Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast Summary

Episode Title: The Man Who Would Be Marshal
Original Air Date: March 18, 1956
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Podcast Host: Andrew Rhynes

Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes immerses listeners in a digitally restored rendition of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "The Man Who Would Be Marshal." This episode transports audiences back to the tumultuous days of Dodge City, showcasing the rugged life and moral dilemmas faced by U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon.

Arrival of Emmett Egan

The story begins with Emmett Egan (Emmett Egan) visiting Matt Dillon's office under unusual circumstances.

• [03:19] Emmett Egan: "This the marshal's office?"
• [03:20] Matt Dillon: "Yeah. Come in, stranger."

Emmett reveals that he has deposited $50,000 in the bank and expresses his desire to take over Matt Dillon's position as Marshal of Dodge City.

• [04:08] Emmett Egan: "I want to be Marshall here."

Emmett cites his military background and endorsements from the War Departments, despite there being no current openings.

Matt Dillon's Proposition

Initially skeptical, Matt Dillon assesses Emmett's intentions and character.

• [04:29] Matt Dillon: "I think you are serious."
• [05:01] Matt Dillon: "I see. Is this your first trip to the frontier, Mr. Egan?"

Recognizing Emmett's eagerness and military prowess, Matt offers a proposition:

• [05:31] Matt Dillon: "But on one condition."
• [05:35] Emmett Egan: "Yes?"
• [05:36] Matt Dillon: "That you hang around for a week, see what it's like. Then if you still want it."
• [05:41] Emmett Egan: "Oh, I'll want it all right."

Thus, Emmett embarks on a trial week to prove his capability as a Marshal.

Initial Patrol and Building Tensions

Matt and Emmett begin their patrols, interacting with local townsfolk and observing the undercurrents of tension in Dodge City.

• [07:53] Chester Proudfoot: "Why don't you sit down and rest a spell, Mr. Egan?"
• [08:20] Emmett Egan: "Not very."

During their watch, they spot a farmer nearing the town who is known for his destructive behavior when intoxicated.

• [08:54] Chester Proudfoot: "If you call a man whose wife hoes a 10 yard patch of mealy potatoes a farmer, then he's one all right."
• [09:22] Emmett Egan: "Marshall, we've been hanging around this porch for three hours. I'm beginning to feel like a bum myself."

Matt emphasizes the importance of vigilance in their roles:

• [09:31] Emmett Egan: "You and Chester both are fighting to stay awake."

Confrontation at the Long Branch

The duo heads to the Long Branch saloon, a central hub of activity and potential conflict.

• [10:05] Emmett Egan: "What's the name of this place, Marshall?"
• [10:06] Matt Dillon: "It's called the Long Branch."

Here, Kitty (Georgia Ellis) approaches Emmett, acknowledging rumors of his desire to become Marshal.

• [10:27] Kitty: "Rochester was in a while ago. It's true, isn't it?"
• [10:30] Emmett Egan: "Well, it isn't exactly settled yet, Miss Kitty."

Kitty probes into Emmett's motivations, leading to a deeper conversation about his military past and reasons for seeking the Marshal position.

Escalation of Tensions

As the day progresses, rumors of trouble at Moss Grimmick Stadium surface, heightening the sense of impending conflict.

• [11:28] Matt Dillon: "What is it?"
• [11:28] Chester Proudfoot: "Just I don't know for sure, but I hear there's some kind of trouble."

At the stadium, Leonard Bibbs (Justin) is found in distress, leading Matt and Emmett to investigate further.

• [12:25] Matt Dillon: "Something's got him scared half to death. I'm gonna go take a look."

Emmett insists on accompanying Matt, showcasing his willingness to engage directly in law enforcement activities.

• [12:41] Emmett Egan: "I'm going with you, Marshall."

The Showdown

The investigation leads Matt and Emmett to a tense confrontation with troublemakers Gear and Bozeman.

• [18:05] Matt Dillon: "Come on, Chester."
• [19:07] Doc: "Matt."

A standoff ensues where Emmett attempts to assert authority by disarming the antagonists.

• [18:40] Emmett Egan: "I will not tolerate your insolence."
• [19:00] Doc: "That may be reason enough."

Despite Emmett's bold actions, Matt intervenes to prevent unnecessary violence, highlighting his commitment to measured justice.

• [19:26] Doc: "Wait, Marshall."
• [20:19] Matt Dillon: "Yeah, but I'm not generally sitting up waiting for a man to die."

Resolution and Character Reflection

After the confrontation, Emmett reflects on the realities of the Marshal's duties compared to his expectations.

• [14:51] Emmett Egan: "I must admit, Marshall, it's not quite what I'd expected."
• [21:58] Matt Dillon: "He knows I can handle a gun pretty well in that part of the profession they don't teach in the Army."

Matt acknowledges Emmett's efforts and dedication, ultimately offering him the position of Marshal.

• [22:24] Matt Dillon: "Your week's up today, Egan. You want the job."
• [22:31] Emmett Egan: "Marshall? You ever been in California?"

Emmett expresses his continued desire to serve, hinting at future endeavors beyond Dodge City.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Matt Dillon reaffirming the harsh realities of frontier justice and the weight of his responsibilities.

• [23:41] Matt Dillon: "You know, there were a lot of ways for death to come to a man on the frontier. All of them hard. But next week, a man meets death the hardest way of all. At the end of a rope. But that was the West. Good night."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [02:34] 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."

• [05:25] Matt Dillon: "I think you are serious."

• [09:31] Emmett Egan: "You and Chester both are fighting to stay awake."

• [19:35] Matt Dillon: "Quit talking, Bo."

• [21:08] Doc: "If that bullet had gone one inch to the left, you'd have died on the floor."

• [22:17] Emmett Egan: "Well, I can't complain anymore about there not being enough action, can I, Marshall?"

Final Thoughts

"The Man Who Would Be Marshal" delves into the complexities of stepping into a role that demands both courage and moral integrity. Emmett Egan's transition from a soldier to a lawman underscores the persistent challenges of maintaining law and order in an untamed frontier. Matt Dillon's mentorship and the subsequent events highlight the enduring themes of duty, sacrifice, and the thin line between justice and vengeance that define the Western genre.

For fans of classic Western dramas, this episode offers a rich narrative enhanced by meticulous digital restoration, bringing clarity and depth to every gunshot and heartfelt dialogue. Whether you're a long-time enthusiast or a newcomer to Gunsmoke, this story promises to captivate and resonate with its timeless portrayal of the Wild West.

Produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald

Featuring:

• William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal
• John Dana as Emmett Egan
• Harry Bartell as Chester Proudfoot
• Howard McNear as Doc
• Georgia Ellis as Kitty

This summary has been crafted based on the provided transcript and is intended to give a comprehensive overview of the episode "The Man Who Would Be Marshal." For a full experience, listeners are encouraged to tune into the episode through the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast.