Old Time Radio Westerns: Gunsmoke – "No Sale" (08-26-56)

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Title: No Sale (Gunsmoke, original air date August 26, 1956)
Release Date: September 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In this restored classic episode of "Gunsmoke," saloon co-owner Kitty Russell and her partner Sam Noonan receive a surprising and lucrative offer for their business, the Long Branch. As Marshal Matt Dillon investigates, he discovers hidden motives behind the potential buyers’ eagerness and uncovers a web of deception and intimidation. The episode explores themes of trust, greed, and loyalty amidst the unpredictable landscape of Dodge City.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. A Mysterious Offer on the Long Branch

• [02:49–04:33]
  • Kitty and Sam are approached by Tom Breece and Red Temple, who offer $20,000 to buy their saloon—significantly more than the estimated value, but with unusual haste and terms.
  • Quote (Sam Noonan, 04:13):
    “We want to buy it. We'll give you 10,000 cash... and 5,000 a year for the next two years. That makes 20,000 in all.”
  • Kitty is wary, but Sam is tempted by the seemingly generous offer.

2. Suspicion and Rejection

• [07:58–08:31]
  • By morning, Kitty’s suspicion overtakes her initial uncertainty. She refuses to go through with the deal, put off by the buyers’ pushy behavior.
  • Quote (Kitty Russell, 08:14):
    “I honestly don't know, Matt. Maybe I just don't like those two... I don't like their big hurry either.”
  • The buyers react poorly to her decision, demanding a settlement by Wednesday.

3. Coercion and Threats

• [10:41–11:41]
  • Breece and Temple confront Kitty in her room, threatening her and explicitly warning that her partner Sam will be in danger if she doesn’t agree to sell.
  • Quote (Tom Breece, 11:31):
    “We'll kill him, that's all. Think it over, Kitty. Think it over hard.”
  • Kitty is shaken but keeps the threat to herself, pressured into reconsidering the sale.

4. Kitty’s Apparent Change of Heart

• [13:48–14:34]
  • She announces to Matt and Sam that she has decided to proceed with the sale, masking her anxiety with a show of indifference.
  • Notable Moment: The sadness in Kitty’s voice signifies her duress, hinting to Matt her deeper struggle.

5. The Real Scheme Unraveled

• [15:01–18:45]
  • Chester brings word of Glenn Horn, a rich gambler from Abilene, who reveals he spoke openly of his own plans to buy the Long Branch for $15,000.
  • Matt deduces that Breece and Temple learned of Horn’s interest, aiming to buy the saloon cheaply and flip it to Horn for a quick profit.
  • Quote (Matt Dillon, 20:37):
    “Glenn Horn was thinking of offering 15,000 for the Long Branch and these two heard about it. So they bought it for 10,000 and were gonna make a fast 5,000 dollar profit on it.”

6. Exposing the Crooks, Defending Kitty

• [20:16–22:10]
  • The scheme collapses: Horn refuses to play along, Breece and Temple ask for their money back, and their intimidation is revealed.
  • When threatened, Matt stands off against Temple, culminating in a deadly showdown.
  • Quote (Matt Dillon, 21:11):
    “You’re looking at me, Temple. And you keep looking at me... You should have hired a better gunman, Breece.”
  • Kitty and Sam regain ownership and resolve to keep running the Long Branch.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kitty’s Calm Refusal:

  • [08:14] “I honestly don't know, Matt. Maybe I just don't like those two. And I don't like their big hurry either...” – Kitty

• Threat in the Night:

  • [11:31] “We'll kill him, that's all. Think it over, Kitty. Think it over hard.” – Tom Breece

• Exposing the Plot:

  • [20:37] “Glenn Horn was thinking of offering 15,000 for the Long Branch and these two heard about it. So they bought it for 10,000 and were gonna make a fast 5,000 dollar profit on it.” – Matt Dillon

• Matt’s Final Stand:

  • [21:11] “You're looking at me, Temple. And you keep looking at me. ... You should have hired a better gunman, Breece.” – Matt Dillon

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:49] – Breece & Temple offer to buy the Long Branch
• [08:03] – Kitty refuses the suspicious deal
• [10:41] – Threats made to Kitty in her room
• [13:48] – Kitty and Sam agree to sell, under duress
• [15:01] – Chester learns about Glenn Horn’s arrival and intentions
• [18:24–19:20] – The buyers’ true plan begins to unravel in the Long Branch
• [20:16–21:11] – Breece and Temple confront Matt; the gunfight
• [22:10] – Resolution: Kitty and Sam keep the saloon

Episode Tone & Style

“Gunsmoke” employs the atmospheric tension and laconic dialogue of the classic radio West, featuring tightly wound drama, moral ambiguity, and measured heroics. The performances tap into a sense of camaraderie and vigilance, highlighted by William Conrad’s authoritative portrayal of Marshal Dillon, the fortitude of Kitty Russell, and the duplicity of Breece and Temple.

Takeaway

This episode of "Gunsmoke" serves as a cautionary tale about quick deals and hidden motives, showing how greed can spark both deceit and danger, but also how community loyalty and moral clarity—personified by Marshal Dillon and Kitty Russell—can ultimately restore order in the Wild West.