Personal Justice | Gunsmoke (09-27-59)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode: Personal Justice | Gunsmoke (09-27-59)
Host: Andrew Rines
Release Date: January 25, 2025

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Overview

In this riveting episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents a digitally restored classic episode of Gunsmoke titled "Personal Justice." Set in the rugged terrains surrounding Dodge City, the narrative delves into themes of justice, family honor, and personal vendettas. The story masterfully intertwines the steadfast duty of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon with the desperate pleas of Clayton Morley, whose brother, Reed Morley, stands accused of murder.

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Main Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled and solitary U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, dedicated to upholding the law.
• Chester (Tom): Matt Dillon’s loyal and sometimes talkative deputy, providing comic relief and support.
• Clayton Morley (Marley Bear): A distressed man seeking the release of his brother, Reed Morley, from jail.
• Reed Morley: Accused of murder, his fate becomes the central conflict of the episode.
• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): The empathetic bartender who serves as a confidante to Dillon and Chester.
• Sam (Howard McNear): The town doctor who gets inadvertently involved in the unfolding drama.

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Plot Progression

Arrival of Clayton Morley

The episode opens with Matt Dillon engaging in his routine duties in Dodge City. At [04:12], Clayton Morley approaches Dillon with an urgent plea:

Clayton Morley (04:28): "Brother Reed didn't do that thing."

Morley's desperation is palpable as he implores Dillon to release his brother, who is being held for murder. Despite Morley's emotional appeal, Dillon remains steadfast:

Matt Dillon (05:05): "The boy's being held for murder."

Tensions Rise

As the day progresses, Clayton Morley's persistent presence becomes a source of tension. At [08:08], after a tense dinner, Dillon admits the futility of addressing Morley's demands:

Matt Dillon (10:28): "I hope you didn't do it."

This moment underscores Dillon's internal conflict between duty and empathy.

Reed Morley's Condition

Later, Reed Morley is brought into the infirmary, beaten and barely conscious. Chester aids Dillon in handling the situation, highlighting the gravity of Reed's condition:

Chester (17:19): "Mr. Dillon, it's Reed Morley."

Dillon's concern intensifies as he realizes the depth of Morley's desperation.

Climactic Confrontation

The climax unfolds when Clayton Morley returns, revealing a devastating truth. At [24:34], Morley confesses:

Clayton Morley (24:47): "I found out last night my brother did kill that woman."

This revelation shatters any illusions of Morley's innocence and forces Dillon to confront the reality of the situation. The confrontation escalates swiftly:

Matt Dillon (25:11): "I don't have to protect you."

Morley's determination to uphold family honor leads to a fatal showdown:

Matt Dillon (26:13): "I'm locking you up, Marley."

In a swift move of justice, the struggle results in the deaths of both Clayton and Reed Morley, resolving the central conflict but leaving Dillon to grapple with the personal costs of his duty.

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Key Moments and Notable Quotes

1. Clayton Morley's Plea:

   Clayton Morley (05:24): "If this stain on the family name isn't removed, you won't live to see him hung, Marshall Dillon."

2. Dillon's Resolve:

   Matt Dillon (23:44): "Now, the law's stood up for a long time, Chester. I guess it knows what it's doing."

3. Kitty's Concern:

   Kitty (14:02): "Reed Morley, the boy I took to... Clayton's insisting that Reed come back here to live."

4. Final Confrontation:

   Matt Dillon (25:34): "The law. Call that murder. I'm locking you up, Marley."

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Conflict and Resolution

The episode masterfully portrays the clash between personal loyalty and the unyielding demands of justice. Clayton Morley's unwavering belief in his brother's innocence propels him into a morally ambiguous stance, challenging Dillon's commitment to the law. Dillon's ultimate decision to uphold judicial integrity, even at the expense of personal relationships, epitomizes the eternal struggle between right and personal bias.

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Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Personal Loyalty: Dillon embodies the principle that the law transcends personal relationships, highlighting the sacrifices inherent in positions of authority.
• Family Honor: Morley's actions underscore the destructive nature of imposing family honor over societal laws.
• Isolation of Duty: Dillon's loneliness reflects the solitary burden borne by those tasked with maintaining order in tumultuous times.

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Conclusion

"Personal Justice" stands as a compelling narrative that encapsulates the essence of Gunsmoke. Through nuanced character interactions and a tightly woven plot, the episode delves deep into the moral complexities faced by those who enforce the law. The Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast, under Andrew Rines' expert curation, breathes new life into this classic tale, offering listeners an immersive experience that honors the golden age of radio dramas.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Clayton Morley (05:24): "If this stain on the family name isn't removed, you won't live to see him hung, Marshall Dillon."
• Matt Dillon (25:34): "The law. Call that murder. I'm locking you up, Marley."
• Matt Dillon (10:28): "I hope you didn't do it."
• Kitty (14:02): "Reed Morley, the boy I took to... Clayton's insisting that Reed come back here to live."

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This detailed summary captures the essence of the Gunsmoke episode "Personal Justice," providing an insightful and comprehensive overview for both seasoned fans and new listeners alike.

Transcript

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[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Narrator]

Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers. And that's where the U.S. marshal and the smell of gun smoke.

[Chester]

That one.

[Narrator]

Gun Spoke. 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 lonely.

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[Matt Dillon]

All right, Tom, he's all yours. We'll take good care of him for you.

[Chester]

My gracious, Mr. Dylan. Look at that clutch of keys. He sure does use a lot more than we do back home.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, well, they always did things up fancy in witchita. Isn't that right, Tom? Yeah, a lot of people who wouldn't agree with him. Can I buy you two a drink?

[Chester]

See now, that's mighty nice.

[Matt Dillon]

No, thanks, Tom. Not right now. I got half the trail dust from here to dodge on me. What I need is a bath and some sleep. I'm heading for the hotel.

[Sam]

Sure, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll catch up with you before you head back.

[Chester]

Come to think of it, I guess I could stand and take a bath too.

[Matt Dillon]

Come to think of it, you could. See you at the trial tomorrow. Yeah. Good night.

[Chester]

Good night. Bad boy. Well, I guess you're right about going to the hotel, Mr. Dunn. I sure will be proud to get these boots off.

[Matt Dillon]

It's been a long ride.

[Chester]

Seems to me like they'd ought to pay extra for it, too.

[Matt Dillon]

For what?

[Chester]

Oh, for doing all that traveling harness to a prisoner. You sure don't get a chance to enjoy the countryside, Martha.

[Matt Dillon]

There isn't much countryside around here to enjoy.

[Chester]

Well, that's true, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

You want to talk to me?

[Clayton Morley]

I believe so, sir. I believe so. If I'm not mistaken, you are the marshal from Dodge City.

[Matt Dillon]

You're not mistaken. Matt Dillon. What can I do for you?

[Clayton Morley]

I'm pleased to hear you offer your services, Marshall. I keep writing the folks back home, and some Yankees are gentlemen, but I swear I don't think they believe it.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, mister, you're keeping me from a hot bath. You've got something on your mind, you speak it out, huh?

[Clayton Morley]

My name's Clayton Morley, at your service.

[Chester]

Well, MacDonald, ain't that the.

[Clayton Morley]

I thought you'd recognize the name.

[Matt Dillon]

I just brought a man named Reed Morley in from Dodger. You related?

[Clayton Morley]

He's my brother, Marshall. My younger brother.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, he's in bad trouble.

[Clayton Morley]

I'm bound to agree with that.

[Matt Dillon]

I left him at the jail, Marley, if you want to see him.

[Clayton Morley]

Oh, I'm not wanting to see him, Marshall, not tonight. I want you to get him released for me.

[Matt Dillon]

The boy's being held for murder.

[Clayton Morley]

Brother Reed didn't do that thing.

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't arrest him without a reason.

[Clayton Morley]

Nobody with the name of Molly would kill a woman, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Your brother will be tried. He'll have his say.

[Clayton Morley]

You'll be testifying, won't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'll be testifying.

[Clayton Morley]

Your words could have a powerful effect.

[Matt Dillon]

One way or another, I'll be telling what I know.

[Clayton Morley]

I think maybe you ought to know something else, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

What's that?

[Clayton Morley]

I think maybe you ought to know that if this stain on the family name isn't removed, if brother Reed couldn't walk out of that courthouse a free man, you won't live to see him hung, Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Don't threaten me, Marley.

[Clayton Morley]

Why, I'm not threatening you, Marshall. This is just a simple appeal to your sense of justice and honor, that's all. A sense with which I know you are highly endowed. Good evening, gentlemen.

[Chester]

Well, now, just what did you think of that?

[Matt Dillon]

Not much, Chester. Come on, let's get some sleep.

[Chester]

You know, Mr. Doan, that place we're staying at ain't one bit better than a Dodge house.

[Matt Dillon]

Not much to choose from. I guess.

[Chester]

And that smart Al clerk don't have no right to go putting on airs, though.

[Matt Dillon]

He been bothering you?

[Chester]

Oh, well, he ain't done nothing, but he acts like anybody from Dodge City come right out of a hole in the prairie.

[Matt Dillon]

He must have seen us when we came in last night.

[Chester]

Yes, I know, but I got cleaned up as nice as I could.

[Matt Dillon]

Never mind, Chester.

[Chester]

Just eat your dinner and that's nothing. Mr. Jones. This piece of beef steak just ain't worth the fat to fry it in.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you haven't had much trouble eating it.

[Chester]

Well, no, sir. I was hungry. I'll tell you something. Back at Delmonico's, they really know how to fry up a piece of meat.

[Matt Dillon]

That's not the way you talk back in Dodge, Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, you and I've been thinking about that, Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry to hear that.

[Chester]

I guess it must be all this traveling around the country that we do. Up to Larned, over to Hays City, all the way here to Wichita.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, what about it?

[Chester]

Well, it just kind of teaches a fellow about things in the world. Makes him really appreciate a place like Dodge City.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, eat up, Chester, and let's get out of here.

[Clayton Morley]

I trust you gentlemen are enjoying your dinner.

[Chester]

Well, if we was, we ain't.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, you got something else on your mind, Marley?

[Clayton Morley]

Why, no, Marshall. Nothing new. Just my continued interest in your health and welfare.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, don't worry about it.

[Clayton Morley]

I'm just hoping that you'll worry about it.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall, I told you not to get in my way.

[Clayton Morley]

Well, now, I wouldn't want to. This is just a friendly reminder, Marshall, that I'm still in town. That I'll be here until after the trial is over tomorrow.

[Matt Dillon]

You listen to me, Marley.

[Clayton Morley]

I'll be listening tomorrow at the trial. And I just know that judge is gonna set brother Reed free. I feel it in my bones.

[Matt Dillon]

He'll set him free if he thinks he's innocent. Marley, that's the only way.

[Clayton Morley]

Oh, I know that, Marshall. I know it. Just like I know that brother Reed couldn't have done that terrible thing. Just like I know that you want to go on living.

[Matt Dillon]

Marley, I'm through warning you. Now, you stay out of my sight starting right now.

[Clayton Morley]

I'll see you at the trial. Good day, gentlemen.

[Chester]

I swear, he's acting clear crazy about all this. It ain't your fault that boy gets himself hung.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it isn't, Chester. But Marley thinks it is. That's enough for him.

[Chester]

It don't have to be enough for you, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

I hope you're right, Chester.

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[Matt Dillon]

Sorry you made the trip for nothing, Matt. Yeah, well, old Bowers never has been a hanging judge. I thought this case had hold up, though. I was sure the boy was guilty, I don't think my testimony was much help to you. You couldn't help that, Matt. You weren't even in on it until the week after the murder. All you did was make the arrest when we asked you to. Yeah, and he didn't have any evidence on it. I hope he didn't do it.

[Clayton Morley]

The law says he didn't.

[Matt Dillon]

That's all we have to worry about. There's still a woman's death unanswered. For sure there is.

[Clayton Morley]

We meet again, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Stand aside, Morley.

[Clayton Morley]

Well, now, that's not very manly of you, pushing aside a man who's come to thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't want any thanks from you.

[Clayton Morley]

But you got thanks coming to you. Marshall Dillon, Brother Reed's a free man. And in the name of the family, I want you to know that we're grateful.

[Matt Dillon]

Listen here, Marley. I didn't do anything for you or for your brother or for your family.

[Clayton Morley]

That was very nice testimony, Marshall. Nothing incriminating in it at all. Yes, sir. We are all grateful.

[Matt Dillon]

I want you to get something straight. What I told the court was just exactly what I know about this case. No more, no less. You didn't influence me, and I didn't try to influence the verdict in any way.

[Clayton Morley]

Of course not, Marshall. Of course not. We're just glad to see that you believe in brother Reed's innocence like we do.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't.

[Clayton Morley]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't believe in your brother's innocence or his guilt any more than I did before. But the judge says he's not guilty, so that's all there is to it. Now you get out of my way.

[Clayton Morley]

I don't take kindly listening to what you take kindly.

[Matt Dillon]

And if you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of my sights. Want me to lock him up, Matt?

[Clayton Morley]

Disturbing the peace.

[Matt Dillon]

You do what you want, Tom. It's your Tom. But I just let him lie there. It may do something for his family honor.

[Kitty]

I guess you're right, Sam. Better order some more glasses. Swear. It seems I just got some customers.

[Matt Dillon]

Ain't very gentle with him, Kitty.

[Clayton Morley]

That's a fact.

[Kitty]

Customers aren't too gentle with anything around here. Oh, hello, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Kitty. Sam. Hello, Marshall.

[Kitty]

You want to take your poison standing up or sitting down?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I think I'll sit down. Kitty.

[Kitty]

You pour a couple of beds, will you, Sam?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure thing. Hey, how was the trip to Witchita, Marshall? Oh, not too bad, Sam. Little Dusty's off. Here you are.

[Kitty]

Thanks, Sam. You want to carry him to the table now?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, Kitty. There we are. Ah, that's good.

[Kitty]

You look tired now.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I spent the day helping Joe Hatch break a string of cow ponies. Those horses are bigger than I am.

[Kitty]

And younger, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, they sure are. Well, anything been going on around here, Kitty?

[Kitty]

No. Been pretty quiet.

[Matt Dillon]

Man, that's good. I'd like an empty jail tonight.

[Kitty]

Well, there is one thing that I've been kind of wondering about.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, what's that?

[Sam]

What's that?

[Kitty]

Reed Morley, the boy I took to.

[Matt Dillon]

Which to no, he's back, huh? You know, I'd have bet my last dollar that he wouldn't want to come back here.

[Kitty]

He didn't.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean?

[Kitty]

His brother, that Clay. Do you know him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we've run into each other.

[Kitty]

Clayton's insisting that Reed come back here to live.

[Matt Dillon]

How do you know all this, Kitty?

[Kitty]

Well, the boy spends most of his time in here drinking that. He says Clay's making him stay in Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

Does he say why?

[Kitty]

Well, Reed says he has to stay here until folks stop talking about the killing and that woman till everybody's convinced of his innocence.

[Matt Dillon]

For the family honor, huh?

[Kitty]

Yeah. How did you know?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, I heard about it somewhere. Well, Kitty, we better enjoy the quiet around here while we can.

[Kitty]

What do you mean, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

It's my guess that either that boy or his brother's gonna blow up, and I don't know which would be the worse.

[Chester]

Here you are, Mr. Jones. Burning good and bright now.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks, Chester.

[Chester]

I'm sorry it fizzled out on you that way. I could have swore I put coral oil in it just yesterday, and I saw it just. No, sir. It ain't all right. Tall solid order to do the job he's being paid for. In my way of thinking, of course, there's some jobs that's got just too many little details in them for a man to keep up with proper and all. Seeping out, Redding up, making coffee and fetching mail. All that stuff sometimes just gets to be too much, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

But what are you muttering about?

[Chester]

I, I, I was just saying, Mr. Dillon, that there's an awful lot for a body to do around here. Keeping up the office? No.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you think there's too much work to do, do you?

[Chester]

Well, I was just kind of thinking that.

[Matt Dillon]

You think I should hire a younger man, maybe, huh?

[Chester]

No, sir, Mr. Dillon. Indeed not.

[Matt Dillon]

Then why don't you shut up and let me read through these papers, please?

[Chester]

She.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, quit that rattle and will you settle down someplace?

[Chester]

It ain't me, Mr. John. I am not doing nothing at all.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester. I guess it was.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon. That ain't the wind. Is somebody working the door that way?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, see who it is.

[Sam]

Yes, sir. Yeah.

[Chester]

Oh, my lamb is doing somebody laying there.

[Clayton Morley]

Look.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Yeah, he's hurt bad. Here, help me get him in.

[Chester]

Just right with you. Oh, my man.

[Matt Dillon]

Easy, easy now. And we'll put him down on the cot here.

[Chester]

Well, Mr. Dillon, it's Reed Morley.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you suppose? I don't know, Chester. From the looks of him, he's not going to be able to tell us for a while either. Now go get dark.

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[Clayton Morley]

Yes.

[Chester]

That'S better. I tell you, Matt, that's about as bad a beating as a man can take.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Is he gonna be all right, Doc?

[Clayton Morley]

Oh, yes, I think so.

[Chester]

But he, he's gonna be sore for a while.

[Clayton Morley]

Awful sore.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, look, Doc, looks like he's about to come too.

[Chester]

I shouldn't wonder with all that water I splashed on him.

[Clayton Morley]

There we are.

[Chester]

That'll do.

[Matt Dillon]

I won't be needing any more hot water.

[Chester]

Chester, you can take the rest of these things out. Okay, Doc. Can he stay here for the night, Matt? He should be able to limp away by morning.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah, Doc, sure. Can I talk to him?

[Chester]

Talk shouldn't hurt him. Just don't go slapping him on the back though.

[Matt Dillon]

Okay?

[Chester]

And I'm gonna go back to the office. Try not to have any more riots tonight, will you, Matt? I'm short on sleep.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll try, Doc.

[Chester]

Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Doc, you better hope that this.

[Chester]

Fella was the loser in that fight. Cuz if he wasn't, the other man is sure to be dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks, Doc. Good night.

[Clayton Morley]

Good night. Reed.

[Chester]

You.

[Sam]

You better lock that door.

[Matt Dillon]

You're all right, Reed. Just settle down.

[Sam]

You be after me.

[Matt Dillon]

No. Who'll be after you?

[Sam]

You gotta protect me, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, speak up. Who's after you?

[Sam]

Clayton.

[Matt Dillon]

Clayton, your brother.

[Sam]

He's gonna kill me. You guys. Stop it. Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, what happened?

[Sam]

He beat me. And he said he's gonna kill me in the morning. He'll do it too. Marshall. Now you gotta stop him.

[Matt Dillon]

He was trying to save your neck back in Wichita.

[Sam]

Yeah, he found out.

[Matt Dillon]

What did he find out?

[Sam]

About that woman.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you killed her.

[Sam]

Didn't want to tell him, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I bet you didn't.

[Sam]

I was drinking. I ain't been able to do nothing but keep on drinking since I got back to Dodge. Every place I go, I see your face. Except when I got drunk enough.

[Matt Dillon]

And Clade was making you stay here.

[Sam]

Yeah, Marshall. Yeah, I didn't want to. I wanted to go anywhere. Anywhere else. That's what happened tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

Go on.

[Sam]

I was trying to get him to say I could go away. Just move on. He was being bullheaded the way he's always been going on about the family name the way he does. Well, I wanted to shut him up about him.

[Matt Dillon]

So you told him?

[Sam]

Yeah. Yeah, I told him. I thought he'd throw me out, tell me never to come back. That's what I wanted.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks like he did a pretty good job of it.

[Sam]

Well, he's not finished, Marshall. He's coming after me now. You gotta protect me now.

[Matt Dillon]

That's where you're wrong.

[Sam]

Now. What do you mean?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't have to protect you.

[Sam]

You don't understand, Marshall. He's crazy. He'll kill me.

[Matt Dillon]

Now.

[Sam]

The law has got to take care of me.

[Matt Dillon]

The law tried to take care of you at once?

[Sam]

Yep. But I was acquitted. I'm all square on that, ain't I, Marsh?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, all you got to worry about now is the family name. Now, you can stay here tonight, but that's all.

[Chester]

Morning, McDonald.

[Matt Dillon]

Morning, Chester.

[Chester]

I land that Reed Morley back there? Sure sleeping like you was dead. He ain't showing no sign to moving at all.

[Matt Dillon]

He's sleeping off a bad beating.

[Sam]

Oh.

[Chester]

Say, did you mean to leave that cell door open that way?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I meant it. He isn't a prisoner, Chester.

[Chester]

No, I kind of think I would have guessed he ain't at that. Funny thing, ain't it, Mr. Doane?

[Matt Dillon]

Now, what's so funny?

[Chester]

Well, the law can't touch a man again after it's tried him, even if he does turn out to be guilty of sin.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, the law's stood up for a long time, Chester. I guess it knows what it's doing.

[Chester]

It still don't make no sense to me. Oh, you been needing me for a little bit, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

No, Chester, you can go ahead and eat.

[Chester]

All right, sir. Ain't you coming?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not yet.

[Chester]

All right, I won't. Oh, say, you want me to close the door into the back?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, never mind, Chester. I'll do it.

[Chester]

All right.

[Clayton Morley]

Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Marty.

[Clayton Morley]

This is not an easy call for me to make.

[Matt Dillon]

I guess not.

[Clayton Morley]

I want you to know, though, Marshall, when a Molly makes a mistake, he admits it. I want to apologize to you and to the law.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a little late for that.

[Clayton Morley]

I know that, Marshall. I found out last night my brother did kill that woman.

[Matt Dillon]

That's too late, too. He can't be tried again.

[Clayton Morley]

No, Marshall, it isn't too late. I mean, to see justice done, even if the law was unable to do it.

[Matt Dillon]

Just how do you intend to do that?

[Clayton Morley]

I will take care of my brother, Marshall, for the honor of the family.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, you take care of him. Just so you keep him away from me.

[Clayton Morley]

Oh, he'll be away from everybody, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

What do you mean? He'll be dead. Now, listen here, Morley. I don't blame you for wanting to skin him alive. I don't blame you for beating him the way you did. I got no mind to protect him, but I can't stand still for a killing. You better understand that.

[Clayton Morley]

Did you just mention the Beaton? How did you know about that?

[Matt Dillon]

I saw him.

[Clayton Morley]

He's here, isn't he? He came to you for help. I should have known.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Clay, he's here.

[Clayton Morley]

Didn't expect you to hide a killer, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Stay out of there, Clay. I'm not hiding.

[Clayton Morley]

Not anymore. You're not Clay.

[Sam]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

No. You're a fool, Marley. You've killed him.

[Clayton Morley]

Had to be done, Marshall. It was a matter of honor.

[Matt Dillon]

The law. Call that murder. I'm locking you up, Marley.

[Clayton Morley]

You saying I'll stand trial.

[Matt Dillon]

And this time the court will make it stick.

[Clayton Morley]

I won't hang, Marshall. There's never been a Morley Hunt.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't be a fool, Morley. Drop your.

[Chester]

Still. I heard them shots.

[Sam]

I would.

[Chester]

My gracious.

[Sam]

Are you all right?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'm all right.

[Chester]

They both dead?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, like he was saying, Morley is never hung. It's a matter of family honor.

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[Narrator]

Gunsmoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman MacDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartel, Vic Peron and Jack Moyles. 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 gun smoke.

[Andrew Rines]

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 the following ranch hand, Steve 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 copyright under the Attribution Non commercial Share Alike Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

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