The Imposter | Gunsmoke (07-24-60)

Summary

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: Detailed Summary of "The Imposter | Gunsmoke (07-24-60)"

Introduction

In the "Old Time Radio Westerns" podcast hosted by Andrew Rines, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio with meticulously restored Western dramas. The episode titled "The Imposter | Gunsmoke (07-24-60)" originally aired on July 24, 1960, and has been digitally enhanced for clarity and richness. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key characters, plot developments, and memorable dialogues that unfold in the rugged landscape of Dodge City.

Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast United States Marshal of Dodge City, committed to maintaining law and order in the Wild West.
• Chester: Matt Dillon's somewhat hapless deputy, whose lack of energy often leads to comedic interactions.
• Mrs. Curtin (Georgia Ellis): A local rancher's wife caught in the turmoil between her husband and the mysterious Sam Fraser.
• Rob Curtin (Gene Bates): Initially presented as Mrs. Curtin's husband, later revealed to be Sam Fraser, an imposter with a dark past.
• A.B. Stringer (Vic Perrin): A new sheriff from Miami, Texas, involved in the investigation of Sam Fraser.
• Kitty (Harley Bear): The town's bartender who provides insights and observations about the characters.
• Del: A supporting character assisting Matt Dillon in the investigation.

Plot Summary

Arrival and Suspicion

The episode begins with Matt Dillon and his deputy, Chester, engaging in their routine duties in Dodge City. Matt is presented as the quintessential marshal—dedicated but occasionally dealing with the bumbling nature of Chester. Early interactions set the stage for the tension between duty and personal challenges. For instance, at [03:04], Matt urges Chester to rest, highlighting the deputy's fatigue:

Matt Dillon [03:04]: "What's the matter? Are you sick?"

Interaction with the Curtin Family

Chester's observation skills are put to the test when he notices Miss Curtin loading a wagon. This leads to an introduction to the Curtin family—Mrs. Curtin and her husband, Rob. Their cordial interaction showcases the community's interconnectedness:

Chester [04:07]: "Now, where at is Rob Curtin? He ain't loading up his own wagon."

Mrs. Curtin expresses gratitude for the help:

Mrs. Curtin [05:00]: "Well, I do thank you. And just wait till I tell Rob who gave me a hand."

Investigating Sam Fraser

Matt receives a telegram about a prisoner needing assistance, sparking suspicion. Del, presumably another law enforcement figure, arrives to discuss Sam Fraser—a man wanted for bank robbery and murder. Despite the lack of a photograph, the descriptions lead Matt and Del to believe Sam might be masquerading within Dodge City:

Chester [09:27]: "Changing your name is just like rolling over in bed, Marshall. Taint everything to it."

Matt Dillon [10:42]: "I tell you, Matt, wouldn't hurt to study Ab Wild. He's the best natured lawman I've ever seen."

Revelation and Confrontation

Rob Curtin's behavior becomes increasingly suspicious as interactions between him and Matt's team unfold. Mrs. Curtin becomes concerned when Rob seems evasive and conflicted. The turning point occurs when Mrs. Curtin confronts Rob in the barn, only to discover his true identity as Sam Fraser:

Mrs. Curtin [19:09]: "Well, if it's his, why do they have to have a gun to get it from him?"

Rob admits his past:

Rob Curtin [18:58]: "Well, it is Sam. A long time ago, before you, Sarah, I was Sam Fraser."

The tension escalates as Rob demands money in exchange for sparing his wife's life, revealing the depth of his deception and desperation.

Climax and Resolution

The final confrontation leads to a deadly showdown. Sam Fraser, along with his associate Del, attempts to eliminate Matt Dillon and secure the money. Despite their efforts, Matt's persistence and duty prevail, resulting in the demise of both outlaws. The emotional aftermath is evident when Mrs. Curtin confronts Matt, expressing her grief and anger:

Mrs. Curtin [23:11]: "Marshall, Sir, I'm. I'm sorry. I didn't know who he was. ... There was no Sam Frazier about him."

Matt, burdened by the loss and the realization of the imposter's impact on the community, reflects on the complexities of justice and mercy in the Wild West.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon on Duty:

  "I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
  [02:14]

• Chester's Lament:

  "Lay himself down when he's tired it is, huh? Tis me. I get to hear myself breathing so hard owing to how tired I am."
  [03:34]

• Rob Curtin's Revelation:

  "Well, it is Sam. A long time ago, before you, Sarah, I was Sam Fraser."
  [18:58]

• Mrs. Curtin's Confrontation:

  "Marshall, Sir, I'm. I'm sorry. I didn't know who he was. ... There was no Sam Frazier about him."
  [23:11]

• Matt's Apology:

  "I'm sorry, sir. I'm terribly sorry."
  [24:01]

Conclusion

"The Imposter | Gunsmoke (07-24-60)" is a classic Western tale that delves into themes of identity, deception, and justice. Through the masterful performances of William Conrad as Matt Dillon and the supporting cast, the episode weaves a compelling narrative of intrigue and moral dilemma. The digitally restored audio enhances the listening experience, allowing contemporary audiences to appreciate the timeless storytelling that once captivated listeners across the nation. Whether you're a long-time fan of "Gunsmoke" or new to Old Time Radio Westerns, this episode offers a rich and engaging journey into the heart of the Wild West.

Transcript

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[Del]

Foreign.

[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 is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Narrator]

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. Starring William Conrad. The 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. You don't have to come with me, chester.

[Chester]

I'm coming, Ms. John. Keeping up as best I can.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if that's all the gumption you got, you're better off back at the office.

[Chester]

Well, just let me rest a little bit. But you don't.

[Matt Dillon]

What's the matter? Are you sick?

[Chester]

I. I just ain't got no spunk to me these days.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Have you seen Doc?

[Chester]

Oh, man, no. Last time I asked him to give me a tonic, he wanted to charge me a whole dollar for it. And at that, he wouldn't make no guarantee he'd cure me.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Chester, I'm only going to the telegraph office. There's no need for you to come along now.

[Chester]

I don't want to shirk my job.

[Matt Dillon]

Will you go back to the office and lie down?

[Chester]

I couldn't do that, Mr. Donald.

[Matt Dillon]

Lying down's the best cure I know for being tired, Chester.

[Chester]

No, sir, it ain't. Pardon me. That's one of the worst things a body can do. Lay himself down when he's Tired it is, huh? Tis me. I get to hear myself breathing so hard owing to how tired I am. And it just clean wears me out, listening to me breathe. I've did. Well, now, I do declare.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Narrator]

What?

[Chester]

Look yonder. There's that nice little Miss Curtain loading her wagon over to Jones's.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Chester]

Now, where at is Rob Curtin? He ain't loading up his own wagon.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I don't know, Chester, but.

[Chester]

Well, you may be able to stand by and watch a lady do a man's work, but it's something I just cannot abide. Poor little thing like that. Lifting and big heavy things. None of them, Ms. Curtin. You just leave them feed sacks to us, Ms. Curtin.

[Del]

Del.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Marshall. Chester.

[Kitty]

Well, they are might heavy for a.

[Chester]

Little bit of a thing like you maybe.

[Rob Curtin]

But for me I can get along.

[Chester]

Here. You want to grab the other end of that potato sack, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you can make it, can't you?

[Chester]

If you don't mind.

[Matt Dillon]

You try it.

[Chester]

No, mister. That'd be better for you. All right. Here we go.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Well, I do thank you. And just wait till I tell Rob who gave me a hand.

[Chester]

Anything else to go in, Ms. Curtin?

[Mrs. Curtin]

Well, not that I know of, Chester.

[Matt Dillon]

How is Rob, anyway?

[Mrs. Curtin]

Fine and silk, thank you, Marshall. Well, you can see for yourself. Look here, Rob, all the nice help I've had.

[Rob Curtin]

Hello, Marshall.

[Del]

Chester.

[Chester]

Well, now, I didn't know, but what you was home aling her or maybe working one or the other.

[Rob Curtin]

Guess you two took care of all the heavy stuff. I was waiting on Jonas. He went out back to fetch me the nail. I'm much obliged to you.

[Mrs. Curtin]

You folks just never get out our way. I'll be pleased if you'd come take supper with us sometime.

[Matt Dillon]

That's very kind of you, Ms. Curtin. We better be starting back.

[Rob Curtin]

Thanks again for the help.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't mention it, Rob.

[Chester]

I suppose it's worth a small mansion. All right.

[Mrs. Curtin]

We're hoping to see you soon now.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Yeah. Well, aren't you gonna wave to him, Dresser?

[Chester]

Well, I like you, Mr. Jones. I declare, I am just clean played out.

[Kitty]

Matt.

[Chester]

Do you know the sheriff? This sheriff, what's his name?

[Matt Dillon]

Matt Stringer.

[Del]

Not.

[Matt Dillon]

I cannot know him by name. Might know him beside Miami, Texas.

[Rob Curtin]

That's a new name.

[Matt Dillon]

That's town on the panhandle. Last time I rode through, it was too small to have a sheriff. Guess the cattle drives will fatten it up some.

[Chester]

Let me see that telegram again.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, yeah, sure.

[Chester]

Let me see here. It says, bringing prisoner in need. Your Help meet afternoon stage.

[Rob Curtin]

And it signed, A.B.

[Del]

Stringer, Sheriff.

[Rob Curtin]

And it's Miami, Texas.

[Chester]

Yeah, that's what I thought.

[Matt Dillon]

Something wrong?

[Chester]

Well, it doesn't say anyone's wounded or it doesn't say anyone needs a doctor.

[Matt Dillon]

No, but it says he needs help. If he's had trouble, somebody's likely to be hurt.

[Chester]

Well, that fellow there is the last passenger they had. I sure didn't see two men get off together.

[Matt Dillon]

I didn't either, but that one's wearing a star. You A.B. stringer, mister?

[Del]

Well, you're bound to be. Marshall Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's right. This is Doc Adams.

[Del]

Proud to meet you, sir. Yes, sir.

[Chester]

How did this. Huh?

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, where is he, Stringer? Where's who? The telegram here says you're bringing in a prisoner.

[Del]

Do you mind if I look at that?

[Matt Dillon]

No, go right ahead.

[Del]

Thank you. I declare. Oh, I do declare. Well, one thing. He got my name right. I got to give him that.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you sent this telegram, didn't you?

[Del]

Oh, I sent you a telegram all right. Marshall Dillon. But know that fool Slim Ballou? You know him? Telegraph operator down at Dalhart.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, I can't say.

[Del]

Well, I known him. I known him years. You know, we were jawing about me taking a fella prisoner. All right. I guess that's what blew old Slim off of the track.

[Matt Dillon]

Then you haven't got a prisoner then, huh?

[Del]

I not only haven't got him, Marshall, I'm counting on you to help me. Man, they sure are a fierce looking crew, ain't they, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, some of them look mighty rough all right, Stringer.

[Del]

Of course, I say these wanted pictures.

[Matt Dillon]

They serve their purpose, huh?

[Del]

Looking through them Keep a man in out of the heat or the rain or the cold. Ain't worth dried beans to help a man find the no account he's looking for.

[Matt Dillon]

They start a pretty good fire on a cold morning.

[Del]

Don't they though?

[Matt Dillon]

You haven't come across your man in these?

[Del]

No, Wouldn't be the first time I went fishing into a mess of these and didn't get my catch. Course, might be ain't stayed one place long enough to get his picture took.

[Matt Dillon]

That name you gave me, Sam Fraser, it doesn't mean a thing to me.

[Del]

Well, changing your name is just like rolling over in bed, Marshall. Taint everything to it. Changing your face, that's another story that comes a might harder.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but I've seen them try.

[Del]

Oh, yeah, many's a time. Then they get by with it now and again. You know, I found out a long time ago If a man sets out to fool you and he's half bright about it, he can get the job done.

[Matt Dillon]

But you know this Frazier, you'd know him on.

[Del]

Oh, and he'd know me.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, here's the latest batch of wanted posters.

[Del]

Thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

If he isn't in them, we'll have to try something else.

[Del]

I guess we're used to that, you and me. Is that a fact? Always trying something else.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that's the job.

[Del]

No, sir, Marshall. No, sir. You just ain't got a picture of Sam Fraser in your collection.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if you're pretty sure he's in Dodge, you better have a look around, I guess.

[Del]

Now, Marshall, I didn't come all this way on pretty sure. I know he's in Dodge. Or was.

[Matt Dillon]

Tall, sandy haired fellows, about 30.

[Del]

That's Sam.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, and about half the other men in Dodge.

[Del]

Well, just this one tiny difference in Sam Marshall, he robbed a bank and killed a man.

[Kitty]

I tell you, Matt, wouldn't hurt to study Ab Wild. He's the best natured law man I've ever seen.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, you got some kind of idea? I'm not jovial, Kitty.

[Kitty]

You got some kind of idea you are.

[Matt Dillon]

No, no, I haven't.

[Kitty]

I'm about half serious though, Matt. Last night he was the last to walk out of here on his own two feet. Sam Noonan carried the other two out.

[Matt Dillon]

And who were they?

[Kitty]

Ruth Connors and Ed Crouch.

[Matt Dillon]

Stringer spent most of the evening with him, did he?

[Kitty]

Didn't seem to me he was playing any favorites one time or the other. He played a hand of poker or had a drink with Evelyn here. Why?

[Matt Dillon]

I was just thinking. Ruf and Ed both fit the description of the man Stringer's trailing. Tall, Sandy haired, about 30.

[Kitty]

What did Keaton from arresting one of them?

[Matt Dillon]

Nothing, if he was the right man. Give me the name. Sam Fraser. Does that mean anything to you?

[Kitty]

My particle. As long as I've lived here, I can't remember anyone named Fraser. This. Where's Ab today? He hasn't been in here.

[Matt Dillon]

He went off early this morning with Doc on some calls. Had an idea since he can't seem to find this Frazier in town, he might have hired on with some spread near here.

[Kitty]

Not a bad idea.

[Matt Dillon]

A man wanted for murder likely wouldn't stick in a town like Dodge too long.

[Kitty]

Well, I'll be. Don, what's the matter? Rob Curtin just came in. I bet he hasn't been in here three times since he and Sarah got married.

[Matt Dillon]

Doesn't look like you'll make Any money off of him? He's not stopping at the bar.

[Kitty]

Hello, Rob.

[Rob Curtin]

Oh, good to see you, Miss Kitty Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

How are you, Rob?

[Rob Curtin]

Sarah asked me to drop this by for you. Miss Kitty.

[Kitty]

Huh?

[Rob Curtin]

That mending she was to do.

[Kitty]

Well, thanks very much for bringing it in. Will you have a beer with us?

[Rob Curtin]

Oh, thank you, no. I. I gotta get back home. Just came in to switch those nails I bought from Jonas the other day. Seeing I was coming, Sarah said I should bring this by.

[Kitty]

Well, you tell her I'll have more for her to do next time she comes in, if she's got the time.

[Rob Curtin]

Oh, Sarah makes time, Miss Kitty. I don't know how she manages. She says she just can't abide idle hands. She'll be coming into town tomorrow or the next day.

[Kitty]

Fine. Sam will pay you. Rob.

[Matt Dillon]

Much obliged to you, Rob. You don't have any new hands at the ranch by any chance?

[Rob Curtin]

They same old hands, Marshall, mine and Sarah.

[Matt Dillon]

You run that spread alone now.

[Rob Curtin]

You see something wrong in that?

[Matt Dillon]

No, nothing except the hard work of it.

[Rob Curtin]

Oh, we're willing for that, Sarah and me. Well, afternoon to you.

[Chester]

Oh, now you're funny. Me again. Abstract.

[Del]

Oh, that'd be a fool thing for me to try. It's the truth. Chester just asked Marshall Dylan. He been all through that part of Texas.

[Chester]

You mean to tell me the whole of that town is dug out? Storm cellars?

[Del]

There are two buildings in that town that stand above the ground. That's what I'm telling you. Man riding through at night, I swear there's no town there at all. And riding through in the light of day, he'd be sure of it.

[Rob Curtin]

Why, that makes folks living like sacks of potatoes.

[Chester]

Of course, that's cool living. Dug down in the earth that way.

[Del]

And a panhandle summer will give you cause to want cool living. But it's the winds, you know, it's the cyclones. How come they live that way?

[Chester]

Well, a cyclone can't blow away what's not standing there in the first place.

[Del]

I can see that, sure. Now, some folks say that that's how come nobody can talk a Texan down. Cause you see, anybody learns to talk against the wind like that, he ain't gonna be out talked by no mortal man.

[Chester]

Well, now, A.B. you got me. So I don't know what's joshing in.

[Del]

Well, that don't really matter bother you, does it, J?

[Chester]

Oh, no, sir. I can admire it. All this laughing and fun and seeing you got trouble you're hiding.

[Del]

Well, everybody's got troubles right enough yeah.

[Chester]

But you just ain't one bit closer to finding that Sam Fraser, now, are you?

[Del]

Well, I haven't found him yet. But now, you know, with all this looking behind me, I must be getting closer now, wouldn't you say, Dude?

[Matt Dillon]

Okay.

[Chester]

You got away seeing the bright side.

[Del]

For sure.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry.

[Chester]

Well, Ms. Curtin. Oh, I am sorry, ma' am.

[Mrs. Curtin]

It's my fault, Chester. Rob says if I don't quit backing out of doors, I'll get trampled one day.

[Chester]

Let me gather up your goods for you. Oh, Miss Curtin, this here is Mr. A.B. stringer.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Well, you're mighty kind to help, Mr. Stringer.

[Del]

I'm very pleased to meet you. It's Mrs. Curtin, is it?

[Mrs. Curtin]

Yes, sir. Mrs. Curtin.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Chester]

We should just put these parcels in your wagon for you, ma' am.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Well, if you don't mind. Seems like you load my wagon more than Rob does lately, Chester.

[Chester]

Oh, he ain't with you today, huh?

[Mrs. Curtin]

No, he's at the ranch. I had just these few things to get and some errands to run. Rob says there wasn't any man's work to it. Now, you tell the marshal I was serious as could be about you taking supper with us just anytime you're out our way.

[Chester]

Oh, yes, ma' am.

[Del]

I'll do that.

[Chester]

I'll remind him.

[Del]

Sure.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Oh, and I thank you kindly your help, Mr. Stringer.

[Del]

I'm glad to oblige you, lady. Ma' am. Here, allow me give you a hand up.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Thank you.

[Chester]

Here's your lines, ma' am.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Next thing you know, you'll be driving me home. Goodbye to you.

[Matt Dillon]

Goodbye to you.

[Chester]

Goodbye. I declare, if we don't get back to office, Mr. Young will think we walk seen out of town.

[Del]

Are you gone, Chester? I'm just going over to the stable for spell.

[Chester]

Well, now, you ain't thinking of riding off and leaving us now?

[Del]

If I told you, Chester, you'd swear I was fun on you again.

[Chester]

Well, I'd have told you sooner, but you and Clay was talking first along Mr. Dun.

[Matt Dillon]

That's not your fault, Chester. And we don't know if he followed Sarah Curtin. We just think he did.

[Chester]

I swear, I just can't get it through my head that he ain't Ab Stringer. The way he's been saying.

[Matt Dillon]

Clay says he can't be. And he ought to know. He's just up from Texas. He was there when they found Ab Stringer's buddy.

[Chester]

And they're pretty sure this fella we've been calling Ab is The one who killed him?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, Ab Stringer was bringing in a prisoner. And this man we know showed me Ab's credentials. So he must have killed him and stole his papers.

[Chester]

Just don't see how it could be. I swear, I never met a nicer fellow. And I sure never laugh so much.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he's kept us all laughing, Chester. Maybe a little too much.

[Mrs. Curtin]

What's in the name of heaven, Rob? What is this all about?

[Rob Curtin]

You shouldn't be out here in the barn, Sarah. He'll kill you, too.

[Del]

All you gotta do is throw out the money. Sam. I don't have to kill you.

[Mrs. Curtin]

He keeps calling you, Sam. Tell him you're not who he thinks you are. Bob. Tell him. You.

[Rob Curtin]

You spare my wife, I'll give you the money.

[Del]

Ain't got nothing against her.

[Rob Curtin]

I'm coming out. You wait where you are. It'll take me a minute to fetch the money.

[Del]

One minute. And then I start shooting again. Sam.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Bob Curtin, Will you tell me what this is about? What money is there? Why does he call you Sam?

[Rob Curtin]

Well, it is Sam. A long time ago, before you, Sarah, I was Sam Fraser. In this. This money, it's not mine.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Well, if it's his, why do they have to have a gun to get it from him?

[Rob Curtin]

It's not his, Sarah.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Rob, then why? What is it? I don't understand.

[Rob Curtin]

Sarah, there isn't time. Maybe later. Maybe I can help you understand. Now, you stay here. You lie down flat while I take it to him.

[Mrs. Curtin]

I want to help you, Rob. Let me help you.

[Rob Curtin]

Then you stay there. Sarah.

[Del]

Sure sliced that minute kind of thing. Sambo.

[Rob Curtin]

I thought you were dead.

[Del]

Now, what kind of greeting is that between old friends? Of course, I can see you'd a lot, rider I was dead. You could have kept all that money.

[Rob Curtin]

You got your share years ago.

[Del]

Well, you was always more frugal than me, Sam. When I got to running again, I knew I could count on you for help. How come you still got it?

[Rob Curtin]

Most of it's there, but not all. I. I've been working. My wife's been working. I. I was gonna send it all.

[Del]

Back to the bank we rob. I got a life.

[Rob Curtin]

I wanted to live it clean.

[Del]

And taking your ma's name, hiding behind it, that's your idea? Living clean?

[Rob Curtin]

It helped. Till now.

[Del]

Well, Sam, we killed a man.

[Rob Curtin]

I know I'm paying for that every day and night of my life.

[Del]

Minute I heard that name, meeting your woman, I knew my worries was done and gone.

[Rob Curtin]

You can live with what's passed, can't you. The killing, the taking of the.

[Del]

I got more killings than that to fret me. But I can live with them all fine. Now, I got this money. There's blood on it, but not enough. Sam, the way you're thinking, you're going to worry yourself to death. And I got to spare you that.

[Rob Curtin]

I haven't even got a gun.

[Del]

Oh, I see, Sam boy.

[Narrator]

So I see.

[Del]

Goodbye, Sam boy.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, hold him right there.

[Del]

Well, Marshall Dillon. Hey, we had an accident here.

[Matt Dillon]

I saw the whole thing ab. Oh, the only accident was that I couldn't stop you in time. You're going to jail for murder.

[Del]

Now, look here, Marshall. Rob, curtain.

[Matt Dillon]

I said you're going to jail. Now get your hands up.

[Del]

Not hardly.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you?

[Del]

You got Bright in a hurry, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Not hurry enough.

[Del]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

You dying?

[Del]

Well, I ain't lingering long. Marshall, you was helpful, you and Chester. Mind I told you, if a man sets out to fool you and he's half bright about it, he can get the job done. And.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, look yonder.

[Matt Dillon]

What? Sarah, you shouldn't have come out here.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Leave me be. I've seen it all. Yeah, they're both dead.

[Matt Dillon]

Sorry I was too late.

[Mrs. Curtin]

No matter. Not now, anyway.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll take care of Rob for you.

[Mrs. Curtin]

You'll do no such thing. Your good has killed him. You'll not touch him now.

[Matt Dillon]

But you can't manage it, sir.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Oh, you come here now is more gall than I understand. And telling me what I can manage. You got no idea that.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall, Sir, I'm. I'm sorry. I. I didn't know who he was. I lived three miles from Rob and didn't know who he was. These two years.

[Mrs. Curtin]

Now, I lived with him night and day these two years. He was Rob Curtin and that's all he was. There was no Sam Frazier about him.

[Matt Dillon]

He had that money.

[Mrs. Curtin]

He offered it back. Your friend. Chester's friend. You good as let him kill my Rob. You're good as giving your leave.

[Matt Dillon]

It's not gonna be easy living with it, sir.

[Mrs. Curtin]

I hope it isn't. I hope you crawl with it the rest of your days.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, sir. I'm terribly sorry.

[Mrs. Curtin]

You're Marshall. I know. The question is, sorrow don't quite fix things, does it?

[Narrator]

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 Kathleen Height with editorial supervision by John Meston. Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perrin and Gene Bates. Harley Bear is Chester Howard McNear is DOC and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke.

[Del]

Foreign.

[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 Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com.

[Del]

Become one.

[Andrew Rines]

Of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Technogod who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Like Copyright for more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Del]

Sam.