The Constable | Gunsmoke (03-20-60)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns - "The Constable | Gunsmoke (03-20-60)"

Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents "The Constable," a classic episode from the iconic radio drama Gunsmoke. Originally aired on March 20, 1960, this episode delves into the tumultuous dynamics of Dodge City, showcasing the relentless efforts of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon in maintaining law and order amidst escalating cowboy unrest.

Plot Overview

The episode centers around Dodge City, a booming town grappling with increasing violence brought by unruly cowboys. Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by William Conrad, is the linchpin in the town's fight to uphold peace. The introduction of a new constable, Dillard, marks a turning point in the narrative.

Character Introductions and Dynamics

• Marshal Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast and seasoned U.S. Marshal dedicated to preserving peace in Dodge City. As Dillon asserts, "It's a chancey job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely." [00:30]

• Rance (Antagonist): A trail boss leading a group of disruptive cowboys from Texas, Rance embodies the chaos threatening the town's stability. His confrontational nature is evident when he declares, "The first man that interferes with Doc will die on his feet." [12:48]

• Constable Dillard: A newly appointed, non-confrontational lawman who lacks the assertiveness needed to handle the town's violent tendencies. Dillard's reluctance is highlighted when he admits, "I don't even know how to use [a gun]." [07:30]

• Chester (Ari Bear): Matt Dillon's dependable deputy, often finding himself mediating between Dillon's strict enforcement and Dillard's lax approach.

• Doc (Howard McNear): The town's doctor, who becomes entangled in the escalating violence when he tries to save a wounded man, risking his safety and neutrality.

Key Conflicts

1. Marshal Dillon vs. Rance and His Cowboys:

   • Dillon takes decisive action by apprehending five troublesome cowboys, attempting to quell the unrest. However, Rance remains undeterred, threatening further violence. Dillon emphasizes the necessity of his methods: "They get a little frisky. There's no harm in it, I can see. Sooner or later it'll lead to killing." [05:15]

2. Introduction of Constable Dillard:

   • Dillard's appointment is met with skepticism as his lack of assertiveness becomes apparent. His intention to "talk [troubles] out of it" contrasts sharply with Dillon's more forceful approach. This difference in policing styles heightens tensions within the town.

3. Business Owners vs. Law Enforcement:

   • Town business leaders, represented by Mr. Green, pressure Dillon to ease up on enforcement to protect their interests. Dillon retorts, "The law's a fine thing, Marshall, but we're also interested in business." [09:45], highlighting the moral dilemma between upholding justice and catering to economic pressures.

4. Escalation of Violence:

   • Despite initial successes, the situation deteriorates with more cowboys entering Dodge City, leading to increased shootings and confrontations. Dillon struggles to maintain control, especially when Doc intervenes to save lives, putting himself at risk.

Climax and Resolution

The episode reaches its zenith when a particularly volatile confrontation occurs. Rance, fueled by alcohol and frustration, threatens Dillon's authority in front of the townsfolk. Despite the odds, Dillon stands his ground:

"I wont even argue with you, Rance. The first man that interferes with Doc will die on his feet. And if you can't understand it any other way, just put it to Doc's a friend of mine." [13:02]

In a decisive move, Dillon orchestrates the closure of all saloons to prevent further altercations. This bold action isolates the cowboys, limiting their venues for instigating trouble. Ultimately, Dillon confronts Rance directly, leading to a tense showdown where Dillon's unwavering commitment to law prevails:

"I won’t shut up. All right, you're going to jail." [16:50]

The resolution sees Malcolm restoring order, reinforcing the notion that steadfast leadership is essential in taming the wild frontiers.

Notable Quotes

• Marshal Matt Dillon:

  • "It's a chancey job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely." [00:30]
  • "The law's a fine thing, Marshall, but we're also interested in business." [09:45]
  • "I won't make any more arrests than Dodge until you come and ask me to." [10:25]

• Rance:

  • "The first man that interferes with Doc will die on his feet." [13:02]
  • "I ain't the no gunfighter." [17:30]

• Constable Dillard:

  • "I don't even know how to use [a gun]." [07:30]
  • "Maybe I can sort of talk him out of it." [07:45]

Character Analysis

• Marshal Matt Dillon: Embodies the archetypal Western lawman—stoic, principled, and unwavering. His interactions reveal a man burdened by responsibility yet committed to justice, often at personal cost.

• Rance: Serves as the quintessential antagonist, representing the lawlessness threatening civilized society. His aggressive demeanor and disregard for authority highlight the challenges Dillon faces.

• Constable Dillard: Represents a gentler, perhaps outdated approach to law enforcement in an increasingly violent environment. His character contrasts sharply with Dillon, underscoring the need for assertive leadership.

Themes and Insights

• Law vs. Chaos: The episode juxtaposes structured law enforcement against the backdrop of unbridled cowboy anarchy, exploring the delicate balance required to maintain peace.

• Leadership and Responsibility: Dillon's leadership style—firm yet fair—demonstrates the qualities necessary to lead in tumultuous times, emphasizing that effective leadership often demands tough decisions.

• Economic Pressures vs. Ethical Policing: The influence of business interests on law enforcement tactics raises questions about the interplay between morality and economic sustainability in frontier towns.

Conclusion

"The Constable" is a compelling episode that delves deep into the challenges of maintaining law and order in the Wild West. Through rich character interactions and intense confrontations, the narrative underscores the complexities of leadership, the necessity of decisive action, and the perennial struggle between civilization and chaos. Andrew Rhynes' meticulous digital restoration enhances the audio experience, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in this timeless tale of the frontier.

For those unfamiliar with the episode, "The Constable" offers a quintessential Gunsmoke experience, highlighting the enduring appeal of classic Western dramas and their exploration of fundamental human conflicts.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[William Conrad]

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[William Conrad]

Well, there, Mr. Dillon. Turned them all loose early this morning, just like you said. I got they was the one sorriest looking bunch of cowboys I ever did see. Yeah, well, I guess I didn't really hurt any of them. Chester, being banged on the head with a six gun ain't the gentlest way to end evening pleasure. But they'll live. Trouble is, they've been taking their pleasure too seriously. Yes, sir, but things quieted down a little last night after you locked up them five. They might have been real trouble otherwise. Declare I don't know what's got into everybody lately, Mr. Young. Well, it goes like that, Chester. If things will be peaceful enough for a while, till some wild outfit like this drag our herd is tom. You gotta come down on them hard and fast before they really get the bit in their teeth. Well, you sure did last night. Yeah, it isn't over yet. You Marshal Dillon? Yeah, that's right. My name's Rance. I'm glad to know you, Rance. I bossed the drag our herd up here from down around Monte Cara. That's in Texas, Marshall. Yeah, I've been there. Yeah, well, you better not go back. Oh, we might give you the kind of welcome you're giving us. What's your complaint, Rance? Buffalo and my men, five of them come into camp this morning with blood in their hair. They said you'd done it. That's right, I did. And if I hadn't, they might have been shot or shot somebody else. Good thing for you you took them one at a time. I'd have taken them anyway. Look, Rance, this town was on the edge of a riot last night and I stopped it. I stopped it without any killing. The man's own business, he wants to pull out his gun. Not around here it isn't. Marshal, I can't ask men to come up the trail the way they do, than take to drinking soda water and talking in whispers. What kind of a town is this anyway? It's a good town. And your men can drink and gamble all they want in it. But they can't shoot the mirror off the wall at the long branch. And they can't grab townswomen on the street. And they can't break the bartender's Arm in the oasis. And they can't offer to shoot anybody that tries to stop them. It isn't that kind of a town, Rance, for sure. They get a little frisky. There's no harm in it, I can see. Sooner or later it'll lead to killing. And I gotta draw the line somewhere. So do I, Marshal. Now what does that mean? I mean I won't drive cattle that dies no more. I'll spread the word. It's no good town. And you people can live off sod busters and buffalo hunters. This place will starve. The destiny. I'm hired to keep the peace, Rants. Any way I can keep it. Then we won't bother Dodge no more. Goodbye, Mark. You want me to go in with you, Mr. Dillon? No, you wait outside, Justin. Location. What do you think they're up to anyway? Mr. Green told you it was a businessman's meeting, didn't he? Yes, sir. And I expect they're worried about business. All right, Chester, I'll be out shortly. Yes, sir. Hello, Marshall. Mr. Green. Gentlemen. Now, Mr. Green, you asked me to come here. We all did, Marshall, Mr. Pepper, Mr. Howe and, well, all of us. Practically every man who does business in Dodge is here. I don't see Rance. He says he does business here too. He sure does. And that's what we want to talk about. Uh huh. All right, go ahead. Well, we've had a meeting, Marshall. We've decided you've got to go easier on these cowboys. Oh, why? Well, we can't afford to lose all that business, that's why. There's always been some trouble. The first day or so after I heard Riches Dodge, all I do is buffalo a few of the Wilders and gradually the rest of the cowboys. Calm down a little. They won't stand for your slugging men and throwing them in jail. Nobody got killed last night, did they? Well, that isn't the point, according to the law. That's a pretty good point, Mr. Green. Well now, the law's a fine thing, Marshall, but, well, we're also interested in business. You're scared because one hard headed trail boss has threatened you. How you know they're not all like rants? Well, there's no use to argue, Marshal. We've got our minds made up. You're too rough with those men, Mr. Green. Would you like to run this town? Why no, no, no, of course not. Not me. But we thought maybe if you'd kind of leave Dodge alone and do your work in the country, then we'd hire somebody. The Cowboys here, take do a little better, if you know what I mean. I do. It's a good thing for me I'm employed by the government, isn't it? Now, Marshall, we're just making a suggestion, sort of. Sure. And you know what, Mr. Green? You men are acting like fools. It's true. It's true. There's only one way you'll learn, gentlemen. I won't make any more arrests than Dodge until you come and ask me to. It's your town, and you can blow it right off the map if you want. Good day. I got the mail, Mr. Dylan. What there was of it. Oh, all right, Chester, put it on the desk there. I'll look at it later. Yeah, I'm gonna have a lot of time. I should. But you just wait till the word gets out the dodge is wide open. Ain't gonna be nothing but trouble. Maybe. This is the only way I can handle it, though. They won't listen to me otherwise. Excuse me, Marshall. What for? Well, I don't want to bother you, but I thought I'd better come see you. You're not bothering me. I sure hope not. What can I do for you, Marshall? You don't know me, but I heard about you. Oh, Seems like a lot of people have lately. I know, Marshall, I, I, I. Go ahead, mister. There's nothing to be afraid of. I'm the new constable. You're what? The new constable. They picked me. I had to take it, Marshall. I'm, I'm so broke and all. You sound like you're apologizing. Well, I reckon I am. I didn't want you to be mad at me. I need the money. That's why I'm doing it. That's all right. Somebody had to take the job. I didn't know they were going to call it constable. Well, they wanted to sound as peaceful as possible, I reckon. Yeah. What's your name, mister? Dillard. Dillard? Yes, sir. Dillard Band. Where you from? Well, I used to be a cowboy, but when I got so fat and all, I just sort of worked around wherever I can. I've been awful broke, Marshall. Yeah, you mentioned that. Yes, sir. How come you're not wearing a gun? Oh, shucks, Marshall. I don't never wear a gun. I don't even know how to use one. Very good. And you're a whole lot better off without one. And I don't aim to get into any fights, Marshall. If there's any trouble, maybe I can sort of talk him out of it. Yeah, maybe. Well, Dalit. I Wish you luck. Well, thanks. I gotta be going now, Marshall. I'm on pay already. So long. So long, Marshall. Oh, my goodness. Yeah, I agree, Chester. Why they ruin that poor fell. If he tries to stop him, he won't even raise his voice against them. But they sure might ruin dod.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[William Conrad]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group void where prohibited by law 21/ Terms and Conditions apply. The government paid for my office and the jail behind it. So I stayed there. It was sure that Constable Dillard, van broke and fat and humble, wasn't going to manhandle any randy Texas cops and throw them behind bars. First 24 hours passed peacefully enough. The Dragar outfit was busy moving their herd across the Arkansas and didn't get into town. But the next day, a new herd arrived. That night. It seemed like all of Texas had come to Dodge by midnight. No man, unless he was armed and ready to fight, should have been out on the street. It was Doc who told us what it was like when he came into the office where Chester and I were sitting it out playing a little 221. Well, it's a fine thing when the U.S. marshal holds up in his office when men are getting shot up and knived all over town. I hope that's not true, Doc. Well, it is true. Just came back from trying to save the second victim. First one's already dead. Cowboys or citizens? Cowboys. Citizens, I suppose. Those Dundee heads would have been in here on their knees begging you for help. I don't want them on their knees. I know, Matt, but it's getting worse. By that last fella, they wouldn't even let me bring him back to my office. He said he might as well die right there on the floor of the Texas trail. They did. They sure did. And they ran me right out of there. What? They took me by the arms and they half carried me as far as the door. I called them everything I could think of while they were doing it to us. Doc, do you think that man's dead yet? He will be soon if I don't get him to where I can Work on him. All right, we're going over there and get him. Come on, Chester. I told him I wouldn't make any arrests and I want. Nobody's going to push Doc around and stand between him and a wounded man. You get in the middle, Doc. I wish there was a tunnel under the street. I don't see Dillard no worse. He ought to be out here talking his head off if that's his plan. And he's lucky if he can get hung tonight. Watch your gun, Chester. Don't let anybody grab it. I'm carrying my hand on. He's right over there, Max, lying in front of the bar. All right, all right. Get out over there, will you? Make room, will you move, please? Come on. All right, Go ahead, Doc. See if he's still alive. He doesn't look very good. I thought you'd quit, Marshall. No, I haven't quit, Rance. What are you doing there then? A man's dying with a fair fight. We believe in dying where we fall, Marshall. You don't need no help. I won't even argue with you, Rance. The first man that interferes with Doc will die on his feet. And if you can't understand it any other way, just put it to Doc's a friend of mine. Is that clear enough? Now, now, now, now, man. Now, now, let's not have been trouble here. Now let's talk it over and settle this peacefully. Good night. Oh, gee, Marshall. Hello, Dillard. I'm having a terrible time, Marshall. Yeah, I can see that, Matthew. Yeah. How is he, Doc? Bad, but I might save him. Okay, Dillard. Yes, sir. Help Chester carry that man over to Doc's office. Sure, Marshall, sure. Leave him be, constable. That's enough, Rance. Let him die in peace, I say. You know, Rance, I'd throw you in jail, but I said I wouldn't make any arrests. And why don't you get out of here while you still can? I'll get out. I'll shoot the first man that touches the gun. All right, Chester, Dylan, got moving. Yes, we got him, sir. You lead the way, Doc. Yeah, well, let's hurry. That man won't live long if we don't.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[William Conrad]

No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply. 2:00 in the morning and the crowd's thicker than ever. Mr. Dillon, just come here and take a look. Yeah, another hour and they will really be out of hand. Look yonder. There's mesquite coming across the street. What now, you wait here, Chester. Kitty, what are you doing out here? Coming to find you. Let's get off the street. Yeah, it's getting worse. Hello, Chester. Miss Kitty. You shouldn't have gone out in the streak. Well, it's no worse than a long branch and you ought to go home. I'm going. I'm all through. Till somebody puts a lid on this town. That Rance is over there right now, Matt, getting drunk and calling for blood. There's been enough blood around here already. How's that cowboy? The one you got out of there? Well, Doc was down a while ago. Said he took a bullet out. He thinks he has a chance now. Oh, good. You say Rance is working up trouble, huh? Yeah, he's trying. I guess you didn't take to your bashing him on the head. Quieted things down for a little while, anyway. Sure got that poor constable treed. Dillard. What's his name? He seemed like a nice enough fella. I sort of hope they don't hurt him. Well, when I left, they had him dancing on the bar. He looked about to cry. Well, that's harder on the bar. It is. Undo it. He bout the fattest peace officer I ever did see. Well, he's gonna be fatter than ever after tonight. Every time he opens his mouth to talk, somebody pours a glass of beard on him. It's sort of pitiful. Man, that's worse than that Kitty. Yeah, I know. That's why I got out of there. You can kind of feel when a crowd like that starts to get real mean. I guess. You listen to him out there. Well, I'm not even staying in town tonight. I'm going out to M. Smolley. That's a good idea, Kitty. Chester, you go along with her. I better stick around. What? Mr. Green? Oh, my. Look at Miller. A fella beat me up. He beat me up bad. He certainly did. Marshall, we came here to ask you. Wait a minute, Mr. Green. Chester, take Dillard up at Doc's place. I sure will. Come on, Billy. Oh, thanks, Chester. You come back for kitty here. All right. All right. Mr. Green, you wanted to ask me something. You've got to stop them, Marshall. Another man's been killed. Mr. Howe's brother. He caught a stray bullet out back of the Texas trail. Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. I wondered why Mr. Howe wasn't here. He told me to tell you that he'll trust your judgment from now on. We shouldn't have interfered, Marshall, but we're all behind you now. Certainly are. You'll do something, won't you, Marshall? All right. It's pretty late, but I'll try it. All right. Thank you, Marshall. I'll start with Rance. He's the worst of the lot. I'll go get him and throw him in jail. But before I go, I want every saloon keeper in Dodge to put out his lights and close up. We'll do that now. You gentlemen have to pass the word for that. I don't want to be seen until I go for a ranch. We'll do it, Marshall. We'll do it right now. All right, then, get going before it's too late. Singing doesn't say. I waited for a half an hour while Green and the others spread the word to close up the saloons. The lights gradually went out up and down the street and I left the office alone. I found rats in front of the long branch. I was able to reach him before I was recognized. He was stupid drunk, but he was being held up by a man who was was fairly sober. Well, the Marshall's back. Let's shoot him, men. You better get out of here, Marshall. We ain't in no mood to fool. Neither am I. All right, the street's closed, gentlemen. You go on back to your camp here. It'll be open again tomorrow night. You're welcome to come back then. There won't be no town by tomorrow. Let's set it a fire, man. Shut up, Rance. I won't shut up. All right, you're going to jail. Why, you. Leave him be, my friend. You want a bite, mister? Rance here's too drunk. He wouldn't have a chance. But you might. He's right, Pete. I'll never make it. You draw on him. Go out and shoot him. Hell. I'm waiting, cowboy. I ain't the no gunfighter. Go on, you coward. No. Why should I die? It's in my business anyway. Will somebody do it then? I'll fight any man here, and I'll fight him fair. And I'll have to try it myself. When I don't be a fool, Ranch, he'll kill you. Get out of my way. No, you don't, Jim. It I can't beat. I'll keep your gun. Look out now, or I'll slug you. That was smart of you, mister. But he's still going to jail. Got a lot of nerve, marshal. Buck in a crowd like this, I'm one man against any other one man here. I'm not bucking a crowd. You cowboys aren't built that way. I've been in Texas too, mister. Guess you win, Marshall. It looks that way. You want to take Rance to jail or do you want me to do it? His head might be less lumpy tomorrow if I do it, Marshall, start a walk in rent. Step into the world of power, loyalty and luck. I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse with family. Cannolis and spins mean everything. Now you want to get mixed up in the family business. Introducing the [e-mail] test your luck in the shadowy world of the Godfather slots. Someday I will call upon you to do a service for me. Play the Godfather [e-mail] Welcome to the family. No purchase necessary VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. Gun Smoke produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshall. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Ralph Moody, Ken Lynch, Bartlett Robinson, Vic Parron and Howard Culver. Ari Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is kidding. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun smoke. Latest news follows Ben Mitch Miller with tonight's press stars on the CBS Radio Network. This has been a presentation of OTRWesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyright under the Attribution non commercial Share alike. Copyright for more information, go to otrwesterns.com/copyright. Have a great day and thanks for listening. Foreign.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[William Conrad]

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