No Sale | Gunsmoke (08-26-56)

Summary

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Transcript

[A]

At Energy Trust of Oregon, we understand that energy isn't just what happens when you flip a switch, it's what happens afterwards. It's a home that can provide both shelter and peace of mind. It's a business that can run more efficiently and keep their dream alive. And it's communities that can thrive today and flourish tomorrow. That's energy. And that's why we partner with local utility companies to help you save energy and lower costs. For cash incentives and resources that can help power your life, visit energytrust.org 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 26, 1956 and the title is no Sale. Gun Smoke brought to you by L M the modern cigarette that lets you get full exciting flavor through the modern miracle of the pure white miracle. Tip. Live Modern Smoke. L M 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 transcribed 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. It.

[B]

Hello, Matt.

[A]

Miss Kitty. I'm looking for your partner, Kitty.

[B]

Oh, Sam. He's in back, breaking out a shipment of whiskey. We just got. Sit down. He'll be here in a few minutes.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Sam in trouble, man?

[A]

Oh, no, Kitty. I just wanted some information from him. It's nothing important.

[B]

That's good. Look at those two men.

[A]

I don't know. They're strangers to me. That one wearing a gun. I'd like to keep a stranger. Where is the owner of this place? You don't look like he's gonna make nobody happy.

[B]

Hey, excuse me.

[A]

Let Sam take care of him. Kidding.

[B]

That's my job, too.

[A]

Go get the owner, miss, if you want to talk to him.

[B]

I'm one of the owners.

[A]

You?

[B]

What is it you want?

[A]

We can't do business with no woman. Briefs.

[B]

And what's wrong with doing business with a woman, mister?

[A]

Well, it ain't fitting, that's all. Well, what's going on, Kitty? You the real owner here, mister? Mister, Kitty and I own it together. What can we do for you? My name's Tom Briese. This here is Red Temple. I'm Sam Noonan. They say this saloon's worth about $15,000. Is that right? I guess that's about right. Why? We want to buy it. What? They said we want to buy it. We'll give you 10,000 cash.

[B]

You just said yourself it's worth 15.

[A]

I hadn't finished. We'll give you 10,000 now and 5,000 a year for the next two years. That makes 20,000 in all. You give us $20,000, go check at the bank. The first 10's on deposit there right now. And your banker, Mr. Botkin, will have the bill of sale drawn up by tomorrow morning.

[B]

You're awful sure of yourself, aren't you, Breece, not Kitty.

[A]

All they want to do is give us $20,000.

[B]

Where you meant from, anyway?

[A]

Abilene. We come in on the Santa Fe this morning, and our money is good. This is kind of sudden, but. $20,000?

[B]

What do we want to sell for Sam? This is a good business.

[A]

Sam knows a good deal, miss. Trust him. Sure, if it's legitimate, why not?

[B]

Well, I don't know.

[A]

Look, why don't you two talk it over, and we'll come back in the morning and settle everything.

[B]

We'll talk it over, all right. Sam can't sell without me.

[A]

Oh, well, you listen to him now. He knows what he's doing. We'll see you in the morning. Come on, Temple. He's right, Kitty. We'd be crazy not to sell at that price.

[B]

I'll sleep on it, Sam.

[A]

Sure, sure, you do that. But come on out back for a minute. I want to show you that new whiskey we ordered.

[B]

All right. I'm going out back for a minute, Matt.

[A]

Okay, Kelly. Well, I'll be doggone. What do you make of that, Mr. Dillon? Sounds like a good deal, don't it? Yeah, if, like Sam said, it's legitimate. Why don't you live modern Live modern Live, live, live modern Change to L M Only with L. M can you enjoy the full exciting flavor of today's finest tobaccos through the modern miracle of the L M miracle tip through the pure white miracle tip L. M tastes richer Smokes cleaner, draws easier no other cigarette, plain or filter, gives you all the flavor you want the rich, exciting flavor you get only from L and M so light up, free up let your taste come alive Live modern Smoke L and M Make today your big red letter day and start to live the modern way Live, live, live modern Get L M today Sam, I just ate and I'm still hungry. But it's a nice morning, though, ain't it, Mr. John? Yeah. Nice enough to get Kitty out bright and early. What? Oh. Hey, she looks mighty pretty, don't she?

[B]

Good morning, gentlemen.

[A]

Good morning, Miss Kitty. Well, are you in business or out, Kitty?

[B]

In. I told him this morning I'm not selling.

[A]

Well, I. How does Sam feel about it?

[B]

Sam's hardly speaking to me.

[A]

How bad or what decided you?

[B]

I honestly don't know, Matt. Maybe I just don't like those two. And I don't like their big hurry either. They insist the deal has to be settled by Wednesday, day after tomorrow, no later. So I told them I needed more time, that's all. But they can't wait. So I made a definite no.

[A]

Well, it's your right, Kitty.

[B]

It sure is. Well, drop around later.

[A]

Okay. So long, Miss Kitty.

[B]

Bye.

[A]

Well, that's that. Yeah. Hey, look, Mr. Dillon. What? Them two fellas. You think they're fixing to follow her? It won't do them any good. When Kitty makes up her mind, she doesn't often change it. Marshall Dillon. Hello, Brace Devil. How'd you know our names? I've heard. Oh, through Kitty Russell, no doubt. Do you want to see me? You say you're a good friend. The Kitty's? Yeah, that's right. She tell you about turning down our offer? She mentioned it, yeah. She's making a mistake, Marshall. I think it's up to her what she does, don't you? Oh, sure, sure. Maybe you could kind of change your mind. What, by Wednesday? There's a thousand dollars in it for you. Better take it, Marshall. I had. Huh? Tell me something, Temple. Is that more or less than he's paying you? Hm? Hey, now, look here. Easy, Temple. What do you say, Marshall? I don't know what your game is, Breece, but if I find out and I don't happen to like it, you're gonna be in trouble. Both of you. Come on, Temple. Yeah, we'll meet again, Marshall. Anytime. My goodness. They're gonna bear watching, ain't they? Yeah, they sure. Well, this is number nine. Go ahead, Temple. Knock.

[B]

What do you want?

[A]

We want to talk to you, Kitty. In private.

[B]

Now, look here. What do you think you're doing busting into my room like this?

[A]

Else you get hurt.

[B]

Oh, so that's it. I should have known you were nothing but a hired gun when I first saw you. Temple, let go of me.

[A]

Hit me. I'll show you. Ah. Temple. Now, hold it. Leave her alone. She slapped. I said leave her alone. See you later, Kitty. Kitty, you listen to me. I'm gonna make it real short, then you're through.

[B]

Now get out of here.

[A]

We're going to buy the long branch, Kitty. And we're gonna buy it before Wednesday.

[B]

No, you're not.

[A]

Okay, Kitty. You were right about Red Temple. He is a gunman.

[B]

So? You gonna have him shoot me?

[A]

No, no. Your partner, Sam Noonan.

[B]

You wouldn't dare.

[A]

But if you go to the marshal or anybody else about it, he'll shoot you, too. It'd be a pleasure.

[B]

No. Look, you can't do anything to Sam.

[A]

We'll kill him, that's all. Think it over, Kitty. Think it over hard. Why don't you Live modern Live modern Live live live modern Change to L, M L M is the modern cigarette that lets you get all the full exciting flavor of today's finest tobaccos no other cigarette you can buy, plane or filter Gives you the flavor that you get through the modern miracle of the L and miracle tip through the pure white Miracle tip L and M Tastes richer Smokes cleaner, draws easier so light up, free up Let your taste come alive Live modern Smoke L and M Make today your big red letter day and start to live the modern way Live live live modern Get L and M today Evening, Marshall. Hello, Sam. Do you hear the news? Oh, what news? Kitty. She's changed her mind. We're going to sell the long branch after all. You are here. Ask her. You tell him, Kitty.

[B]

What? About selling? It's true, Matt. Why should I turn down all that easy money? I was just being stubborn, I guess.

[A]

Well, you had to think it over some. Kitty, I understand that now, but at least it's your decision. Nobody pushed you into doing it.

[B]

No.

[A]

Come by tomorrow afternoon, Marshall. Drinks will be on the house. Tomorrow? Well, after we get through signing the papers at the bank. Gonna have a little celebration. I'll see you then. Okay, Sam. Kitty, how come you changed your mind?

[B]

You really want to know?

[A]

And if you want to tell me.

[B]

I did it for a friend, Matt. I did it for Sa.

[A]

Well, good morning, Matt. It's past noon, Doc. Well, then it's time to go eat some dinner. All right. Soon as Chester gets back from the depot. Depot? He go to meet somebody. Chester meets everybody who comes in, but his excuse is that he's picking up a man. Now, sit down. Ah, thank you. Thank you, man. Say, you know, Dodge ought to put Chester on the payroll as a kind of official greeter. He'd like that. He wouldn't either, but it's kind of funny. He welcomes Them makes them feel at home. And then you come along and look them over and run half of them back out of town again. Well, maybe that's why I'm not as popular around here as I might be. Well, lawman isn't supposed to be popular, man. Not if he's doing his job right. No, I guess so. You know, practically everybody has something on his conscience, Doug. Yes, that's true, even of me. Oh, you want to tell me about it or wait till I find out and come after you? Well, no, I'll wait. It'll kind of give you something to think about on a rainy afternoon. Okay, doc. Mr. Dylan. Oh, hello, Doc. You here? No, I'm not, Tristan. Oh, A friend yours in town, Mr. Dillon. I met him down at the depot. Oh, who? Chester Glenn Horn. Do you remember him? Sure I do. One of the richest gamblers in Abilene. What's he doing here? He didn't say. Oh, where is he? He went to the Dodge House. He said he'd be by later. Oh, Glenn Horn doesn't travel for pleasure. I think I'll go see him right now. Well, Glenn, the whole thing begins to make sense, doesn't it? Yes, it sure does. But I don't like being taken for a fool. My, and I won't be in the middle on any kind of a crooked game. You never have I know of. I don't even know this pair, this Breeze and Temple. The game works better for them that you don't. I'll admit I was talking some about my plans, but I never thought anybody try a trick like this. Anything for a dollar, Glenn. I suppose you've got some fool law here against shooting people. Well, you take them back to Abilene and shoot him. I'd rather have Bill Hickok worry about it. No, I'm serious, man. You leave the fighting to me, Glenn, if there is any. Do you think his Red Temple's much of a gun? You never know till it happens. But if we handle it the way we plan, maybe there won't be any shooting. Men like them never give up easy, Matt. Let's find out. You ready to go? I'm ready for anything. Come on. Hey, Marshall, come over to the bar. Have a drink now. We just started celebrating. Marshall, what do you have? Well, you can draw me a beer, son. Coming right up. The deal's all set, huh, Kitty?

[B]

Signed and sealed, Matt.

[A]

Hello, Breeze. Temple, Marshall. Sam and Kitty have 10,000 cash in the bank, Marshall. And I've got the bill of sale right here. Now, that's fine, Bree. Glenn Horn. He got here just right, didn't he? Sure did. Let me handle this now. Yeah.

[B]

Who is he, man?

[A]

Wait a minute. Well, Marshall Dillon. Hello, Mr. Horn. What are you doing here? Oh, just business. How you been, Marshall? Oh, fine, thank you. Oh, this is Kenny Russell. Glenn Horn. How do you do? Kitty. Hello. Here's your beer, Marshall. Thank you. This is Glenn Horn. Sam Noonan. Hello, Sam. Have a drink. We're celebrating. No, thanks. I'm taking the train back to Abilene in a few minutes. What'd he say? Shut up. I thought you were here on business, Mr. Horn. Well, I was, Marshal, but I've changed my mind. Matter of fact, I was gonna make an offer for the Long branch here.

[B]

You were gonna buy it?

[A]

Well, I was gonna try to buy it, Miss Kitty. I guess I told everybody in Abilene about it. I even told him I was gonna offer 15,000 for it. Hey, excuse me, Mr. Horn. My name's Breece. My partner there is Red Temple. We just bought the Long branch. Well, that's fine, Mr. Brace. I wish you good luck with it. Yeah. You haven't really changed your mind, have you? Yes. I've decided I prefer Abilene to Dodge. I don't know why. I was thinking of moving anyway. But it's for sale. We'll sell it to you. Maybe even for 14,000.

[B]

You'll do what?

[A]

You stay out of this. No, it's no use, Mr. Breese. My mind's made up. Goodbye, Miss Kitty. Goodbye, Sam. Goodbye, Mr. Horn. Good to see you again, Marshall. Yeah. I'll look you up in Abilene sometime. Bye. Can't let him go, Breeze. He means what he says, Temple. Hey, Kee. Sam, I got something to tell you.

[B]

What?

[A]

Here's the bill of sale. You can have it back.

[B]

What do you mean?

[A]

We've changed our minds too. We want our money.

[B]

What's going on here anyway?

[A]

Deal. Deal's off. We want our money. We're going back to the bank and get it right now. But you can't do that. Yes, we can. Wait a minute, Temple, I want to explain. Marshall, just you keep out of this. Not likely.

[B]

What is it, Matt?

[A]

It's real simple, Kitty. Glen 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 profit on it.

[B]

But they were gonna pay us another 5,000 a year for two years.

[A]

Yeah, if you could find them. Men like them can disappear pretty easy.

[B]

Rotten crooks. I should have known.

[A]

You forgetting something, Kitty?

[B]

All right, Temple. I haven't said anything.

[A]

Oh, so that's it, huh? They've been threatening you, Kitty.

[B]

No, Matt.

[A]

You're looking at me, Temple. And you keep looking at me. Shoot him, Temple. I'd do it, Marshall. Nobody else is armed. Temple. I guess it'll have to be me. You first. Anyway, you killed him. You should have hired a better gunman, Bruce. You can't touch me. I ain't done nothing illegal. No, but you're leaving town. After we go to the bank. What? You want your money back, don't you, Kitty? You and Sam come along, too. Glen Horn is waiting there with 15,000 if you still want to sell. No, no. That ain't fair, Brace. You're lucky they got out of this alive. Now, you keep quiet. Are you too? You still want to sell? I ain't even going to the bank, Marshall. After this, I'm leaving all such matters with Kitty.

[B]

Good. Then we're still going to be running this place. Sam. Let's go, Matt.

[A]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad. How can we make America a better place to live? First, we must keep our own homes in good condition. That goes without saying. Secondly, we must clean up slums. Slums hurt everyone, not only those who live in them. If there's a slum near you, it lowers the value of your house. If there's a slum anywhere, it breeds delinquency and crime. Which you pay for in higher taxes. What can you do? Well, some slums are beyond repair and should be torn down. But some can be rehabilitated. Right now, local groups may be at work in your town. Seeking adequate housing for all our people. Find them. Join them. Right to Action. ACTION is the American Council to Improve Our Neighborhoods. It's a new national nonprofit organization. Designed to give you the information you need. To protect the housing health of your community. Send for Action's free booklet. Write today to Action, Box 20, Radio City Station, New York 20, New York. This has been a CBS Radio public service announcement. And now, William Conrad. You know, on the frontier, most men, even the gunfighters, wore only one gun. Because they felt if you couldn't get the job done with five bullets. You shouldn't get in arguments to begin with. And that was the West. Gunsmoke, produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Our story was specially written for Gun Smoke by John Meston. With music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were John Danar, Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perrin and Harry Bartel. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal, fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gun smoke. Foreign 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. Sam.