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Chester
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Chester
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Chester
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Matt Dillon
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Andrew Rines
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 May 26, 1957 and the title is Palace.
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Chester
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. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. And the story of a man who moved with it.
Matt Dillon
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.
Chester
Yeah, I've got to figure this thing out. Now, Matt, get out of that one.
Matt Dillon
I will, Doc.
Mal
Well, then, go ahead.
Chester
Go ahead, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Oh, I've been waiting a long time
Chester
to teach you how to play checkers.
Matt Dillon
Huh?
Chester
You see, you thought you had me, didn't you?
Matt Dillon
I have, Doc.
Chester
Oh, yeah. Go on, then. Go on.
Matt Dillon
How's that?
Chester
Where'd you see that one? Well, let me wait.
Matt Dillon
You beat Doc and you know.
Chester
Ah, just a moment, just a moment. This isn't so bad, you know. Isn't it?
Matt Dillon
All right, then, go ahead and get out of it.
Mal
Hello.
Chester
There's Chester. Mat. You better go see what he wants.
Matt Dillon
No, no, Doc. I'm not going to leave you alone with this boy.
Mal
I left you in there. I need help.
Chester
Why, he's calling me. Oh, no. Look what I did. Oh, I'm sorry.
Matt Dillon
I'll bet you are.
Chester
Oh, I'd have gotten out of him. I saw them.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know you did. And you made it. What's all the ruckus about, Chester?
Chester
I got me a sick dog across my horse.
Matt Dillon
A what?
Chester
A sick dog. And I'm going back in.
Matt Dillon
Stick around, Doc.
Chester
He's an awful sick dog. You got help? Yeah. What's the matter? Somebody shoot him? No, he's been up in some wolf baits. Well, my goodness, Tess, I'm not a veterinarian. Doc, this dog sticking a pig. He's about to die. No.
Matt Dillon
Hey, you want him up in your office, Doc?
Chester
No, I don't want him up there. Well, of course, a paying customer might see me working on him here. Oh, all right.
Mal
Come on.
Chester
Grab a H there, Doc. I got this. Now. Now, them snarls and bites don't mean nothing. He's been doing that at me all the way back from find me.
Matt Dillon
Put him down, Chester. He'll bite you, the way you handle him.
Chester
That's good, man. Who's going to pay for this, Chester? I'VE only had a 15 week, so why don't you see if you can save him first? Oh, I'll save him if it's what you say it is. Strict nine poisoning.
Matt Dillon
Somebody open the door.
Chester
Open the door. I'll take him on in there. That's right. And shut the door, Chester. That's it, man, that's fine.
Matt Dillon
Take it easy now, boy. This is Spiny Murphy's dog, isn't it, Chester?
Chester
I'm gonna keep him.
Matt Dillon
Mr. Dillon, they said this is Spiny Murphy's dog, isn't it?
Chester
Looks more like a wolf than a dog,
Matt Dillon
Chester. Mister, does Spiny Murphy know that you got his dog?
Chester
No, sir. Well, I mean, I don't know. Will you two get out of here? Let a man prostitute his talents in peace.
Matt Dillon
Take it easy, Doc.
Chester
I got me a name for him.
Matt Dillon
Pal.
Chester
Oh, Pal. Oh, that's very original, Chester.
Mal
Yeah, go on.
Chester
Wait outside, the both of you.
Matt Dillon
Poor dog. You know, Chester, this could spell trouble for you. I mean, you know Ms. Murphy beats up on Spiny every now and then. Well, Miles told me yesterday that Spotty was in his store and she beat
Chester
up on him again.
Matt Dillon
Miles said he could hardly walk.
Chester
She's a downright mean woman, ain't she? I. I don't know how many man stays married to one like that.
Matt Dillon
That's not the point, Chester.
Chester
It ain't.
Matt Dillon
Spiny got that dog for protection from her.
Chester
Well, I've been wanting me a dog for a long time, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
I know, but don't take that one.
Chester
Yeah, but if Spiny poisoning. Then he don't deserve it.
Matt Dillon
Maybe it wasn't Spiny. Maybe it was his wife.
Chester
Well, are you saying I shouldn't have tried to save him?
Matt Dillon
No, you'd have to do that. But do you expect her to thank you when you bring him back?
Chester
Well, she'd not a lance. She wouldn't get after me, would she?
Matt Dillon
She will if you bring that dog back.
Chester
And I will if you don't. Here, boy. That's a bar right inside.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Doc. Oh, you got him on his feet already.
Chester
Yes. Where's Chester?
Matt Dillon
I sent him out for the mail.
Chester
Oh, well, that's a good thing. He's been hounding me all morning about this wolf he found. I wouldn't let him see me.
Matt Dillon
He's been after me too. That's why I had to get rid of him. Howie boy, where are you gonna keep him? Man, Howie boy, we're not.
Chester
Doc, you're not? Well, Chester's gonna be mighty disappointing.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I know. Come Here, boy. Come on now. Why didn't you wash him up some?
Chester
Wash him? Wash him up some. It was bad enough just working on it without trying to wash him up.
Matt Dillon
He's friendly enough, aren't you, boy? Ooh, dog really smells.
Chester
Yes. Why do you think I brought him down here?
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna put him out in the cell section. Come on, boy. Come on. This way. That's a boy. Is this the rope that was on him?
Chester
I guess so.
Matt Dillon
Somebody must have been really afraid he'd get away. Go on now. Go on in there. That's it.
Chester
You're kind of unfair to your prisoners, aren't you, Max?
Matt Dillon
They can complain to Chesky.
Chester
Dylan, there wasn't no mail down there. There was. Doc. What you doing down here? Where's Pal at? Chester, I've got bad news for you. Oh, now, Doc. Now don't tell me that that dog kindly took to me. Now, Chester, just take it easy now, boy. There was nothing that I could do. Oh, Marland, he lived. What? Where he at?
Matt Dillon
He's out back. But I wouldn't go out there, Chester.
Chester
Oh, Pal. Doc, you're a wonder.
Matt Dillon
Watch it. Ch.
Chester
He's coming around. Oh, Doc, you've done fine. He. He looks right lively now. He does, Jester.
Matt Dillon
I can't imagine how it could happen, the way he goes after you. But don't get too attached to that dog.
Chester
Why not?
Matt Dillon
Because this afternoon we're going to take him back where he belong.
Chester
Oh, come on, Pal. Don't drag back that way, Mr. Zone. It just don't seem right somehow.
Matt Dillon
What doesn't, Justin?
Chester
What we're doing here. Leading this poor old dog right back into the trouble that got him the way I found him.
Matt Dillon
And I'm gonna try to put a stop to that.
Chester
Well, Ms. Murphy don't seem to be the appeasing kind, if you ask me.
Matt Dillon
Maybe I can get Spiny to prefer assault charges against her this time.
Chester
Now, you know he won't do that. He's as scared of her.
Matt Dillon
If it was a case of wife beaten, I'd be jailing him without charges.
Chester
I guess you would at that very case, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Smoke coming up. Somebody's home. Let's leave our horses here, huh? Well, aren't you getting down?
Chester
Well, I just thought I'd kindly wait here, Mr. Gallon off. I'll hold Pal. Rope.
Matt Dillon
Are you afraid, Justin?
Chester
Oh, no, sir, I'm not. It ain't that.
Matt Dillon
Oh, get down here. Give me the rope. The dog takes a chunk of it.
Chester
Come on. Okay.
Mal
Oh, so you're the one that got him.
Chester
Here she is, Mr. Doan.
Matt Dillon
Ah, hello, Mal.
Mal
The marshal, is it? So the little spineless wanderers had to go and get him a man to back him up.
Matt Dillon
I haven't seen Spiny, Mo.
Mal
You don't need to lie to me, Marshall Dillon. I've been expecting you.
Chester
We brung your dog back, ma', am, that's all.
Mal
And you can take him right away with you. I don't want that mangy critter around here dead or alive.
Matt Dillon
Mal, I hear that you beat up on Spiny again.
Mal
You hear right, Marshall? And if he was to show up now, I'd do it all over, threatening to sic that dog on me the way he did.
Matt Dillon
Where is Spiny?
Mal
I don't know. But you'd better find him and bring him back.
Matt Dillon
I thought you were finished with it.
Mal
Oh, it's not like that at all, Marshall. I kind of miss the little fella. We've been fighting it out on these planes for 15 years now.
Matt Dillon
I think you've gone too far this time.
Mal
What do you mean?
Matt Dillon
Miles McTagg told me spiny could hardly walk when he came in for supplies the other day.
Mal
Supplies? I didn't send him for no supplies.
Matt Dillon
Miles said he bought enough to keep him a month.
Mal
Then he's holed up somewhere. The gutless little Weedle.
Matt Dillon
Maybe he's had enough.
Mal
Then you better be finding him and sending him home before I bring charges against him.
Matt Dillon
Charges?
Chester
What for?
Mal
For desertion. What else?
Matt Dillon
Desertion.
Mal
And when you do find him, tell him to come back and act like a man for a change.
Matt Dillon
If I find him.
Mal
If you find him. Oh, Marshal, the man you are. I can tell a man when I see one. Oh, Marshall, dear, come in and have a drink, huh?
Matt Dillon
No, thanks, Mal. We got a big day ahead of us.
Mal
Ah, that Spiny. He won't even touch the stuff. And I miss the companionship of a friend to share it with.
Matt Dillon
Well, some other time, Mal, huh? When Spiny's back.
Mal
But if it's him you're worrying about, you could spit in his eye and drown him.
Matt Dillon
Look, Mal, there's just one thing I want to tell you. You treat Spiny right when he comes back, or I'll have to do something about it.
Mal
Oh, he comes back a man, I'll
Chester
consider it, Mr. Doom. What about pal?
Mal
Chester, you take the dog and welcome
Chester
to him, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Oh, all right, Chester, you can keep him till we find Spiny. Come on.
Chester
Keep a tight hold on that rope till I get on the horse.
Mal
Oh, do Reconsider, Marshall. I got some real good whiskeys from the altar.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, well, another time, Mal.
Chester
Evening, Marshall. You in for your glass of rye?
Matt Dillon
Oh, not right now, Sam. Thanks. Matter of fact, I'm looking for Kitty.
Chester
Huh? She was here just a minute ago. Oh, there she is, Marshall. Over there by the piano Talking to Mr. McTell.
Matt Dillon
Oh, yeah, yeah, I didn't see her. Thanks, Sam.
Chester
Yeah.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Kitty. Miles.
Chester
Matt. Oh, sit down, Matthew, and we'll get another picture of beer.
Matt Dillon
All right.
Mal
Matt, I hear Chester's got Spiny's dog.
Matt Dillon
Well, either that or the dog's got him. I'm not sure which.
Mal
He told me he's put him in a cell over there and he's got training him like Spiny did.
Matt Dillon
Chester training him?
Mal
You don't sound convinced, Getty.
Matt Dillon
That dog can't stand Chester.
Mal
Maybe Chester tries too hard.
Matt Dillon
Hey, where is Spiny? Has anybody seen him?
Chester
No, not since the day I told you about.
Mal
I wouldn't be likely to see him. That you know Spiny. He never touches a job.
Matt Dillon
Maybe it'd be better if he didn't.
Chester
Well, if you'd like to converse with the man, I can tell you where to find him.
Matt Dillon
What? I thought you didn't know.
Chester
Oh, I didn't say that. I said I hadn't seen him. That's the truth. The man swore me to secrecy.
Mal
What for?
Chester
When a man wants to get away from his wife for a change, why should I stop him? Had you seen him, you'd understand.
Matt Dillon
Where is he, Miles? Tell me. I'd like to get this thing settled.
Chester
He's over at the dodge house, room 12.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll see you later.
Mal
What are you going to do, Matt?
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna talk to him. Kitty, I think Spiny needs to know a few things about the tweaker sex. Here, Chester, put this with tomorrow's mail, will you? I gotta get all this paperwork done. Ton. Yeah, what is it?
Chester
What did finally say when you talked to him?
Matt Dillon
Chester, I got work to do. If you're gonna drag her on like that, go to bed.
Chester
Well, maybe I will. Just rest a bit.
Matt Dillon
That's better.
Chester
Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
Yes, Chester.
Chester
The last dog I had, I wasn't but nine years old. One day a bear reached out of a hickory tree and grabbed him, and that was the last of him.
Matt Dillon
Ah, that's too bad.
Chester
Yeah, just an old pal was dead. Didn't Spiny say nothing?
Matt Dillon
Look, Chester, we didn't talk about the dog at all. Spiny's got other problems now. Maybe he'll let you Keep him? I don't know.
Chester
He will.
Matt Dillon
I said maybe, Chester.
Chester
But why?
Matt Dillon
That dog won't even let you pet him.
Chester
Well, he did once today.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, and I saw you hiding the wound where you got him now?
Chester
Outside. I tied him to the hitch rack out back. I better go bring him in.
Matt Dillon
Don't get hurt.
Chester
Oh, no, he ain't gonna hurt me. I want to see.
Mal
Matt.
Matt Dillon
No. A kitty. What is it?
Mal
Matt, you won't believe this, but Spiny's drunk.
Matt Dillon
Spiny?
Mal
He's wild drunk and he's heading out to fix Moll. That's what he said. He was going to fix her good.
Matt Dillon
Well, I wouldn't worry about a kitty. Mal can take care of herself.
Chester
Mr. Dylan, he's gone. Somebody's untied him. Pal's gone.
Mal
Matt, he meant it.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I guess Spiny's really going after her this time. We better hurry, Chester. All right, this is close enough.
Chester
Up a lot closer, Mr. John.
Matt Dillon
Now, I want to surprise Spiny if I can.
Chester
Well, now, pal ain't gonna let us do that.
Matt Dillon
Be quiet now, Morris.
Chester
I've had all I'm going to take from you.
Mal
Mighty Murky. You've been drinking. Lord love you, you've been drinking.
Chester
Don't be Spiny no more. It's talent. Whiskey. Sharp boils to the top. Wooden man, don't it, mister?
Matt Dillon
Quiet. Justice.
Mal
You ain't changed at all. You're still the spineless little wonder to me.
Chester
Don't say that, Marl.
Matt Dillon
I told you, Spiny, am I?
Chester
How do you like that?
Matt Dillon
Come on, Chester, before he kills her.
Mal
Oh, you want a good go, Julia?
Chester
Now stop it.
Mal
Behind kids Mall there. Terrence Murphy. I guess that takes care of that nosy martyr.
Chester
You all right, Mr. Dillon? Mr. Dillon, you all right? Come here, Miller. Mr. Dillon, did I hurt you? Mr. Dillon, are you all right?
Matt Dillon
Yes, I'm all right, Chester. Mal. I oughta put you under arrest. You too, Spiny.
Mal
Who are you calling Spike? This is my husband, Terence Murphy you're addressing, and you'll not be arresting anybody here tonight. Marshall Dillon.
Chester
I don't see Pal around.
Matt Dillon
Oh, forget it, Chester. Come on, let's get out of here.
Chester
Mr. Murphy, could I have your dog now? Well, you're welcome to him, Chester, if you can find him. What? He heard some wolves and run off for me on the way out here.
Matt Dillon
I said let's get out of here. Chester.
Mal
Mother.
Chester
Mr. Jones. Oh, Mo sure did put a awful knot on your head of that table.
Matt Dillon
Ladies.
Chester
Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
Yes, what is it?
Chester
Did I get you into all this.
Matt Dillon
No, Chester, your dog did.
Chester
By Jean. I sure am going to miss Pal.
Matt Dillon
I don't know, Chester. The way that dog went after you.
Chester
Well, you don't understand.
Matt Dillon
I don't?
Chester
I wouldn't want a dog treated me the same way he done everybody else.
Matt Dillon
Pal sure didn't do that.
Chester
Could I buy you a drink, Mr. Jones?
Matt Dillon
No, I still got to finish that paperwork.
Chester
Well, I don't want to drink alone.
Matt Dillon
Then you better stay here. I need your help anyway. Well, come on, Chester. You can start sorting out this stuff.
Chester
All right, I will. But first, I think I better go clean up the cell section. Pal kindly tore up a chair and a mattress out there. Okay. It won't take me long. Mr. Dillon.
Mal
Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yes, I heard him.
Chester
Just Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon. Pal came home. And now our star, William Conrad.
Matt Dillon
You know, out in cattle country, each location has its own unwritten laws concerning the dress and the working habits of a cowboy. For instance, you can tell by his hat and the way it shaped where a cowboy comes from or how he makes his living. Well, next week, a man dies because of a difference of opinion on how to rope a cat.
Chester
Gun smoke produced and directed by norman McDonald. Stars william conrad as matt dillon, u.s. marshal. Featured in the cast were parley baer as chester, howard mcnear as doc, and georgia ellis as kitty. George walsh speaking. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gunsmoke. This is the united states armed forces radio and television service.
VRBO Representative
Day or night, VRBoCare is here 24. 7 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out. From the moment you book to the moment you had home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either. With VRBoCare, help is always ready before, during and after your stay. We've planned for the plot twists, so support is always available because a great trip starts with peace of mind. Are you really buying a car online
Chester
on Autotrader right now?
Narrator/Announcer
Really? I can get super specific with dealer listings and see cars based on my budget. You can really have it delivered or pick it up.
Chester
Mommy's kid is walking up the slide.
Mal
Really?
Narrator/Announcer
Autotrader? Buy your car online. Really.
Mal
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 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.
Narrator/Announcer
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Narrator/Announcer
When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters, but when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Grainger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products in fast, dependable delivery so you can keep your facility stocked, safe and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Air Date: April 12, 2026 (Podcast Release)
Original Air Date: May 26, 1957
This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the Gunsmoke story titled "Pal." The tale centers on Chester’s rescue of a sick dog, Pal, whom he believes has been poisoned. As Chester, Marshal Matt Dillon, and Doc try to save the animal, they become tangled in the troubled relationship between Spiny Murphy and his domineering wife, Mal. What begins as a simple act of kindness soon reveals deeper complexities of domestic strife, companionship, and the meaning of loyalty, both human and canine.
Segment: [03:47–05:38]
Segment: [05:38–08:13]
Segment: [08:47–11:07]
Segment: [11:07–14:40]
Segment: [15:04–16:34]
Segment: [17:32–18:20]
Segment: [18:33–20:49]
Segment: [21:04–22:51]
The episode blends the gritty realism of frontier justice with moments of gentle humor and sentimentality. Chester’s folksy sincerity, Matt’s steady wisdom, and the sharp wit of the supporting cast recapture the enduring appeal of classic radio Westerns.
For listeners seeking a snapshot of both Gunsmoke’s powerful storytelling and the charm of its beloved characters, "Pal" stands out as a moving, rich, and sometimes humorous tale set against the unforgiving backdrop of Dodge City.