
Original Air Date: February 28, 1960Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Lawrence Dobkin• Virginia Chri...
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Matt Dillon
Foreign.
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 with a U.S. marshal. And the smell of gun smoke. Starring William Conrad. 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.
Myra Kirby
Jim, I'm just going to rinse and stack the dishes.
Matt Dillon
That doesn't sound like you.
Myra Kirby
I've been house cleaning and lately with headache and muscular aches and pains, it's been been slow going.
Matt Dillon
No work's easy with that discomfort.
Narrator
Better try and get relief.
Myra Kirby
How?
Matt Dillon
I'd try Doan's Pills.
Narrator
Good advice. That's Doan's Pills, an analgesic and mild diuretic to the kidneys. Nagging backache. Also headache, dizziness and muscular aches and pains may come on with overexertion, emotional upsets or everyday stress and strain. Doan's pain relieving action is often the answer. And they also offer mild diuretic action through the kidneys. So if nagging backache is making you feel worn out, tired and miserable with restless, sleepless nights, don't wait. Try Doan's Pills, used successfully by millions for over 60 years. See if they don't bring you the same welcome relief. Get Doan's Pills today. To save money, buy Doan's Big economy size.
Myra Kirby
Luke. Luke, supper's on. Might as well be calling a hog. Only a hog would come faster. Luke. I ain't gonna hot it up twice.
Matt Dillon
I'm coming.
Myra Kirby
Comin'when. His sot's sure and ready, he's coming. Ain't nothin in this house to call him away from the barn. Ain't been nothing for a long time. Horses. Ain't nothing in his life but horses. Well, it's high time.
Matt Dillon
Luke, huh?
Myra Kirby
Used to be you was better mannered now, Myra. Used to be you'd wait to do your eating until a body had a chance to set.
Matt Dillon
I wish you was hurrying me.
Myra Kirby
Used to be you'd speak a word when you come into the house, not just sit there feeding your face.
Matt Dillon
There.
Myra Kirby
Ain'T hardly no talk between us no more. They're just eating and sleeping and tending to the place. There ain't no living.
Matt Dillon
Oh, Myra.
Myra Kirby
There ain't no folks to visit. Ain't nothing to see but the land out there.
Matt Dillon
The land's been good to us.
Myra Kirby
There ain't no talk between us. I just ain't fit for it no more.
Matt Dillon
Mari. Mara, you eat. You'll feel better.
Myra Kirby
Luke.
Matt Dillon
Go on, Margo. Go on set and eat.
Myra Kirby
Luke. I ain't got it in me to live this way no more. There's gotta be folks around and. And trees for the wind to blow through. Luke, couldn't we go back to St. Louis?
Matt Dillon
Oh, you know we can't do that. We got our stake here, Myra. Got the horses.
Myra Kirby
Ah, the horses. That's what's done it. You got no mind for anything except horses.
Matt Dillon
They fetch us a good living.
Myra Kirby
You'd sooner be in the barn with them horses than up here with you.
Matt Dillon
Oh, you ain't talking good, sir.
Myra Kirby
I ain't worth talking to, but them horses is. I guess nobody's worth talking to but them horses. Except maybe that Holland woman.
Matt Dillon
Now, just hold on there.
Myra Kirby
You was over there again today, wasn't you? Well, wasn't you?
Matt Dillon
Myra, you know full well why I go there.
Myra Kirby
I know you don't get to harm my friend.
Matt Dillon
Now, it ain't easy keep a place going when your man's been took. Suddenly a widow woman needs some help. I ain't gonna stay here arguing with you.
Myra Kirby
That's right. Just walk out. Walk right on back to your horses or to that woman. Don't waste no time.
Matt Dillon
I ain't listening no more.
Myra Kirby
You ain't listening? You ain't talking. You ain't even hardly living here no more.
Matt Dillon
You gentle down some. I'll be back.
Myra Kirby
You ain't doing nothing for me no more. Nothing but killing me. You hear that Loop, Kirby? You ain't doing nothing but killing me. You kill me and I'll laugh. Cause you'll pay. You'll see. You'll pay. Widow Holland? Who is it? I come to see the widow Holland. Joe Holland is my husband. Who are you? Well, I. I don't expect you'd figure to see me. It's my husband you know better. You Luke's wife? That's what they call me. Well, it's mighty nice of you to come to call, Mrs. Kirby. It's a far drive from your place. Come in and set a spell. I ain't come to socialize. I can brew a pot of Tea? I ain't coming in. Well, you ain't come all this way. Not even to climb down out of the wagon. I'll sit right here, Mrs. Kirby. Why did you come over here? I come to see the woman my husband rides off to see. He don't come to see me, Mrs. Kirby, he says. Be a neighbourly to Joe's memory, you might say. You might say, Mrs. Kirby, it won't do you no good to set your cap for him. I ain't setting my cap for anybody. Even after I'm gone, he won't be free. I'll be gone, but he won't be free. I'll thank you to be leaving, Mrs. Kirby. Oh, I'm going all right. But admiring Luke won't do you no good. No good at all.
Narrator
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Chester
So that's the way it was, Mr. Dun. Old Dan had to stand right there.
Matt Dillon
In the kitchen watching, watching them clean the fish.
Chester
Oh, he didn't care about the cleaning so much. But he wanted to see him cut them fish heads off.
Matt Dillon
What for?
Chester
Old Dan insisted on seeing the fish head come off and every fish before he'd eat it. Well, don't you want me to tell you why, Mr. D?
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, you go on. You tell me why. Why?
Chester
Why? So's he'd be sure he wasn't eating a mermaid.
Matt Dillon
That's not very much of a joke, Chester.
Chester
Well, there ain't no joke about him. It's Dylan. Old Dan was dead serious.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, I'll take your word for it.
Chester
Ain't my word definitely took about it was old Dan watching them pieces. Look, ain't that Luke Kirby's wife driving that wagon in here?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it is. Hello, Myra.
Myra Kirby
Marshall. I. I want to see you.
Matt Dillon
Sure. Ah, what can I do for you?
Myra Kirby
I don't want the whole town here.
Matt Dillon
And better come on in the office in here. I'll help you down.
Myra Kirby
Thank you.
Matt Dillon
There you go. Oh, Chester.
Chester
Yes, sir?
Matt Dillon
Take care of the rig there, will you? And then you can go on down get the mail, huh?
Chester
All right, Mr. Dungan, I'll do that.
Matt Dillon
Come on, Myers. All right, Mara, what's on your mind?
Myra Kirby
I want to tell you something about Luke Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Well, go ahead.
Myra Kirby
He's going to kill me.
Matt Dillon
What? He's gonna what?
Myra Kirby
I figured you ought to know.
Matt Dillon
Now just a minute, Mary. You can't be right about that.
Myra Kirby
I'm right.
Matt Dillon
I've known Luke for years. He does not to kill and sort.
Myra Kirby
You ain't been living with him.
Matt Dillon
Well, has he harmed you?
Myra Kirby
No, not yet he ain't. But he's a going to.
Matt Dillon
Well, now, don't you worry about it, Myra. I'm sure Luke won't do any such thing. But I'll have a talk with him anyway.
Myra Kirby
There's nothing you can do, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You must have figured I could do something if you'd come to tell me about it.
Myra Kirby
I just wanted you to know for afterward.
Matt Dillon
Well, afterwards. Mighty late, isn't it?
Myra Kirby
No, Marshall, it ain't late. You'll know what to do then. You'll know what to do, all right. Well, that doesn't make any sense, Matt.
Matt Dillon
No, Kitty, it doesn't. That's just the way she said it, though. Her husband's gonna kill her. But she doesn't want me to do anything about it until afterwards.
Myra Kirby
Well, I believe I'd want you to step in a little earlier for me.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, most people wouldn't.
Myra Kirby
I don't know Myra Kirby, but I'm sure of one thing about her.
Matt Dillon
Oh, what's that?
Myra Kirby
The hate she feels for her husband is a terrible thing.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Myra Kirby
I wonder how he feels about her.
Matt Dillon
Well, Kitty, if Myra's right, he must be carrying around quite a hate, too.
Myra Kirby
It doesn't sound like Luke Kirby. He's always seemed like such a kindly man.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Myra Kirby
Oh, well, you can ask him about it. He just came in. He's heading for the bar.
Matt Dillon
Oh. Oh, yeah, thanks, Kitty. All I'll go talk to him. Leave a bottle, Sam. I'll be using it a while. Hello, Luke. Huh? Oh, hello, Marshall. I don't see you in here very often? No, no, I. I ain't in a. There's times a man got to get some drinking done. Yeah. You having troubles, Luke? Well, I ain't had no sleep. I. I got a sick stud horse out there. I've been setting up with him. What brought you into town? Oh, I run out of horse medicine I've been using. Hey, Marcia, we want to have a drink. No. Did you drive in with Myra? Myra don't come to town. She was here today, Luke.
Myra Kirby
She.
Matt Dillon
I don't know nothing about it. She came to see me. I told you, I don't know nothing about it. She told me you were having trouble with. Man has trouble with his wife, it's his own business. She said she's afraid you're gonna harm her. Oh, she'd be better off keeping her mouth shut. Myra said you're gonna kill her, Luke. Well, she's a bigger fool than I took her for it. Listen, Marshall. Marshall. Man's wife, he's got to deal with her. Yeah. Just so the law doesn't have to deal with you, I figure you're trying to do me a favor. I don't want to see you in any trouble. Well, you can't help the trouble I'm in. And the law can't help it neither. Man's wife starts living with devils, ain't nobody can stop it. Just don't you try to stop it for good, Luke, that's all. Well, there ain't nobody else to do it, Marshall. Ain't nobody else but me.
Narrator
Munch, munch, munch A bunch of Fritos.
Myra Kirby
Corn chips it's not polite to smack.
Narrator
Your lips but you can't help it.
Matt Dillon
With Fritos corn chips Munch that's right.
Narrator
Fritos corn chips so crisp and light there's contentment in every munch Serve them at parties as snacks or with dips Fritos corn chips are so good with cold drinks Everyone will want to munch a bunch Fritos have a flavor no other kind of chip can match Munch.
Matt Dillon
Munch, munch A bunch of Fritos corn.
Narrator
Chips Fritos are golden Chips of corn just made to munch Keep Fritos corn chips on hand For a between meal treat Tuck a bag in lunchboxes Serve them with sandwiches, salads or soups Fritos corn chips are full of good crisp flavor Good for you nourishment Munch, munch, munch A bunch of burritos Corn chips.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Doc.
Chester
Huh?
Matt Dillon
Matt. I'm heading for some lunch you want to come along?
Chester
I'm still looking for some breakfast.
Matt Dillon
You're getting awful lazy in your old age, aren't you? Sleeping till noon.
Chester
Sleeping?
Matt Dillon
Here?
Chester
That sounds like the kind of deduction you'd make.
Matt Dillon
You mean you didn't sleep till noon, Doc? What's the matter then? You waiting for somebody to come along and buy your breakfast?
Chester
I'm waiting for a chance to eat it. I've been out to the Kirby place already this morning.
Matt Dillon
No. Well, why?
Chester
Myra Kirby's badly hurt.
Matt Dillon
Well, what happened to her?
Chester
Cut on the head, bruises.
Matt Dillon
She gonna be all right? Yeah, I think so. Could she tell you how it happened?
Chester
Well, she says Luke did it to.
Matt Dillon
Her, but I just don't know. Yeah.
Chester
Well, where you going?
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna see Luke Kirby.
Chester
Wait a minute. Won't do any good going out there now.
Matt Dillon
Why not?
Chester
Luke's not there. Oh, Myra says he's off to the west, buying up some horses. Be gone a few days.
Matt Dillon
I'll go see him when he comes back.
Myra Kirby
Are you sure you've had enough, Matt?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Kitty, I guess I have for now.
Myra Kirby
Oh, I sometimes wish I could sit down and eat like a man. Two helpings of meat and three of potatoes.
Matt Dillon
What's stopping you?
Myra Kirby
A very important thing. It's called the waistline.
Matt Dillon
Oh, come on now, Kitty. A little extra heft never hurt a woman.
Myra Kirby
It hurt me in the pocketbook.
Matt Dillon
Well, I'll buy the extra food.
Myra Kirby
Well, it's the extra clothes I'd have to buy. I'm talking about, man. I settled down to second Helpin and I split out at the scene.
Chester
Matt, I've been looking for you.
Myra Kirby
Oh, sit down, Doc.
Chester
Ah, having a good time? You better come with me, man.
Matt Dillon
Where you headed?
Chester
Back to the Kirby place.
Matt Dillon
What, does Myra take a turn for the worse?
Chester
You might call it that.
Narrator
She's been sh.
Chester
Doc's been in there through an awful long time, ain't he, Mr. John?
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester
I wonder how she's coming along.
Matt Dillon
Doc will let us know as soon as he can.
Chester
Yeah, guess he will, all right. Just don't seem decent, does it? For a poor woman to get shot just a few days after she's been beat up.
Matt Dillon
No, it doesn't, Matt. Oh, yeah, Doc, you better come in now. All right. In here, man. Meyer, here's a marshal.
Myra Kirby
Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Right here, Myra.
Myra Kirby
Listen close to me, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I'm listening.
Myra Kirby
He done it. Luke done it. You hear me?
Matt Dillon
Yes, I hear you.
Myra Kirby
He rolled off, but he done it. He killed me like I told you he would. He'll pay for it, Won't he, Marshall? He'll pay.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Myra, I expect he's paying already.
Myra Kirby
He'll pay.
Matt Dillon
She's gone. She never had a chance. Yeah, she didn't give herself a chance. Document.
Narrator
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Chester
Mr. Dunn, you don't think Luke Kirby would have just come over here at the Holland place, do his?
Matt Dillon
I don't know, Chester. I'm gonna find out.
Chester
Kind of looks to me like a man. I'd like to put a lot more distance between him and the law on this.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, maybe so. You stay here with the horses, will you?
Chester
Yeah. Sure you don't think you'll need me inside, that is?
Matt Dillon
Oh, if I do, I'll holler. Ms. Holland, it's Marshall Dillon.
Myra Kirby
Come in. Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Do you know that Myra Kirby's been shot?
Myra Kirby
No, Marshall, I. I didn't.
Matt Dillon
She's dead. Oh, she said. Luke shuddered.
Myra Kirby
I don't hold with talking disrespectful of the dead Marshal Dillon, but she was a mean woman. Mighty mean.
Matt Dillon
You don't sound very sorry.
Myra Kirby
I take no pleasure in a person's dying, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
She was found down by the barn.
Myra Kirby
She must have known something after all.
Matt Dillon
Now, what do you mean?
Myra Kirby
She wouldn't go near the barn. I figured it was because of them horses. She hated them horses. But maybe she knowed something would happen to her there.
Matt Dillon
Do you know where Luke is?
Myra Kirby
I ain't seen him in a week, Marshall, and that's the truth.
Matt Dillon
You don't know where he is, then?
Myra Kirby
No, I don't know. But I know this, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
What's that?
Myra Kirby
I know if Luke did kill that woman, he was partially drove to it. Partly drove?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Ms. Holland, I think maybe you're right.
Chester
I sure do hope you're right, Mr. Doan. Figuring that Luke Kirby headed out this way.
Matt Dillon
Don't worry about it, Chester.
Chester
Oh, I ain't worried. But I will say that this ain't the prettiest camping place I ever stopped at.
Matt Dillon
What's the matter? You're missing your feather bed.
Chester
Now, you know I ain't got no feather bed, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Well, stop complaining then, and toss another log on the fire.
Chester
Still like to know, though. How come you figured Kirby'd be heading this way?
Matt Dillon
Well, if I were in Kirby's place, I'd want to find a friend. Chester, that horse trader is probably the only person Kirby feels safe with right now. He sure couldn't find a friend in Dodge.
Chester
Yes, sir, but if he murdered his wife.
Matt Dillon
Well, maybe he did, maybe he didn't. I killed her. All right, Marshall. Hello, Luke. Come on up to the fire. Sit down and get warm. Thank you. Hey, Mr. Young.
Chester
He's gone.
Matt Dillon
It's all right, Chester. You can have a gun. Marshall, you didn't try very hard to get away. Wasn't no use to it. I don't know why I headed out the first place, except like, I guess a man just has to try. Yeah, I guess so. Wasn't no use from the beginning. Myra fixed it all just like she said. She fixed it so's you'd shoot her, didn't she, Luke? Yes, she did, Marshall. Seemed past believing, but that's what she did. How did she do it? She was in the barn hiding. See, she. She never come to the barn, Marshall. Now, I thought someone after that stud horse of mine. He's worth about everything I got. I'd always feared somebody'd steal him. And I heard a noise in the stall. I come out with my gun and I give warning, Marshall. I give warning twice. And then you shot. And then I shot. And she was waiting for it, Marshall. Just waiting so as I couldn't miss. Ain't nobody gonna believe me. That's the holy truth. I believe you, Luke. But we're gonna have to see if the court believes you. You're gonna have to come back with me. Oh, I'll come easy, Marshall. I think you got a good chance. Well, I tell you true, Marshall, I don't care a whole lot. Man's wife hates him so much that she'll make him kill her. Ain't much to care about. Yeah, well, you can bed down on the other side of the fire there. We'll head back at sun up. Right.
Narrator
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Myra Kirby
Feels like acting with a miserable cold. I relieved cold distress the fast way with four way cold tablets.
Narrator
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Myra Kirby
Do what I do. Take four way cold tablets. It's the fast way to relieve nasty cold distress and feel better quickly.
Narrator
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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 SL Copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
Matt Dillon
SA.
Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Episode Summary
Podcast Information:
In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored rendition of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Prescribed Killing." This episode, originally aired on February 28, 1960, delves into complex human emotions and moral dilemmas set against the rugged backdrop of Dodge City. The restoration enhances the auditory experience, bringing clarity to every whisper of the wind and the distant clatter of hooves, immersing listeners in the timeless tales of the Wild West.
The story unfolds in Dodge City, a pivotal hub in the Wild West, where law and order are maintained by the steadfast U.S. Marshal, Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad. The narrative introduces us to the Kirby household, highlighting the strained relationship between Matt Dillon and Myra Kirby.
Quote:
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."
(01:19)
The tension between Matt Dillon and Myra Kirby is palpable from the outset. Myra expresses her frustration and despair over their monotonous life, burdened by physical ailments and emotional isolation.
Quote:
Myra Kirby: "I ain't worth talking to, but them horses is. I guess nobody's worth talking to but them horses. Except maybe that Holland woman."
(05:26)
Matt attempts to comfort her, suggesting remedies and addressing her concerns, but their conversation reveals deep-seated issues and unspoken grievances.
The plot thickens when Myra Kirby approaches Matt Dillon with a troubling revelation: she believes her husband, Luke Kirby, intends to kill her. This confession alarms Matt, prompting him to investigate the matter further.
Quote:
Myra Kirby: "I want to tell you something about Luke Marshall. He's going to kill me."
(11:35)
Matt, initially skeptical, vows to look into her claims, demonstrating his commitment to justice and the safety of the townsfolk.
As the narrative progresses, Myra Kirby falls gravely ill, leading to her eventual death. Prior to her demise, she confirms Matt's suspicions that Luke intended to harm her. The tension reaches its peak when Matt confronts Luke, leading to a dramatic revelation of the truth behind Myra's death.
Key Events:
Quote:
Luke Kirby: "Well, maybe he did, maybe he didn't. I killed her. All right, Marshall."
(25:15)
The episode concludes with Matt Dillon grappling with the moral complexities of Luke's actions. Luke claims self-defense, asserting that Myra's animosity drove him to kill her. Matt, embodying the principles of law and order, prepares to bring Luke to justice, underscoring the eternal struggle between right and wrong in the Wild West.
Quote:
Matt Dillon: "I believe you, Luke. But we're gonna have to see if the court believes you. You're gonna have to come back with me."
(27:00)
Moral Ambiguity: The episode explores the gray areas of morality, questioning whether Luke's actions can be justified given the tumultuous relationship with his wife.
Isolation and Loneliness: Both Matt Dillon and Myra Kirby embody the loneliness that often accompanies life on the frontier, highlighting the human need for connection and understanding.
Justice vs. Personal Vendetta: Matt's role as a marshal is juxtaposed against Luke's personal motives, emphasizing the challenges of dispensing unbiased justice in a community rife with personal conflicts.
Matt Dillon on His Role:
"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."
(01:19)
Myra Kirby's Despair:
"I ain't worth talking to, but them horses is. I guess nobody's worth talking to but them horses. Except maybe that Holland woman."
(05:26)
The Revelation:
"I want to tell you something about Luke Marshall. He's going to kill me."
(11:35)
Luke's Admission:
"I killed her. All right, Marshall."
(25:15)
Matt's Pursuit of Justice:
"I believe you, Luke. But we're gonna have to see if the court believes you. You're gonna have to come back with me."
(27:00)
"Prescribed Killing" is a compelling installment in the Gunsmoke series, masterfully blending character development with a gripping plot. Through the enhanced audio restoration, listeners are transported into the heart of Dodge City, experiencing firsthand the trials and tribulations of its inhabitants. Andrew Rhynes' dedication to preserving these classic Western tales ensures that the legacy of shows like Gunsmoke continues to resonate with both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
For those who cherish the rich narratives and authentic portrayals of the Old West, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of radio dramas and their ability to capture the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of frontier life.