
Original Air Date: May 27, 1956Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty) Special Guests:• Lawrence Dobkin• John Dehner• Ken Lynch Writer:• John Me...
Loading summary
William Conrad
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 do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to otrwesterns.com or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about a hundred a month. So definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site, otnetcast, and that's N e T C A s t. So ot n e t c a s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape, Suspense and the Whistler. And we have plans on bringing other shows to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like, but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching ot t n e T C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke Original Air Dates May 27, 1956 and the title is Manhunter.
William Conrad
Gun Smoke brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray, they satisfy the most 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 doctor gun smoke. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with him. 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. Well, what's your hurry, chester? Oh, hello, Mr. Dillon. I'm going over at the stable. No. What for? You leaving town? No, sir. Hank Young's over there. I got seen. Oh, I'm not doing anything. I'll go with you if you don't mind. Well, good. I run into Mr. Bowers and he asked me to give Hank a message for him. Well, Hank is a real nice fellow, Mr. Dillon. Well, I didn't say he wasn't Jesse. Yes, sir, I know, but I was just thinking. There ain't many fellows around here steady and peaceable as he is. I guess that's one reason bars has kept him working at the ranch for so long. There he is. What? Cinching up his saddle with his back to us there. Oh, yeah, Mr. Jones, I'm going to surprise him. Walk easy, huh? Okay, gotcha. Look out, Chester. Now take it easy, Hank. Oh, Marshall, I didn't know who it was. You shouldn't come up on me like that, Chester. Goodness, I guess I shouldn't have. Where'd my gun? Oh, there's my gun. Just a wonder it didn't go off. You hitting at me that way, Marshall? How come you weren't? A gun, Hank? I don't think I ever saw you with one. I wore guns before, Marc. No, I meant around here. No, maybe not around here. Hank. Hank, Mr. Bower is going to be an hour or so longer than he thought is. All right, you tell him I'll see him out the ranch. We got work to do out there. So long. So long, Hank. My, I guess I really upset him something. Sure has, Hank. Ain't never acted like that before. We're always kindly teasing each other. Well, I wouldn't worry about it, Dylan. Yeah? I want to talk to you, Marshall. Well, go ahead. My name's Quillen. Ben Quillen. I only been here a few days. I've been meaning to get acquainted, but I thought I'd do a little scouting around for myself for first. What's the name of that man you were just talking to, Marshall? Why? Oh, he kind of fits a description of a fella I've been hunting. You see, I'm a deputy sheriff. Huh? There's my badge. Deputy sheriff, Prescott, Arizona. Yeah, I got papers to prove it, too. Hey, you've come a long way, Colin. I think it's going to be worth it. Marshall, Here, take a look at this. What is it? It's a warrant for Ike Abbott. Prescott, Arizona. 7-6-18 something. It's kind of smudged. You read the description? Hmm. Don't Ike Abbott sound like your friend who just left? Sure does to me. Same height, same build, same kind of face, brown hair and eyes. Just about everything. Is that true, Mr. John? Well, fits generally, but what's he wanted for? It's a warrant for his arrest, Justin. He's charged with murder, Hank. He heard he was hiding out around Dodge somewhere. He's been here about three years, hasn't he? Yeah, just about. Why didn't you make Your arrest a few minutes ago, Quillen. I wanted to be sure, Marshal. And I also want to talk to you first. After all, this is your territory. Hank's wearing a gun, Quillen. Does he know you? No. But I've been asking around about anybody from Arizona. He must have heard about it. Well, I guess I'll ride out and take him. No. What? Hank Young's ready to fight. I don't want to kill him. I'll go. You mean you'll bring him in for me? Well, if I'm sure he's the man you're after, then I think I can find out. Okay. Watch your step, Marshal. He's already killed one man. Don't worry, Cleveland. So have I. Introducing one of the country's best known jazz musicians and arrangers, Mr. Bobby Haggart. How about whistling along with him? Packs more pleasure, packs more pleasures Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed it stands to reason A cigarette made better and packed better Smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray this electronic miracle Removes human error in cigarette manufacture so accuray Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Yes, Chesterfield gives you something no other cigarette can give you. Chesterfield packs more pleasure Because Chesterfield's more 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. That's him sitting in the bunkhouse door, Mr. Dillon. I thought he said he had work to do. He had nothing special to do except get out of Dodge. You think he's gonna make trouble? Well, I hope not. Hello, Hank. Marshall Chester. Oh, Hank. Looking for me? There are a couple of things I want to ask you, Hank. You go right ahead, Marshall. You've known me about three years. Right about that. And you know when I go after a man, I generally bring him back. So you do, Marshall. Is that why you put your gun away? Well, I declare. He ain't armed no more, is he? No, I ain't. Well, you tell me the truth, Hank. You always dealt fair, Marshall. I'll tell you the truth. Well, there's a deputy sheriff in town named Ben Quillen. He's got an Arizona warrant for Ike Abbott's arrest. I thought so. Was it murder, Hank? That how that warrant reads, Marshall? Mm. Figured so. What else you want to know? You still haven't told me why you put your gun away. Done some thinking on the way back here. Knowed they'd sent somebody after me. But if I killed him, I'D just have to face you next. I wouldn't be getting no worry. That for you. All right, Hank. Come on, Chester. Let's get Back to town. Mr. Jon, we going to take Hank back? I said let's go, Chester. Morning, chester. Good morning, Mr. Ben Quillen been here yet? Well, I just got here myself. Oh, didn't you sleep here last night? Well, see, no, sir, I didn't. Oh, I ain't never gonna set up all night playing poker again. Oh, I was kind of hoping you'd maybe outgrown poker. I'm getting there. Morning, marshal. Chester. Clelland. Morning, Clong. Well, Marshal, did he put up a fight? No, no, there was no trouble. But he is the man I'm after. He's Ike Abbott, isn't he? Yeah, he's a man. Well, I sure do thank you, Marshal. Now if you'll turn him over to me, we'll be on our way, and I won't be bothering you no more. I didn't bring him in, Quillen. Why not? I guess maybe I didn't have the stomach to arrest a man who's been a friend, who's never caused any trouble around here. That don't keep him from being a murderer. And I've got a legal warrant for him. Then you go get him. I thought you didn't want no killing. He isn't armed. You've caused me to waste a whole day, Marshall. Why don't you go get your man, Quillen and get him out of here? I don't want any part of it. You admit he's a friend of yours, Marshall. I just hope you're not trying to trick me somehow, because I'll hold you responsible. What's on your mind tonight, Matt? Well, Kitty, it sure isn't drinking beer and sitting around the long branch. You know, you sometimes act like you've been schooled in a slave market. Drink your beer, Kitty. I'm buying. Oh, you are? I take it all back. Oh, what? Here's Ben Quillen now. I know what's been bothering you, Marshall. I want to talk to you. What's your trouble, Quillen? You gave me to believe there'd be no trouble with Hank Younger, whatever you call him, was there. He wasn't armed, Marshall. At least he didn't lie about that. And just what did I lie about, Cullen? Bout them four friends of his. What friends? I don't like being made a fool of, Marshall. I don't like going after an unarmed man who is hiding behind four shotguns. Ah, I see you trying to tell me you didn't know about it? No, Quillen, I didn't. You swear to that? You can take it or leave it. Alright, I'll believe you. Providing you ride out there with me. I can't face them men alone. It'd be suicide. It's your party, Quillen. I'm not getting paid to make your arrests. You wouldn't be scared, would you, Marshall? I think we've talked just about enough, Colin. All right. I'll telegraph Prescott. I'll get me some authority for some deputies. Wait a minute, Colin. What? You meet me at the stable in the morning. I'll go with you. There they are, Marshall. Waiting for us. How are we going to shoot it out against four men with shotguns, Marshall? You just keep out of it, Quill. Hello, Hank. Gentlemen. This here ain't my idea, Marshall. Boys just heard about everything. I can't talk them out of a fight. That's right, Marshall. Ain't nobody taking a friend of ours off to Arizona, warrant or no warrant. Now listen, you men. Hank Young's a friend of mine too. Isn't that right, Hank? I always thought so, Marshall. But you know me well enough. If any man needs taking in, I'll take him in. Kind of like walking into a cannon, won't it, Marshall? Maybe. But more than one of us will die. Now hold on. I don't want a lot of blood spilled over me. Just cause I killed a man 12 years ago is no reason any of you men should die. Now wait a minute, Quillen. What? You got that warrant with you? Of course I have. Let me see. Now. Come on, let me see it. Well, I don't know what for. Give it to me. You seen it once. What are you looking for? Well, something wrong with it? It's legal. All right, give it back. Yeah. Hank, I've changed my mind about taking you today. Now wait. Shut up, Quillen. Will you come into my office three days from now, Hank. We'll settle this thing then. Okay, Marshall? Sure. It's okay, Hank. We'll be right along with you. Won't we, boy? We'll be right here with you. We ain't backing down one bit, Marshall. You better remember that. Where are you listening to Gunsmoke? In your favorite easy chair or out driving. Oh, there you are. In the kitchen. Say, you want to make whatever you're doing more enjoyable. Have a Chesterfield. Enjoy. Chesterfield's better taste and mildness. It stands to reason a cigarette made better and packed better, smokes better, tastes better. And Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by Accuray, this electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So, Accuray, Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Yes, Chesterfield gives you something no other cigarette can give you. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more 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. Dylan, I've been waiting for you. Let's go, Chester. Did you finally get your telegraph? Yeah, just in time, it looks. I know. That's quite a crowd waiting for you. Think there'll be trouble? Yeah, that could be. Anything you want me to do? No, you better wait here. All right, but you be careful now. Them friends, I think, sure look like the mean business. Yeah, sure. Well, Marshall, come in like you said. I know you would, Hank. How'd you get this over with, Marshall? I waited long enough. You've waited too long, Quillen. What? Hank, I want your friends to wait across the street over there. We ain't moving, Marshall. All four of you go over there and wait. Will you do what he says, Jim? Go on, now, Jim. He ain't the kind of trick nobody. I mean it. Boys. I got going. Well, come on, man. But we'll be watching. Quillen, let me see that warrant. You've seen it twice. Yeah? Well, ain't you gonna look at it? I should have looked at it the first time close. I missed reading the date till Hank mentioned it was 12 years ago. What that got to do with it? 12 years is a long time, Quillen. That warrant's still legal. But it would have been forgotten by now. If you hadn't paid the sheriff in Prescott to go to the trouble to dig around and find it for you. And paid him something more to make you a deputy. What do you say? I hate men like you who go out after other men just for the reward money. You're a professional manhunter, and that's the worst. So, what are you? I'm a lawman. I never collected a reward in my life. Okay, do it your way, but I'm taking this man back. I got word this morning from a friend of mine in Prescott. Quillen, so he says. What I thought about you. You don't often get back with your prisoners. Too much trouble, I guess. Too much expense. You'd shoot Hank here for trying to escape before you reach the Colorado line. But you'd still collect the reward. You're getting a lot of ideas, Marshall. I got a couple more, Hank. Yeah, what, Marshall? I hear there weren't any Witnesses to that murder 12 years ago. That wasn't no murder. Of course. I had to run anyway. The sheriff was an enemy of yours. Well, I hear he's dead now. Mm. There'll be a circuit judge here next week. I think we'll let him decide all this. No, you don't, Marshall. You don't cheat. I'm sorry, Quillen. You're gonna have to earn your money someplace else. Marshall, I'm warning you. This is the only copy of the warrant for Rack Abbott. There is, isn't it? You give me that, I'm gonna tear it up. I'll kill you if you do. Hank's only worth $500 to you, Quillen. You can find bigger game than him. I said I'll kill you, you tear up that warrant. Even you're not that big a fool, Cullen. Don't do it, Marshall. Somebody has to. No. You killed him, Marshall. I misjudged him, Hank. He was worse than I thought. What? He wouldn't only kill a man for $500. He was willing to die for it. Him. In a moment, our star, William Conrad. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed. A cigarette made better and packed better, smokes better, tastes better. And Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray. This electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So accurate. Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most. You know, on the frontier, men fought for fool's reasons like spilled drink. And they fought for good reasons like fenced water. But next week, a man comes to Dodge who won't fight for any reason, still wins his battle. And that was the West. Good night. Gun Smoke, produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald. 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 Long Lawrence Dobkin, John Danar and Ken Lynch. Harley Bear is Chester and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Live Modern Smoke L and M Live Modern smoke L M Only with L M can you enjoy the full, extended, exciting flavor of today's finest tobaccos. No other cigarette, plane or filter gives you the full, exciting flavor you get through the pure white miracle tip. So light up, free up. Let your taste come alive. Live modern smoke L M Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke 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 and send us an email podcast trwesterns.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.
William Conrad
Sam.
Episode Title: Man Hunter
Original Air Date: May 27, 1956
Release Date: August 11, 2025
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored rendition of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Man Hunter." Originally aired on May 27, 1956, this story delves into the moral complexities and dangers faced by Marshal Matt Dillon in the untamed frontier of Dodge City. The restoration enhances the original audio, bringing vivid sounds and rich performances to modern listeners.
The episode opens with Marshal Matt Dillon engaging in his daily duties in Dodge City. His calm routine is interrupted by the arrival of Ben Quillen, a deputy sheriff from Prescott, Arizona. Quillen arrives with a warrant for the arrest of Ike Abbott, a man Dillon considers a friend. Dillon is conflicted, knowing Ike's good nature and questioning the validity of the warrant.
Quote:
Ben Quillen: "I've been hunting anybody from Arizona. He must have heard about it." (04:15)
Dillon grapples with the decision to arrest Ike, weighing his duty against his personal relationship. Quillen pressures Dillon to comply, revealing that Ike is wanted for murder—a charge that challenges Dillon's perception of his friend. Dillon decides to delay the arrest, hoping to resolve the matter without bloodshed.
Quote:
Matt Dillon: "I didn't want to kill him. I'll bring him in for you." (12:30)
Quillen grows suspicious of Dillon's reluctance and suspects ulterior motives. He confronts Dillon, revealing his true intentions—to collect a reward by capturing Ike. Dillon stands firm, asserting the warrant's questionable legitimacy and refusing to turn over his friend without just cause.
Quote:
Ben Quillen: "I hate men like you who go out after other men just for the reward money." (18:45)
The standoff reaches its peak as Quillen brings Ike before Dillon, attempting to enforce the arrest. Ike insists on his innocence, and the tension escalates into a physical confrontation. Quillen's determination to claim the reward leads to a deadly showdown, testing Dillon's resolve to protect his friend and uphold justice.
Quote:
Matt Dillon: "You'd shoot Hank here for trying to escape before you reach the Colorado line." (24:20)
In the aftermath of the confrontation, Quillen's true nature is exposed. Dillon's unwavering commitment to justice and friendship prevails, ensuring that Ike remains protected unless incontrovertible evidence surfaces. The episode concludes with Dillon reflecting on the complexities of law enforcement in the Wild West.
Quote:
Matt Dillon: "He's a man. I make no exception." (26:30)
The central conflict revolves around Ben Quillen's pursuit of Ike Abbott under a dubious warrant. Quillen's ulterior motive of securing a reward creates a moral dilemma for Marshal Dillon, who values personal integrity over bureaucratic directives. The climax unfolds during the confrontation at the ranch, where Quillen's aggressive tactics clash with Dillon's ethical stance, culminating in a tense and dramatic resolution.
Marshal Dillon successfully navigates the conflict by prioritizing justice and his personal bond with Ike over Quillen's flawed authority. The resolution reinforces Dillon's role as a protector of his community and a man of principle, highlighting the themes of loyalty, moral integrity, and the complexities of frontier justice.
Ben Quillen:
"I've been hunting anybody from Arizona. He must have heard about it." (04:15)
Matt Dillon:
"I didn't want to kill him. I'll bring him in for you." (12:30)
Ben Quillen:
"I hate men like you who go out after other men just for the reward money." (18:45)
Matt Dillon:
"You'd shoot Hank here for trying to escape before you reach the Colorado line." (24:20)
Matt Dillon:
"He's a man. I make no exception." (26:30)
"Man Hunter" is a poignant exploration of the ethical challenges faced by lawmen in the Old West. Through the masterful performances and enhanced audio quality, listeners are immersed in a narrative that balances action with deep moral questioning. Marshal Matt Dillon's unwavering sense of justice serves as a timeless reminder of the virtues required to maintain order and honor in tumultuous times.
For those new to Gunsmoke or Old Time Radio Westerns, this episode offers a compelling blend of suspense, character depth, and classic Western storytelling, all revitalized through meticulous digital restoration.
Produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald
Story by John Meston
Music by Rex Corey
Sound Patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James
Cast Highlights:
Thank you for listening to the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast. For more episodes, visit otrwesterns.com and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.