
Original Air Date: June 03, 1956Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Vic Perrin• Harry Bartell• James N...
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Host
What do you think makes the perfect snack?
Snack Enthusiast
Hmm, it's gotta be when I'm really craving it and it's convenient.
Matt Dillon
Could you be more specific?
Snack Enthusiast
When it's cravinient.
Chester
Okay.
Snack Enthusiast
Like a freshly baked cookie made with real butter, available right down the street at AM pm. Or a savory breakfast sandwich I can grab in just a second at AM pm.
Chester
I'm seeing a pattern here.
Snack Enthusiast
Well, yeah, we're talking about what I.
Host
Crave, which is anything from AM pm.
Snack Enthusiast
What more could you want? Stop by AM PM where the snacks and drinks are perfectly craveable and convenient. That's cravenience. AM PM Too much Good stuff.
Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host Andrew Rines. And before we get into this episode, I wanted to do a little PSA and remind you that I put out multiple shows a week of Old Time Radio Westerns. You can check them out by going to otrwesterns.com or looking up OTR Westerns on your podcast application of choice. We're releasing over 10 episodes a week so far, about 100amonth, so definitely want you to check that out again otrwesterns.com and check it out. I also wanted to invite you to check out my sister podcast site otnetcast and that's N e T C A S t so O T N T N E T C A s t netcast otnetcast.com we're currently releasing mystery genre shows and this is shows like the Shadow Escape, Suspense and the Whistler and we have plans on bringing other shows to the network for you guys to listen to. So it's my non western old Time radio channel that I can kind of do other genres that not only I like, but hopefully you would like too. You can check us out by going to otnetcast.com or searching t N E t C A S T on your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is June 3, 1956 and the title is the Pacifist.
Chester
Gun.
Host
Smoke Brought to you by Chesterfield. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed thanks to Accuray. They satisfy the most 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 God. Gun Smoke. Gun Smoke. Starring William Conrad. The transcribed story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with It.
Matt Dillon
I'm that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, and it makes.
Chester
A man watchful and a little lonely. Look yonder, Mr. Dillon. It's Jeb Wingate, ain't it?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. I just hope he doesn't want to find some shade and talk for an hour. I want to get back to Dodge.
Chester
There ain't no shade to find around here. Blessings through that little ride. Hello, Marshall Chester.
Matt Dillon
Hi, Jeb.
Chester
Hey, that's fine. You fellas are carrying lariat ropes.
Matt Dillon
Oh, what's up, Jeb? You want somebody hung?
Chester
No, it ain't that. It's to help a poor fella out the other side of the mound there. He's got an old chewed up single tree wagon. Now his traces are busted. Well, can't he tie them together? Oh, they're too short already. I was riding over to my place for some rope, but maybe you can save me the trip.
Matt Dillon
I will help him, Jeb. Is he a friend of yours?
Chester
No, I never seen him before. Some poor half starved pilgrim. I feel kind of sorry for him, though. So you take care of him now.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, we will, Jeb. So long.
Chester
I'll be seeing you in Dodge one of these days. Bye, Jeb. Must get awful lonesome living out here all by hisself, Mr. Jones.
Matt Dillon
I guess he likes it, Chester.
Chester
I don't see no man with no wagon.
Matt Dillon
You will in a minute. There he is.
Chester
Hey, Jeb was sure right. And look at that horse, too.
Matt Dillon
They make quite a pair, don't they? Hello.
Chester
Hello.
Matt Dillon
Here, you could use some rope, mister. Here's 30ft. That ought to do.
Chester
I sure thank you.
Matt Dillon
Where you headed?
Chester
Dodge, I guess.
Matt Dillon
You come far?
Chester
Montana territory. Oh, well, no wonder. Another fella. He just left. He was gonna help me, too. Do you live out here?
Matt Dillon
I'm the marshal in Dodge. Yeah. You looking for work?
Chester
If they'll give it to me. I heard the Santa Fe's laying more track there.
Matt Dillon
Well, I know the agent. Maybe I can help you.
Chester
No, I wouldn't want to get you in no trouble. Trouble? I. I'll come see you. I'll fetch another rope soon as I can.
Matt Dillon
Ah, no need for that.
Chester
My name's Hook. Marshall Arden. Hook?
Matt Dillon
That's just a proud foot, Hook.
Chester
I do pleased to make your acquaintance.
Matt Dillon
Well, we'll be seeing him.
Chester
Thank you kindly. My, he keeps looking around like he thinks somebody's gonna hit him any minute.
Matt Dillon
Maybe he's running from something. Justin.
Chester
Say, I'LL bet that's it. You suppose the law's after him?
Matt Dillon
What for?
Chester
Well, I don't know. Maybe he's a murderer.
Matt Dillon
Of what? Flies. Come on, let's do a little rid.
Kitty Russell
Afternoon, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Kitty. Have you seen Chester?
Kitty Russell
No, haven't.
Matt Dillon
Allie was supposed to meet me here. Guess I might as well wait for him, huh?
Kitty Russell
Jazz has been living pretty quiet ever since you two got back to town the other day.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, he's broke, Kitty.
Kitty Russell
Being broke never stopped him. But there's a man who's really broke.
Matt Dillon
I don't know who.
Chester
Arden Hook. What?
Kitty Russell
That fellow Sam hired yesterday over there. Haven't you seen him yet? I think he's been poor all his life.
Matt Dillon
What's he doing for Sam?
Chester
Oh, anything.
Kitty Russell
Cleans the place up mostly. He seems to know you.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Yeah, we ran into him out on the prairie.
Chester
Oh, hello, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I see you made it, Hook.
Chester
Thanks to you, I'll be buying you a new rope soon. Marshall, I got me a job.
Matt Dillon
Forget the rope. You'll need your money for food and a bed.
Chester
Oh, Mr. Noonan. Give me that shack out back. I can cook some there, too.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's fine.
Chester
Yeah, it's going to look.
Matt Dillon
Well, what do you know?
Chester
Excuse me.
Matt Dillon
Marshall, where are you going?
Chester
Wait a minute, you.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, it's him, all right. Who are those men, Kelly?
Kitty Russell
Bill Centers and Ed Hogler. Yes, they drift in once in a while.
Chester
Don't you remember, Lawrence, back in 56?
Kitty Russell
Matt, did I tell you that Mr. Podcast.
Matt Dillon
Kitty, wait a minute. I want to hear this.
Chester
We ain't very likely to forget, are we, son? No. And neither is any other man who rode with us.
Host
Where you been all these years, Hook?
Chester
Tell us. I've been around all over. I can't think of a single man who's seen you in Missouri for some 20 years. I didn't mean Missouri. No, I guess you didn't. Ain't a fitting place for the likes of you, is it? We're wasting time talking to him. Hogler. You work in here, Hook? Yeah. Good. We'll have a little talk before we leave town for old times sake, huh? You go on about your work now. We'll see you later, Matt.
Kitty Russell
They're gonna do something to him.
Matt Dillon
They're just a couple of riders, you say? Kidding.
Kitty Russell
That's all I know about him.
Matt Dillon
Maybe I can find out more.
Kitty Russell
How?
Matt Dillon
I think Hook's gone out to his room. Excuse me. Kidding.
Chester
I'll be back in a little while.
Host
That whistling man, Bobby Haggart really started something tonight. The Calypso boys, join in. Ready, amigos.
Voiceover
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Host
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Voiceover
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Host
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Matt Dillon
What are the names? Hook, Bill, Centers, Ed Hogler.
Chester
You heard them?
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I heard them. But I don't know quite what they were talking about.
Chester
It's nothing, Marshall. I used to know him, that's all.
Matt Dillon
Uh huh huh.
Chester
Yeah, that's right.
Matt Dillon
They said something about Lawrence back in 56.
Chester
They were just talking.
Matt Dillon
Lawrence, Kansas. That was the first time it was raided by Missourians under General Atchison, wasn't it? You and Sinders and Hogler were with him, huh?
Chester
All right, I'll tell you. I was there. I raided across the border with him. I helped them sack Launch. I. I even killed a man. I killed him in cold blood, Marshall. He was trying to give up and I shot him anyway.
Matt Dillon
The Centers in Hogwart don't hold that against you, do they?
Chester
Not hardly. Oh, they knew the men, but they didn't care about that.
Matt Dillon
And why are they after you, Hook?
Chester
The war didn't start at Fort Sumter in 61, Marshall. It started in 56. Right here in Kansas at Lawrence. So I'll never know why he killed that man. But I swore I'd never killed another for any cause. So I run away.
Matt Dillon
There are a lot of men who didn't fight, huh?
Chester
But I started out fighting and then I quit. They don't forget that. Not Missouri they do. Maybe I am a coward. I don't know. But they're gonna kill me, Marshall. You.
Matt Dillon
You're sure of that, huh?
Chester
I know them and I know what they're like.
Matt Dillon
All right, look, I want you to stay here and dodge.
Chester
And get killed.
Matt Dillon
Now they've found you, they'll follow you. You're safer in Dodge than you'd be anyplace else.
Chester
No? I guess so.
Matt Dillon
You leave it to me. You'll be safe.
Chester
He'll run off, we don't go get him soon. Hogler, where's he gonna run to?
Matt Dillon
Hugler's right. He isn't running anywhere.
Chester
What Marshall. Huh?
Matt Dillon
You're a hogler.
Chester
You want something, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. I want you to leave Arden Hook alone.
Chester
We ain't gonna bother Hook, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Not if you're smart.
Chester
Little coward like that, I wouldn't feel right even touching him.
Matt Dillon
What happened happened a long time ago. Why keep it alive?
Chester
Was you in the war, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Yeah, I was in the war. Then it's all over. And the sooner everybody forgets about it, the better.
Chester
We might have won if it wasn't for cowards like Arden Hood.
Matt Dillon
All right, there's no use arguing with you. But Hook's gonna stay here. And if anything happens to him, anything at all, I got enough evidence on you two to hang him.
Chester
Too bad you found out about all this, Marshall. Yeah, I guess there's nothing we can do now, Sanders. You mean we're gonna let that little cog go? Yeah, we'll let him go. Who cares about him anyway? Fly, Marshal. It's awful hot today, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's the sun, Doc. You see, it's the sun that makes it hot.
Chester
Oh, that's out of the sun. I was only making a comment. I wasn't asking for a scientific explanation.
Matt Dillon
Oh, excuse me, Doc. I didn't understand what you wanted.
Chester
Well, now that you've started it, I can tell you what the heat does to some people.
Matt Dillon
Oh, good. You. You tell me about that, will you, Doc?
Chester
Hello, Doc. Hello, Justin. Has either one of you saw Arden Hook today? No, I haven't seen him for the past few days.
Matt Dillon
Why, Justin?
Chester
Well, they say Jeb Wingate's looking for him. It might mean a job. Work, Mr. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
I doubt it. Jeb's always said he'd never have anybody working for him.
Chester
Well, if it ain't for a job, why would he be looking for him?
Matt Dillon
Well, I figure that's Jeb's business, don't you?
Chester
Yes, but here's Miss Kitty. Maybe she know where he's at.
Matt Dillon
I don't know why you're so concerned, Chester.
Chester
Well, sir, I still think it means a job for him.
Kitty Russell
Well, he's a busy looking outfit.
Chester
How are you, Giddy? Miss Kitty, have you saw Arden Hook anywhere? Is it really important?
Kitty Russell
No, Chester, not since he left this noon.
Chester
Left for where?
Kitty Russell
Well, Jeb Wingate finally found him and they left.
Matt Dillon
Where'd they go, kiddie?
Kitty Russell
Jeb gave him a job, Matt. He hired him on there.
Chester
See? What did I tell you, mister? See there, Doc didn't.
Matt Dillon
That you were right, Chester.
Kitty Russell
Yeah, well, I wish him luck, but I can't see Arden Hook working on A ranch somehow. He's about the last man I'd pick out.
Chester
Matt, I've got an idea.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, what, Doc?
Chester
But I just remembered something.
Matt Dillon
Well, tell us.
Chester
It's nothing you don't already know, if you just have thought of it.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, but I didn't think of it.
Chester
Doc, you ever hear of Lou Wingate?
Host
Yeah.
Matt Dillon
Jeb's talked about him a time or two.
Chester
He talks about him a lot.
Matt Dillon
Now, wait a minute, Doc. Lou Wingate was killed in the first raid on Lawrence in 56.
Chester
That's right. Shot down when he was trying to give up the way Jeb always tells us.
Matt Dillon
They went to Jeb and told him who killed his brother.
Chester
So he hired Arden. Hook hired him so as he can have him out there alone where there'll be no witnesses.
Matt Dillon
Chester, go get our horses. It's gonna be dark before we get there now.
Host
Say, where are you listening to Gunsmoke in your car, getting ready for dinner. Oh, I see. Just relaxing in your favorite easy chair. Well, I'd say you're in a good spot right now to really enjoy a Chesterfield. You see, Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed it stands to reason A cigarette made better and packed better Smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by accuray this electronic miracle Removes human error in cigarette manufacture so accurate Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips Mild, yet deeply satisfying yes, Chesterfield gives you something no other cigarette can give you Chesterfield packs.
Voiceover
More pleasure Because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.
Host
To the touch, to the taste Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield Mild, yet they satisfy.
Chester
The most.
Matt Dillon
Step easy, Chester.
Chester
But I still don't know why we left our horses way back yonder.
Matt Dillon
Let's get behind that wagon at the side of the barn and I'll tell you.
Chester
Look, there's Jeb Wingate sitting with his back the window.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Chester
Here.
Matt Dillon
This ought to do. Another reason.
Chester
Mr. John. Somebody's coming. You think they followed us?
Matt Dillon
Well, I don't know, but they weren't far behind us. Now, don't let them see you now.
Chester
Hey, look at that. Centers sit and duck. We can put a rifle bullet through him from here. It's Hogler and Sanders.
Matt Dillon
I understand this, Hogler.
Chester
Why not? Well, Jeb Wingate said he was going to kill Hook and make it look like accident, didn't he? Yeah. Then why not let him do it? Because I want Hook killed another way. I want that smart Marshal Dillon to hang him, and I'm gonna make him do it. How? Kill Wingate and everybody will think Hook done it. He's the only man who'd have a reason, ain't he? Yeah. Yeah. All we gotta say is he killed Wingate. Cause he is afraid of him still murdered. You're smart, Hoover. I like the idea of Marshal Dillon having a hanging. Go ahead, shoot.
Matt Dillon
I'm gonna move out there, Chester. You stay here.
Chester
Right in the back. I got the drop on you, Holder. It's Harden, Hook. He's got a rifle. Put that rifle down. Where'd you come from, Hud? I heard your horses coming in. I heard most of what you were telling sinners.
Host
He's gonna shoot us, Hoger.
Chester
I wouldn't shoot nobody. You ought to know that. And what's a rifle for? I'll shoot in the air, warn Wingate, I'll kill you. You do that. Maybe. But you won't kill Wingate. Here's two of us, Hook and I can.
Matt Dillon
All right, that's enough, Hooker.
Chester
Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Get him.
Chester
Don't shoot, Marshall. Don't shoot.
Matt Dillon
Then drop your gun. Senators.
Chester
Sure, sure.
Matt Dillon
Chester.
Host
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Go get Wingate.
Chester
Yes, sir. I'll get him. You killed Hogler, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, I killed him. Some one of sinners isn't dead, too.
Chester
I was going to do nothing. I didn't want anybody to die.
Matt Dillon
They'd have killed you and Wingate both if I hadn't stopped them.
Chester
I was about to warn him. I was all ready to shoot.
Matt Dillon
It's too late.
Chester
I wasn't going to shoot Wingate, Marshal. Honest.
Matt Dillon
The court can't decide that. Sinners.
Chester
Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Hello, Jeb.
Chester
Chester started telling me what this is all about. I never heard of nothing like it.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Arden. Hook was ready to give his life for you, Chip.
Chester
I know I ain't very proud of myself. Marshall, you got no cause to be.
Matt Dillon
You know I'd throw you in jail, but you haven't done anything yet.
Chester
I. I want to do something now. What? Hook, I didn't bring you out here for a job. I know. But I'm offering you one now, if you'll stay. I ain't sure I'm strong enough for this kind of work. I don't know how to tell him, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Why don't you tell him that you've got that kind of strength? Tell him it takes a different kind of strength to be a brave man.
Chester
Thank you, Marshall. Will you stay, Hook? Yeah, I'll stay.
Host
In a moment. Our star, William Conrad.
Voiceover
Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed.
Host
A cigarette made better and packed better smokes better, tastes better and Chesterfield is more perfectly packed by Accuray. This electronic miracle removes human error in cigarette manufacture. So Accuray Chesterfield is firm and pleasing to the lips. Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.
Matt Dillon
In other frontier was buffalo hunters, trail drivers and cowboys on the producer, but never a place for families. Yet next week a father comes to Dodge looking for his daughter, a daughter whose name is Kitty Russell. And that was the West. Good night.
Host
Gunsmoke Produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, US Marshal Our story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey, sound patterns by Tom Hanley and Bill James. Featured in the cast were Vic Perrin, Harry Bartel, James Nusser and Paul Dubois. Marley Bear As Chester, Howard McNear as Doc and Georgia Ellis as Kidding.
Chester
Live.
Host
Modern Smoke L and M Live Modern Change to L and M Only with L and M can you enjoy the full, exciting flavor of today's finest tobaccos through the modern miracle of the pure white miracle Tip so light up, free up, let your taste come alive. Live Modern smoke L and M Live.
Chester
Modern change to L and M.
Host
Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on Gunsmoke.
Chester
Foreign.
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.
Chester
Sam.
Podcast: Old Time Radio Westerns
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: August 12, 2025
In the sixth episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, titled "The Pacifist," listeners are transported back to June 3, 1956, with a gripping rendition of the classic Western drama from Gunsmoke. This episode masterfully showcases the timeless themes of redemption, fear, and moral conflict through the experiences of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon and his companion, Chester.
The story unfolds in the rugged terrains surrounding Dodge City and the Montana territory, capturing the essence of the untamed Wild West. The atmosphere is richly enhanced by expertly restored audio, bringing to life the sounds of the frontier—from the creaking of saloon doors to the distant thunder of hooves.
The episode begins with Matt Dillon receiving Chester's concern about a distressed man named Arden Hook. Chester explains that Hook has a troubled past involving a deadly encounter during a raid in Lawrence, Kansas, back in 1956. Hook seeks Matt's protection, fearing retribution from old adversaries who hold him accountable for a cold-blooded killing.
Chester (04:42): "I will help him, Jeb. Is he a friend of yours?"
Matt, embodying his role as the protector, agrees to assist Hook, reflecting his commitment to justice and mercy.
As Hook settles into Dodge City, past affiliations resurface. Kitty Russell hints at Hook’s connections to local troublemakers—Bill Centers and Ed Hogler—raising Matt's suspicions. The tension escalates when Chester recounts the grim events of the Lawrence raid, revealing Hook's internal struggle and desire to abandon his violent past.
Chester (12:17): "The war didn't start at Fort Sumter in '61, Marshall. It started in '56. Right here in Kansas at Lawrence."
Hook's pacifism is put to the test when Centers and Hogler confront Matt and Chester, intending to eliminate Hook and frame him for the murder of Jeb Wingate. The ensuing confrontation leads to a dramatic showdown where Matt must navigate loyalty, justice, and the shadows of the past.
In a tense standoff, Matt confronts Hogler and Centers, ultimately killing Hogler to protect Hook. This act reinforces Matt's dedication to upholding the law, even when faced with treacherous individuals from his past.
Matt Dillon (21:02): "I'm gonna move out there, Chester. You stay here."
The episode culminates with Chester persuading Hook to embrace a life of service and strength, moving beyond his past as a pacifist who once engaged in violence. Matt's leadership and understanding provide Hook with a path toward redemption, highlighting the enduring themes of forgiveness and moral integrity.
Matt Dillon (23:09): "Why don't you tell him that you've got that kind of strength? Tell him it takes a different kind of strength to be a brave man."
Redemption and Pacifism: Arden Hook's journey from a violent past to seeking peace underscores the possibility of change and the power of pacifism in overcoming one's darker impulses.
Moral Conflict: Matt Dillon embodies the moral compass of the West, balancing justice with compassion. His interactions with Chester and Hook explore the complexities of enforcing the law while understanding individual struggles.
Friendship and Loyalty: The bond between Matt and Chester highlights unwavering loyalty, a cornerstone of Western camaraderie, especially when faced with adversity.
Chester on Convenience and Craving (00:05):
"When I'm really craving it and it's convenient."
Chester Reflecting on the Past (12:17):
"The war didn't start at Fort Sumter in '61, Marshall. It started in '56. Right here in Kansas at Lawrence."
Matt Encouraging Hook (23:09):
"Why don't you tell him that you've got that kind of strength? Tell him it takes a different kind of strength to be a brave man."
"The Pacifist" serves as a poignant exploration of the human capacity for change and the enduring struggle between one's past and the desire for peace. Through stellar performances and meticulous audio restoration, this episode of Gunsmoke continues to captivate listeners, resonating with themes that remain relevant across generations.
Listeners new to Gunsmoke will find this episode both engaging and thought-provoking, offering a deep dive into the complexities of Western justice and personal redemption.
For more enriching episodes from the golden age of radio, visit otrwesterns.com or find Old Time Radio Westerns on your preferred podcast platform. Subscribe, rate, and follow to journey through countless tales of the Wild West, meticulously restored for today's audience.