
Original Air Date: November 11, 1956Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Jeanne Bates• Butch Bernard• J...
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Matt Dillon
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 Dates November 11, 1956 and the title is Pretty mama Gun smoke Brought to you by L M the modern cigarette that lets you get full exciting flavor through the modern miracle of the pure white miracle. Tip. Live modern smoke. L m around Dog 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.
Narrator/Announcer
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Matt Dillon
Gun Smoke starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. And the story of a man who moved with it. I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.
Narrator/Announcer
Wait a minute.
Matt Dillon
Ah, hello kitty. Is the long branch on fire or something?
Narrator/Announcer
Of course not. What do you mean?
Matt Dillon
I can't figure anything else that gets you up this early and important. I.
Narrator/Announcer
Twice a year, Matt. Today's one of the days. You gonna breakfast?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. You wanna join me?
Narrator/Announcer
Thank you, sir. Where do we go? Delmonico's.
Matt Dillon
That's the only place open before 10 o'. Clock.
Narrator/Announcer
Are the mornings always like this, Matt?
Matt Dillon
Huh?
Narrator/Announcer
So crisp and clear.
Matt Dillon
Oh, yeah. Most always the best part of the day, as a matter of fact.
Narrator/Announcer
It's peaceful. I guess that's the feeling.
Matt Dillon
That's the only time a day dodge is peaceful.
Narrator/Announcer
That little shaver's in a big hurry about something.
Matt Dillon
That's Hank Marvel's Kid beanie they call Him?
Narrator/Announcer
Well, he stopped at the jail.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Wait a minute. Kidding? Yeah. Hey, Beanie. What's the matter? Beanie?
Narrator/Announcer
You gotta come out to the ranch. Marshall run away. It's my pop.
Matt Dillon
He.
Narrator/Announcer
He's been shot.
Matt Dillon
Been shot? Well, how bad is he?
Narrator/Announcer
He's dead in the barn. Doc. I'll show you.
Matt Dillon
You coming there? No, Doc. Chester, you're going with Doc, huh? I want to talk to Ms. Marvel first. All right, Ms. Marvel.
Narrator/Announcer
Come in, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Thank you, ma'. Am. I'm sure sorry to hear about this.
Narrator/Announcer
Just a few hours ago, Hank was sitting there eating his breakfast. Now he's dead.
Matt Dillon
Where did it happen, Ms. Marmo?
Narrator/Announcer
Down by the creek. He was laying there on the ground, shot to death. Beanie and me got him into the buckboard and brung him back.
Matt Dillon
Do you have any idea how he was shot?
Narrator/Announcer
No, Marshall. No idea at all. Hank didn't have no enemies. He got along with everybody.
Matt Dillon
When did it happen? Right after he left home.
Narrator/Announcer
Half hour, maybe. Him and Beanie left together. I was gonna make soap today and I just got the kettle set up out there in the yard when Beanie come riding back, half out of his wits.
Matt Dillon
Was Beanie with him at the time?
Narrator/Announcer
No. Hank left him at the pumpkin patch and went on alone. We raised some pumpkins along the slope below the edge of the bluff. That's Hank's favorite kind of pie. Punk. And he always said, well, he liked it better than any other kind.
Matt Dillon
Yes. Did Beanie hear the shot?
Narrator/Announcer
Yes. And he rode along the bluff to see if maybe Hank had shot a deer. And then he seen his father laying down there by the creek.
Matt Dillon
Did he see anything else? Anybody around?
Narrator/Announcer
No. It's awful brushy down there in the Bottoms.
Matt Dillon
You're kind of short on neighbors around here, aren't you?
Narrator/Announcer
There ain't any at all, Marshall. There's just the badlands onto the west. And the Circle D spread comes up against us on the other side.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Circle D's got a line cabin around here, haven't they?
Narrator/Announcer
Oh, it's about a mile and a half north.
Matt Dillon
They got the same rider staying there. Jack Teague?
Narrator/Announcer
Yes.
Matt Dillon
You folks see much of it?
Narrator/Announcer
Well, he's stopped by a few times.
Matt Dillon
Ms. Marvel. There's been a little talk around Dodge about Teague and.
Narrator/Announcer
And about me too. I know, and it's a lie, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Well, I didn't mean anything, ma'. Am. It's just that they say that he's a chaser.
Narrator/Announcer
Hank heard the same stories and the same lies. That's why he ordered Jack Teague off the place?
Matt Dillon
No. When was that?
Narrator/Announcer
Last night.
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Matt Dillon
Free yourself of old fashioned ideas why don't you live modern? Live modern Live, live, live modern Free up, freshen up your taste Smoke an L. Live modern Smoke modern smoke L M Enjoy full exciting flavor through L M's pure white miracle tip L M draws easier, tastes richer, smokes cleaner that's why today more people are changing than to any other cigarette. So free up, freshen up your taste Live modern Change to L and M. Make today your big red letter day and start to live the modern way. Live, live, live modern. It's America's fastest growing cigaret. Well, Matt, I guess that's it. The bullet caught him in the back around the shoulder blade. He never knew what hit him. Did you get the bullet, Doc? Yes, he was. Rifle of some kind, looks like. Yeah, small caliber though. Nothing like a sharps. 50. No, more like one of those light wind Chesters. That won't help you much. Plenty of both kinds around. Yeah, I know. Well, you and Chester riding back in the Dodge now. Now I want to take a look at the place where it happened. The kid's going along in Shores. Where'd he get to? Mitch Dillon. I want a house with his mother. I guess she's pretty upset, but at least she's lucky to have the boy in life. Be mighty hard for a woman to keep this place up by herself. Yeah, it sure wouldn't. It's a awful nice little ranch. Wished I had it. You wish it? Are you thinking about the ranch, Chester, or the widow? Oh, no, duh. That's all right. I can't see as I blame you. She's a mighty pretty woman. Well, sure she is. And sir, gone young looking. It's hard to think of her as having a kid like that. Eight or nine years old. She sure is a pretty little thing, don't you think so, man? Yeah, she's pretty all right, Doc. Maybe she's too pretty.
Narrator/Announcer
There's where he was, Marshall. Laying right there on the trail.
Matt Dillon
All Right, Benny. Let's take a look, Jesse. Sure.
Narrator/Announcer
I come riding along the bluff up there after I heard that old shot. And I got right there at the point where I seen him laying here.
Matt Dillon
Uh huh. Your mother was right. There's plenty of brush in here. There's cover enough for a tribe of Comanches.
Narrator/Announcer
You think maybe it was Comanches?
Matt Dillon
Oh, well, no, Beanie. I was just saying that. There sure ain't much to go on, Mr. Dillon. Nothing with all this brush for men to hide in without being seen to hide in. Yeah, but getting away after it'd be a different story. Anybody up there on the edge of that bluff ought to be able to see a man moving down here, whether he was afoot or horseback. Yeah. Lots of open spaces he'd have to cross. Yeah. Beanie, you were up there on the edge of the bluff, huh?
Narrator/Announcer
Well, yes, sir, I was, but I didn't see nobody. Nobody at all.
Matt Dillon
Marshall, were you there last night when your paw ordered Jack Teague off the place?
Narrator/Announcer
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
It was quite a ruckus, I imagine.
Narrator/Announcer
It sure was. Pa was mad and he got mama crying. Mr. Teague was awful man too, when he left.
Matt Dillon
I imagine a boy your age might be a little scared of a fellow like Teague, huh?
Narrator/Announcer
Yes, sir. Mom was scared of him too, Marshall. She told Pa he was a bad man to cross.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. I want you to tell me something, Beanie. From up there on the bluff, who did you see riding away?
Narrator/Announcer
I see Mr. Teague.
Matt Dillon
I think that line cabin just round the Next Turn yonder, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, I caught a glimpse of it from back up the trail. You'd think they'd clear out some of this cussed brush from along the trail. I bet there'd be some good hunting along these bottoms, though. When the deer starts drifting down from the north, maybe we'll give it a try in the next couple of weeks or so. I'll get my old Springfield out and clean it up some. Pull up, Justin. Huh? There's a cabin. Let's go on foot from here. There's a horse tied there at the corner. Yeah, all saddled up, Bed roll tight on behind. Looks like maybe Tig's figuring on moving hit the ground. Reckon we come to the right place? Yeah, it looks.
Commercial Narrator
Time is precious, and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and Schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments. And shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
Matt Dillon
Free yourself of old fashioned ideas. Why don't you live modern? Live modern. Live, live, live harder. Free up. Freshen up your taste. Smoking L only the modern miracle of the pure white miracle tip can bring all of L M's full exciting flavor through to you. And that's the big reason why today more people are changing to L M than to any other cigarette. Remember, L M draws easier, taste richer, smoke's cleaner. So live modern. Change to L and M. Make today your big red letter day and start to live the modern way. Live, live, live modern. L and M. It's America's fastest growing cigarette. We ain't making no move, Ms. Dylan. He's still there, though. That cabin ain't much protection. Just build out of shake sidings. Yeah, Maybe we ought to show him that. Chester might convince him. Hey, Tig, he don't act very convinced, does he? Don't be a fool, Tig. Those walls won't even slow down a bullet. Now come out with your hands. All right then. Hold it, Marshall. Hold it.
Narrator/Announcer
I give up.
Matt Dillon
All right, come on out then. That last bullet must have breathed on him. All right, hold it. Take. That's far enough. I. I knowed I was in for it. When June rode over and told me Hank was shot. Joan, this Marvel. That's why I was trying to get away. I knowed I wouldn't have a chance. Tig. Hanks boy saw you. He saw me? Saw me what? Right away. Right after his dad was shot. That's a lie. I weren't even near them bottoms this morning. You got a rifle here? Sure. I got a Sharps 50 and it's been fired too. I tried for a deer this morning. Hank Marvel wasn't killed with a sharps. You got a small bore here? A light Winchester maybe? Of course not. That's a woman's gun. Marshall.
Narrator/Announcer
I wasn't expecting you back so soon, Buzz.
Matt Dillon
Something I had to check on, man.
Narrator/Announcer
Won't you come in?
Matt Dillon
No, no. No thanks. Got a couple of questions, that's all.
Narrator/Announcer
Have you talked to Mr. Teague?
Matt Dillon
I arrested him.
Narrator/Announcer
What?
Matt Dillon
Chester took him into Dodge. Is beanie here, Ms. Marvel?
Narrator/Announcer
No. He went out along the bluff where he stacked them pumpkins. Raccoons are always getting into them. They come out sometimes just before dark. Why do you want to See Beanie Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I just want to talk to him, that's all.
Narrator/Announcer
Well, if it's something I can tell.
Matt Dillon
You, there's one thing you can probably tell me. What kind of a rifle did your husband own?
Narrator/Announcer
Well, the only one he ever used was the Sharps 50.
Matt Dillon
Is that the only one he owned?
Narrator/Announcer
No, they're the light Winchester out in the barn. But Marshall, if you've arrested Mr. Teague, why are you asking all these questions?
Matt Dillon
You know how to use a rifle, Ms. Marvel?
Narrator/Announcer
Of course I do. Hank taught me. You figured anybody living out here on the prairie ought to know how to shoot?
Matt Dillon
Uh huh. All right, I won't take any more of your time. Now, Ms. Marvel. Goodbye. Got him.
Narrator/Announcer
By golly, I got him.
Matt Dillon
That was a good shot, Beanie.
Narrator/Announcer
Marshall, I didn't hear you come up.
Matt Dillon
Well, I kept quiet. I saw you trying to get a sight on that coon. Sit down, Penny. I won't talk to you.
Narrator/Announcer
Sure, Marshall. That Darnold coon, she won't get no more of them pumpkins.
Matt Dillon
No, I guess he won't. That your mother's Winchester?
Narrator/Announcer
Well, yeah. Puff got it for her. But she said it's part mine too.
Matt Dillon
That's a fine looking gun.
Narrator/Announcer
It sure is, Marshall. It's. It's just a mighty fine gun, that's all. Did you find Mr. Teague?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I found him, Vinnie. He said he wasn't down there in the Bottoms this morning, but I seen.
Narrator/Announcer
Him, Marshall, plain as anything.
Matt Dillon
I was just talking to your mother. She's a mighty fine woman, Beanie.
Narrator/Announcer
She ain't no woman. She's a girl. Oh, she's a lot younger than Popwood's. She's pretty near 11 years younger.
Matt Dillon
She and your pop got along pretty well. Did they?
Narrator/Announcer
Well, he made her cry sometimes. Like last night after Mr. Teague left again this morning too.
Matt Dillon
What happened this morning?
Narrator/Announcer
Same thing. He was drumming at her about Mr. Teague. She was gonna make soap. Mostly I help her when she does. Them kettles is real heavy. But this morning you wouldn't let me that so? Maybe come here to the pumpkin patch. So a little roar could be good for her. Help get her feet back on the ground. I don't like it, Marshall. Only makes Mama cry. I get all funny inside.
Matt Dillon
I see. Vinnie. I guess you'd do just about anything for your mother, wouldn't you?
Narrator/Announcer
Sure I would.
Matt Dillon
Beanie Teague wasn't down there this morning.
Narrator/Announcer
Well, sure he was.
Matt Dillon
You didn't see him. You know that and I know it. Now why did you say you did.
Narrator/Announcer
I hate him, Marshall. And you kept saying I must have seen somebody to. Finally I said it was him.
Matt Dillon
Why do you hate him?
Narrator/Announcer
Cause if it hadn't been for him, it wouldn't have happened. Pop wouldn't have made her cry if Mr. T couldn't have come around. If Pop gone, he'd have kept coming back and he'd have kept bothering her. So I said it was him. I see. Ma and me don't need nobody like him coming around.
Matt Dillon
You really didn't see anybody this morning, did you?
Narrator/Announcer
No, sir.
Matt Dillon
You shot your father yourself, didn't you?
Narrator/Announcer
Yes, sir. I. I didn't go to do it, sir. It was just all of a sudden. Them pumpkins could have waited, Marshall. Them Soul Kittles are so heavy.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I guess they are. Benny, how old are you?
Narrator/Announcer
Eight? Pretty near nine, sir.
Matt Dillon
Per. Near nine. Well.
Narrator/Announcer
What do you think will happen, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Beanie? I wish I knew. In a moment. Our star, William Conrad.
Commercial Narrator
Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24,7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch. You'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
Matt Dillon
America's Protestants, Catholics and Jews are strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and friendship by helping the needy overseas through their houses of worship. These three faiths are sending voluntary relief to virtually every free country in the world. Hundreds of millions of pounds of goods, clothing and medicine will go to victims of war, disaster and famine in many parts of the world. More than 80% of American voluntary relief work for the hungry and needy overseas is conducted through the religious agencies of these three major faith groups. When you share with needy persons overseas through your house of worship, you are promoting the spirit of democracy that unites all peoples for peace and goodwill. You are keeping faith with the finest tradition and heritage of America. CBS radio urges you to keep faith with those in need overseas by giving as much as you can through your faith. And now, William Conrad. You know, on the high plains, a man lived hard and worked hard. And the years slipped by in a hurry. The next week, a man returning to Dodge finds that everything has changed because he stayed away too long. And his plan for changing things back calls for the murder of his brother. And that was the West. Gunsmoke, produced and directed by Norman Macdonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal. The script was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Meston. The music was composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Gene Bates, Butch Bernard and John Dana Barley Bear as Chester, Howard McNear as Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Join us again next week for another story on gun smoke. 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 youm 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.
Commercial Narrator
Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.
Old Time Radio Westerns: Gunsmoke – “Pretty Mama” (Original Air Date: November 11, 1956)
Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes
Podcast Episode Date: November 11, 2025
This remastered episode of Gunsmoke, titled “Pretty Mama,” transports listeners to the post-Frontier town of Dodge City, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon investigates a tragic ranch murder. The story delves into themes of loneliness, suspicion, jealousy, and the sometimes heavy burden placed upon children living in the harsh realities of the Old West.
[02:25-03:54]
[03:54-06:44]
[06:44-07:52]
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[14:08-19:48]
[19:48-20:58]
[21:18-24:24]
[24:24-24:29]
The episode maintains an evocative, somber, and contemplative tone. There is an undercurrent of suspicion and loneliness undercut by the simple, rugged directness of frontier folk. The dialogue is authentic to the era and setting, rich in understatement.
“Pretty Mama” provides a compelling narrative of tragedy and misconstrued intentions on the frontier. Through Marshal Dillon’s methodical investigation, the truth emerges from beneath the weight of local gossip, suspicion, and a young boy’s desperate attempt to protect his mother. The episode stands as a poignant reminder of the burdensome realities and emotional stakes of the Old West—where even the innocent can be swept up in its hardships and mysteries.