
Original Air Date: May 31, 1959Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Joseph Kearns• Virginia Christine• ...
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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This episode is just one of over 80 episodes we release monthly. Now, let's get into this episode. Around Dodge City and in the territory on West. There's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal. And the smell of gun smoke. John Moves Forward, 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.
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Andrew Rines
SA.
Kitty Russell
Order 5, 6.
Andrew Rines
25 years in the army and I still like retreat. Well, it's about the best time in a soldier's day, Major. You're right, Matt. For me, too. You have time to eat with us? I'd sure like to, but I gotta get back to town. Sorry you can't stay. Finally, sir. Bring out Marshal Dillon's horse. Yes, sir. Thanks for bringing those papers out, man. That was a pleasure. Oh, incidentally, there was something else I wanted to talk to you about. Oh? A robbery, as a matter of fact. Robbery? Yeah. It's a little embarrassing for the army to have to report this, but. Well, our paymaster was held up. I Guess all hold ups are embarrassing for somebody. One of the men was a member of the payroll guard stationed right here at Fort Dodge. He got away with the money. It was well planned and well executed. The accomplice started firing from the rocks and in the confusion, the soldier merely turned and ran with the money. Well, as you say, that is a little embarrassing, Matt. They rode off in separate directions, obviously planning to meet later and split the money. We have patrols out now looking for them. We think the soldier was wounded. Uh huh. Uh, what do you want from me, Major? Well, I just thought that you might keep an eye out. It's not likely after two days that either one of them is still around, but. Well, if you were to hear anything, I'd appreciate knowing. I sure let you know. Marshal Force, sir. Oh, thank you. I'll. Major, I'll see you later. Give my regards to Ms. Russell and Chester. Sure will.
Kitty Russell
Thanks, Sam. Two beers on the house.
Andrew Rines
Thanks, Kitty. Here's Mama. I sure do thank you, Miss Kitty. We have a wait now. I'll hold that chair for you.
Kitty Russell
No need to help me like this, Chester. I'm not an old lady, you know.
Andrew Rines
Ain't that Miss Kitty? It's just that I try to be gentlemanly like.
Kitty Russell
Oh, I know, Chester, and I appreciate it.
Andrew Rines
I wonder where Doc is.
Kitty Russell
I don't know.
Andrew Rines
You promised him a free beer too, didn't you?
Kitty Russell
Yeah, I did.
Andrew Rines
Let's not like him to miss out on that. It sure ain't.
Kitty Russell
Well, Doc's not one to neglect the patient for a beer, Chester.
Andrew Rines
Oh, well, kiddie, I didn't mean to. It seems to me she's mighty quick to defend Doc, isn't she, Chester? Who's defending me now?
Kitty Russell
From what I am, Doc. From your friends.
Andrew Rines
Well, friends are the most dangerous of all. Yeah.
Kitty Russell
Sit down, Doc.
Andrew Rines
Well, I shouldn't, but I gotta get back to my office. But I just wanted to see Matt a minute.
Kitty Russell
Well, you got time for a beer anyway.
Andrew Rines
I don't mind. Doc. Something kind of funny happened, Matt, and I think you ought to know about it. All right. Well, sir, a couple of hours ago, a young fellow dragged himself up to my office. He'd been shot in the leg. I took the bullet out for him and it hurt him pretty bad. Oh, he lost a lot of blood. So I told him to lie down in the back room for a while and warned him to take it easy for a few days, not to do anything to start the bleeding up again. Well, what happened? Well, I left the office for a few minutes, Matt. I was Expecting some quinine to come in on the stage, you see, and I went down to pick it up. Well, when I got back to the office, he'd gone. He run off without paying you, Doc? Well, that's not the important fact. I thought that you should know about this, Matt, because this man was wearing army pants and boots. What? Now, I wouldn't have thought too much about it if he hadn't run out that way.
Kitty Russell
Oh, you think he might be a deserter?
Andrew Rines
You wouldn't have any idea which way he went, would you, Doc? Now, that's another funny thing, Matt Mack, he came in a little bit after.
Kitty Russell
I got back to the office.
Andrew Rines
Yeah? Yes. Oh, Moss, the poor fellow had the most terrible toothache. What did he say? Well, he said some fellow with a bad leg came in the delivery stable and paid him for the hire of a horse and rode off right out of town. Which way, Doc? Well, Moss watched him because he seemed so unsteady in the saddle. Which way, Doc? Yeah. Well, Moss said he rode west right on up Front Street. Chester. Yes? Go get the horses. I'll meet you in front of the office. Yes, Ma. You think he is a deserter? I got an idea. That's not all he is. Doc.
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Andrew Rines
It don't look like we're going to come across nothing out this way, Mr. Dylan. My wind last night blowed everything awful bear. Yeah, well, we'll ride on a little farther just to make sure. I thought you'd think a fellow in the army would have more sense than to hold up the paymaster, now, wouldn't you? You figure that's worse than holding up a bank, Chester? Why, sure it is. You can work it out for yourself. This way, every single trooper in the calvary will be out to get him, taking their pay that way. Maybe you're right. Of course I'm right. They know two ways about it. Now, if it was me running the thing. Just a minute, Chester. You see something? I'm not sure. Over there on the ground. Quite a canteen. Yeah. Want me to come with you? No, Chester, you stay on your horse. You find anything? There are some tracks leading to that stream bed. Here is the canteen. That's right over there, huh? Yeah. It's an army canteen. Yeah, I know it looks like our men came through here. All right, Sasser, we'll stop here. Yes, sir. Yeah. Look at these marks. Looks like he fell off his horse. Yes, he did. And drug yourself along here. Yeah, he shouldn't be far. What you doing? Yeah, I hear. Here he is. Here, help me turn him over. Take it easy. He looks awful bad. Yeah, and he's in no shape to travel. He ought to have a shoulder, too. Mr. Dillon, there's a shack out there yonder where the crick bands, see? Oh, yeah. I would take him there. Go get the horses. I'll carry him up of these bushes. Oh, you don't need no help. No, it's all right. I got it. Don't move, mister. What? You ain't carrying my boy off. Lurie needs tending his mom. Me to do the tendon now. Why'd you shoot him? Why did I shoot him? Stay back there. Put that little on. No, Chester.
Kitty Russell
What's the matter?
Andrew Rines
Why, you shot him. Why, you. Stand still, you crazy fool. Chester. Chester. I'm sorry about that, mister, but you hark now, you don't do what I say, I'll shoot you too. You're making a big mistake, mister. I didn't shoot your boy. He's wanted by the army for robbery and desertion. Don't move. Who. Who are you, mister? I'm a U.S. marshal out of Dodge City. Well, I tell you, Marshal, we Mortons got respect for the law. But you ain't takin Lori. Maybe you didn't shoot Lori, but you ain't takin him. Now, just take your gun. All right, now you Walk nice and slow in front of me. You walk easy with the boy. What about him? Him? The man you shot. You just gonna leave him there? I don't like to do that, Marshall. I don't for a fact. But I gotta take care of my own first. Now start walking, Marshall. Nice and easy. I'm not gonna leave him lying. You ain't right. I got no choice, Marshall. Not right now. Maybe you act nice, you can come back and get him. Go on, now. Carry my boy. Keep on walking, mister. Oh, Maddie. Come on out.
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Yes, dad.
Kitty Russell
What? Lori? What happened to Lori?
Andrew Rines
He's hurt bad, Maddie.
Kitty Russell
Bring him inside. Here. Put him down over here, Mister.
Andrew Rines
I. I gotta take him on, Maddie. I gotta take him where he'll be safe. This here's a US Marshal.
Kitty Russell
Did you shoot him?
Andrew Rines
No, ma'am, I didn't shoot him. He was shot running from the army. And they're after him, too. They'll be coming, sure. He'll never make it.
Kitty Russell
The boy's mighty poorly, Jed.
Andrew Rines
I got to get him away, man. Listen to me, Morton. You're not doing him any favor. I take care of my own marshal.
Kitty Russell
He's fevered awful hot.
Andrew Rines
He needs time to heal, man. Time to get caught.
Kitty Russell
You figured to do better in our boy than his ma and pa, Is that what you're saying now?
Andrew Rines
He'd have a chance anyway. Go get the wagon.
Kitty Russell
Hear the man out, Jed. What do you mean, a chance?
Andrew Rines
A chance to get caught. A chance to heal up. Chance for a fair trial when he rides back. Ain't no fair trial in the army. Boys that run off, they shoot them. You can't deny that, now, can you, Marshall?
Kitty Russell
Bet the truth, Marshall.
Andrew Rines
You listen to me, ma'am. If he keeps running, they'll shoot him for sure. Got to catch him first. Now. Go on, Maddie.
Kitty Russell
You sure, Jay?
Andrew Rines
Ain't no other way, I tell you. Ain't gonna give the boy no fair trial. I'll have to follow you. You ain't following nobody. Might as well find out now, Maddie. Here. Take the gun. You know how to use it. You shoot him if he drives anything.
Kitty Russell
All right.
Andrew Rines
What about my friend lying out there?
Kitty Russell
What's he talking about, Jed?
Andrew Rines
I. I shot the fellow he was traveling with. You kill him? I don't rightly know, Jed. I had to look to our boy first.
Kitty Russell
All right.
Andrew Rines
All right.
Kitty Russell
You take him off. Get him safe. Then me and the marshal will see to his friends.
Andrew Rines
You got to guard him, Maddie. Every minute.
Kitty Russell
I'll guard him, but I ain't letting no man lay Dying outside my door. You tend to the boy, Jed. I'll tend to things around here.
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Andrew Rines
Mr. Gilman. Yeah. Yeah, Chester. Yeah, it's going to be all right.
Kitty Russell
Now, I need. He's fainted. That wound needs a lot of dressing.
Andrew Rines
Yeah.
Kitty Russell
Now, look, it ain't likely I can do no good for him less than I put this gun down.
Andrew Rines
No, I guess it isn't a U.S. marshal.
Kitty Russell
Give me his word, I'd take it.
Andrew Rines
His word about what?
Kitty Russell
His word that he wouldn't do nothing foolish, like trying to wander off or shoot me with my own gun while I was tending his friend.
Andrew Rines
I haven't shot many women.
Kitty Russell
I don't expect you have. Just give me your word, Marshall, that you won't make no moves against Lori till I take up this gun again.
Andrew Rines
Well, you don't give me much choice, do you?
Kitty Russell
I could have seen that you was tied up.
Andrew Rines
All right, Maddie, it's a bargain. But just until Chester comes out of it.
Kitty Russell
That'll do. Now, you go fetch me some water and set it on the stove. I'll get to work.
Andrew Rines
Oh, Mr. Dylan.
Kitty Russell
He's outside. You need something?
Andrew Rines
He ain't hurt.
Kitty Russell
Not hardly. He's fetching wood. Now, let's have a look at you. Well, looks like we ain't going to lose you after all.
Andrew Rines
It don't feel too good.
Kitty Russell
Ain't supposed to. You was really opened up. Now, you. You just lie back there.
Andrew Rines
I'd admire to see Mr. Dillon.
Kitty Russell
He'll be here directly. You want some coffee?
Andrew Rines
Thank you. Reckon it wouldn't hurt, Don?
Kitty Russell
Might. Might even help. I'll fetch. Yeah. Now, I, I, I put my arm under your head like this. Well.
Andrew Rines
That'S right, Tacy. Thank you. It's about time you woke up.
Kitty Russell
Well, you can just put the wood down by the stove.
Andrew Rines
All right. Well, how you feeling, Chester?
Kitty Russell
I'm all right. He's got about a day to go before he can move around much.
Andrew Rines
You tell him he's straight, Maddie.
Kitty Russell
I'm telling you straight. It'll be about a day before I start holding a gun on you.
Andrew Rines
What she talking about? Never mind, Chester. Why, if we're in any kind of fix, I. I could get up right now. You.
Kitty Russell
You just lie quiet. You ain't in no trouble.
Andrew Rines
Yeah.
Kitty Russell
Somebody's coming.
Andrew Rines
Yeah, well, this may be the trouble you were talking about, Maddie.
Kitty Russell
You worried, Marshall?
Andrew Rines
You know him? No.
Kitty Russell
No, I can't recollect I ever seen him before.
Andrew Rines
All right, it's my turn to tell you something straight.
Kitty Russell
Don't try no tricks, Mark.
Andrew Rines
This may be the man who got your boy into trouble, the one who got him hurt.
Kitty Russell
How do you know?
Andrew Rines
Well, there were two of them. They split up. I figured they'd meet later.
Kitty Russell
You ain't trying to fool me. It wouldn't be smart to fool me about my boy.
Andrew Rines
You just let him in. You talk to him. I'll be in the back room.
Kitty Russell
I could still shoot you, Marshall. Remember that. You looking for the Morton place?
Andrew Rines
I'm looking for Lurie Morton.
Kitty Russell
Well, you come to the right place, mister. But Lurie ain't here.
Andrew Rines
He'll be here. I think I'll just come in and wait. They come a long way.
Kitty Russell
Well, one more won't matter none, I guess. Sit down. I declare. We set out in this prairie alone for months and all at once. I got me a cider company. What's your name?
Andrew Rines
Joe Raleigh. What's ailing him?
Kitty Russell
Got himself shot.
Andrew Rines
Who shot him?
Kitty Russell
I don't know.
Andrew Rines
We.
Kitty Russell
We just found him. You in the army?
Andrew Rines
What are you asking that for?
Kitty Russell
Well, I. I just figured with Lori being in the army and all standing.
Andrew Rines
No, I ain't in the army. He sure ought to be here by now. Are you his ma?
Kitty Russell
I'm his ma.
Andrew Rines
Where's his palace?
Kitty Russell
He ain't here. He had to ride into town, see?
Andrew Rines
No sense Lori, he ain't here. He should have been here last night. Easy. He didn't have that far to ride.
Kitty Russell
You know a lot about Lurie, considering you ain't an army man.
Andrew Rines
I know your boy real good.
Kitty Russell
You was the one.
Andrew Rines
What are you talking about?
Kitty Russell
You were the one who made him run off. Who got him hurt.
Andrew Rines
He's been here.
Kitty Russell
Ain't that so? Ain't you the one that got my boy into trouble?
Andrew Rines
Where's he gone?
Kitty Russell
His PA took him off. He's hurt bad.
Andrew Rines
Did they take the money?
Kitty Russell
I don't know nothing about any money.
Andrew Rines
Now you're gonna save yourself a lot of trouble, lady, if you talk straight. Now, is the money here or did they take it with him?
Kitty Russell
I tell you, I don't know nothing about no money and I don't care about no money.
Andrew Rines
I told you to talk, Strunk.
Kitty Russell
You get out of here. I can't talk no straighter than that.
Andrew Rines
You talk woman. Are you going to get bad hurt? I ain't a patient man.
Kitty Russell
You ain't a man at all.
Andrew Rines
Where is that money? All right, hold on there. Your husband was right, Manny. You do know how to use a gun. And I thank you for it. Well, I guess that takes care of it.
Kitty Russell
Thanks for helping with the burying, Marshal.
Andrew Rines
Sure.
Kitty Russell
I ain't going to forget this sight. Never. I killed a man. Terrible thing, Marshall.
Andrew Rines
But you saved a life.
Kitty Russell
I just. I just don't know how it all come about.
Andrew Rines
Well, things just happen, that's all.
Kitty Russell
My Jed and I was always peace loving folks. We was always on the side of the law.
Andrew Rines
I believe that.
Kitty Russell
And just look what come about. Our boy running off jet shooting your friend, me killing that man. It don't prove out, Marshall. It just don't prove out. But I know what I'm gonna do now.
Andrew Rines
What's that?
Kitty Russell
I'm going to give you your gun.
Andrew Rines
Yeah. Maddie, I'm going to have to go after him.
Kitty Russell
I know that. You'll have to go after my man and my boy. But it's all I know to do to end this. Marshall. To all I know.
Andrew Rines
Um, Chester's gonna need.
Kitty Russell
I take care of Chester, Marshall. If you think you can trust me.
Andrew Rines
Yes, Maddie, I think I can trust you. Now come on, let's go up to the house.
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Andrew Rines
130 people killed by fire at sea. The captain dead, perhaps poisoned, and the chief engineer sat helplessly moaning and wringing his hands. Was there a murderer on board? Now read in the latest issue of look magazine the mysterious and incredible story of the ill fated vessel the Morro Castle. You folks who enjoy the action and suspense of Gun Smoke will be particularly fascinated by look magazine's detailed report of the death of the Morro Castle. Did the chief radio operator deliberately touch off the fire or was he really a hero? Were 130 people murdered and the Morrow Castle burned to hide evidence that the captain may have been poisoned? Get the chilling answers in Look. Learn in look about the one man on the ship who was acclaimed for superhuman devotion to duty and how he was later imprisoned for the bludgeon murder of two of his neighbors. Find out in look how it was discovered that there was a pathological fire setter aboard the Morrow Castle. Don't miss Fire at Sea in the new issue of look magazine. It's on your newsstands now. Get Look Today. Gun Smoke, produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Marion Clark with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Joseph Kearns, Virginia Christine and Vic Perron. Harley Baer As Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week for another story on Gun Smoke. Latest news follows, then Mitch Miller with tonight's guest stars on the CBS Radio Network, WBT Charlotte. An estimated 10 million Russians are studying English. 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 you 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.
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Podcast Summary: "The Deserter | Gunsmoke (05-31-59)"
Podcast Information:
In the episode titled "The Deserter" from the classic radio drama series Gunsmoke, host Andrew Rines transports listeners to the rugged terrains of Dodge City and its surrounding territories. This episode delves into themes of loyalty, law enforcement, and the moral dilemmas faced by those upholding justice in the Wild West.
The story centers around Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal, as he confronts a troubling case involving a soldier accused of robbery and desertion. The narrative unfolds with Matt receiving information about a paymaster robbery at Fort Dodge, where a soldier betrayed his comrades by absconding with the money during the chaos of the heist.
Reporting the Robbery (02:52 - 07:30):
“We have patrols out now looking for them. We think the soldier was wounded.”
— Major Sam (02:52)
Confrontation at the Saloon (09:34 - 16:15):
“If he keeps running, they'll shoot him for sure. Got to catch him first.”
— Matt Dillon (16:09)
Tensions Escalate (21:07 - 24:25):
“You were the one who made him run off. Who got him hurt.”
— Maddie (23:49)
Resolution and Reflection (25:44 - 27:22):
“I killed a man. Terrible thing, Marshall.”
— Maddie (25:50)
“But you saved a life.”
— Matt Dillon (25:59)
Matt Dillon: Portrayed as the archetypal marshal, Matt embodies integrity and a strong sense of duty. His internal conflict between enforcing the law and his empathy for Lurie highlights his complex character.
Maddie Russell: As Kitty Russell’s mother, Maddie represents the voice of compassion and moral courage. Her actions demonstrate a willingness to defy societal norms to uphold a higher sense of justice.
Chester: The loyal deputy, Chester, provides support to Matt, showcasing the camaraderie and teamwork essential in maintaining peace in Dodge City.
Matt Dillon on Responsibility:
“I'll have to follow you. You ain't following nobody. Might as well find out now, Maddie.”
— Matt Dillon (15:39)
Maddie on Moral Duty:
“I take care of Chester, Marshall. If you think you can trust me.”
— Maddie Russell (27:14)
Matt's Reluctant Action:
“I haven't shot many women.”
— Matt Dillon (18:38)
Maddie's Reflection on Justice:
“Our boy running off jet shooting your friend, me killing that man. It don't prove out, Marshall. It just don't prove out.”
— Maddie Russell (26:13)
Justice vs. Mercy: The episode explores the delicate balance between enforcing the law and showing compassion. Matt's internal struggle highlights the human side of law enforcement.
Loyalty and Trust: The interactions between Matt and Maddie emphasize the importance of trust and collaboration in overcoming adversity.
Moral Ambiguity: Characters are faced with decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong, illustrating the complexities of maintaining justice in a lawless land.
"The Deserter" is a compelling installment of Gunsmoke that delves deep into the moral and ethical challenges faced by those who uphold the law in the Wild West. Through its richly developed characters and intricate plot, the episode underscores the timeless themes of justice, loyalty, and the personal struggles that accompany professional duty. Andrew Rines masterfully brings this classic tale to life, offering both nostalgia and profound storytelling that resonates with modern audiences.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Additional Information:
For more episodes and meticulously restored classic Western radio dramas, visit otrwesterns.com. Follow the podcast on Facebook and YouTube, and don't forget to subscribe and rate the show on your favorite podcast application to stay updated with the latest releases.