The Kentucky Tolmans | Gunsmoke (08-09-52)

Summary

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Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Kentucky Tolmans" (Gunsmoke, 08-09-52)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Airdate: August 9, 1952
Podcast Release: March 17, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features the restored classic Gunsmoke episode "The Kentucky Tolmans," where Marshal Matt Dillon navigates a web of family loyalty, secrets, and violence as a feud among the Tolman family escalates. The story delves into themes of justice, kinship, greed, and the personal costs of law enforcement on the frontier. The masterful radio drama is brought to life with vivid soundscapes and character-driven storytelling indicative of golden-age westerns.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. The Arrival of the Tolmans and the Initial Complaint

• [04:18] Matt Dillon and his deputy Chester are working late when they’re interrupted by Hannah Tolman, a spirited young woman from Kentucky.
  • Hannah bursts into the office, requesting her father, Jed Tolman, be arrested for his own protection after a series of ambushes.
  • Quote:

    "I may be a girl, but I was barking squirrels while you was still trying to dent a tin can."
    — Hannah Tolman (06:24)

• Hannah’s colorful language and determination make an impression, highlighting her frontier toughness and complex relationship with her father.

2. Chaos at the Saloon

• [07:05] Marshal Dillon follows Hannah’s prediction that her father, now at the saloon with Jingle Bob, may cause trouble.
  • In a drunken jest, Hannah bets her father he can’t shoot out a lamp, and Jed tries — prompting Dillon to arrest him for disturbing the peace.
  • Quote:

    "You jailing a man for…for having a little fun? Why, you’d never get away with this back in Kentucky.”
    — Jed Tolman (08:55)

• Early hints suggest Jed Tolman is mixed up in something bigger, connected to mysterious money and threats on his life.

3. Unraveling Family Ties and Old Scores

• [10:03] Chester and Dillon discover a wanted poster for Vic Tolman, believed to be related to Jed.
  • Dillon theorizes that Vic, a convicted murderer and escaped convict, is already in town.
  • Quote:

    "I think he’s here already."
    — Matt Dillon (10:21)

• [12:30] At the Tolman ranch, Dillon confronts Hannah about her family’s secrets, her father’s mysterious cash, and her relationship to Vic.
  • Hannah is defiant, declaring, "Vic’s my kin. We Tolmans don’t turn on each other." (12:30)

4. Money, Motives, and Violence

• [15:20, 18:23] The plot thickens as Dillon, Chester, and Jingle Bob become entangled with Vic Tolman, who intends to abduct his father and escape with stolen loot.
  • Chester’s timely intervention averts disaster, reinforcing the series’ themes of loyalty and quick thinking in dangerous moments.

5. Confrontation and Jailbreak

• [21:08] As Marshal Dillon interrogates Vic in jail, he unmasks Vic’s motivations: recovering stashed robbery money, hidden by Jed.
  • Vic admits, resentfully, “You know, it hurts. Pa's turning against me.” (23:13)
• Hannah helps Vic escape, underlining the personal conflict between family bonds and the law.
  • Quote:

    "Please, Mr. Dillon, take me along. It was my fault they escaped."
    — Chester (26:00)

6. Final Showdown & Truth Revealed

• [26:23–31:40] Marshal Dillon outsmarts a lurking ambush and captures Curry, Vic’s accomplice.
  • In the climactic confrontation at the Tolman shack, Vic and Jed’s tragic family standoff is resolved by violence—Vic is gunned down by Dillon.
  • The true shooter from the earlier ambushes is revealed to be Jingle Bob, Jed’s long-time drinking buddy, who coveted the stolen money.
  • Quote:

    "Only the person who knew where you had the money would have shot at you… You talk a lot when you get drunk, Jed. You only got drunk with one person."
    — Matt Dillon (32:03)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hannah’s introduction, tough and witty:

  "What you doing hanging around in the alley?"
  "Get rid of him there and a little jaw about it, huh?"
  — Hannah Tolman & Matt Dillon (05:00–05:11)

• On family and frontier life:

  "Pappy's kind of shiftless. Reckon he'd starve if I didn't feed him. Only things he cares about are wild horses and booze. In a pinch, he'd give up horses."
  — Hannah Tolman (11:03)

• Matt’s praise for Hannah:

  "You’re quite a woman, Hannah. You’re pretty brave, and with more courage than most men I know."
  — Matt Dillon (11:18)

• Vic and Matt’s tense verbal sparring:

  "You’re a killer and a thief, but you’re cool, and smart... You’re gonna hang for those guards that you killed."
  — Matt Dillon (21:51, 22:03)

• The moral of misplaced trust:

  "You mean Jingle Bob?"
  "Yeah. I remember…I was bragging…told him all about finding it and switching hiding places…"
  — Jed Tolman (32:14–21)

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Important Timestamps

• [04:18–06:21] – Hannah Tolman’s introduction and family backstory
• [07:05–09:14] – Chaos in the saloon and Jed’s arrest
• [10:03–12:30] – Discovery of Vic Tolman’s wanted poster; suspicions rise
• [18:23–20:27] – Vic Tolman and Curry’s confrontation; Chester’s intervention
• [21:08–23:49] – Motives revealed: the money and family betrayal
• [26:23–28:42] – Ambush and tactical plot by Dillon to capture Curry
• [29:12–32:38] – Final showdown at the Tolman house; mysteries resolved
• [32:38–end] – Aftermath, the high cost of greed, and family tragedy

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Tone and Style

The episode is rich in period-appropriate, earthy dialogue, with memorable, wry humor (especially from Hannah and Jed) and weary moral clarity from Marshal Dillon. The restored audio brings out the atmospheric details central to old-school radio drama—clattering saloon doors, tense gunfights, and the rugged drawls of the American West.

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Conclusion

"The Kentucky Tolmans" is a classic western morality play, delivering suspense, sharp characterization, and a meditation on the tragic results of greed and misplaced trust. The episode showcases the best of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast’s digital restoration, giving new depth and immediacy to a timeless story of law, violence, and family loyalty in the Old West.

Transcript

[Mackenzie]

My name is Mackenzie and I started a GoFundMe for the adoptive mother of a non verbal autistic child. The mother had lost her job because she wasn't able to find adequate care for this autistic child. So she really needed some help with living expenses, paying some back bills. So I launched a GoFundMe to help support them during this crisis. And we raised about $10,000 within just a couple of months. I think that the surprising thing was by telling a clear story and just like really being very clear about what we needed, we had some really generous donations from people who were really moved by the situation that this family was struggling with.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

GoFundMe is the world's number one fundraising platform, trusted by over 200 million people. Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe day or night. VRBoCare is here 247 to help make every part of your stay seamless. If anything comes up or you simply need a little guidance, support is ready whenever you reach out. From the moment you book to the moment you head home. We're here to help things run smoothly because a great trip starts with the right support. And hey, a good playlist doesn't hurt either.

[Andrew Hines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Hines, and let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original Air date is August 9, 1952 and the title is the Kentucky Holmans. Hope you enjoy and again, thanks for listening.

[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.

[Jed Tolman]

Gun Smoke.

[Narrator]

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 Marsh.

[Mackenzie]

My name is Mackenzie and I started a GoFundMe for the adoptive mother of a non verbal autistic child. The mother had lost her job because she wasn't able to find adequate care for this autistic child. So she really needed some help with living expenses, paying some back bills. So I launched a GoFundMe to help support them during this crisis. And we raised about $10,000 within just a couple of months. I think that the surprising thing was by telling a clear story and just like really being very clear about what we needed, we had some really generous donations from people who were really moved by the situation that was struggling with.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

GoFundMe is the world's number one fundraising platform, trusted by over 200 million people. Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe.

[Jed Tolman]

There, reports finished, Mr. Dillon. Good.

[Matt Dillon]

You better go on home now, Chester. It's getting late. Yes, sir.

[Jed Tolman]

Oh, what about these new Dodgers?

[Matt Dillon]

I'll just leave them there. I'll look them over.

[Jed Tolman]

What's the matter, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

We got company at the back door.

[Narrator]

Come in.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, come in.

[Jed Tolman]

Listen, I said get your paws off of me.

[Matt Dillon]

What a girl.

[Hannah Tolman]

Sure, I'm a girl. What you think I am?

[Matt Dillon]

Put that long rifle away and I'll tell you. Where'd you get that thing, anyway?

[Hannah Tolman]

Happy Brought it with him from Kentucky, if it's any of your business. Which it ain't, by dern sight.

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh. What you doing hanging around in the alley?

[Hannah Tolman]

Get rid of him there and a little jaw about it, huh?

[Matt Dillon]

I see, Chester. Good night.

[Andrew Hines]

Hmm.

[Jed Tolman]

Well, but I'm not going to.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, sir.

[Jed Tolman]

Good night, Mr. Dillon.

[Hannah Tolman]

You and Marshall here?

[Matt Dillon]

That's right, miss.

[Hannah Tolman]

My name's Hannah. Hannah told me you arrest folks, don't you?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if they've committed a crime, yeah.

[Hannah Tolman]

Well, then I got somebody for you to arrest.

[Matt Dillon]

Who?

[Hannah Tolman]

Pappy.

[Matt Dillon]

Why?

[Hannah Tolman]

Because I said to, that's why. Somebody's been trying to kill him. I figure about the safest place for him is in jail.

[Matt Dillon]

Wait a minute. Slow down. Let's start at the beginning, huh?

[Hannah Tolman]

A few days ago, Pappy was bushwhacked up in the hills near our place.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, Was he hurt?

[Hannah Tolman]

No, slub just bounced off in his head a little. Yesterday the bushwhacker tried again. He missed.

[Matt Dillon]

Sounds like a bad shot.

[Hannah Tolman]

Sure, but if he keeps trying, he may get lucky. So you put Pappy in jail until I can run down this ambushing jet. Okay.

[Matt Dillon]

You plan to cross guns with him yourself?

[Hannah Tolman]

I may be a girl, but I was barking squirrels while you was still trying to dent a tin can.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you better let me take care of it, miss. And as for your father, I can't jail him without a charge.

[Hannah Tolman]

Sure, I know that. What kind of a charge do you want?

[Jed Tolman]

Well, what kind do you have most?

[Hannah Tolman]

Any, I reckon. Ain't it enough that he's drunk all the time?

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I can hold him overnight on that.

[Hannah Tolman]

What if he shoots up the town?

[Matt Dillon]

That's five days for disturbing the peace.

[Hannah Tolman]

That'll do.

[Matt Dillon]

Where did he do this shooting?

[Hannah Tolman]

We ain't yet. He's down at the Alphaganza, sloping up booze with that other old buzzer, Jingle Bob.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, the swamper?

[Hannah Tolman]

Yeah, that's the one. You'd best be somewheres around the saloon in a few minutes. I got a feeling Pappy's about due to bust the law again.

[Matt Dillon]

Her story didn't make much sense, but there was something about the mountain girl's gleaming black eyes and the set of her pretty but stubborn face that made me go to the Isle of Organza. At the bar, I ordered a glass of rye and watched 2 be whiskered old timers trying to outlie each other over a rapidly emptying bottle.

[Jed Tolman]

Yes, Jingle Bob, you just wait and see. Ted Tolman's gonna have the biggest darn hoss ranch in Kansas come spring. Sure ye are. Absolutely.

[Matt Dillon]

And me?

[Jed Tolman]

Why I. I reckon I'll just buy up this here saloon. Oh, you're lying. Well, sure I am, ain't you? What's my money? Worth spending, ain't it? How many times I gotta tell you I'm getting rich?

[Hannah Tolman]

Kathy, are you drunk?

[Jed Tolman]

If I ain't, I've been wasting a sight of time. Now leave me alone, daughter. Go home where you belong.

[Hannah Tolman]

I'm going only come over to tell you, man. Bet me $10 you couldn't shoot out that lamp on the first shot.

[Jed Tolman]

What's that? Oh, give me that rifle.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, hold on. That's enough of that.

[Jed Tolman]

Stay back, son. Now go collect your $10, daughter.

[Hannah Tolman]

Yeah, Pappy, but I think the marshal here's a fixing to arrest you, ain't you, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I guess I am. All right, come along, Jim. Come on.

[Jed Tolman]

Why would you take your hands off me? You jailing a man for. For having a little fun? Why, you'd never get away with this back in Kentucky.

[Matt Dillon]

Jed, you're in trouble, aren't you? Who's trying to kill you?

[Jed Tolman]

I reckon that's my business now.

[Matt Dillon]

That's the law's business.

[Jed Tolman]

I'll take care of myself.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall. Uh huh. Back in the saloon there, you mentioned having money and getting more. So from what I've heard, you and your daughter run a two bit horse ranch up in the hills. That hardly figures to make you rich. So you thick headed o. Look, all I'm doing is trying to save your skin if it's in danger. Now, why don't you help me instead of being reckon?

[Jed Tolman]

I don't wanna.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, that's plain enough. Morning, Chester.

[Jed Tolman]

Morning, Mr. Dillon.

[Matt Dillon]

You better take a look at this new dodger, huh? Wanted for robbery and murder. Vic Tolman. So that murderous gun hawk is loose again, huh?

[Jed Tolman]

Broke out of prison last week. If he's kin to Jed Tolman, he'll likely be heading this way.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, likely. I'll give you a hunch. Chester. I think he's here already. You.

[Jed Tolman]

Do you know where he is?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not exactly. But I expect Hannah Tolman may have an idea. That's where I'm heading.

[Hannah Tolman]

Now. That's what I like to see. A man sized appetite.

[Matt Dillon]

This wonderful corn pone.

[Hannah Tolman]

I'm a good cook. Been cooking for Pappy ever since Ma died 10 years ago.

[Matt Dillon]

Ah, you take pretty good care of him.

[Hannah Tolman]

Somebody has to. Pappy's kind of shiftless. Reckon he'd starve if I didn't feed him. Only things he cares about are wild horses and booze. In a pinch, he'd give up horses.

[Matt Dillon]

You know, you're quite a woman, Hannah. You're pretty brave. And with more courage than most men I know.

[Hannah Tolman]

Too quick, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Hannah Tolman]

You're sweetening me up for some reason. Not that I mind. You understand I'm partial to a strapping fellow like you. Pappy's always after me to get hitched up. Does it? Ain't fitting for me to be 22 without a man.

[Matt Dillon]

You're still young.

[Hannah Tolman]

Not the mountain folk. I'm an old maid. Now, I'm agreeable for some sweet talk, only I don't trust yours. What are you after, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Hannah. I only want the truth.

[Hannah Tolman]

About what?

[Matt Dillon]

Where's your father getting this money he's spending?

[Hannah Tolman]

I wish I knew who shot at him? I don't know. But I'm aiming to find out.

[Matt Dillon]

Where's Vic? Where's he hiding, Hannah?

[GoFundMe Announcer]

Who?

[Matt Dillon]

Vic Tolman. Your brother. Or maybe he's your cousin.

[Hannah Tolman]

Brother?

[Matt Dillon]

Where?

[Hannah Tolman]

I don't know.

[Matt Dillon]

Hannah, be sensible. Vic's a murderer.

[Hannah Tolman]

Vic's my kin. We told him, don't turn on each other.

[Matt Dillon]

If you shoulder him, you're guilty of.

[Hannah Tolman]

Marshall, I reckon you just wore out your welcome.

[Matt Dillon]

Prisoner will stand up and face me. Jed Tolman, you've been found guilty of disturbing the peace. Sentence of this court is five days in jail or a hundred dollars.

[Jed Tolman]

A hundred? Well, Judge, ain't that a much steep?

[Matt Dillon]

Just for a hundred dollars or five days?

[Jed Tolman]

I ain't got that much on me, but I can get it if you let me go. Just a minute.

[Matt Dillon]

Order in the court. Now, what's the meaning of this interruption?

[Jed Tolman]

I want to pay this man's fine, your honor.

[Matt Dillon]

That's your privilege, sir. Hundred dollars. Pay the clerk. Yes, sir. Dick Curry. Somebody's been turning over a rock.

[Jed Tolman]

Well, I don't know I'm any sure friend. Looks like I ain't going with you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, looks like. But in your boots, I wouldn't be happy. Curry's one of the worst killers yet. Unhung.

[Jed Tolman]

Oh, man, is that a way to talk about me? I'm clear with the law.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Mr. Tolman. Go ahead, Jed. And say hello to Vic for me.

[Jed Tolman]

Vic. Oh, no, Mr. Kerr, is that true? What's the difference who put up the hundred? Come on. No, no, not even. It's Vic. No, you can't make me.

[Matt Dillon]

I said come on.

[Jed Tolman]

Marshall, don't let him take me.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, shut up and come on, before I hurry.

[Jed Tolman]

Stay out of this, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't think so. You paid his fine. You didn't buy him.

[Jed Tolman]

He's going with me, Matt.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't try to stop me. I can't imagine anything that'll give me more pleasure. You don't like living, do you? Very much. Now, just anytime you feel like it.

[Jed Tolman]

No, not here, Matt. I'll pick my spot.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I'll try not to turn my back on any dark alleys. Do that.

[Jed Tolman]

And Toman, I'll be seeing you.

[Narrator]

We'll return for the second act of gun smoke in just a moment.

[Mackenzie]

But first, my name is Mackenzie and I started a GoFundMe for the adoptive mother of a non verbal autistic child. The mother had lost her job because she wasn't able to find adequate care for this autistic child. So she really needed some help with living expenses, paying some back bills. So I launched a GoFundMe to help support them during this crisis. And we raised about $10,000 within just a couple of months. I think that the surprising thing was by telling a clear story story and just like really being very clear about what we needed, we had some really generous donations from people who were really moved by the situation that this family was struggling with.

[GoFundMe Announcer]

GoFundMe is the world's number one fundraising platform, trusted by over 200 million people. Start your GoFundMe today at gofundme.com that's gofundme.com gofundme.com this podcast is supported by GoFundMe.

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[Narrator]

Strength against aggression calls for guns, tanks, planes and explosives in tremendous quantity. It calls for other things too. Moral strength based on equality of opportunity for all and economic strength, which today can be based only on continued high output of civilian goods. America must produce as she never has before. War material civilian goods and democracy. Only an all out effort in all three directions will give us security against aggression. Now the second act of gun smoke.

[Jed Tolman]

Some start. Marshall, why don't we play while we wait?

[Matt Dillon]

No thanks, Jingle Bob. You needn't wait with us.

[Jed Tolman]

Jed's my friend, Mr. Doe. Sure, maybe I can't help him learn, but at least I can share whatever the trouble is. Understand? Now, Jed here is a lying old ring tailed drunk. But me? When a man is down to scrubbing saloon floors just to get the liquor that'll keep his nerves from shaking apart, he's grateful for any friendship that's offered. Don't move. Curry, get his gun. You recognize me, Marcus?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Vic Tolman. There are dodgers out on you.

[Jed Tolman]

You're a cool one, Dylan. Too bad we're on opposite sides of the fence. Yeah, it's too bad. Real pity. Now I'm gonna enjoy this job.

[Matt Dillon]

What job?

[Jed Tolman]

Don't you know Vic's taking his paw away from you? You won't mind? You'll be dead. Curry, you stick here and take care of these two. Jed and I go on ahead. Oh, son. Son, I. I don't want to go nowhere. Now, Paul, don't rile me. You're going with me.

[Matt Dillon]

None of you are going any place. Vic, check. What?

[Jed Tolman]

Reach high, both of you and let go of that hardware.

[Matt Dillon]

Now you better do as he says. Chester's a little nervous with that shotgun.

[Jed Tolman]

There's mine. Looks like the odds are with you, so

[Matt Dillon]

you might as well get rid of that spare in your Boot, Vic, before you run into any temptations.

[Jed Tolman]

You got sharp eyes, Marshall. Law gets a lot of backing up tonight.

[Matt Dillon]

Your mistake, Vic. Sometimes people just don't give Chester enough credit.

[Jed Tolman]

Child time. Beefsteak, fried potatoes, stewed corn. Marshall, I must say, you run a nice jail. Don't he, Carr? Don't mind Curry. He's a little depressed about last night. You still run a nice jail. Something on your mind, Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Mm, yeah, a couple of things.

[Jed Tolman]

Such as?

[Matt Dillon]

Such as your father spending money he hasn't earned, claiming to know where he can get more. Paul?

[Jed Tolman]

Sure. Terrible liar.

[Matt Dillon]

Such as him getting shot at twice and refusing to talk about it or help me investigate.

[Jed Tolman]

Paul's a little bashful, too.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, such as his being afraid of you.

[Jed Tolman]

I guess Paul's getting old.

[Matt Dillon]

Little doddery. Yeah. Then, of course, there's you.

[Jed Tolman]

Well, now you're on my favorite subject. Go on.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, you're a killer and a thief, but you're cool and smart. Smart enough to educate yourself.

[Jed Tolman]

Had lots of time to read in the pen. Lots of time.

[Matt Dillon]

You're gonna have more, but not much more, because you're gonna hang for those guards that you killed.

[Jed Tolman]

Maybe Curry didn't eat that. Mm. Now go on about me being smart.

[Matt Dillon]

You're smart enough to know the most dangerous place for you to go after you escaped was here.

[Jed Tolman]

Well, it looks like I ain't as smart as you think.

[Matt Dillon]

It depends on what reason you had for risking coming here.

[Jed Tolman]

Boy, that's your good coffee. First jail I was ever in where the coffee was fit to drink.

[Matt Dillon]

Thank you.

[Jed Tolman]

Okay, Marshall, just what was my reason?

[Matt Dillon]

Reason was money. Money? Cash. The only thing that'd give you a chance to get out of the country. You're in for robbery as well as murder. How much of the loot was recovered?

[Jed Tolman]

You know how it is, Marshall. Easy come, easy go. I spent it as fast. Well, nearly as fast as I got it.

[Matt Dillon]

So nothing was recovered?

[Jed Tolman]

No, it was all gone.

[Matt Dillon]

It was all hidden. You mean hidden. Until Jed found it.

[Jed Tolman]

Paul?

[Matt Dillon]

Sure. That's his source of money. It's also why he was afraid to go with you.

[Jed Tolman]

Like I said, too bad we're on opposite sides. You got brains and you use them.

[Matt Dillon]

You want to fill in the details for me?

[Jed Tolman]

I'll tell you this. You're right about my cash of money. I'd had it and be on my way to Mexico by now. Paul hadn't switched hiding places on me. You know, it hurts. Pa's turning against me.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah. Yeah, the Tolmans always stick together. Except when money's involved.

[Jed Tolman]

How about you, Martin? Money by you. Sky's the limit.

[Matt Dillon]

I'm sorry.

[Jed Tolman]

Mm. Well, I'll figure it now. Well, been a nice chap. Won't take his treat. Curry, give me a hand.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, back up, Curry. That's it. And tell Vic when he wakes up to take it easy. He won't live to be hung. Hey, Jingle Bob, you seen Jed?

[Jed Tolman]

Sorry, Marshall, I don't know where Jed is. Been looking for him myself. Golly, I'm cool.

[Matt Dillon]

Must have left town last night.

[Jed Tolman]

Yeah. Ain't you cold?

[Matt Dillon]

I got an old jacket you can have.

[Jed Tolman]

I'd rather have a shot. Better still, two shots.

[Matt Dillon]

You got the jumps.

[Jed Tolman]

Always got them. Except one. Full booze. Funny. You won't believe it, but there was a time when I couldn't stand the taste of hard liquor. Made me sick. No. Can't live without it.

[Matt Dillon]

Yes, you can.

[Jed Tolman]

Maybe.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's say.

[Jed Tolman]

I don't wanna.

[Matt Dillon]

Let's say that. Here. Go buy yourself a drink.

[Hannah Tolman]

Hey.

[Jed Tolman]

Hey. That's enough for a whole bottle. See you later, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Supper time. Chester. Chester. Chester, you all right?

[Jed Tolman]

The prisoners gone, Hannah Tolman slipped him a gun. They made me open up the cell and Vic slugged me.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, I know where they'll go.

[Jed Tolman]

Please, Mr. Dillon, take me along. It was my fault they escaped.

[Matt Dillon]

All right, Chester. Ask Doctor. Put a quick patch on that head and we'll go after him together.

[Jed Tolman]

Starting to get dark.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jed Tolman]

Why'd we leave the road back there?

[Matt Dillon]

I wanted to reach that rise, Chester,

[Jed Tolman]

but we circled around to come up the backside. Does that have something to do with you bringing binoculars?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, it does. Vic Tolman will know he'll be followed. I want to see what kind of a surprise he has for us. All right, pull up. You wait here.

[Jed Tolman]

See anything?

[Matt Dillon]

No, not yet. Now, wait.

[Jed Tolman]

I knew.

[Matt Dillon]

Now. Yeah, it's Curry, all right. He's holed up in some brush just beyond the turn in the road down there.

[Jed Tolman]

Well, what do we do, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

Take the horses and circle back the way we came. Start up the road, but don't make the turn.

[Jed Tolman]

I understand.

[Matt Dillon]

Now, be sure as long as you don't make the turn, you'll be safe. But I do want you to make some noise.

[Jed Tolman]

Noise?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, I want you to sing, whistle, throw rocks, anything. Just so long as it holds Curry's attention. It was slow work crawling down through the brush, but finally I was only 10ft behind Curry's position. The gunman was holding a rifle, trained on the turn and out of sight coming up the road. I Could hear Chester. Well, he wasn't good, but he was loud. All right, don't turn around. Curry.

[Jed Tolman]

What?

[Matt Dillon]

You may have a point, but I like Chester bad, singing and all. Now lay the rifle aside. Unbuckle your gun belt.

[Jed Tolman]

Now.

[Matt Dillon]

Careful.

[Jed Tolman]

Sure, sure, Homie.

[Matt Dillon]

Don't shoot. Okay. Chester. Chester,

[Jed Tolman]

I didn't mean no harm.

[Matt Dillon]

I was only gonna scare him. Yeah. Now where's Vic?

[Jed Tolman]

At the Toman house, waiting for Jed to show up.

[Matt Dillon]

Uh huh. All right, put your hands behind your back. I'm gonna tie you up and leave you here.

[Jed Tolman]

Leave me here?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, we'll pick you up on the way back to town. It was dark when Chester and I were moving through the trees up to the Tolman shack. There was a light in the front and through a window we could see the figure of Hannah Tolman moving around.

[Jed Tolman]

Just a girl.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, Vic's there. He just stand out of sight so Jed won't be scared off. Oh,

[Jed Tolman]

she's coming out, heading this way.

[Matt Dillon]

And there must be a well out here. She's carrying a bucket. And behind that tree, quick. And I'll take this one.

[Hannah Tolman]

What do you think?

[Matt Dillon]

All right now, quiet down. We're not going to hurt you. Stop fighting. Chester, grab her legs, quick. I was saving these handcuffs for Vic, but I guess they'll do for you. There. Now do you promise to be quiet or do we gag you? All right, have it your way. Chester, give me your bandana.

[Jed Tolman]

Yes, sir.

[Hannah Tolman]

Here.

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, that should do it. All right. Stay with her, Chester. I'm going for Vic. I was halfway to the shack when inside Vic Tolman became suspicious. Suddenly, the lights went up and the door opened. The shadowy figure swept out to stand listening.

[Jed Tolman]

Anna. Anna, answer me.

[Matt Dillon]

Drop them, Vic.

[Jed Tolman]

Who is that? I can't see.

[Matt Dillon]

Matt Dillon. Throw down those guns. You're under arrest.

[Jed Tolman]

Not this.

[Matt Dillon]

Vic.

[Jed Tolman]

You were right, Marshall. I ain't gonna live to. Hi,

[Matt Dillon]

Vic.

[Jed Tolman]

Mr. Dillon, over here.

[Matt Dillon]

Hey, what is it, Chester? Who's that, Jed?

[Jed Tolman]

Yes, sir. I caught him sneaking towards the house. He was carrying this bag.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, let me see. That's the money.

[Jed Tolman]

I was taking it to Vic.

[Matt Dillon]

Is he?

[Jed Tolman]

Yeah.

[Matt Dillon]

You're too late, Jed.

[Jed Tolman]

Oh, no. I'd have given me his money if only he hadn't taken them shots at me.

[Matt Dillon]

He didn't. Until he found out where the money was hidden. He was the last person in the world to want you dead.

[Jed Tolman]

But I don't understand.

[Matt Dillon]

He must know. Only the person who knew where you had the money would have shot at you.

[Jed Tolman]

Nobody knew that. How could they?

[Matt Dillon]

You talk A lot when you get drunk, Jed. You only got drunk with one person, huh? You mean.

[Jed Tolman]

You mean Jingle Bob?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah.

[Jed Tolman]

Yeah, I remember.

[Matt Dillon]

I was bragging.

[Jed Tolman]

Told him all about finding it and switching hiding places were that low down snake and him pretending to be my friend.

[Matt Dillon]

Come on, Chet. I'll help you bury Vic. Then we'll get back to Dodge. We?

[Jed Tolman]

Tolman sure have had a bad week.

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[Grainger Announcer]

If you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place. From h VAC and plumbing supplies, supplies to lighting and more, and all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock. So your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-granger. Visit granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.

[Narrator]

Gunsmoke, under the direction of Norman McDonald, 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 tonight's cast were Virginia Gregg, Joseph Kearns and Junius Matthews. With Harry Bartel, Lou Krugman and Peter Leeds. 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 gunsmith. Remember, America must produce as she never has before. She must produce war materials, civilian goods and above all, democracy. Only an all out effort in all three directions will give us security against aggression. George Walsh speaking. And remember, gangbusters goes into action and Saturday nights on the CBS Radio Network.

[Jed Tolman]

Sam.

[Andrew Hines]

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.

[Jed Tolman]

Foreign

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if you work in university maintenance, Grainger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip off. And Grainger is your trusted partner, offering the products you need all in one place, from H Vac and plumbing supplies to lighting and more. And all delivered with plenty of time left on the clock so your team always gets the win. Call 1-800-GRAINGER visit grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done. This is the story of the One As a maintenance tech at a university, he knows ordering from multiple suppliers takes time away from keeping their arena up and running. That's why he counts on Granger to get everything he needs, from lighting and H Vac parts to plumbing supplies, all in one one place. And with fast, dependable delivery, he's stocked and ready for the next tip off. Call 1-800-granger. Click granger.com or just stop by Granger for the ones who get it done.