]: "Why don't you two sit down and quit bragging?"

As Dillon corners Yankton, the true complexity of their relationship unfolds. Kitty steps in, revealing her own connections to Yankton, which complicates Dillon's sense of duty versus compassion.

Resolution and Redemption In the climax of the episode, Yankton's backstory is unveiled, showcasing his struggles and the reasons that led him astray. Kitty’s heartfelt confrontation with Yankton brings a sense of closure, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and understanding.

Kitty [21:07]: "No. I'm sorry, Cole. I'm real sorry."

The episode concludes with Dillon reflecting on the events, reinforcing his role as a lawman who not only enforces justice but also seeks to understand the human stories behind each outlaw.

Riley Herbst (Matt Dillon) [24:13]: "You know, to compliment a westerner, you might say he'll do to ride the river with that means that he's courageous and honest. But next week, when a man rides the river, he dies. And that was the wets. Good night."

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Key Characters

• Matt Dillon (Riley Herbst): The steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, embodying justice and moral integrity.
• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): Saloon owner with a mysterious past, connected to Cole Yankton.
• Cole Yankton (Barney Phillips): The enigmatic outlaw whose actions drive the central conflict.
• Chester (Harley Bear): Dillon’s loyal assistant, providing support and camaraderie.

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon on Suspicion:

  "I want Yankton."
  [05:25] Riley Herbst

• Kitty on Change:

  "There's nothing wrong with this food. I think it's delicious."
  [12:41] Kitty

• Dillon Reflecting on Honor:

  "I never thought I would. And I don't give up Yankton. There's always a chance."
  [19:53] Chester

• Kitty Expressing Regret:

  "I'm sorry, Cole. I'm real sorry."
  [21:00] Kitty

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Themes and Insights

"Kitty’s Outlaw" masterfully explores the gray areas of justice and morality. Marshal Dillon's unwavering commitment to law enforcement is juxtaposed against his capacity for empathy and understanding. The episode delves into how personal histories and relationships can influence one's actions, presenting characters who are more than mere archetypes of good and evil.

The dynamic between Kitty and Yankton adds emotional depth, illustrating how past connections can complicate present conflicts. Dillon’s internal struggle between duty and compassion highlights the nuanced portrayal of lawmen in classic Western narratives.

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Conclusion

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns brings to life the timeless allure of Gunsmoke, offering listeners a richly woven tale of intrigue, morality, and redemption in the Wild West. Through stellar voice acting and meticulous storytelling, "Kitty’s Outlaw" not only entertains but also invites reflection on the intricate balance between enforcing the law and understanding the human condition.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to these golden age radio dramas, this episode provides a compelling glimpse into the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke and the intricate world of Dodge City.

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Listen to the episode on OTRWesterns.com or your preferred podcast platform to experience this classic Western saga in its restored audio glory.

Transcript

[Riley Herbst]

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[Unknown]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines, and before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other Western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is February 12, 1956 and the title is Kitty's Outlaw. Hope you enjoy. And again, thanks for listening.

[Bubba Wallace]

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[Riley Herbst]

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[Riley Herbst]

I'm already racing.

[Kitty]

Your turn.

[Bubba Wallace]

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[Riley Herbst]

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 lone. Every man who comes to Dodge doesn't spell trouble, but sometimes a stranger rides in who to my eye, has it written all over him. This one I first noticed. Walking slowly up and down the plaza, taking every detail in of the buildings, of the crowd, the street. You might have thought he was figuring to buy the place. But after two days of his walking and sitting and watching, I decided that maybe that wasn't exactly what he had in mind.

[Unknown]

You looking for somebody, mister?

[Riley Herbst]

You've been in Dodge long enough, stranger. You know who I am?

[Unknown]

You Marshal Dillon?

[Riley Herbst]

If there's anything about this town you haven't found out, maybe I can help you.

[Unknown]

This is the first civilization I seen in months, Marshall. Just trying to get used to it again. By the way, my name is Cole Yankton. There ain't no summer name, Marshal, if that's what you're thinking.

[Riley Herbst]

What do you do that keeps you away from civilization, Yankton?

[Unknown]

Oh, I've been horse trading around among the settlers. A few peaceful Indians.

[Riley Herbst]

But you're done with that now.

[Unknown]

I sold what I had. Come out pretty good, too.

[Riley Herbst]

You know, most men who come here with a stake spend at gambling. I haven't seen you near a saloon yet.

[Unknown]

I'll look them over later.

[Riley Herbst]

You aiming to stay here long?

[Unknown]

I come here to take the Santa Fe to Wichita, Marsh.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, it goes every day.

[Unknown]

You got something against me?

[Riley Herbst]

No, not yet.

[Unknown]

I guess being a law man, you gotta be suspicious of everybody, don't you?

[Riley Herbst]

Not everybody.

[Unknown]

There's nothing wrong with me, Marshall. Now, don't you worry about things.

[Riley Herbst]

I want Yankton.

[Unknown]

Good.

[Riley Herbst]

I'm gonna let you do the worry.

[Kitty]

Matt. I figured the saloon's about to go broke.

[Riley Herbst]

Oh, why is that, Kitty?

[Kitty]

Well, I've almost stopped watering the whiskey.

[Unknown]

Oh.

[Kitty]

Swear they're pointing at least half and.

[Unknown]

A half these days, Kitty.

[Riley Herbst]

Sam's got to make it last, you.

[Kitty]

Know, One barrel for the whole winter.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, the less people drink, the less trouble they make for me.

[Kitty]

Ah, that's been selfish.

[Riley Herbst]

Ah, I wondered how long he'd hold up.

[Kitty]

What? Who you talking about now?

[Riley Herbst]

The man at the door over there. He's been in town two days and this is the first time I know he's come into a saloon. Kenny, what's the matter?

[Kitty]

Nothing, Matt. Nothing.

[Riley Herbst]

You're staring at him like he was a ghost or something.

[Kitty]

Ghost?

[Riley Herbst]

Oh, what is it, Kitty? Do you know him?

[Kitty]

Cole Yankton.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, who is he? What do you know about him?

[Kitty]

He's coming over here. Excuse me, ma'.

[Unknown]

Am.

[Riley Herbst]

No, wait a minute, Kitty.

[Unknown]

What? Evening, Marshall.

[Riley Herbst]

Hello, Yankton.

[Bubba Wallace]

Your girl took off?

[Riley Herbst]

Uh huh.

[Unknown]

She's gone out the back door. She's really leaving?

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah. It looks that way.

[Unknown]

Now, why'd she do that, Marshall?

[Riley Herbst]

I wouldn't know. Yankton.

[Unknown]

You ain't even curious.

[Riley Herbst]

I don't figure it's any of my business.

[Unknown]

Maybe you're right, Marshall. Maybe it ain't.

[Riley Herbst]

Like I said, Yankton, you worry about it.

[Unknown]

Good night. Good night, Marshall.

[Bubba Wallace]

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[Kitty]

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[Bubba Wallace]

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[Kitty]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more.

[Bubba Wallace]

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

[Unknown]

Look at him, Chester, sitting there half asleep in the sun. And crime is being committed all over town. Widows are being robbed. Old men are getting their throats cut. Little children are being sold into slavery. And there sits the law, sucking on a straw while he digests his dinner. My golly, Doc, he don't look none too lively. If I had a gun, I'd shoot his heels off. I'll injure mine.

[Riley Herbst]

Why don't you two sit down and quit bragging?

[Unknown]

We better do it too, Jesse. It'll make him look less conspicuous. You know, this is one part of my job I take pleasure in, Doc.

[Riley Herbst]

You know something? I wouldn't hire either one of you to drive a 10th Fagan quicksand.

[Unknown]

Don't answer him, Chester. That's his bad conscience talking.

[Riley Herbst]

Doc, did you ever hear of a man doing a little thinking once in a while?

[Unknown]

Oh, he's thinking. And what would you be thinking so hard about, Marshall?

[Riley Herbst]

Well, I tell you, Doc. Cole Yankton over there. Oh, that's him standing right across the street.

[Unknown]

Where? Oh, yes, yes, I know. I saw him this morning. This morning? We're in the Plaza. He was asking where he could find Kitty. Said he wanted to talk to her.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, that's all right, Chester. Why shouldn't he be talking to Kitty?

[Unknown]

Well, no reason, I guess. You don't fool me, Mad Ellen. You're wondering why as much as everybody else.

[Riley Herbst]

Kitty knows lots of people, Doc.

[Unknown]

Oh, yes, people like Cole. Yankton, outlaws. Look, there's Ms. King. She's got to run right into him. You stop her. I guess he's gonna get to talk to her, all right. But he isn't chest here. He's just kind of smiling at her. Well, that sure didn't last long. Where is he going now? He's taking his horse. Looks like he's leaving town, Mac. Yonder he goes. Well, that's good riddance. You can forget about him, Matt.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah, maybe.

[Unknown]

Why don't you ask Miss Kitty about him? Mr. Dillon, you said you was having supper with her tonight, didn't you?

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah, that's right, Chester. I'm having supper with her.

[Kitty]

You like the enchiladas?

[Riley Herbst]

M well, I'd like them better if I knew what they were using for meat.

[Kitty]

K Haven't you ever been here before?

[Riley Herbst]

No, not often. For one thing, it's too long a walk. This place is hardly part of Dodge.

[Kitty]

Now, just because it's at the edge of town. I don't think you like Mexican food, Matt.

[Riley Herbst]

I grew up on it. Kidding?

[Unknown]

Well, the walk's good for you.

[Kitty]

Gives you an appetite, huh?

[Riley Herbst]

Is that why you brought me clear out here?

[Kitty]

I get tired of eating at Delmonico's. In those places, change is good for you once in a while.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah, sure, it's good for you, as long as it's for the better.

[Kitty]

There's nothing wrong with this food. I think it's delicious.

[Riley Herbst]

Have you tried this coffee?

[Kitty]

Wasn't talking about the coffee.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, you take cornmeal and molasses and you fry it together until it turns to powder. Then you boil that with water and you got coffee.

[Kitty]

Is that how they make it?

[Riley Herbst]

That's how they make it here.

[Kitty]

Well, I like it.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, you don't have to, you know. It's not gonna cost me much.

[Kitty]

Then you ought to be grateful Amanda's come here.

[Riley Herbst]

Oh, I am kidding. I sure am.

[Kitty]

Map.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah.

[Kitty]

You haven't asked me about Cole Yankton.

[Riley Herbst]

No, I haven't. Kidding. Why should I?

[Kitty]

I don't.

[Unknown]

I swear I thought I'd never find you. What are you doing way out here?

[Riley Herbst]

Something wrong, Chester?

[Unknown]

Only the bank got held up. Three men, they took over $10,000. When? A while ago. I've been looking everywhere for you.

[Riley Herbst]

Was anybody hurt, Justin?

[Unknown]

There was a few shots fired, but nobody got hit I know of.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, any idea who it was? Yes, sir.

[Unknown]

One of them, anyway.

[Riley Herbst]

Well, who?

[Unknown]

Cole Yankin.

[Kitty]

Matt.

[Riley Herbst]

Now, we'll talk about it later.

[Unknown]

I brought your horse, Mr. Dillon. And we better get going or we won't never find him.

[Riley Herbst]

All Chester knew was that Cole Yankton and his partners had headed south. South out of Dodge. So we started after him. We rode blind for a few hours. I was about to give it up and wait for daylight when we ran into a cowboy who'd heard him ride past him in the dark. When I told him who I was, he told me the only place in the whole country where they might be hiding. An hour later, Chester and I were crawling on our bellies up to a half fallen shack that lay under a small bluff.

[Unknown]

They ain't even hiding in. Shack got a fire going outside.

[Riley Herbst]

They'd have been safe enough if it hadn't been for that cow puncher. Chester.

[Unknown]

Yankton's the one laying on the ground, ain't he?

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah. Quiet now. Just hold it up, Chester, and listen. Come on, let's get a little closer.

[Unknown]

There's only two of them, Mr. Dylan.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah, the other one's probably in the shack. Listen.

[Unknown]

Well, they don't like it. I tell you another thing, Yankton. What were them men doing in the bank? It was always empty at that hour. Can't find out everything in two days, can I? No, I guess not. I still give you credit for one thing, Yankton. At least that Tin Hahn Marshall never showed up. Don't give me credit for it. What do you mean? He's kidding us. He means she was in on it. But the name. Name's Kitty, and I don't want to talk about it. About enough. What we got to do? Look, Marshall was out of the way, wasn't he? That's what I said, and that's all you need to know. Now leave Kitty out of this. You're awful touchy, by the way. You shut up.

[Riley Herbst]

Chester, you watch for the man in the shack. I'm gonna move in on these two. Are you ready?

[Unknown]

I will.

[Riley Herbst]

All right, two men are covered. Get your hands up.

[Unknown]

Shoot him. I got that. Fell in the door, Mr. Dylan.

[Bubba Wallace]

I gave up.

[Unknown]

Marshall. Don't shoot. Got them all but him.

[Riley Herbst]

All right, keep your hands up.

[Unknown]

Yankton, you're up.

[Riley Herbst]

All right, get on your fe.

[Unknown]

No, I can't, Marshall. I'm too dizzy.

[Riley Herbst]

What?

[Unknown]

I got hit. Marshall got him too, I guess. Mr. Johnson.

[Riley Herbst]

He's bleeding all right. Just a bit. He's not dead.

[Unknown]

Say, looks like an old cart of some kind over there, Mr. Donaldson. If taint busted, maybe we can hitch it up and carry him back to Dodge.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah, well, let's find that money first. Then we'll try it.

[Unknown]

All right. Mr. Dillon.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

What?

[Riley Herbst]

Justin?

[Unknown]

It's kind of bad about Miss Kitty, ain't it?

[Bubba Wallace]

Say, where are you listening to Gunsmoke in your car, getting ready for dinner. Oh, I see. Just relaxing in your favorite easy chair. I'd say you're in a good spot right now to really enjoy Chesterfield's better taste and mildness. You see, Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. A more perfectly packed cigarette. Gives you an open, easy draw. That unlocks all the better taste and mildness of fine tobaccos. And Chesterfield, made by exclusive accuray. Is more perfectly packed. With an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Remember to the touch, to the taste.

[Kitty]

Chesterfield packs more pleasure. Because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield.

[Bubba Wallace]

Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Unknown]

Sam. Hello, man.

[Riley Herbst]

How is he, Doc?

[Unknown]

I've done all I can for man. I ain't gonna make it. I never thought I would. And I don't give up Yankton. There's always a chance. My partners, they both dead, ain't they, Marshal?

[Riley Herbst]

We buried them before we brought you in.

[Unknown]

Come in. Oh, Kitty, I'm happy to come.

[Kitty]

Hurry up here.

[Unknown]

Hello, Kitty. You got a bullet in me, Kitty.

[Kitty]

I know.

[Unknown]

Out on the street there yesterday. I had it in mind to ask you something. But when I got close to you, I knew I couldn't. I'm glad to see things didn't work out so good.

[Kitty]

No. I'm sorry, Cole. I'm real sorry.

[Unknown]

Thank you for coming, Kitty. I won't bother you no more. He's dead. Here. I'll cover him up.

[Kitty]

Matt.

[Riley Herbst]

No kidding. You don't have to explain anything.

[Kitty]

Yes. Yes, I do. I want you to hear, too, Doc.

[Unknown]

I'm listening.

[Kitty]

You both think I tried to help him, don't you?

[Riley Herbst]

I don't know.

[Unknown]

If it looks like you did, Kitty, I know.

[Riley Herbst]

And I guess I'd have to hear you say it before I'd believe it.

[Unknown]

I stand with Matt, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Thanks, Doc.

[Unknown]

Matt, I'll tell you what.

[Riley Herbst]

Let's forget about it, Kitty, huh?

[Kitty]

No, no. I want to tell you something about Cole Yankin. He's been in California for years. That's why you never heard of him. Well, I've heard of him. I know what he's been doing. I think he came here cause he thought I'd help him. But then he did a nice thing, Matt. He didn't ask me to. He didn't make me say no.

[Unknown]

Well, then I guess he wasn't so bad after all. Kidding.

[Kitty]

Cole. Yankton, New Orleans. I was just a girl. He was the first man I ever knew. The first grown man.

[Unknown]

Yankton was a fool, Matt. Yeah. He should have stayed with that girl.

[Riley Herbst]

Yeah, she's all right, isn't she?

[Unknown]

Documented.

[Bubba Wallace]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Kitty]

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

[Bubba Wallace]

Chesterfield made by exclusive accuray Packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed Unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobacco Chesterfield.

[Kitty]

Packs more pleasure because chesterfield's more powerful.

[Bubba Wallace]

Perfectly packed, firm and pleasing to the lips. Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Riley Herbst]

You know, to compliment a westerner, you might say he'll do to ride the river with that means that he's courageous and honest. But next week, when a man rides the river, he dies. And that was the wets. Good night.

[Bubba Wallace]

Gun smoke produced and Directed by Norman McDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U. S. Marshal. Our story was specially written for gunsmoke by John meston with music composed and conducted by rex corey, sound patterns by tom hanley and Bill james. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin and Barney Phillips. Harley bear AS Chester Howard McNeil here is Doc and Georgia Ellis is kitty Smokers. This is it. L and M filters so good to your taste so quick on the draw make today your big red letter day your L and m red letter day Superior taste and filter it's the miracle tip make today your big red letter day Change to L and M today.

[Kitty]

L and M so good to your.

[Bubba Wallace]

Taste so quick on the draw Get L and M today Relax with L and M so good to your taste so quick on the draw Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke. Foreign.

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[Unknown]

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[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 youm 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.