The Big Con {reused script} | Gunsmoke (11-13-60)

Summary

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Gunsmoke: "The Big Con" {Reused Script}

Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: November 13, 1960 | Podcast Date: August 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode of Gunsmoke, titled “The Big Con,” delivers a tense drama centered around a high-stakes poker swindle in Dodge City. Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself navigating the dangerous aftermath when a banker disastrously lends bank funds to a conman based on the promise of a winning hand. The plot unravels a classic tale of deception, greed, and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust on the frontier, all featuring the iconic character voices, themes of justice, and a touch of melancholy unique to Gunsmoke.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Early Morning at the Bank (04:21)

• Chester questions Marshal Dillon’s early start; Dillon claims he simply has “a few things to take care of at the bank.”
• The bank is lively—a typical Dodge morning—until a stranger (Hook) demands a massive, urgent loan.

“My collateral is right here in this envelope. You may look at it, but don’t reveal it to these other gentlemen.”
— Hook, explaining his poker hand as collateral (05:28)

• Hook reveals he needs $20,000 immediately to buy into an ongoing poker game at the Lady Gay saloon. The “collateral” is a sealed hand of playing cards.

2. The Bank’s Fateful Gamble (06:15)

• The bank president, Mr. Papp, against his better judgment, agrees to the loan after seeing Hook’s seemingly unbeatable hand.
• Dillon warns about the gamble, but is brushed aside. Security is requested, and the entourage returns to the saloon.
• In the game, Hook’s “unbeatable” hand is bested by a “higher” straight flush from a rival, Sheenways—and the bank’s $20,000 is lost.

“$20,000. Just like that. And it’s not even my money.”
— Mr. Papp, despondent after the loss (08:01)

3. The Cover Up and Aftermath (09:00)

• Dillon sternly instructs all present to keep the matter secret to prevent a run on the bank and further calamity for Mr. Papp.
• Papp is inconsolable, fearing ruination and disgrace.

“I can’t face it, Marshall. I just can’t face it.”
— Mr. Papp (09:54)

• Hook offers placating words, promising to send for the money, but his assurances ring hollow.

4. Suspicions Rise: Is It a Con? (10:45)

• Doc Adams relates a similar scam from New Orleans, recognizing the signs of a rigged swindle.
• The familiarity between Doc and Hook hints at past criminal overlap, deepening suspicions.

“That gray-haired man you thought you recognized? The name’s Hook...Maybe he remembers you too.”
— Dillon to Doc, connecting present and past cons (12:31)

5. Marshal Dillon’s Preemptive Move (16:13)

• Faced with lack of legal proof, Dillon forces the three suspects—Hook, Sheenways, and Varden—to sit for photographs at the local studio, warning them that they can be traced if they skip town.

“Then if you gentlemen leave Dodge, any one of you, it'll be a lot easier for the law to find you and bring you back wherever you go.”
— Dillon, leveraging futuristic thinking on suspect identification (16:37)

• Moments later, tragedy is revealed: Mr. Papp has committed suicide out of shame and despair. The cover-up unravels as news spreads.

“Matt, he killed himself. About an hour ago. That poor man.”
— Doc to Dillon, conveying the gravity of the loss (17:38, approx.)

6. Escalation: The Doc is Kidnapped (19:35)

• Chester brings Dillon a threatening message: Doc Adams has been abducted by the conmen as they flee, warning that any pursuit will endanger his life.

“We’re taking Doc along. If you follow us, we’ll kill him.”
— Ransom note to Dillon (19:48)

• Dillon and Chester gather clues: the gang rented four horses and are likely heading east, possibly toward St. Louis.

7. Pursuit and Prairie Justice (23:49)

• Dillon and Chester pursue the gang across the prairie, tracking them by their inexperience on the land.
• Dillon instructs Chester to stealthily steal their horses, stranding the gang on foot and giving Dillon a chance to get close to camp.

8. The Final Confrontation (27:30)

• Dillon uses patience and Doc’s quick-thinking distraction (kicking a coffee pot) to subdue Hook and secure Doc’s release.
• With the money recovered, the conmen are left on the open prairie—a form of poetic justice—while Dillon and company ride off, planning to collect the others when their defiance subsides.

“They’ll die out there, Marshal.”
— Hook
“Maybe they’ll learn. It’s a good way.”
— Dillon, accentuating frontier pragmatism (29:34)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• [05:28] Hook: “My collateral is right here in this envelope. You may look at it, but don’t reveal it to these other gentlemen.”
• [08:01] Mr. Papp: “$20,000. Just like that. And it’s not even my money.”
• [09:54] Mr. Papp: “I can’t face it, Marshall. I just can’t face it.”
• [12:31] Dillon: “That gray-haired man you thought you recognized? The name’s Hook... Maybe he remembers you too.”
• [16:37] Dillon: “Then if you gentlemen leave Dodge, any one of you, it'll be a lot easier for the law to find you and bring you back wherever you go.”
• [17:38] Doc: “Matt, he killed himself. About an hour ago. That poor man.”
• [19:48] Note (read by Chester): “We're taking Doc along. If you follow us, we'll kill him.”
• [29:34] Hook/Dillon:
  • Hook: “They’ll die out there, Marshall.”
  • Dillon: “Maybe they’ll learn. It’s a good way.”

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Important Timestamps

• 04:21 – The stranger's urgent request for a $20,000 loan.
• 06:15 – The bank president agrees, handing over the bank's money.
• 08:01 – The poker con is revealed; bank’s loss becomes clear.
• 10:45 – Doc’s recognition of a New Orleans con.
• 16:13 – Dillon forces the trio to be photographed for evidence.
• 17:38 – Discovery of Mr. Papp’s suicide.
• 19:48 – Doc’s kidnapping and the ultimatum to Dillon.
• 23:49 – Dillon and Chester track the gang on the prairie.
• 27:30 – Doc’s clever distraction, Hook captured, money recovered.
• 29:34 – Dillon’s decision to abandon the surviving conmen on the prairie.

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Episode Tone & Takeaways

Gunsmoke here is as moody and moral as ever, with Matt Dillon confronting the ugly consequences of greed and wiles, but also recognizing the limitations of law on the lawless frontier. The language is crisp, the atmosphere tense; there’s regret (the banker’s fatal mistake), irony (conmen being no match for prairie survival), and a frontier justice that falls outside the black-and-white of statutes.

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Final Thought

This episode deftly explores trust, consequence, and retribution in Dodge City, providing suspenseful drama and hard-won lessons about ingenuity—and the dangers of underestimating the unscrupulous. It stands out for its classic setup, sharp performances, and the weighty moral cost of a single mistake.

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Transcript

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[Narrator/Character Voice (Matt Dillon and others)]

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[Narrator/Character Voice (Matt Dillon and others)]

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I just don't understand why you couldn't sleep, Mr. John. Unless you had the colic or something. I feel fine, Chaucer. I just got a few things to take care of at the bank, that's all. But the bank's open all day. It's the early bird that catches the worm, they said. Well, my mommy used to tell us that one about being healthy, wealthy and wise. And she used to rot us out of bed every morning at daylight on count of. That's a good saying, too. And I don't know what become of my brothers, but I sure ain't living in a very big house. Maybe you ought to come in here more often. I've got no business with the bank, Mr. Dillon. Good morning, Mr. Hogg. Good morning, Chester. Morning, Marshall Dillon. Morning, Mr. Hogg. I'll be over there in a minute as soon as I straighten this stuff out here. Morning, Marshall. Good morning, Mr. Pap. Taking money out, Marshall, or putting it in? Neither, Mr. Pap. This is a good government business. Cashier. I haven't a minute to lose. Certainly, sir. What can I do for you? I want a loan of money immediately. See? Fellow pretty excited, ain't he? Well, let's do what we can, sir. First of all, how much do you want? $20,000. $20,000, Mr. Pat. Right away. Excuse me, Marshall. Gentlemen, this is our president. You left to talk with him. I heard you say $20,000, gentlemen. Now that's a lot of money. What do you have for collateral? My collateral is right here in this envelope. You May look at it, but don't reveal it to these other gentlemen. These are playing cards. Don't name them. I'm afraid I don't understand. Look, I've been in a poker game at the Lady Gay all night. Right now there's about $40,000 in that pot. There's some good hands out and I put every cent I have into it already. Now they Give me just 20 minutes to come up with more money. Well, I certainly wish you luck, sir. But I never heard you've seen my hand in that envelop. Both. You can lend me the money on that. Surely you don't expect the bank to enter a gambling game. These gentlemen are also in the game. They came along to see that those cards aren't changed. And the other men are watching the table in the back room at the Lady Gay. It's all fair and square, I assure you. Well, gentlemen, I'll gladly pay you 10% interest, mister. You've only got five minutes left. Hook. Coming on, gentlemen, we step into my office. Marshall, I'd like to see you before you go. Yeah, sure. Boy, now that's about the craziest thing I ever did here. Well, I must have a pretty good hand. I know, but you don't think Mr. Papp's gonna lend him no $20,000 on it? I doubt it, Chester. There, let's take care of this stuff, huh? It's government business, Mr. Hogg. You know what to do with it? Certainly, Marshall. Good. Now, let's see here. Marshall. Marshall. Marshall, I want you to come with me. What these gentlemen, There's a poker game. I've got the money here. I think you'd better come along just to be safe. You mean you gave him his 20,000? Yes, of course. Come over here, Marshall. I'll tell you, Marshall, that man Hook there has four aces and a ten in his hand. It's a sure thing. Why, the bank stands to make $2,000 on this loan and it won't take but a few minutes. You run the bank, Mr. Papp. But are you sure that you ought to take a gamble with other people's money this way? But I can't lose. There's another chance in the minion. I want you to protect this money till I get it back here, all right? I don't see nobody takes it at the point of a gun. If you think that'll help, come along then. Cook's only got a few minutes to get back in the game. All right, Mr. Shane Wales. There's my money. I'm Calling. You must have pretty good hand, Hook. All the trouble you've been to. You'll see it. What do you got? All blue. Five little hearts. They're no good voices. Well, look at my heart. They read 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Straight flush. Your, your aces lose. Hook. Oasis. How could he have a straight flush? I got it dealt right out of the deck, Hook. Right out of the deck. Nice part. Enough. He, he, he, he won. Mr. Pap, I, I, I don't know what to say. $20,000. Just like that. $20,000. And it's not even my money. Now, Mr. Papp, don't you worry. I only borrowed that money. You get it back. You have my word as a Confederate gentleman. On that. Hook, please, I have got to have it back. It's not my money. I have to put it back in the bank. I'd be ruined if people find out about this. You only loaned the money. I lost it. I'll send for it to Day, sir. I'll wire my agents. They'll have it on the next train that leaves St. Louis. No, no, I, I, I don't think that'll happen. My word is a gentleman, sir, but you must be patient. No, I shouldn't have done it. I had no right to do it. Chester, go tell Doc I want to see him, huh? Sure. All right, listen to me, all of you. I don't want a word said about this to anybody. The bank is important to Dodge and this could ruin it. Do you all understand? All right, then see to it, or there'll be trouble for all of you. Mr. Papp. Mr. Papp. Marshall, I should have listened to you. I'm ruined now. Maybe Hook's got money. I don't know. But if not, we'll figure something out. People will give you time. Oh, no, no, no, they won't. Soon as they hear about this, there won't be any bank. They won't trust it anymore. They have to. The only bank there is. What'll my wife think? My children? I can't face it, Marshall. I just can't face it. You go back to the bank and tell the cashier to keep his mouth shut about this. You've got to give it time. Sure, sure, Marshall. I'll go. I'll go. Marshall. I'm sorry for that man, but he has no reason to worry. I'll send for the money once. Yeah, you do that, Huck. Send for the money now. What are your names, gentlemen? My name's Sheenways, Marshall. I'm sorry for that banker, but it's nothing to do with me. I won this money fair and I'm keeping it. Certainly. Of course you are. Who are you? Mr. Gordon and I agree with Sheenways. Gambling money's fair money. Nobody's arguing about that. Just remember what I said. Don't talk about this. Oh, man, there you are. Chester said you wanted me. What's happened? I didn't hear any shooting. Everything's all right, Doc. Oh, you look familiar. Don't I know you? I haven't had the pleasure, sir. Oh, maybe not. No, I guess not. My mistake. Never mind them, Doc. Come on with me, Doc, I want you to go over to the bank. Mr. Pap is pretty upset. See what you can do for him. Give him a bromide or something, huh? Oh, sure, yes. What's wrong with him anyway? He just lost $20,000 in a poker game. He what? He wasn't playing. He lent the money on the strength of what looked like a good hand. That man Hook came into the bank for it with the other two. Oh, he brought his cards along and raised the loan that way. What? How did you know? Well, I heard of that once, man, down in New Orleans years ago. Well, what happened? Well, the same thing. Fella got the money and lost it, that's all. You mean it was fixed between him and the others? Oh, sure. Oh, it was fixed out. Well, how did they find out? Well, the fellow that borrowed the money got drunk and talked. They put him in jail, but the others got away. Please, Doc. That gray haired man you thought you recognized, the name's Hook. Are you sure that you never saw him before? Oh, a lot of people look familiar at first glance, Matt. You know how it is in New Orleans. You didn't know the men who pulled the trick on the bank, did you? Well, now, people said that they'd come down on the riverboat. I was doctor on the Tennessee Belle. I never met them. Not to my knowledge, anyway. Do you recall hearing their names? That was a long time ago, man. Look, Doc, those three back there may have pulled the same thing just now. Hook looked familiar to you? You. Now, maybe he remembers you too. Well, he just said that he'd never met me, man. But he could be lying. Well, sure, but I can't place him. Probably never saw him before. All right, go see what you can do for poor old Pap. He's in a bad shape. Sure, man.

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[Narrator]

Hello, Matt. Good evening. You know Mr. Hook. This is Marshall Williams. We met earlier. Yes, indeed. Like for you to come with me, Hook. What for? Just do it, huh? Whatever you say, Marshall. I'll be back, Miss Kitty. Yeah, sure. All right, Mr. Varden. Mr. Shaneways, you're coming with me. What? What now? Is this an arrest? Now, what would I be arresting you for, Shane? Ways? Nothing.

[Narrator/Character Voice (Matt Dillon and others)]

You got no reason.

[Narrator]

That's right. All right, come on, let's go. What's the idea of bringing us here, Marshall? Oh, good morning, gentlemen. Where can I. Oh, hello, Marshall. Mom, these men want their pictures taken. Now, wait a minute, Marshall. Can you do it right away, Mom? Yeah, certainly can, Marshall. And gentlemen, you'll be the very first to stand before my new drop. The ancient temples of Greece. It'll lend you dignity and power. What's the idea of this, Marshall? A lum here is going to take your pictures. That's all. Front and side views both. Certainly, Marshall. Certainly. Then if you gentlemen leave, Dodge, any one of you, it'll make it a lot easier for the law to find you and bring you back wherever you go. This is outrageous. I'm not going to stand. Now, wait, Varden. I agree the marshal's being a little high handed. But after all, he must protect himself in his job. But since we've done nothing wrong, we have nothing to fear. Sure. Hook's right, Varden. I'll go first. Are you ready, Mr. Lum? Right this way, sir. Lum. Why, yes, sir. Bring the pictures over to the office when they're finished. Yes, sir. Marshal. A pretty good photographer, Mr. Dillon. Fellas aren't bad. Lock them up in the safe, will you? Yes. You reckon this will keep them in Dodge? No, not if they really get scared, it won't. They're guilty all right. Ain't you, Mr. Jones? I can't prove a thing. Trust you one way or the other. Ah. Hello, Doc. So, what's the matter, Matt? Bad news? What is it, Doc? Well, Mrs. Papp sent for me a little while ago. I just came from here. Yeah? Matt, he killed himself. Suicide? What Pap? About an hour ago. Oh, that poor man. How's Mrs. Papp taking it? Well, not a tear so far. But I suppose she'll break down later. A neighbor woman's there with her. Does she know why he did it? Yes. Seems he told her all about it. And then he went out and shot himself. There's no stopping it now. The story will be all over town in no time. What are you gonna do now, man? I don't know, Doc. I just don't. How about you a drink, Kitty? Oh, gosh, I'd like it, Matt. But I just said I'd join Hook over at the table. I'd like to talk to him, too. I'll just sit with you for a few minutes, huh? It's fine with me. I don't know about him, though. I don't think he looks jacked. I just got time for a smoke, Hook. I didn't think you'd mind. I know. You're quite welcome, Marsh. Buy your drink. I want you to know I sent for that money today, Marshall, just as I promised. I'm afraid you're a little late. Late? Mr. Papp shot himself. He did? You mean Mr. Papp the bank? Yeah. Why, Matt. Maybe Hook will explain it, Kitty. Now, Marshall, you can't hold me responsible in any way at all. I didn't say I could, Hook. You seem kind of nervous about it. Well, naturally I'm upset. After all, the man did me a great favor. Favor? I don't yeah, sure, sure. Tell me something, Hook. How are you in New Orleans last? New Orleans? Why do you ask that, Marshall? I'm just curious. I've never been in New Orleans. Does that answer your question? That's good enough. Now. Goodbye, Kitty. I'll drop by later. Sure. Matt. And Hook, it still goes about now. Not leaving town. I like it here, Morgan. Yeah, you should. Oh, I've been looking Everywhere for you, Mr. Dylan. Delmonico's lady Gay everywhere. This is the last place to hit. What is it, Justin? Here. Just you read this, Marshall. We're taking Doc along. If you follow us, we'll kill him. Where'd you get this? Chester? He was under the door when I opened up this morning. I ran up to Doc right away, and sure enough, Ms. Gong, he's gone. Come on, now. You go check the depot and the stage line. I'll go to the livery stables. All right? Just. I'll meet you back at the office. Man, it's the marshal. You're out early today. Not early enough. What can I do for you? I want to know if you rented out any horses last night. Why, sure. You What? Did you rent four to anybody? Four? In a bunch. Why, yeah, I sure did. They'd be back today. So they said. Those sides? Oh, they're strangers to me. They paid me in van so they'd be horns. What time was this, Moss? Oh, it was late. Yeah, way after midnight. Was probably something wrong. Tell me once, what did they look like? Well, one was an old fellow, you know, gray hair. He didn't give his name, though. I don't think I got much of a look at the other fellow. You have any idea which trail they took out of town? No, don't. One of them said something about St. Louis. That's not much help, is it? That might be. Thanks, Monster. Oh, one thing, Marshall. If you're riding after them, those horses they got are just Colby. I didn't figure they could handle anything better than that.

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These were gentlemen, maybe, but they were mighty poor hands on the prairie. We left our horses and went ahead on foot. You gonna shoot him out with Mr. John? No, we can't chance it, Jester. They kill Doc here. Hold up a minute. That's their horses just ahead. They sure stake them a good piece from camp. Yeah. Lie down. What do we do, Mr. Gillen? I will wait. Those men are mighty green at this game. I think we can steal their horses without any trouble at all. Just leave my foot, huh? Yeah. Now, look, Chester. When we get those horses, I want you to pick up ours and take the whole bunch out of sight. Sight? I'm going to crawl into that tall grass just to the left of the fire there and hide until morning. Mr. Dillon, why can't I go with you? Every time we get in trouble, you ought to send me off somewhere. You always do everything alone. Chester, will you do as I tell you? Yes, sir. Now, you just wait till you hear gunfire. And then you ride in fast and bring all the horses. All right. Good luck. By dawn next morning, I was half burrowed into the ground and covered by blue stem grass not more than 30ft from their camp. I could hear their talk, all right. But I couldn't see them unless they were on their feet. Shanways had already gone out after the horses. And pretty soon he was back. Slipped their ropes. That's why they rely one of them. What are we going to do now? You and Shane Wares will go after them, that's what. I'll stay here and go, Doc, but hurry up. We got to get moving. Come on, Warden. We'll never find him. You can have this country, Doc. I don't know why you ever left that soft berth you had on a Tennessee bell. Well, I didn't have to leave it. That's more than you can say about New Orleans. Any more of that talk, you'll get your throat slashed like a fat show, Doc. Spoken like a true gentleman. A Hook or whatever your name is. Doc, if you hadn't talked so much in the first place, you wouldn't be where you are now. Ah, you're a fool, huh? I might have seen you somewhere, but I sure couldn't connect you with that New Orleans business. Anyway, you've given yourself away now. How? Don't you know there wasn't a thing the law could do until you ran? Well, you'll be caught sure now then why don't you untie my hands and I can't eat this way. You manage. I let Doc and Hook wrangle on till I figured the other two men had walked about a half a mile from camp. And then I waited until Hook had his back to me. I stood up slowly, moved quietly forward. Doc saw me almost spoil the game, but he caught himself in time and then started another argument with Hook. I was about 15ft away when Doc suddenly kicked the coffee pot off the fire and all over Hook's leg. All right, don't move, Hook. Marsh, I'll take your gun. Come on. Easy now, Marshall. Don't shoot. I get Doc's hands untied and be quick about it. Yes, get it off. I should take it easy. That feels better. Hook, if I weren't a professional man, I'd punch you right in the eye. Never mind. Doc here put his gun in your belt. Yes, I'm just mad enough I'd like to have an excuse to use. Sir, what do you. Why, you have them back here in no time. Where have they got the money, Doc? In that saddlebag over there. See that yellow one? Get it, will you? Yes, sure. Hurry up. Those two head in the shop. They're heading back here. All right, get on that horse, Doc. You too, Hook. Quick now. There they come. See you, Mr. Dillon. Yeah, I see him. They're shooting at us. They can't hit us from there. Come on, let's ride. Are we just gonna ride off and leave them that We've got you, Doc. We've got Hook and we got the money. They'll die out there, Marshall. None of us knows how to live on this prairie. Maybe they'll learn. It's a good way. But you're murdering those men. They'll be all right for a few days, Hook. You all meet and prison. All right, ease up. We've left him. What are you going to do about them? They full of fight right now, that's all I want. A cap to kill him, to take them. But in a few days, they'll be so hungry and scared, we can walk right up to him. Nobody will get hurt that way. Neither them nor us. Mr. John. Yeah, what is it? Just later. In a couple of days. Let me come back and bring them in. It's just me this time, Chester. Oh, please. Okay, Chester. You can do it alone. Thank you. All right, Hook. Ride a little faster there. We ain't got all day.

[Narrator/Character Voice (Matt Dillon and others)]

Got a light, buddy? It'll cost you only $70 million. Americans have some 180,000 lights at the wrong time and place. Each year, each one flares into a torch, costing the country miles of magnificent forests. That means millions of board feet of valuable timber burned. Wildlife, fish, game birds cruelly destroyed. Soil erosion started. Watersheds crippled, crippling in turn, communities and industries that depend on them for pure water, power and light. Homes are leveled. Lives are lost. A waste. The word is hardly adequate. And who think 9 out of 10 of these fires are caused by human carelessness? Resolve that your carelessness won't fire the forests this year. Crush out cigarettes, break matches in two. After using them, drown campfires, stir the ashes, then douse them again for good luck. It'll be your good luck as an American if we can cut down the forest fire toll this year. Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonnell, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon. US Marshal story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Maxon. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartell, Ralph Moody, Jess Kirk, Patrick, Vic Parron and Jack Moyle. Harley there 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 mode.

[Podcast Host 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 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 and Ron W. 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 Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

Sam.