The Hunter | Gunsmoke (03-04-56)

Summary

Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Hunter" (Gunsmoke Original Air Date: March 4, 1956)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Episode Release Date: July 21, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Gunsmoke, titled "The Hunter," listeners are transported back to March 4, 1956, to witness a gripping tale of law, honor, and survival in the untamed Wild West. Under the expert narration of host Andrew Rhynes, the digitally restored audio offers an immersive experience, blending enhanced sound effects with the compelling performances of legendary radio actors.

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Plot Overview

"The Hunter" centers around Matt Dillon, the steadfast United States Marshal of Dodge City, who confronts Jace Murdoch, a notorious buffalo hunter with a turbulent past. Murdoch's unauthorized hunting threatens both the dwindling buffalo populations and the fragile peace with the local Indian tribes. As Matt navigates this confrontation, unexpected alliances and personal vendettas come to the forefront, culminating in a dramatic showdown that tests Dillon's resolve and moral compass.

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Key Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The principled U.S. Marshal dedicated to upholding the law in Dodge City.

• Kitty (Georgia Ellis): The perceptive saloon owner who provides support and insight to Matt.

• Jace Murdoch: A seasoned buffalo hunter with a complex history, representing the old ways clashing with emerging laws.

• Golden Calf: A young Blackfoot Indian and son of Jace Murdoch, whose intervention becomes pivotal in the unfolding drama.

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Detailed Summary

Confrontation in the Saloon

The episode opens with Matt Dillon entering the local saloon, seeking information about Jace Murdoch's latest activities. Kitty, the saloon owner, notices Matt's unease:

Kitty [00:02:44]: "You look a little blue."
Matt Dillon [00:02:48]: "Oh, it's cold outside."

Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by Jace Murdoch's aggressive entrance, signaling impending trouble.

Jace Murdoch [00:03:07]: "What do you think you're doing?"

Murdoch's confrontation with Matt escalates quickly, revealing past tensions:

Jace Murdoch [00:04:00]: "I don't fear no man, and least of all you."
Matt Dillon [00:04:02]: "These... days, things have changed, Murdoch."

Unveiling the Past

As the dialogue unfolds, Matt reveals the history between him and Murdoch, hinting at previous altercations and personal grudges:

Matt Dillon [00:06:10]: "That's the kind of thing a man doesn't like to talk about or remember."

Murdoch's defiance highlights his refusal to adapt to new laws governing hunting and interactions with Native American tribes.

The Pursuit

Determined to enforce the law, Matt tracks Murdoch into the Indian Territory, accompanied by his loyal companion, Chester (Golden Calf). The journey is fraught with tension as they navigate treacherous landscapes and the looming threat of an ambush.

Matt Dillon [00:13:25]: "If that's the way you want it, you cross that line, and I'll come after you."

The Showdown

The climax occurs when Murdoch sets a trap for Matt and Chester, using superior firepower to gain the upper hand. However, in a twist of fate, Golden Calf intervenes, saving Matt from imminent danger. This act of bravery not only thwarts Murdoch's plans but also bridges cultural divides, emphasizing themes of redemption and the possibility of change.

Golden Calf [00:21:31]: "I know now. You spoke the truth. His medicine was not good. Not anymore."

Resolution

In the aftermath, it is revealed that Golden Calf is not just a brave warrior but also Jace Murdoch's son, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Matt prepares to bring Murdoch to justice, ensuring that the law prevails while acknowledging the personal costs involved.

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon on Duty:

  Matt Dillon [00:02:03]: "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."

• Murdoch's Defiance:

  Jace Murdoch [00:04:00]: "I don't fear no man, and least of all you."

• Golden Calf's Sacrifice:

  Golden Calf [00:21:31]: "I know now. You spoke the truth. His medicine was not good. Not anymore."

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Themes and Insights

"The Hunter" delves deep into the complexities of law enforcement in the Wild West, portraying Matt Dillon as a beacon of justice amidst chaos. The episode explores themes of tradition versus progress, the ethical ramifications of hunting practices, and the potential for reconciliation between disparate communities. Golden Calf's character serves as a catalyst for change, demonstrating that understanding and compassion can bridge even the most entrenched conflicts.

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Conclusion

Andrew Rhynes' presentation of "The Hunter" offers a masterfully restored glimpse into one of Gunsmoke's classic episodes. Through enhanced audio quality, listeners can fully appreciate the nuanced performances and intricate storytelling that have cemented Gunsmoke's legacy in radio history. This episode not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the enduring challenges of law, morality, and human connection in a rapidly changing world.

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Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, introductory remarks, and concluding announcements to focus solely on the episode's narrative and thematic content.

Transcript

[Unknown]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to remind you to check out our other western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnetcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is March 4, 1956 and the title is the Hunter. Thanks for listening.

[Unknown]

Gunsmoke. Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. Thanks to Accuray. They satisfy the most.

[William Conrad]

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. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.

[Matt Dillon]

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.

[Kitty]

Evening, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, kitty.

[Kitty]

You look a little blue.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, it's cold outside.

[Kitty]

Well, you sit down. I'll have Sam fix you up a coffee grub. That'll warm you.

[Matt Dillon]

Why do you think I came in?

[Kitty]

You sure know the way to compliment a lady. Maybe I oughta.

[Jace Murdoch]

What do you think you're doing?

[Kitty]

Map. Look. He's been spoiling for trouble ever since he came in here.

[Matt Dillon]

That's Murdoch.

[Kitty]

Do you know him?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jace Murdoch]

Well, answer nothing.

[Unknown]

You don't need the whole bar.

[Jace Murdoch]

What'd you say?

[Golden Calf]

I got as much right here as you.

[Kitty]

Man, you've got a knife.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute, Murdoch. Put it up.

[Jace Murdoch]

You again, Dylan. Just like the last time. You want more of the same?

[Matt Dillon]

It's a little different now, Murdoch.

[Jace Murdoch]

So I see. You got a badge to hide behind me.

[Matt Dillon]

Put up the knife. That's better.

[Golden Calf]

This man's crazy, Marshall.

[William Conrad]

I didn't do a thing to him.

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't mean to jostle him. It's all right, son. It's over now. Go on about your business. Yes, sir.

[William Conrad]

Marshall.

[Unknown]

Yes, sir.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jace Murdoch]

What kind of a bone picker is that?

[Matt Dillon]

For the high plains times of change.

[Jace Murdoch]

My nothing but settlers and dudes, bone pickers and trackmen. Cow wranglers and blue coats and lawmen.

[Matt Dillon]

There's something you better understand, Murdoch. When Dodge was full of you buffalo hunters, you could throw your weight around. Well, not anymore.

[Jace Murdoch]

I ain't changed, Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Just stay out of trouble.

[Jace Murdoch]

I'll do as I want.

[Matt Dillon]

He always did. What are you doing in Dodge anyway? There haven't been any buffalo around here for years.

[Jace Murdoch]

Well, maybe. I came to see you, Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

And I thought you probably figured me for dead.

[Jace Murdoch]

Oh, no. I heerd about you and your badge.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe it's just as well for both of us. I'm wearing it.

[Jace Murdoch]

I don't fear no man, and least of all you.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, just let me give you a little warning. You're thinking of going south for buffalo? Into Indian territory? I wouldn't.

[Jace Murdoch]

I do a lot of things you wouldn't.

[Matt Dillon]

This is orders from Washington. They don't want any more trouble with the Indians. The territory is closed to hunters. They got cavalry patrols along the line.

[Jace Murdoch]

I go where I aim to go, and I don't fear no cavalry.

[Matt Dillon]

And I got orders to stop anyone.

[Jace Murdoch]

Have you?

[Matt Dillon]

Now? You just remember what I said, Matt.

[Kitty]

He's dangerous. Has a crazy look in his eyes.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, Kitty, when the buffalo herds were running, Dodge was 2000. Like him and not much else.

[Kitty]

Who is he?

[Matt Dillon]

He's the one the Indians call Longarm. The name's Jace Murdoch.

[Kitty]

Oh, I've heard of him.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Almost a legend on the frontier. Been on the plains maybe 30 or more years. Beaver trapper, buffalo hunter, Indian scout. He lived with the Indians a long time.

[Kitty]

Matt, what's between you and Murdoch? A grudge.

[Matt Dillon]

That's the kind of a thing a man doesn't like to talk about or remember. Kidding when he takes a beating.

[Unknown]

You?

[Matt Dillon]

I was just in from Missouri. Pretty green. Murdoch and some of his crowd were in town on a spree when their fun threatened to include scalping a hide freighter they didn't like. I stepped into it. Like I say, I was pretty green.

[Kitty]

They beat you, Matt?

[Matt Dillon]

Left me for dead down by the river.

[Kitty]

You watch out for him. He's a troublemaker.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but right now I want to find out why he's here.

[Unknown]

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[Matt Dillon]

I figured Murdoch was in Dodge outfitting a hunt, so I found the merchant who sold him supplies. He couldn't tell me much except that Murdoch had an Indian with him for a skinner and that they were camped somewhere outside town. Took me a while, but I found the camp. And when I came up, the Indian was alone. He was a young brave, and he was hunched over the fire, sharpening a long, curved skin and knife. It's all right. Go on. You're a long way from home, aren't you? What are you? Blackfoot?

[Unknown]

How do you know that?

[Matt Dillon]

The scars on your wrists, the cut arms. Your people do that? And mourning some close relative's death, don't they? Who are those for? Father, brother, mother. All right. My name's Matt Dillon. I'm a U.S. marshal. How are you called? What does Murdoch call you?

[Unknown]

When he is not angry. Injured.

[Matt Dillon]

And what he is Dog eater. And he knows his Indian insults. What do your people call you?

[Unknown]

It means Golden Calf.

[Matt Dillon]

You're a breed, aren't you?

[Unknown]

I'm an Indian.

[Matt Dillon]

Then what are you doing here so far from your tribe? Skinning buffalo. For a man like Murdoch in the.

[Unknown]

Lodges at night, my people speak of the pale warrior with the long arm.

[Matt Dillon]

Chase Murdoch, huh?

[Unknown]

When he was with us, his medicine was good. The plains were dark with buffalo. They gave the Indian all he needed. Food, clothes, beds, lodge skins. Now we do not have good medicine. The buffalo are gone.

[Matt Dillon]

So you came looking for Murdoch for Long Arm to take him back.

[Unknown]

Yes. But he would not go. So I stay with him.

[Matt Dillon]

And now you're going on a buffalo hunt with him into treaty territory, huh?

[Unknown]

He does not. Tell me where he goes and I'll tell you.

[Matt Dillon]

He's gonna hunt among the few small herds that are left given by the treaty to the Indian.

[Unknown]

I do not know that.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, it's true. And if you do this, you're robbing your brothers of the little that's left to them.

[Jace Murdoch]

That's enough, Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Hello, Murdoch.

[Jace Murdoch]

Stand up, Dog eater.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't hit him again, Murdoch.

[Jace Murdoch]

I'll do as I please. You got no right to come snooping, dealing, asking questions, trying to turn my skin again.

[Matt Dillon]

Me, the way you treat him. You'll turn him against yourself. And he may not be so friendly once you two are alone down in the Indian nations.

[Jace Murdoch]

I don't fear no Indian. Least of all him. I know him. Lived with him plenty of years.

[Matt Dillon]

So I heard. They thought you were good medicine then, huh?

[Jace Murdoch]

Sure. I brought them the long arm, the first gun they ever seen. Gave them more meat than they ever seen two. Sure, I was good medicine, but you change some. I'm not so romantic as I was. I can take him or leave him alone. Besides, Injun's day is done. Man don't need to walk easy with him no more.

[Matt Dillon]

I wouldn't be too sure of that.

[Jace Murdoch]

With this, I can be sure you.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you still shoot a big 50, huh?

[Jace Murdoch]

Yeah, and I can load and fire as fast as another man with one of them new repeaters. And I can drop a buffalo near a mile or a man. He killed an injun once at 1200 yards. Like to took off his head.

[Matt Dillon]

You enjoy killing, don't you, Murdoch?

[Jace Murdoch]

I don't mind it.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, 30 years on the plains have done something to you. Something crazy. Maybe. You were a pioneer once, opening up the West. A loner doing what you had to do, making your own law. But your day's finished, Murdoch. You have to abide by the law now.

[Jace Murdoch]

Are you through dealing?

[Matt Dillon]

I see by your outfit you're going light and fast. That must mean south. Well, I'm warning you, don't try it.

[Jace Murdoch]

I'll go where I aim to go. No cavalry will stop me. And I just hope you try.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. If that's the way you want it, you cross that line, and I'll come after you.

[Unknown]

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[Matt Dillon]

I could have sent word to the colonel out at Fort Dodge and let the cavalry handle Murdoch, but this was something personal. It was A job I wanted to do myself. I couldn't touch Murdoch until he crossed the line into the Indian Nation. So the next morning, I just watched him drive out of town. I gave him a couple of hours, then Chester and I started on. His trail went straight south across the Arkansas into the Nations.

[Golden Calf]

I don't know, Mr. Dillon. It seems almost too easy. His wagon tracks in the snow going straight as a board as far as you can see over the next ride.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I know, Chester, but we better keep our eyes open. We should be getting close to him now.

[Golden Calf]

Well, I guess ain't nothing to worry about, long as we can see his tracks up ahead.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe not. We'll come up on that rise Easy. Just might be waiting for us on the other side.

[Golden Calf]

I don't know. The way, he ain't bothering to curve his trail. Seems like he ain't expecting us to follow him. Maybe he didn't leave you.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't count on it.

[Golden Calf]

I swear. This ain't the time of year for traveling, is it? Good time for buffalo hunting, though. Coats will be prime. And if I was.

[Matt Dillon]

Chester, you hit?

[Golden Calf]

No, sir, he didn't get me. He got my horse, but I'm pinned down.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. I'll get you out.

[Golden Calf]

Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Look out.

[Golden Calf]

He's still shooting.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, just stay flat behind a horse. Now, you pull your leg out when I lift up on the saddle, huh?

[Golden Calf]

Yes, I will.

[Matt Dillon]

There. Now stay low.

[Golden Calf]

Mr. Dillon, where'd that shot come from?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I'm not sure, but I. Yeah, from over in that rim of rock there.

[Golden Calf]

Must have circled around.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we rode right into a trap. How's your leg?

[Golden Calf]

Well, it ain't broke. I don't think that it hurts some. All right. I'm afraid I ain't gonna be much use to you, Mr. Jones.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry about it, Chester.

[Golden Calf]

What are we gonna do? We can't just lay here in the snow. We'll freeze.

[Matt Dillon]

That's probably what Murdoch's thinking.

[Golden Calf]

He sure planned it and got us pinned out here in the open, no cover anywhere near. Mr. Dillon, my rifle's under the horse. Maybe we can.

[Matt Dillon]

No, it wouldn't do any good anyway, Chester. It's too far. Only his buffalo gun has this range.

[Golden Calf]

Yes, sir. Now, he shot your horse, Mr. Dillon. There was no need for that.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's showing us how great a hunter he is.

[Golden Calf]

Chester, what are we gonna do without horses?

[Matt Dillon]

We'll worry about that later. Right now, there's one thing we can do. Get up to those rocks and rush him. But how? Well, his big 50's a single shot. He's gotta reload between shots.

[Golden Calf]

Doing it mighty fast.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but whoever he is, I could be moving.

[Golden Calf]

Mr. Dillon, you wouldn't never make it. Why, that's 500 yards or more.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, you got any other ide him?

[Golden Calf]

No, sir. I dare this leg.

[Matt Dillon]

It's all right, Chester. This isn't your fight anyway. Well, I think I'll draw a shot and see just how fast he can reload.

[Golden Calf]

No, no, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

One, two.

[Golden Calf]

You're taking off standing up like that, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Now we know. Five seconds.

[Golden Calf]

That ain't very long now.

[Matt Dillon]

That'll have to be long enough. Hell, Chester.

[Golden Calf]

Yes, sir. Good luck, mister. Gentlemen.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, same to you, Chester. Hey, Murdoch. One, two, three, four, five. Not like hunting buffalo, is it, Murdoch? One, two, three, four million five. Well, you're getting closer, Murdoch. One, two, Three, four, five. Maybe he's caught on. Hey, Murdoch. You couldn't be out of ammunition, could you? Huh? I wonder. Hey, Murdoch. I lay there, half covered by the snow, knowing Murdoch might easily be holding me in the sights of his rifle. But I also knew I couldn't lie there much longer. I'd freeze before darkness could give me the COVID I needed. Then I saw movement among the rocks. It was Golden Calf. He walked to the rim, then started down toward me. The body of Jace Murdoch, lifeless in his arms. I got up and went to meet him. As I approached, Golden Calf stopped. And after a moment, he placed the body gently on the ground. Why did you do it, Golden Calf?

[Unknown]

I know now. You spoke the truth. His medicine was not good. Not anymore.

[Matt Dillon]

Is that the only reason you killed him? Here? No. All right. Thanks anyway. I'm gonna have to take you back. But nobody will convict you for saving the life of a U.S. marshal. We're gonna have to bury him. Yes. Here, wait a minute. Let me see your wrist. That's a new gash. Was Murdoch a relative of yours?

[Unknown]

He was my father. I am Golden Cat, the son of Longo.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, well. All right, Golden Calf, let's get started.

[William Conrad]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad.

[Unknown]

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[Matt Dillon]

You know, the arrival of a Texas herd and Dodge usually meant celebrating and the general hurrahing of the town. But next week, a herd arrives with a murdered man. And that was the West. Good night.

[William Conrad]

Gunsmoke, produced and directed by Norman McDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The special music for Gunsmoke was composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Nestor Piva, Sam Edwards and Harry Bartel. Harley Bear is Chester and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Smokers this is it L and M.

[Matt Dillon]

Filtered so good to your taste so.

[William Conrad]

Quick on the draw make today your.

[Unknown]

Big red letter day your L and M red letter day Superior taste and filter it's the miracle tip make today your big red letter day Change to.

[Matt Dillon]

L and M to date L and M so good to your taste so.

[William Conrad]

Quick on the draw Get L and M today Relax with L and M.

[Matt Dillon]

So good to your taste so quick on the draw.

[William Conrad]

Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke.

[Golden Calf]

Sam.

[Andrew Rines]

Foreign 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.