Solomon River | Gunsmoke (04-17-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "Solomon River | Gunsmoke (04-17-60)"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Old Time Radio Westerns
• Host: Andrew Rhynes
• Episode: Solomon River | Gunsmoke (04-17-60)
• Release Date: May 4, 2025

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I. Introduction

In the episode titled "Solomon River," part of the legendary "Gunsmoke" series, listeners are immersed in a gripping Western drama set along the Solomon River. Hosted by Andrew Rhynes, this digitally restored episode brings to life the timeless tales of the Wild West with enhanced audio quality, allowing audiences to experience every rustle of the prairie wind and the tension of a standoff with unprecedented clarity.

II. Plot Summary

The episode begins with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (voiced by William Conrad) and his deputy, Chester Goode (voiced by Vic Perrin), patrolling the rugged terrains near Dodge City. Their mission takes a turn when they encounter Letty Thatcher, a solitary woman grappling with profound loss and isolation.

Encounter with Letty Thatcher: While traversing the riverbank, Matt and Chester stumble upon Letty Thatcher, who is diligently digging graves for her deceased family members. Her despair is palpable as she tends to the gravesites of her loved ones, including her husband Luther and their children.

• Matt Dillon: "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet."

As they engage with Letty, it becomes evident that she has been living in seclusion, struggling to cope with her immense loss. Her interactions with Matt and Chester reveal a woman on the brink of despair, holding onto the memories of her family as she attempts to preserve their resting places.

Introduction of Ben Crown: Amidst their compassionate efforts to assist Letty, Matt and Chester apprehend a man named Ben Crown, who claims innocence in the crimes he's accused of. A telegram from Wichita confirms Crown's innocence, unveiling a miscarriage of justice. Crown's wrongful accusation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of law enforcement in the unforgiving frontier.

• Chester Goode: "We rode most of the way to Abilene for nothing. As it turned out, you brought a prisoner back, a Ben Crown. But he's the wrong man."

Developing Relationships: The episode delves into the interpersonal dynamics between the characters. Chester shows a budding interest in Letty, while Matt grapples with his sense of duty and growing concern for her well-being. Their efforts to aid Letty culminate in a heartfelt transformation, steering her towards hope and community.

• Matt Dillon: "I have a kindly feeling for her. ... I'll put tonic last on the long list of things that you need."

As the story unfolds, Letty begins to recognize the value of companionship and the importance of reintegrating into society. The Marshals' unwavering support helps her confront her grief and consider a future beyond solitude.

Resolution: In the climax, Letty reluctantly accepts the assistance offered by Matt and Chester, symbolizing her willingness to heal and rebuild her life. The episode concludes with Letty finding solace among the townsfolk of Dodge City, embodying the themes of redemption and the enduring human spirit.

• Letty Thatcher: "I'm remembering lots of things. All of it. It's right that I do."

III. Character Development

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): Embodies the steadfast and compassionate U.S. Marshal, striving to uphold justice while extending empathy to those in need. His interactions with Letty showcase his ability to balance duty with humanity.

• Chester Goode (Vic Perrin): The loyal deputy whose gentle demeanor complements Matt's resolute character. Chester's growing affection for Letty adds depth to his role, highlighting the personal connections forged in the line of duty.

• Letty Thatcher (Georgia Ellis): A tragic figure whose isolation underscores the psychological toll of frontier life. Letty's journey from despair to acceptance illustrates the transformative power of community and support.

• Ben Crown (Character Voiced by a Guest Actor): Represents the theme of justice and the imperfections within the legal system. Crown's wrongful accusation drives the narrative forward, emphasizing the Marshals' commitment to true justice.

IV. Notable Quotes

1. Matt Dillon on Duty and Empathy:

   • "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
     [00:24]

2. Chester Goode on Determination:

   • "I can count high as need be. I'll stand up to anybody doing sums. Ain't that a fact, Mr. Dillon."
     [04:00]

3. Matt Dillon on Compassion:

   • "She just crumpled up. Yeah. I'll carry her inside."
     [08:29]

4. Letty Thatcher on Isolation:

   • "I don't need folks now. I don't need nothing now. Everything I got is here."
     [12:15]

5. Chester Goode on Community:

   • "You can't stay on here alone. Letty off this way. It's not safe for a woman alone."
     [12:21]

6. Matt Dillon on Redemption:

   • "It's right that I do. Luther. Rest him seeing the good of it out here."
     [27:08]

V. Themes and Insights

• Isolation vs. Community: Letty Thatcher's initial isolation highlights the struggles faced by individuals in the vast, untamed landscapes of the Wild West. The episode underscores the importance of community support in overcoming personal tragedies.

• Justice and Redemption: Ben Crown's wrongful accusation serves as a critique of the legal system's fallibility. The Marshals' dedication to uncovering the truth reflects the pursuit of genuine justice, a cornerstone of the "Gunsmoke" series.

• Human Resilience: Letty's transformation from grief-stricken to hopeful symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit. Her acceptance of help signifies a turning point, advocating for the strength found in vulnerability and connection.

• Duty vs. Personal Emotion: Matt Dillon's internal conflict between upholding his duties and empathizing with Letty presents a nuanced portrayal of law enforcement in challenging circumstances.

VI. Conclusion

"Solomon River | Gunsmoke (04-17-60)" masterfully weaves a tale of loss, justice, and redemption set against the backdrop of the Wild West. Through rich character development and poignant interactions, the episode invites listeners to reflect on the enduring human capacity for compassion and resilience. Andrew Rhynes' meticulous digital restoration ensures that this classic narrative resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences, preserving the legacy of "Gunsmoke" for future generations.

For those who haven’t experienced this episode, "Solomon River" offers a compelling blend of drama and moral complexity, emblematic of the Golden Age of Radio Westerns. Dive into this timeless story and journey alongside Matt Dillon and Chester Goode as they navigate the challenges of justice and the healing power of community.

Transcript

[Matt Dillon]

Plan on flying. It's time to upgrade to a real ID because in order to board domestic flights, your driver's license or state issued.

[Chester]

ID must be a real ID or.

[Matt Dillon]

You'Ll need another acceptable form of identification.

[Chester]

So don't wait.

[Matt Dillon]

Find out how to get your Real [e-mail] RealID that's tsa.gov RealID or visit.

[Chester]

Your local DMV and then you'll be cleared for takeoff. Saving for your next milestone. Turn your everyday errands into cash back opportunities. Thanks to the Blue Cash Every Day card, we can earn 3% cash back in the US on essentials like groceries at supermarkets, online retail purchases and gas stations. That's how we started growing our family's little nest egg. Take the next step with Blue Cash every day from Amex. Learn more at americanexpress.com Explore BCE terms and cash back cap apply. 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. Around Dodge City and in the territory on west there is 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 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.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, my name Wang lee. I cook 15 years observed everyday vegetables often very dull. I like you to know about French's Worcestershire sauce.

[Letty Thatcher]

Reason French cheese's Worcestershire that make big difference in cooking. Please do listen.

[Chester]

French's Worcestershire is honorable source cherished for generations.

[Letty Thatcher]

Rich with rare ingredients, exotic spices. Example 1 ingredient soy very special with vegetables French's Worcestershire full of spicy ingredients. 15 in all and good asoy but not Chinese.

[Chester]

You try vegetables cooked this way. 1 tablespoon French's Worcestershire added to boiling vegetable water.

[Letty Thatcher]

Causes mouth to also water.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, so just be sure of name French's Worcestershire from honorable makers of French mustard.

[Chester]

Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, that there was a big one. You see that, Mr. Dylan?

[Chester]

No, no I didn't Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh my. If you're counting heads, I didn't see it either. Only heads I'm counting is cat catfish crown. And that there was number six. Since we've been Riding down here along the riverbank, you right sure you can count that high to six? Well, you ain't saying you can go higher. You listen to me, Ben Crown. I can count high as need be. I'll stand up to anybody doing sums. Ain't That a fact, Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon.

[Chester]

Huh? What was that, Chester?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I was just remarking to Ben Crown how I can do my sums with the best of them.

[Chester]

Well, that's fine, fine, fine.

[Matt Dillon]

It come to mind the way I was called. Catfish.

[Chester]

How are you on cottonwoods?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, every bit as good.

[Chester]

Well, I count three just ahead there.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir. Three it is, Mr. Jones.

[Chester]

All right, we'll stop there and waddle the horses.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir. And you can do your sums while we're resting, Chester. Sort of keep your hand in, you might say. I'll tell you something, Mr. Crown. Me and Mr. Dillon, we brought in prisoners before. That was a sight funnier. And you are just a sight funnier.

[Chester]

All right. Let him drink easily, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir. How about my horse? Water it with my hands tied.

[Chester]

You can hold a saddle horn. You can water your horse.

[Matt Dillon]

I ain't scum, Marshall. I'm not a killer, neither. Just on your say so.

[Chester]

It's not my say so, Crown. You're the face on the wanted poster. That's all I know.

[Matt Dillon]

And that's good enough for you.

[Chester]

Is it enough for me to bring you in now? You going to water your horse? I'm going to catch a wink.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not going to forget you, Marshall. You might want to think on that. I'm not going to forget you, Mr. Dillon. Mr. Dillon. Best rouse yourself, man.

[Chester]

Well. Oh, Chester. I guess I must have dozed off.

[Matt Dillon]

The horses is all watered and rested up. We're gonna make Dodge by eating.

[Chester]

Yeah, well, we better get a woo wide, I guess.

[Matt Dillon]

What about eating? I can't go the livelong day on hardtack. Chances are you'll find out you can cry. We won't be eating till we get to dodge, will we, Mr. Jones?

[Chester]

Wait a minute, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Chester]

That's coming from up behind the trees there. Sounds like somebody digging up there.

[Matt Dillon]

There's a law against that.

[Chester]

You're the one bellyaching about food. If somebody lives up there, we might get our hand out. Come on, let's go.

[Matt Dillon]

What? She didn't. Looking at Mr. D. She must have heard herself.

[Chester]

Excuse me, ma'am. Ma'am. You're not making much of a dent with that spade.

[Letty Thatcher]

Now tell me something I don't know.

[Chester]

You look like you could use Some rest.

[Letty Thatcher]

I don't need you now. You could have come earlier. Two days, three. It might have mattered then. I sure don't need you now, Mr. Donaldson.

[Matt Dillon]

Just skin and bone.

[Letty Thatcher]

You're no good to me coming now.

[Matt Dillon]

You sure shouldn't be out in the heart of the day this way, you know.

[Letty Thatcher]

Should and shouldn't. Do you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I. I just mean the sun is punishing me.

[Letty Thatcher]

The sun, the land, the life. It's all punishing. Now, go on with you. You're too late. Too late?

[Chester]

Too late for what, man?

[Letty Thatcher]

Leave me be. Just leave me be.

[Chester]

Let me have the spade, ma'am. You're not strong enough.

[Letty Thatcher]

It won't matter. I die in the triumph. Leave me to my work.

[Matt Dillon]

She just crumpled up.

[Chester]

Yeah. I'll carry her inside.

[Matt Dillon]

Ain't no food here. From the looks of her, she's starving to death.

[Chester]

Chester, bring Crown along.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll just spread up that bed so you can Put her down, Mr. Don.

[Chester]

Now, there's a cot here. Besides, looks like the bed's occupied.

[Matt Dillon]

He's dead.

[Chester]

Yeah. Two, three days dead. Like she said. She was trying to dig a grave.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that poor thing. She must be near crazy. All alone here and him dead.

[Chester]

All right, start a fire. Get some water boiling. Find some coffee. Find some food if you can.

[Matt Dillon]

Right away, Mr. King. You untying me, Marshall? For what?

[Chester]

He was a big man, Crown. Dig a big grave. Bye, Joan. I'm heading for the ballpark. I'm late now.

[Matt Dillon]

Gil Hodges.

[Letty Thatcher]

Look at the list of errands you've left for me to do again. And I'm so busy with spring flowers cleaning.

[Chester]

I know, but it's spring cleaning time for the car, too. So please be sure to get the motor oil changed in the car. And get a fresh FRAM filter, too, honey.

[Letty Thatcher]

A fresh FRAM filter, Gill?

[Chester]

What for? To keep the oil clean. Dirt and sludge can ruin an engine. Nothing fills motor oil with sludge faster than the short runs you make shopping and taxiing the children to school. Just take the car in and ask for a fram.

[Letty Thatcher]

A fram? How will they know what I mean?

[Chester]

They'll know more service stations sell FRAM filters than any other brand. Nothing keeps oral clean like a FRAM filter. The Dodgers, popular first baseman Gil Hodges sure knows his filters. He knows how important it is to change oil filters at least every 5,000 miles. It's Fram for him. For you, too. Fram filters. You feeling some better, ma'am?

[Letty Thatcher]

Letty. Letty Thatcher. You saved my life. I guess you can call Me. Letty.

[Chester]

You want some more coffee, Letty?

[Letty Thatcher]

This will do me. I. I thought there was three of you.

[Chester]

They're outside.

[Letty Thatcher]

I guess he found Luther.

[Chester]

Yes, we found him.

[Letty Thatcher]

Did you set him in the ground yet?

[Chester]

We thought you'd want that.

[Letty Thatcher]

I've been trying to do it myself all these days. Lost track of how many he was. A long time dying. A long time lying there dead. I couldn't help him die, and I couldn't help him once he did.

[Chester]

You got no neighbors?

[Letty Thatcher]

Nobody fool enough to live here. But Luther Thatcher, he was bound he wouldn't live near no settlement. It'd choke him. He said crowd around him and choke him. Well, I could have stood a little of the choking myself.

[Chester]

We're heading for Dodge City, Letty. We'd be glad to take you along. I'm the marshal there. Might be able to help you get settled.

[Letty Thatcher]

Settled at what?

[Chester]

At living with people around.

[Letty Thatcher]

Oh, I don't need folks now. I don't need nothing now. Everything I got is here.

[Chester]

You can't stay on here alone. Letty off this way. It's not safe for a woman alone.

[Letty Thatcher]

Safe? I don't know what that means, Marshall. Don't talk safe to me. I got the roof Luther left me. I got a stove and a bed.

[Chester]

But you can't work the land. We couldn't find much food around.

[Letty Thatcher]

We got potatoes in the ground. The Lord knows the prairie's alive with rabbits. I'll make do.

[Chester]

Well, can't force you to come with us, Lyddy. But if something like pride is keeping you here, now, that's a big price to pay.

[Letty Thatcher]

Pride? Pride. I'll show you something, Marshall. Here, out the window. Now, if you look close, you can still make a mark toward the river from Luther's grave. There's five more. You see? Just little mounds of dust now. But you can make them out.

[Chester]

Yes, I can make them out.

[Letty Thatcher]

My babies. Five of them. One for each year we've been here. Them and Luther. Now, all I got in the world is here, Marshall. I'm not leaving.

[Chester]

You're not afraid to stay?

[Letty Thatcher]

I guess I'd be afraid to go.

[Matt Dillon]

I just don't see her living there alone, Mr. Dylan.

[Chester]

She can't see doing anything else. It's up to her, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

I bet we must have rode 10 miles before we come to another farm. She just sat out there in the middle of nowhere. No one to tend for or see tour. Why don't you go back and marry her, Chester? You're so all fired sorry for her. I got a kindly feeling for her, that's all. You collect stray cats, too, do you?

[Chester]

Digging a grave makes you perfect. Pretty mean, doesn't it, Crown?

[Matt Dillon]

His kind just naturally born mean, Ms. Dillon. I don't see the sense of choking up over a mule. Stubborn old woman. You gave her the chance to get out. She's bound. She's gonna stay.

[Chester]

Well, let her.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't cry for her.

[Chester]

You're a practical man, Crown.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm that all right, Marshall.

[Chester]

But you don't know the first thing about a woman's age. If Lettie's 25, she's not a day older.

[Matt Dillon]

She looks 50.

[Chester]

Part of it's the prairie part of us the wearer of living. The strain she's been under.

[Matt Dillon]

She could use some clean, good food, too. Plump her up a little dab, she'd be right pretty. Some good, plain food, now, that don't hurt nobody. I'm gonna be awful surprised. What makes you any better looking, Ben? Cr. Now, just a minute. Now, let me get this straight, Chester. You want me to prescribe something for you, is that it? No, no, now, Doc, I didn't say that exactly. What I said was I wanted you to prescribe something. Well, that's what I said. You said prescribe something for me. Well, I didn't say it was for me. Oh, well, then. Well, who is it for? You'd have to know that, I suppose. Well, it'd help. Now, you tell me who it is. Now, Gonzale. No, I can't do it that way, Chester. There are times when you don't make any sense at all, and this is one of them. Now, I've had a busy day and I'd just as soon go to bed as play this game, whatever it is, with you. It's no game, Doc. My goodness, it's serious as can be. Now, look, I'll tell you. Let's say it's me that's ailing, and I don't know any powers that'll fix what ails you. Well, let's say I'm off my feet. I'm dragging around half starved. I need something to pick me up like a tonic. That's it. Now, you just give me a nice bottle of tonic and we'll forget the whole thing. A nice bottle of tonic. It don't matter the color, red or green. I got red from the last medicine show to come through here. But I ain't in the least particular color. Just something to put the bloom in my cheeks again. Oh, for heaven's sakes, Chester. Well, now, Doc, I aim to pay. Now, you listen to me. In case you don't recollect, we just came from dinner at Delmonico's. You ate steak and eggs and two helpings of stew, bread and gravy and a slice of pie. All right. Now, I don't call that being off your feed. And you're not dragging around. You're waddling around from eating too much. You don't think I need a tonic, do you? I would put tonic last on the long list of things that you need. Well, what about the bloom in my cheeks, Chester? Good night, now, Doc. You. Good night. Good night.

[Letty Thatcher]

Was it a hard trip?

[Chester]

Man, now they're all hard, Kitty. We rode most of the way to Abilene for nothing. As it turned out, you brought a.

[Letty Thatcher]

Prisoner back, a Ben Crown.

[Chester]

But he's the wrong man. Got a telegram this morning from Wichita. Man named Keeper confessed Crown wasn't even implicated.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, Chester says Crown kept telling you all along he was the wrong man.

[Chester]

When did you see Chester?

[Letty Thatcher]

Bright and early this morning. Sam gave him some money and he picked out a couple of my old traveling dresses.

[Chester]

Wait a minute, wait a minute. He picked out what?

[Letty Thatcher]

A couple of my old dresses.

[Chester]

Why?

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, to tell you the truth, he wasn't too clear. He said they'd be put to good use. And he told Sam the same about his money. He muttered something about Doc not seeing fit to give him and they went off to Jonas to collect from him. I suppose you knew about it.

[Chester]

All I know is Chester hasn't been around much since we got back.

[Letty Thatcher]

I kidded him a little about it. Asked him if he'd picked himself a wife while he was gone. And. Well, I know this sounds far fetched, but I swear he blushed.

[Chester]

I'll be done.

[Letty Thatcher]

Where are you going?

[Chester]

I think I better go find Chester.

[Letty Thatcher]

Now, Matt, if you're not supposed to know, don't you dare tell him I told you.

[Chester]

No, I won't. Kidding. This is something I think I'd rather Chester told me himself. Afternoon, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

My goodness, I thought you'd be gone some longer.

[Chester]

Oh, buying the town out, are you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you're referring to these parcels, I suppose.

[Chester]

Yeah, I suppose I am.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, might as well come right out with it. I'd have told you at the first, Mr. Dylan, but folks seems to delight in just making sport of me. I just didn't want to hear no more about me being a sentimental old fool. It's only a kindly feeling I have for her.

[Chester]

You're collecting all this for. Letty Thatcher.

[Matt Dillon]

You seen right through me, didn't you, Mr. Dillon?

[Chester]

I think it's fine. I think it's a good thing only.

[Matt Dillon]

Nah, I don't want to hear no more onlys. I got her some food and some clothes and a little spog of money. Ain't enough to wad a shotgun with really, but it'll do her.

[Chester]

Well, how do you mean to get it to Letty?

[Matt Dillon]

Get it to her as plain as day. I'll just. All I gotta do is. Just all I.

[Chester]

Well, you can't post it, Chester. No stage runs along the Solomon river nearer.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I hadn't thought that through. Hello, Marshall. Chester.

[Chester]

I thought you'd gone by now, Crown.

[Matt Dillon]

Fixing to leave right now. Wanted to ask you a favor, Marshall.

[Chester]

Is that so?

[Matt Dillon]

Wonder if you'd mind telegraphing ahead to the marshal at Abilene, telling him my name's been cleared, I'd like to settle there and I wouldn't want no marks against my name right off.

[Chester]

Well, I guess I could be arranged. Crown. You're heading for Abilene now.

[Matt Dillon]

My horse is outside.

[Chester]

Well, maybe you can do us a favor, Crown. We like these parcels dropped off at Letty Thatcher's. Now that wouldn't be out of your way?

[Matt Dillon]

My horse ain't no pack mule, you know. Ain't but just a few little.

[Chester]

You mean to set up in business in Abilene, you say?

[Matt Dillon]

Friend runs the trails in saloon. Said I could buy in.

[Chester]

Uh huh.

[Matt Dillon]

Guess if I want you to send that telegram, I'd best oblige you. Well now, you're nice to offer to take these, Crown. I'll just carry them on out for you. Somehow I get the idea you were just waiting for me.

[Chester]

We'll be much obliged, Crown. I'll send a telegram right away. And you'll tell Letty hello for us, will it?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure, Marshal, sure I will.

[Chester]

Are you out of tune due to irregularity? Then help yourself. Get back in tune with Kellogg's Albrand. Pleasant, isn't it? The feeling of well being you get when constipation from lack of bulk is no longer a worry. When harsh, irritating drug laxatives can be thrown away. Because Kellogg's All Brand is the normal natural way to regularity. Its whole brand content gentles away constipation supplies your system with the bulk forming food you need for youthful regularity. And it tastes good too. Fact is, Kellogg's All Brand is the one and only whole brand cereal that combines proved effectiveness with appetizing taste and crispness. So if you're out of tune Help yourself. Get back in tune as millions do with Kellogg's All Brand A double hyphen B R, A, N Kellogg's All Brand.

[Matt Dillon]

By Ding Laddie Shore. He's gonna be surprised, us showing up here not a week after Crown come through.

[Chester]

I still don't see why she stays on out here. She'd be much better off in town.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, I'll water the horses, Mr. Dillon. Oh, here, you want to take the tonic, Doc scent with you?

[Chester]

Oh, you bring it when you come.

[Matt Dillon]

Back, Chester, aren't you? Thank you, I will.

[Chester]

Letty. Matt Dillon. Letty.

[Letty Thatcher]

You come any closer, I'll blow you off the prairie.

[Chester]

Now, Letty, put that shotgun down.

[Letty Thatcher]

Any nearer at all, I'll kill you.

[Chester]

What's wrong, Letty? What's happened to you?

[Letty Thatcher]

Go on. Go on back and tell the good people of Dodge. I sure thank him. Only the clothes is ripped and he ate the food. And the money's not worth much. Now, Crown was here then here, here three days and nights. So don't come to collect any thank yous. I paid, Marshall. I paid for all was giving.

[Chester]

Meletta, you need care. You can't stay on here. I'm gonna take that gun and you're gonna go back to Dodge City.

[Letty Thatcher]

No. I'm through with men forcing me. I'll die or I'll kill, but I'm not enduring anymore.

[Chester]

Letty, I'm not gonna harm you now. I'm your friend. I am not going to harm you. Letty. Now, you give me that gun. No.

[Letty Thatcher]

Come on.

[Chester]

Chester. Come up here.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, my lad.

[Chester]

Oh, man, this is Crown's work. Chester, I want you to stay here. When she's able, pack her up and take her back to Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir, I sure will. But what about you?

[Chester]

I'm riding to Abilene. Crown.

[Matt Dillon]

Wow. Marshall.

[Chester]

Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Welcome to Trail's End.

[Chester]

That's for Letty, Crown. Now get up.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, wait a minute. She not worth us fighting over, Marshall.

[Chester]

I ought to know wet. A woman sick and a need. What kind of a brute are you?

[Matt Dillon]

She's asking for it. Staying out there alone. Why, any man would.

[Chester]

If anybody cares, he needs a doctor bad.

[Matt Dillon]

Come in.

[Chester]

Ah. Hello, Letty.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, Marshall Dillon. I wondered if you'd be coming to call.

[Chester]

Well, I've been out of town. Doc says you're coming along fine.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, I declare that folks here have been so kind. I near forgot how kind and gentle folks can be. Chester, Ms. Kitty, Doc and Ma. Smally.

[Chester]

Hey, Ma says she's having trouble keeping you down.

[Letty Thatcher]

Well, I gotta pay my keep. I can't always be taken.

[Chester]

Well, there's time, Lily. You just get strong and well again.

[Letty Thatcher]

Marshall, I. I was wrong. I faltered on so many things. What happened was my doing. Staying on when you tried to get me to leave.

[Chester]

You just try to blot it out, Letty. That's best.

[Letty Thatcher]

I'm remembering lots of things. All of it. It's right that I do. Luther. Rest. Him seeing the good of it out here. Wanting to make a place for us. All I could ever see was what we were losing.

[Chester]

You lost a lot.

[Letty Thatcher]

But folks here, the most of them are building a town, a life. I'm gonna be a part of it. Part of the good. I owe it to Luther.

[Chester]

No. You owe it to yourself. Letty. I tell you, the west needs women. Women to be part of the good for so long.

[Letty Thatcher]

I just said to myself, I wish I'd die.

[Chester]

I wish you'd live, Letty. But you're the only one can do that. Nobody else can do that for you.

[Letty Thatcher]

That's what I'm coming to know, Marshall. That's what I'm coming to know.

[Chester]

Next time you refresh, enjoy a frosty, ice cold Pepsi Cola.

[Matt Dillon]

Sociability, Charlie.

[Chester]

All right, Kay. How's this? Pepsi is light. Refreshes without filling. You like to refresh? Have a Pepsi right now.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll offer it to everybody, Charlie.

[Chester]

I will enjoy Pepsi at the fountain. It's delicious at home too. Have one at lunch or with a snack, Charlie. At the beach or at dinner. Wherever you go. When, wherever you're thirsty, Pepsi is there.

[Matt Dillon]

It's here too, in our Be Sociable song.

[Chester]

Be sociable. Look smart. Keep up to date with Pepsi. Drink light, refreshing Pepsi. Stay on and air. Be sociable. Have a Pepsi for the weekend. Have Pepsi. Plenty of Pepsi around. Pick up an extra carton today. CK I'm sociable.

[Letty Thatcher]

With Pepsi, everyone is.

[Chester]

Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald's stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Kathleen Height with editorial supervision by John Meston.

[Matt Dillon]

Featured in the cast were Virginia, Christine and Vic Perrin. Marley Bear As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.

[Chester]

This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke. Latest news follows. Then Mitch Miller on the CBS Radio Network. KNX AM&FM CBS radio in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. the city of the fox.

[Matt Dillon]

The needle and the punch.

[Chester]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands Steve Technogod and Craig who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copy Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.