The Juniper Tree | Gunsmoke (08-30-52)

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Old Time Radio Westerns

Episode: The Juniper Tree | Gunsmoke (08-30-52)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: August 30, 1952
Podcast Date: March 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features a digitally restored airing of “Gunsmoke: Juniper Tree” from 1952. The story centers around Marshal Matt Dillon, who faces a tricky situation involving Jim Stanley, a simple-minded rancher wrongly accused of theft and assault by a vengeful gambler named Mingo. Through tense showdowns, complicated character dynamics, and a dash through the Kansas frontier, Dillon must unravel the truth and pursue justice.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. The Setup: Trouble at the Cherokee Palace (03:29–06:16)

• Matt Dillon arrives at the Cherokee Palace to address a complaint—the timid rancher Jim Stanley has been accused of stealing from Mingo’s roulette table and assaulting him.
• Brandy and Dixie defend Jim’s character, insisting he could never be a “bad man.”
• Notable moment: Jim is depicted as gentle and overwhelmed (“I ain’t never been locked up before. Please don’t make me.”—Jim Stanley, 06:09).

2. Matt Dillon’s Dilemma: Justice and Sympathy (07:43–09:34)

• Chester and Dillon comment on the unfair matchup between the “shady gambler” (Mingo) and “simple-minded horse rancher” (Stanley).
• Dixie’s role surfaces: She’s accused of misleading Jim and driving him to desperation.
• Dillon pushes Mingo to withdraw the charges but is rebuffed. Mingo seeks to make Stanley “crack,” motivated by jealousy over Dixie.

Quote

“A shady gambler against a simple-minded horse rancher.”
—Matt Dillon (07:54)

3. Searching for Truth: Breaking the Case (11:00–15:58)

• Matt works to get Mingo’s witnesses to confess the setup.
• He uses clever reading of obscure laws to pressure Saginaw Henry, revealing that Jim Stanley was manipulated: “Dixie shilled Stanley into losing his money...on Mingo’s orders.” (14:20)
• Saginaw confesses, and the path to clearing Jim is found.

Quote

"If you witnesses are gonna send Jim Stanley to jail on a technicality, then a lot of you are going to jail the same way."
—Matt Dillon (14:02)

4. The Jailbreak and Chase (16:19–22:07)

• Jim escapes from jail with saw blades smuggled in by Dixie.
• Chester and Matt deduce Dixie’s involvement and set out to find the pair.
• The chase is complicated as Mingo is also tracking them, vowing revenge.

5. Standoff at Stanley’s Ranch (22:24–25:08)

• Matt and Chester find Jim holed up and frightened, refusing to surrender.
• Matt risks his life by approaching unarmed, convinced Jim isn’t a killer. Jim involuntarily shoots, grazing Matt.
• After a tense confrontation, Matt assures Jim that the ordeal is over and he is cleared.

Quote

“I didn’t mean it. I was only trying to scare you. I’m not a killer. I never shot anybody in my life.”—Jim Stanley (25:08)

6. The Final Showdown: Mingo’s Revenge (27:12–28:47)

• As Jim relaxes, Mingo shoots him from the barn loft. Matt and Chester subdue and kill Mingo.
• Jim is wounded but survives. Dixie reappears, feigning grief over her “investments,” revealing she’d married Jim days earlier for his money.

Quote

“Because I’m Jim Stanley’s widow.” —Dixie (28:47)
“You also got a husband. Have you heard enough, Jim?” —Matt Dillon (29:08)

7. Resolution: Justice, Divorce, and Reflection (29:41–31:22)

• Jim rebuffs Dixie, stating, “He’s my friend and I don’t like you no more, Dixie.” Matt offers to help Jim secure a divorce on grounds of desertion.
• The closing moments highlight the challenges faced by gentle souls on the harsh frontier.

Quote

“Men like him need looking after.”—Chester (31:22)
“We got all kinds out here, Chester.”—Matt Dillon (31:26)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• Jim’s Fear and Honesty: “I ain’t never been locked up before. Please don’t make me.” (06:09)
• Dillon’s Frustration: “A shady gambler against a simple-minded horse rancher.” (07:54)
• Investigative Threat: “If you witnesses are gonna send Jim Stanley to jail on a technicality, then a lot of you are going to jail the same way.” (14:02)
• Jim’s Innocence: “I’m not a killer. I never shot anybody in my life.” (25:08)
• Dixie’s Deception: “Because I’m Jim Stanley’s widow.” (28:47)
• Chester’s Insight: “Men like him need looking after.” (31:22)

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Timestamps for Critical Segments

• Opening & Setup: 03:29–07:03
• Matt vs. Mingo & Witnesses: 08:29–15:58
• Jailbreak Discovery: 16:19–17:15
• Trail and Standoff: 22:24–25:08
• Final Gunfight: 27:12–28:47
• Dixie’s Confession & Resolution: 28:47–31:22
• Closing Reflection: 31:22–31:53

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains the classic Gunsmoke blend of gritty Western realism, dry humor, and moral complexity. William Conrad’s Matt Dillon is steady, compassionate, but tough where justice is at stake. Dialogue is direct, with a period-appropriate Western twang, bringing the drama and humanity of Dodge City vividly to life.

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Summary

Gunsmoke: Juniper Tree is a layered story of manipulation, mistaken justice, and steadfast determination to do what is right, even against the odds. Marshal Dillon’s empathy for Jim Stanley and clever manipulation of the law showcase the nuanced morality of the Old West. The episode delivers a classic Western moral: even in rough country, the most vulnerable need protection, and true justice requires perseverance and understanding.

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For those who missed the episode, this summary provides a detailed look at the plot, characters, and memorable lines—capturing the spirit and complexity that made Gunsmoke a radio legend.

Transcript

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

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[Howie Mandel]

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[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the old Time radio westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original Air date is August 30, 1952 and the title is Juniper Tree. Hope you enjoy. And again, thanks for listening.

[Narrator / Announcer]

Around Dark 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 story of the violence that moved west with young America. The story of a man who moved with it. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up. March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[Jim Stanley]

Sam.

[Matt Dillon]

Welcome to the Cherokee Palace. Marshall. I see you received my complaint. I got it. Mingo. Where's Stanley? Where do you think? Upstairs. Brandy? Naturally. She always does mother him when he's in trouble. Be careful, Marshall.

[Narrator / Announcer]

He might be dangerous.

[Dixie]

Well, Marshall, you got a sweet word for Dixie.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Move.

[Dixie]

It's not very sweet. Moves to the point. Say hello to Jim for me, huh? Go away.

[Matt Dillon]

It's me, Brandy, Matt.

[Dixie]

Come in, Matt. Join me in a drink.

[Matt Dillon]

Where is he, Brandy?

[Chester]

In the next room. Cried himself to sleep.

[Matt Dillon]

Save it, Brandy. I gotta take him.

[Chester]

Oh, why, Matt?

[Dixie]

Jim Stanley never did a mean thing in his life.

[Chester]

He's no bad man.

[Matt Dillon]

He stole money from Mingo's roulette table and he threw a bottle at him when he was caught. Mingo's present charges. Stanley can clear himself in court against Mingo's witnesses. Do you bring Stanley out or do I go get him?

[Chester]

Go get him. But I wouldn't be proud, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Stick to running dance hall girls, Brandy. Let me run the law. Stanley. Stanley.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, it's you, Marshall. Very sleeping.

[Matt Dillon]

I want you to come with me, Jim.

[Jim Stanley]

Come with you? Sure, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

You better get up. Come on. Come on.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh.

[Jim Stanley]

Where are we going, Marshall? Would you like to visit my ranch? I got a new colt. You prettiest little sorrel you ever seen.

[Matt Dillon]

What? We're going to jail.

[Jim Stanley]

Jail? Me, Marshall, do I have to?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, Jim.

[Jim Stanley]

I've never been in a jail.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry, Jim.

[Jim Stanley]

No. No, I. I can't go in there. Oh, Marshall, I ain't never been locked up before. Please don't make me.

[Matt Dillon]

I have to.

[Jim Stanley]

I didn't mean to do it, honest. I just lost my head when I realized my money was gone. I wouldn't have kept those chips.

[Matt Dillon]

I know that.

[Jim Stanley]

I just grabbed them. I don't know why. They were there, and I just grabbed them. And then Mingo started in on me. Kept saying things, bad things about him.

[Matt Dillon]

Take it easy, Jim.

[Jim Stanley]

I wouldn't have cared except that. Well, Dixie was there. He kept yelling at me that I was a thief. Right in front of her. I tried to make him stop and he wouldn't. Then something happened. The bottle was there.

[Matt Dillon]

You threw it at Mingo.

[Dixie]

No.

[Jim Stanley]

No, I just threw it. Marshall, I was crazy. I didn't mean to hurt nobody.

[Matt Dillon]

I believe you, Jim.

[Jim Stanley]

Marshall, will you ask Dixie to come and see me later?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure, I'll ask. Thanks.

[Jim Stanley]

I just want to tell her not to blame Mingo for all this. She might say something or give up her job.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't worry, Jim. I don't think Dixie's gonna give up any.

[Chester]

He won't eat his dinner, Mr. Dillon. He just sits there staring.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Poor devil.

[Chester]

He won't really be convicted, will he?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I hope not.

[Chester]

Chester Mingo's the one who ought to be in jail.

[Matt Dillon]

Look Chester, this isn't exactly my idea of justice either. A shady gambler against a simple minded horse rancher.

[Dixie]

Hello, Marshall. Goodbye, Chester.

[Chester]

Oh, goodbye. I'll run along.

[Matt Dillon]

You stay put, Chester.

[Dixie]

Oh, now Marshall, I want to be alone with you.

[Matt Dillon]

I sent for you to come and visit Jim Stanley. And you better be nice to him.

[Dixie]

Most fellas are tickled pink. If I like them. Lizzie, I'm pretty.

[Matt Dillon]

You're pretty enough.

[Dixie]

That's better. I knew you liked me.

[Matt Dillon]

I said you were pretty. I didn't say I liked you.

[Dixie]

Oh, now that's nasty.

[Matt Dillon]

Would you like to hear what I really think of you?

[Dixie]

No, don't bother. I get the idea

[Matt Dillon]

you're Mingos girl.

[Dixie]

When I feel like it.

[Matt Dillon]

And why do you have to tease a man like Stanley? Drive him to drinking and gambling and trouble like he's in now.

[Dixie]

He's sweet. He thinks I'm beautiful.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, but even men like him. Wake up, stickamingo. Hello, Marshal. Thought I'd drop in and see if your prisoner was all set for trial tomorrow. Mingo, I want you to withdraw those charges and let that potential murderer go free.

[Jim Stanley]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

You got back the chip Stanley took from your table. And his assaulting a man like you is ridiculous. He doesn't even wear a gun. A bottle constitutes a deadly weapon. Look it up. Why you doing this, Mingo? Why pick on a man like Stanley? Let's say I don't like him. Always slobbering over Dixie. She's private property for that greedy little vixen. He had sent Stanley to prison knowing that. It'll probably crack his mind completely. That's his problem. You don't understand, Mingo. I don't like to see people push around or. Don't cross me, Marshall. I already have. People get dead that way. Yeah, so I've heard. Now, just who are these witnesses of yours against Stanley? Ned Cole, Saginaw Henry, both on your payroll. Dixie, some of the other girls. All working for you, huh Jim? Stanley's as good as convicted, Marshall. There's not a thing you can do about it.

[Dixie]

Here, man, drink this.

[Matt Dillon]

Thanks, Brandy.

[Chester]

You know, all you need to do

[Dixie]

is stop fighting yourself, Matt.

[Chester]

You're mixed up.

[Matt Dillon]

That's sure true, Brandy. You know, it's funny when. When it's something you can fight with your fists and your guns, it's easy.

[Jim Stanley]

But

[Matt Dillon]

how do you fight a deal like this?

[Dixie]

You gotta clear Jim somehow.

[Matt Dillon]

With those witnesses against him, Jim can't win in court. Technically, he's a criminal.

[Chester]

Oh, criminal my foot.

[Matt Dillon]

He admits the crimes the have to sentence him to at least a minimum jail term.

[Chester]

We know there are witnesses who can prove he's innocent. Now, a smart man would find a way to make him talk.

[Matt Dillon]

I've been thinking about it. Well, I'll tell Jim you were asking after him. I think he'd like that.

[Chester]

He's Dixie's.

[Dixie]

I had me a man once, Matt.

[Chester]

I traded him for a bottle of brandy. I paid a stiff price for my name.

[Matt Dillon]

You're not through yet, Brandy.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, sure.

[Chester]

I play mother to everybody. Take everybody's troubles on my shoulders, help salve my conscience. Don't ever hurt a person, Matt. You never get through paying for it.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I better be going.

[Jim Stanley]

Where?

[Matt Dillon]

To try to get some of those witnesses to. Hello, Saginaw. Huh? Oh, it's you. I've been looking for you. Then you've been looking for trouble. Well, you're beginning to sound like your boss. Mingo. It's late. What do you want? I want to read you something from this book. This law book. So? First law I see says that anyone giving a drink to an Indian is liable to fine up to $500. I saw you buy an Indian, Peter. Drink only last week. Pizza stable boy. He ain't no savage. Law doesn't say savage. Says Indian Pete's an Indian. So technically, you broke the law you can make. Next one says any man that disrobes in a public place is guilty of committing a public nuisance. Carries a fine of a hundred dollars. Look, what the devil is all this? I saw you breaking a horse down in Harrison's Corral a little while back. You took your shirt off. And that's disrobing in a public place. Technically, you can't get away with this, Dylan. How much you make a month, Saginaw? 50, 75? Well, the way it looks, I can get you fined on enough of these laws to keep you broke for about five years. Five years? So we can start all over again. You're bluffing. I never even heard of these. Well, look for yourself here. If you witnesses are gonna send Jim Stanley to jail on a technicality, then a lot of you are going to jail the same way. Well, laws may be there, but they ain't fair. All right, Saginaw, if that's how you want it. Come on, let's go to jail. No, wait. Well, then start talking. Well, Dixie shilled Stanley into losing his money, and me and Ned Cole egged him into grabbing a couple of chips when the wheelman wasn't looking on Mingo's orders. Sure. Stanley looked down at the chips we swiped and he reached out to hand them back when Mingo jumped him. What was Dixie doing? Trying to keep from laughing. Yeah, I'll bet. Then what? Mingo rode Stanley hard to make him break down in front of Dixie. Finally, the poor lunkhead seemed to go crazy. He yelled and tossed a bottle at the bar. Not at Mingo?

[Dixie]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

Missed him by 10ft. Stanley was just working off his mad by busting the bottle paid for it. I guess he had the right. Yeah, I guess he had. First, I think Mingo was just deviling Stanley, and then he got the idea to press charges and send them to jail. We got orders out of testify. Uh huh. Oh, thanks, Saginaw. Marshall, I'd like you to know something. Yeah? I'm glad I told you about Stanley, because framing him into prison isn't my idea. Something to be proud of. It shouldn't be. Ah, good evening, Chester.

[Chester]

My, what are you so happy about, Mr. Dylan?

[Matt Dillon]

Everything, Chester. Everything.

[Chester]

Is it about Jim Stanley?

[Matt Dillon]

It is about Jim Stanley. He's going to clear himself in court tomorrow. Come on, let's go tell him.

[Chester]

Well, gracious, that is good news. He couldn't have taken much more of being locked up.

[Matt Dillon]

I know. Hey, Jim, wake up. We're gonna. Jim.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon. He's.

[Dixie]

He's gone.

[Matt Dillon]

Both window bars are cut. Yeah, and here's what cut him.

[Chester]

A hacksaw blade. And looky onto. There's another.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, that fool. Why couldn't he have waited? One more day and he'd have been free.

[Chester]

Jim Stanley didn't have those hacksaw blades on him, Mr. Dillon. I know. I searched him good.

[Matt Dillon]

You searched Dixie good? Hmm?

[Chester]

Oh, mercy. No, Mr. Dillon, she's a girl.

[Matt Dillon]

He didn't have any other visitors?

[Chester]

No, sir. Mingo's gonna be awful mad when he finds out his girl helped Jim Stanley get away.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on.

[Chester]

You gonna arrest Dixie, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know, Chester. First I gotta find her.

[Narrator / Announcer]

We will return for the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

But first, the Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports. Right now, the NBA is heating up, March Madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time. Scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my How We do it gaming team take on Gilly the king and wallow. $267 million gaming in an epic Global Gaming League video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins and advances to championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my I can follow the teams I care about. Get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Report app today so you never miss a moment.

[Narrator / Announcer]

Every Sunday on CBS Radio, hear both sides debate the issues on Pick the Winner. It's a program that brings in the top people from Democratic and Republican camps standing their ground and delivering their views on the biggest questions of the campaign. Don't miss Pick the Winner Sundays between now and November to be fully informed when it comes time to vote. And remember, straight through election time, make CBS Radio your election headquarters.

[Matt Dillon]

Now.

[Narrator / Announcer]

The second act of gun smoke.

[Matt Dillon]

Up kind of late, aren't you, Marshall? Where's Dixie, Mingo?

[Narrator / Announcer]

Dixie.

[Matt Dillon]

She's gone. I don't know where she is. You're lying. Well, I swear she disappeared hours ago. I still think you're lying. Dixie's here someplace.

[Dixie]

No, he's telling me the truth for once, man.

[Chester]

Dixie's gone, all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you sure Brandy saw her ride out of town with Stanley?

[Dixie]

Yeah, Matt.

[Chester]

The two of them.

[Matt Dillon]

Dixie and Stanley. Dixie passed him some saw blades. He cut his way out. That rotten double crossing hellcat. She's your girl, Mingo. I'll be the laughingstock of Dart City. Good. I hope they laugh. You clear out of Kansas if it's the last thing I'll do. I'll find her. Both of them. Finding them is my job, Mingo. Go ahead. But you better beat me too, Emu. You'll be arresting them dead.

[Chester]

Yeah, they stopped here all right. Probably changed horses and got Some supplies.

[Matt Dillon]

That wasn't why Stanley came home. Look, Chester. What? Water in the stock trough is right up to the top. The barn's open. Feed pulled out where the stock can reach it. Even scared to death, Jim thought about his animals first.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, you think Mingo's trailing Stanley and Dixie, too?

[Matt Dillon]

Perhaps it's one good reason why we better catch him quick. Come on.

[Chester]

Still no sign.

[Matt Dillon]

Looks like we've lost some for good. Now what do we do?

[Chester]

Go back, Mr. Dylan.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, we can't let Mango find them.

[Chester]

Sure, but the way they've been zigzagging back and forth for the last four days, we don't have a chance in a thousand.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm not so sure, Chester. You know, there's a certain pattern about the way Stanley and Dixie have been moving. I don't think they're trying to leave this section at all.

[Chester]

Yeah, we have been getting closer and closer to Dodge with every circle lately.

[Matt Dillon]

And not only to dodge, Mr. Dillon.

[Chester]

You got an idea?

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe. Come on. We'll ride back to Stanley's ranch.

[Chester]

You think they came back here?

[Matt Dillon]

I will soon find out. But from what we saw here before, I'll bet Stanley's not the kind to stay away from his ranch for very long. Hit the dirt

[Jim Stanley]

behind the trough.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah?

[Chester]

It's Jim Stanley. There's his horse.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. All right, keep your eyes open. Stanley. Jim, it's Matt Dillon. Let me talk to you.

[Jim Stanley]

You go away, Marshal. I don't want to hurt you, but I ain't going back to that jail. You go away now, I'll kill you.

[Matt Dillon]

Jim, listen to me. I've got a witness.

[Jim Stanley]

You better leave quick now.

[Dixie]

Please, Marshal.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, I'm getting wet.

[Matt Dillon]

It's better than getting shot. Keep your head down.

[Jim Stanley]

Yes,

[Narrator / Announcer]

sure is wet.

[Matt Dillon]

Stanley's in a good position. Closest cover for us is the barn. That's across 50 yards of clearing. That's a long run.

[Chester]

He could pick us off before we made 10ft. Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

Jim, I'm not leaving until I've talked to you.

[Jim Stanley]

Leave me alone, Marshall. Can't you leave me alone?

[Matt Dillon]

I'm coming to talk to you. Jim, no. Now, stay back.

[Chester]

I warn you, Mr. Dillon, don't do it. That's a crazy man.

[Matt Dillon]

That's a frightened Manchester. I'm coming unarmed. Jim, I don't think you're a murderer. But if you are, this is your chance. Well,

[Jim Stanley]

Good night.

[Chester]

Good luck, Mr. Dillon.

[Dixie]

Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

Stanley's shot slashed across my side like a branding iron. It was all I could do to ignore my fear and Keep going. But somehow I reached the ranch house alive. I opened the door. Jim Stanley stood there holding his gun and crying. Jim,

[Jim Stanley]

I didn't mean it. I didn't mean it. I was only trying to scare you. I'm not a killer. I never shot anybody in my life. Honest, Marshall, I can't even shoot a rabbit.

[Matt Dillon]

I know that, Jim.

[Jim Stanley]

I'm afraid. I've always been afraid of things. I try to be like other people. It only seems to bring trouble.

[Matt Dillon]

You can stop being afraid of the law and jail right now. It's all over with.

[Jim Stanley]

You mean that, Marshall? Really?

[Matt Dillon]

Really.

[Jim Stanley]

But I shot you.

[Matt Dillon]

Did you? I don't recall.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, but Mr. Dillon, shot hit your side right there.

[Dixie]

You see it?

[Jim Stanley]

It's bleeding.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, Jim, listen to me. You didn't shoot me.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, well, all right, if you say so, mister.

[Matt Dillon]

I say so. Here, I'll take that rifle. Now, let's go back to town and get this business settled, huh?

[Jim Stanley]

You've been good to me, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Forget it, Jim. There is one thing, though. Dixie.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, she brought me hacksaw blades.

[Matt Dillon]

I know that.

[Jim Stanley]

She said you were going to hang me and that I had to escape.

[Matt Dillon]

She kept saying she was riding with you. Where is she now?

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, she left me last night. I was glad. I was nearly wild listening to her talk about you in prison. Even swore I'd kill myself before I'd go back to jail.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm glad you didn't mean it.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, I meant it at the time. Oh, I was sure scared.

[Matt Dillon]

You feel better now?

[Jim Stanley]

Yeah. Yes, I know. Everything's just gonna be fine.

[Matt Dillon]

The rifle slug splashed the side of Jim's face with red, and he crumpled into the dirt from the water trough. Chester opened up and drew the fire of whoever was hiding in the hayloft of the barn. I could see a gun barrel poking out from the side of the hayloft. I picked up Stanley's rifle. Mingo.

[Chester]

Mr. Dillon, are you all right?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, just him. But Mingo's dead.

[Chester]

Well, how about Jim Stanley, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, he was scared more than hurt. He should come to any minute.

[Dixie]

Oh, my goodness. Oh, this looks like a sure enough war's been happening around here.

[Matt Dillon]

Where have you been, Dixie?

[Dixie]

Oh, sure now, Marshall. A girl's got a right to look after her investments. My Mingo and Stanley, both dead. Well, now, that's a real shame,

[Matt Dillon]

Chester. You said investments. The only investment you've made is prison time for helping Jim escape.

[Dixie]

Me? Well, how you gonna prove anything, Marshall? With Jim, dad?

[Matt Dillon]

But he's Chester. Why don't you so look after the horses.

[Chester]

But, Mr. Dillon.

[Dixie]

Yes, sir, it's a right good thing, because I'm going to be terribly busy, you know, taking care of poor Jim's ranch and money and. And of course, the funeral and everything.

[Matt Dillon]

Why should all that concern you, Dixie?

[Dixie]

Because I'm Jim Stanley's widow.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Dixie]

I married him three days ago in this city. It was such a sweet wedding.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'm sure it was.

[Dixie]

And now all I have left are some memories. And, of course, this little old ranch and Jim's money.

[Matt Dillon]

Dixie, there's something you should know. You also got a husband. Have you heard Enough, Jim?

[Jim Stanley]

Enough.

[Dixie]

Jim, when I saw you fall short.

[Jim Stanley]

Pure bad, Dixie.

[Dixie]

Oh, Jim, you. You mustn't pay no mind to what I said. I was upset. Didn't I come back just to be with you?

[Matt Dillon]

No good, Dixie. Jim's onto you.

[Dixie]

Now, Jim, are you gonna let him talk to me like that?

[Jim Stanley]

He's my friend and I don't like you. Now, Dixie.

[Dixie]

Oh, it's too bad I'm still your wife,

[Jim Stanley]

Marshall. Can she make that stick?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, by law, you have to support her, Jim. Of course, I don't say how.

[Dixie]

Marshall, you stop putting ideas in.

[Matt Dillon]

And of course, she has to take care of your house for you, Jim. Clean it, do the chores, cook for you.

[Dixie]

Cook? Me, cook for him?

[Matt Dillon]

He can make you, Dixie.

[Dixie]

It's his right, all right or not. I'd like to see him try.

[Matt Dillon]

He can do it, Dixie.

[Dixie]

Yeah, well, I can't. If I'm not here, I'm leaving right now.

[Matt Dillon]

You want to ride into town with us, Jim?

[Jim Stanley]

No, I think I'd rather stay here for a while, Marshall, if it's all right.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure, sure, I'll fix it. But in a few days, when you feel like it, come in and see me and we'll help you get that divorce taken care of. Divorced? On grounds of desertion. She just deserted, you remember? Chester and I are your witnesses.

[Jim Stanley]

Oh, well, thanks, Marshall. I sure do thank you.

[Matt Dillon]

So long, Kip.

[Jim Stanley]

Goodbye, Marshall boy.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Chester, let's go.

[Chester]

He's had it too rough out here on the frontier, hasn't he, Mr. Dillon? Jim Stanley. I mean, it's addled him, sort of.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess that's it.

[Chester]

Men like him need looking after.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, we got all kinds out here, Chester. Come on, let's get back to town.

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[Chester]

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[Dixie]

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Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.

[Narrator / Announcer]

Gunsmoke, under the direction of Norman Macdonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Herb Purdom with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey. Featured in the cast were John Dana and Michael Ann Barrett with Paul Dubov, Vivi Janis and Bill Lally. Harley Bear is Chester. Join us again next week as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal, fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gunsmoke. Tomorrow's speakers on Pick the Winner. Representing both the major parties will be Harold Stassen, Republican, and George Ball, Democrat. Listen for this important program Pick the Winner tomorrow and every Sunday from now to November. This is Roy Rowan speaking and this is the CBS Radio Network.

[Andrew Rines]

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.

[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.

[Chester]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. Liberty.

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[Matt Dillon]

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this rush hour ad to keep you calm, which could help your driving. And science says therapy is great for a healthy mindset. So enjoy this 14 second session on us. I think you've done everything right and absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, anything that hasn't gone your way could probably be blamed on your father not being emotionally available because his father wasn't emotionally available, and so on. And now that you're calm and healing, you're probably driving better too.