
Original Air Date: January 08, 1961Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Vic Perrin• Jeanne Bates• John ...
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Tilda
What do you think makes the perfect snack? Hmm.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
It's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.
Tilda
Could you be more specific?
Liberty Mutual Announcer
When it's cravinient.
Tom Cook
Okay.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m.
Tilda
I'm seeing a pattern here.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.
Tilda
Crave, which is anything from AM pm.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much. Good stuff. Limu Gamu and Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu. Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We say that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty.
Tom Cook
Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Liberty. Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts. Massachusetts.
Narrator
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Tom Cook
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. Gun Sport Starring William Conrad. The 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 lonely. Limu game.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual.
Tilda
But.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu. Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We save. That may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Liberty Liberty.
Tilda
Liberty.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Liberty Savings Very underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.
Tom Cook
Oh, is it folks? Dodge City. Where's the best hotel driver? The Dodge House, right down the street. You and the Mrs. Be real comfortable there.
Tilda
Thanks.
Tom Cook
He'll have your bags down in a few minutes. Give me your hand, Childer.
Tilda
It doesn't seem like we could be here already. I thought it would take longer.
Tom Cook
That's because you're so excited. Come on, let's wait over here, huh? Well, what do you think of Dodge?
Tilda
I'll let you know after we get something to eat. I'm famished, Tom.
Tom Cook
So am I. Where'd that driver get to?
Tilda
Oh, he must be inside.
Tom Cook
Well, he'll know a good place to eat.
Tilda
You find him, Tom. I'll wait here.
Tom Cook
Don't you run away now.
Tilda
You never have to worry about that.
Tom Cook
I'll be back in a minute. Well, hello there, missy.
Tilda
I beg your pardon.
Tom Cook
You're the prettiest little thing I've seen around here. How about you and me having a little drink somewhere? Got a pocket full of money? What? What's matter? You a school marm or something, huh? Well, that don't matter. I like school more.
Tilda
Why don't you go back to your trough, mister?
Tom Cook
Well, you little hussy, you.
Tilda
Let go.
Tom Cook
I ought to slap you. Get your hands off. People don't shove me, mister. Don't they? You are right, Tilda. Did he hurt you?
Tilda
I'm all right. He's just a drunk.
Tom Cook
He's more than just a drunk man. What do you mean? He's Ed Ivers, partner. Well, I never heard of Ed Ivers. He and Varden here run a cattle outfit just across the river. Ivers is kind of a dangerous man. He had quite a reputation back in Texas. A gunman, you mean? Yeah. They say he was real handy. Oh, Tom Varden's gonna be pretty mad when he comes, too. Nobody's gonna insult my wife. I don't care whose partner he is. Just too bad it had to happen. Well, I'm not going to worry about it. Where'd you say that eating place was? Del Monaco is right down there. Thanks. Let's go, Tilden.
Tilda
A little more coffee, Tom?
Tom Cook
Thanks, Tilda. I don't know I like this idea. You're going to work here in Dodge?
Tilda
Just for a while, Tom, Till we get on our feet a little. Besides, I'd like to work in a general store like that.
Tom Cook
How do you know he needs anybody?
Tilda
I could tell by looking in the window. Got lots of lady wear to sell.
Tom Cook
Well, if it'll make you happy, then.
Tilda
Just think, I'll be making money, too. We add it to what you'll make at the loading pens and we'll be able to get our own place that much sooner.
Tom Cook
What's the matter?
Tilda
Nothing.
Tom Cook
That man been staring at you?
Tilda
It doesn't Matter, Tom.
Tom Cook
These people in Dodge gotta learn something.
Tilda
Please, Tom, don't make trouble.
Tom Cook
He's the one making it. Hey, you. Me? You're the one staring at the lady, ain't you? I guess I was kind of looking her way. She's my wife and I won't stand for it, mister. Well, see, I thought she was somebody I know down in Texas. Margie May Grilt, as a matter of fact. Now, look, miss, I ain't seen Marjorie May Grilk in 10 years. She's this little bitty old thing. Then I probably wouldn't know her even if it is Now. You know, your wife looks something like her, that's all. I didn't mean to. I ain't been in Dodge an hour and I've had nothing but trouble with you people. I said I didn't mean no offense. Will you just watch your step? My goodness, Mr. Dung, he sure is a hothead. The way you were staring at her, I can't say I blame him. Chester. Oh, well, dog on it. I did think she might maybe be Margie Mae Grill. So you were mistaken. Well, he's just Looking for trouble, Mr. Dillon. Chester, finish your coffee.
Tilda
Thank you. And here's your change. Would there be anything else? Not today, but I'll be back next week, dearie. You're welcome anytime, madam. Bye. Oh, excuse me, boy. Hello. May I? Hey, you.
Tom Cook
Hello, missy.
Tilda
What are you doing here?
Tom Cook
There's that girl I told you about, Ivers. The one at the stage depot. Yeah.
Tilda
If there's something you want, I'll get Mr. Jonas. He's right out back.
Tom Cook
No way. My name is Ed Ivers, and I seen you before somewhere.
Tilda
That isn't likely. This is my second day in Dodge.
Tom Cook
No, I don't mean Dodge. Where you from, anyway?
Tilda
It's none of your business where I'm from. Now, if you want something.
Tom Cook
Wait a minute. I remember a riverboat. The Memphis Queen.
Tilda
What?
Tom Cook
Well, that's it, ain't it? It's about two years back. Oh, I did a lot of gambling on that river. But don't you remember me, Ed Ivers?
Tilda
I don't know what you're talking about.
Tom Cook
You mean it, Ivers? You. You knowed her on the Mississippi? Well, I'm sure of it now. And you was just as pretty then, too.
Tilda
That's a lie. I won't stand for this. Now, get out, both of you.
Tom Cook
Hey, that. That young fellow that hit Varden here. Was it your husband?
Tilda
Get out of here, I said.
Tom Cook
You ever get tired of him? Just let me know. Come on, Varden. What a cheat.
Tilda
Oh no.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu. Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We save. That may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings vary unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes.
Tilda
Massachusetts what do you think makes the perfect snack?
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.
Tilda
Could you be more specific?
Liberty Mutual Announcer
When it's cravinho.
Tilda
Okay.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter available right down the street at a.m. p.m. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at a.m. p.m.
Tilda
I'm seeing a pattern here.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Well, yeah, we're talking about what I crave.
Tilda
Which is anything from AM PM what.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
More could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience AM P. M. Too much good stuff.
Tom Cook
This coming Tuesday evening on most of these stations hear the CBS radio special the Friars Club testimonial dinner for screen star Gary Cooper. That famous friendly verbal dart thrower George Jessel will be roastmaster with Jack Benny, George Burns, Milton Burl, Bob Hope, Sammy Davis Jr. Dean Martin, Carl Sandberg, Greer Garson, Audrey Hepburn and Art Linkletter participating in the festivities. Hear for yourself. The Friars Gary Cooper testimonial Tuesday evening over most of these stations. Chester. I sure am glad I have my loading pens today, Tom. Oh, I'm awful hot headed sometimes, Chester. I'm sorry. Nah, nah, nah. Ain't no harm done. But I must admit I sure didn't take much of a liking to you yesterday. And here today I am buying you a drink of liquor. And what's worse, I'm drinking it. I don't know what got into me yesterday. Tomorrow thinking on it. Your wife Tilda don't look none at all like that Margie May Grill down in Texas. You know, I thought you made that all up. Oh my land. Oh, now that's the truth. Except Margie May Grilt wasn't nowhere near as pretty as your Tilda. Oh, so that's her name. What? Tilda. You remember the name Ivers? Oh no, the name don't matter. What is this? Ed Ivers here met your wife today, young fella. Look, mister, I don't take to men like you trying to be friendly with my wife? You should have learned that yesterday. And I'd just assume you didn't mention her name in a place like this. Ain't easy. I mean it, mister. Don't get yourself all riled up, boy. Just that your wife's no better than she ought to be. I'll kill you for that. Well, now, he ain't armed Irish, so he ain't. I can get my gun. Math you do, anyway. Now, you leave him alone. Keep out of this, Chester. You're being a gunman don't bother me at all, mister. Well, now, I guess nothing bothers you, does it? Marrying a woman off in a river. You watch what you're saying. Your wife, Tilda, is it? Worked on the Memphis Queen. I rode it down to Mississippi several times. Mister, I'm going to have to kill you now. You couldn't kill me even if you had a gun. Worth your life trying. Not over no cheap riverboat woman. You wait right here. I'll get my gun and I'll be back. I ain't got time, boy. We gotta get back out the place. I'll come after you. No need for that. I'll be back in town sometime tomorrow and you can live till then. All right. All right. I'll meet you right here. Now, I'm telling you, she ain't worth dying for, boy. But I'll be here. Oh, now, Tom, you just don't. Never mind what he says. I'll kill him. I'll kill both of them. Tom Cook? Yes. What do you want? I'd like to talk to you, Marshall Dillon. Oh, come in. Thank you. Tilda, this is Marshall Dillon.
Tilda
Marshall Dillon.
Tom Cook
Hello. Maybe I ought to talk to you alone, Tom. Oh, that's all right, Marshall. I can guess why you're here. Till and me have no secrets from each other. I told her all about it. I see. Did you know Ed Ivers is an ex gunman? I can't let any man talk like that about my wife. He'd be a hard man to beat. That ain't important, Marshall. You get killed, what'll happen to Tilda? She'd be better off than having a coward for a husband, wouldn't she? Look, you're both young. You got a long life together if you play it right. I was just going down for a bottle, Marshall. Wait a minute, Tom. Maybe you'll join us in a drink before supper. Providing we talk about something else. Give him a chair, Tilda. You know any way I can talk him out of getting himself killed?
Tilda
If I did. I. I'd have done it myself. Marshall, please sit down.
Tom Cook
No, thank you. Of course, I can't blame Tom. Ed Ivers said some pretty rough things.
Tilda
You believe it?
Tom Cook
I didn't say that.
Tilda
Well, it's true. I did work on the Memphis Queen a whole year. I don't remember Ed Ivers, but it doesn't matter. I know what you're thinking. I'm a liar and a cheat. I'm no good thinking what any man would think, including Tom.
Tom Cook
You need help, Tilda.
Tilda
How can anybody help me now?
Tom Cook
I think I know somebody who can.
Tilda
What?
Tom Cook
After supper, you tell Tom to go have a drink. And you come over to my office, huh?
Tilda
All right, Marshall. Hello, Matt.
Tom Cook
Kiddy, this is Tilda.
Tilda
Hello, Tilda. Hello, Kitty.
Tom Cook
I'm leaving you in good hands, Tilda. I'll see you later, Kitty.
Tilda
Sure, Matt. Thank you, Marshall. Come in, Tilda. Sit down. Drink? No. No, thanks. Matt told me everything. Tilda, you've got quite a problem, haven't you? And there isn't a thing I can do about it. How much do you love your husband? Oh, Kitty. Do you think he loves you? I know he does. He's gonna find out about me someday. He won't love me then.
Tom Cook
Well, how do you know?
Tilda
What man would tell me about the Memphis Queen? Tilda. That riverboat. Just what did you do while you worked on it? I sang a little. Got men to buy drinks, that's all. Still, that gives the girl a bad reputation, doesn't it? According to men like Ed Ivern. Well, a lot of people think the same way. How about your husband, Tom? Tom doesn't know, Kitty. No, he doesn't, does he? Well, I guess it doesn't matter anyway, Tilda. He can't amount to much.
Tom Cook
What?
Tilda
Who can't amount to much? Tom. I mean, if you don't trust him, have faith in him, you can't be much good. Can he trust him? I'd trust him with my life. Would you? Of course I would. Then why haven't you told him the truth? Hey, this is Sarah. Look, I'm standing out front of a.m. p.m. Right now and, well, you're sweet and all, but I found something more fulfilling. Even kind of cheesy. But I like it. Sure, you met some of my dietary needs, but they've just got it all, so. Farewell, oatmeal, so long, you strange soggy.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Break up with bland breakfast and taste AM PM's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit made with cage free eggs, smoked bacon and melty cheese on a buttery biscuit. A.m. p. M. Too much. Good stuff.
Tilda
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Tom Cook
You're better off staying here in the.
Tilda
Hotel Tilly while you go to the Long Ranch and wait for Ed Ivers to come to town.
Tom Cook
Now, don't worry. There's never been a gunman yet who ain't been beat. Sooner or later.
Tilda
Tom. Tom, can't we just go away right now somewhere?
Tom Cook
You know we can't.
Tilda
Tom. Oh, here now, Tom, I. I gotta tell you something.
Tom Cook
Now, don't get all upset. Everything's gonna be all right.
Tilda
What Ed Ivett says is true.
Tom Cook
What?
Tilda
It's true. I did work on the Memphis Queen.
Tom Cook
Well, now, what are you saying? You've gone crazy.
Tilda
True, but it wasn't like you'd think.
Tom Cook
Stop that now.
Tilda
I'm not lying to you now. I couldn't tell you before I tried you.
Tom Cook
You mean it, don't you?
Tilda
Yes, I mean it, Tom. To. Hello. You're Tom Cook, aren't you?
Tom Cook
How'd you know?
Tilda
I guess.
Tom Cook
Who are you, anyway?
Tilda
Kitty Russell. I own this place.
Tom Cook
Oh. Oh, look, Miss Kitty, I can't talk to you now.
Tilda
You must be awful good with a gun to face Iris.
Tom Cook
I'm waiting for him.
Tilda
You've got a nice wife, Tom.
Tom Cook
You've got it mixed up. I don't have a wife.
Tilda
Huh? Well, you better brace yourself. Ivers and his partner just came in.
Tom Cook
Now, just get out of my way, huh?
Tilda
Yeah. Good luck.
Tom Cook
Get over to the bar, Gordon. Yeah. Well, boy, it's your move. Go on, draw. I. I got no reason. What? What you said about Tilda. It's true, Ibert. I found out you was right. You found out just in time. Now, it ain't that I'm afraid of you. No, of course not, boy. I never said you was. Well, come on. Let me buy you a drink. No, thanks. I got one. Barkeeper, you set out a bottle here. Matter of fact, make it two. Two bottles? Yeah. We're having us a drink, Martin. To Tom Cook. Now, there's a real man. He can admit when he's wrong. And it ain't everybody can do that, is it? Oh, he found out his wife come off riverboat after all, did he? That's right. Here, boy. You just go ahead and have yourself a drink on that. Iverson. No, thanks. He ain't very friendly, is he? You came flaming after finding out about his wife. That must be quite a blow. Oh, yeah, yeah. He's well out of it. You ask. That's right, T. I know them women, and they are plumb bad, all of them. Oh, yeah. Now, you can't trust them riverboat cheats, nary one. You sure found that out by now, ain't you, boy? Ain't you, boy? I've heard all I want to hear. That did it, boy. You forced me, Ivers. Go ahead. Bring your gun up, boy. I'm waiting.
Tilda
Stop it, Ivers.
Tom Cook
Now you're a cool one.
Tilda
You shoot that boy again, I'll blow your head off with a shotgun.
Tom Cook
Put a bullet in you before you can squeeze your trigger.
Tilda
You wouldn't reach the door light.
Tom Cook
Who says I wouldn't? I do. Drop the gun, Iris. This ain't your fight, Marshall. Drop it, I say. All right, all right. Some of you men get Tom up the docks. He drew on me first, Marshall. Get out of here, Ryers, and take Parton with you. I said he drew first, you hear? Don't push your luck, Ivers. You taking over for that boy? I am. Well, he sure ain't would. Come on, bud. Are you all right, Kitty?
Tilda
Yeah, I'm okay. Oh, man, I was so scared.
Tom Cook
Kitty, you did fine. Hey, Sam. I think Ms. Russell could use a drink. Well, that does it, Tom. You're gonna be all right. You haven't a thing to worry about. Oh, yes, I have. Documented. I'll be in the other room if you need anything, Tilda.
Tilda
Is it all right if I talk to him now, Doc?
Tom Cook
Sure.
Tilda
Thanks, Doctor.
Tom Cook
Tom, I. I didn't know you were here.
Tilda
I've been here the whole time. Doc didn't want me to bother you at first.
Tom Cook
Says I'm gonna be all right.
Tilda
Yes, I'm thankful for that, Tom. I'm sorry.
Tom Cook
Why didn't you tell me right from the beginning?
Tilda
I was afraid you wouldn't understand. I was. I was afraid I might lose you. I love you so much, Tom. I didn't want anything to happen.
Tom Cook
It wouldn't have made any difference if I'd only known from the start.
Tilda
But I wasn't sure I. I should have had enough faith to tell you.
Tom Cook
I don't guess I gave you much of a chance to. I guess maybe we was both wrong tomorrow.
Narrator
This is the story of the One As a maintenance supervisor at a manufacturing facility, he knows keeping the line up and running is a top priority. That's why he chooses Grainger. Because when a drive belt gets damaged, Grainger makes it easy to find the exact specs for the replacement product he needs. And next day delivery helps ensure he'll have everything in place and running like clockwork. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music. Limu. Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We save. That may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates.
Tom Cook
Excludes Massachusetts Hi, this is Dennis James to make a point about reliable, effective Kellogg's All Brand. Repeat after me please. What do you want when you need brand? What do you want when you need brand? Reliability. Reliability. Now, what do you get in Kellogg's All Brands? What do you get in Kellogg's All Brand? Reliability? Right? You see, Kellogg's All Brand is the reliable brand that millions depend on for the effectiveness they want. It's the real Battle Creek formula that brings you more brand bulk in every serving. More of the vital brand bulk that helps you keep regular. Kellogg's All Brand is also low in calories and mighty pleasant tasting. You can trust Kellogg's for that. The crisp toasted shreds have the kind of good brand muffin flavor that most folks are partial to. So next time you are shopping, get Kellogg's All Brand and you'll get reliability. That's what you get in Kellogg's All Brand Reliability. Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald, stars William Carlos Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston and adapted for radio by Frank Paris. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Gene Bates, John Dana, Lawrence Dobkin and Harry Bartel. Marley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is kidding. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Guns Smoke.
Narrator
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
And Doug Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. But now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music Limu Save yourself money today. Increase your wealth. Customize and save. We say that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Ferry Unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company affiliates excludes Massachusetts.
Narrator
This is the story of the 1. As a maintenance supervisor at a manufacturing facility, he knows keeping the line up and running is a top priority. That's why he chooses Grainger, because when a drive belt gets damaged, Grainger makes it easy to find the exact specs with a replacement product in the needs and next day delivery helps ensure he'll have everything in place and running like clockwork. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.
Liberty Mutual Announcer
Limu and I always tell you to customize your car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual, but now we want you to feel it. Cue the emu music Limu Save yourself money today. Increasing your wealth. Customize and save. We say that may have been too much feeling. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings Very unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates. Excludes Massachusetts.
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Date: September 14, 2025
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a restored broadcast of "Old Faces," a classic Gunsmoke radio drama from January 8, 1961. The story delves into secrets from the past, misunderstandings, and the dangers of reputation in the Old West. Tom Cook and his wife Tilda arrive in Dodge City seeking a fresh start, but Tilda’s hidden history and the menacing Ed Ivers threaten their happiness. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon, steadfast as ever, must handle the fallout of old associations and new provocations, navigating pride, love, and the harsh code of the frontier.
Tilda stands up to Ed Ivers:
“Why don’t you go back to your trough, mister?” – Tilda ([04:46])
Tom bristling with pride:
“Nobody’s gonna insult my wife. I don’t care whose partner he is.” – Tom ([05:10])
Kitty urges honesty:
“If you don’t trust him, can he be much good? ... Why haven’t you told him the truth?” – Kitty ([17:58]-[18:05])
Tilda’s declaration:
“I was afraid you wouldn’t understand. I was. I was afraid I might lose you. I love you so much, Tom.” – Tilda ([25:48])
Tom's acknowledgement:
“It wouldn’t have made any difference if I’d only known from the start.” – Tom ([25:57])
| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 03:25 | Arrival in Dodge, first trouble with Ivers | | 08:28 | Ivers recognizes Tilda from the Memphis Queen | | 11:01 | Ivers provokes Tom; rumors escalate | | 14:34 | Marshal Dillon urges Tom to avoid violence | | 16:52 | Kitty counsels Tilda about trust and honesty | | 20:14 | Tilda confesses her past to Tom | | 21:25 | Saloon confrontation; Tom refuses to draw | | 23:32 | Tilda intervenes with a shotgun; Dillon restores peace | | 25:20 | Emotional reconciliation in doctor’s office |
The episode is marked by tense, emotionally charged dialogue, true to Gunsmoke’s tradition of tackling adult themes like trust, reputation, and courage. The story’s resolution is warm and moralistic, emphasizing the importance of honesty and faith between partners even when the world is judgmental. The restored audio further immerses listeners in the evocative soundscape of Dodge, bringing a timeless story to new life.
For those who haven’t listened:
"Old Faces" examines how secrets and pride can test a relationship in a rough frontier town. It’s a classic Western story: suspenseful, character-driven, and ultimately hopeful, reminding us that love and truth can win out—if given a chance.