The Peace Officer | Gunsmoke (09-04-60)

Summary

Episode Summary: "The Peace Officer" | Gunsmoke (09-04-60)

Old Time Radio Westerns presents "The Peace Officer," a riveting episode from the iconic Gunsmoke series. Hosted by Andrew Rines, this digitally restored classic transports listeners to the tumultuous town of Tascosa, where U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon confronts corruption and violence to uphold justice in the Wild West. Released on July 13, 2025, this episode showcases the enduring legacy of Gunsmoke through enhanced audio quality that brings every gunshot, saloon door creak, and horse gallop to vivid life.

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Introduction

The episode opens with a brief exchange between Matt Dillon and Doc, setting a lighthearted yet tense atmosphere. This introduction establishes the camaraderie and underlying tensions among the town's inhabitants.

Matt Dillon: "Foreign." [01:01]

Setting the Stage in Tascosa

Matt Dillon discusses the dire situation in Tascosa, a once wild camp now under the tyrannical rule of Sheriff Clegg Rollins. The town's descent into lawlessness has prompted the Citizens Committee to seek a new sheriff, hoping Dillon can aid in restoring order.

Doc: "Taskosa was a pretty wild camp a few years back and they needed a rough man to clean it up. Trouble is that after this sheriff ran the old gang out, he stayed on and took over for himself." [04:07]

Conflict with Sheriff Rollins

As Dillon prepares to ride to Tascosa, tensions rise between him and Doc, highlighting the precariousness of their situation. Dillon's skepticism about Rollins' leadership sets the stage for impending conflict.

Matt Dillon: "But ain't the first time it happened. Doctor, I just don't understand." [04:20]

Arrival in Tascosa

Upon arriving in Tascosa, Dillon immediately encounters hostility. The local saloon, Oasis Saloon, becomes the first battleground where Dillon assesses the town's perilous state and Rollins' tight grip.

Bartender: "Maybe I'll try another saloon. You hear that, boys? You don't like the prices we charge. He gives you any trouble, we'll shoot him in the foot." [09:00]

Confrontation with Rollins' Men

Dillon's interaction with Rollins' men escalates tensions. After a confrontation, Rollins himself confronts Dillon, making his opposition explicit and threatening Dillon's mission to appoint a new sheriff.

Clegg Rollins: "I come here to tell you you and I can still work things out, Marshall. You didn't get me killed." [23:22]

Escape and Pursuit

After a violent encounter, Dillon is forced to flee with Stella Hockney, a woman connected to Rollins. Their journey across the prairie is fraught with peril as they navigate the dangers posed by Rollins' relentless pursuit.

Stella Hockney: "Marshall, I'm not going back, Marshall." [14:26]

Climactic Showdown

The tension culminates in a dramatic showdown where Dillon confronts Rollins directly. The clash embodies the classic Western theme of justice versus corruption, testing Dillon's resolve and skills as a marshal.

Matt Dillon: "I can't get him from here with a six gun. I can't get to the horses for a rifle." [15:43]

Resolution and Aftermath

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Stella decides to leave town to protect herself from Rollins' wrath, acknowledging the dangers they both face but trusting Dillon's commitment to restoring peace.

Stella Hockney: "It's easier for me, I mean." [20:46]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dillon preparing to appoint a new peace officer, Slim Hickok, signaling hope for Tascosa's future. The enhanced audio quality by Andrew Rines ensures that every dramatic moment resonates with clarity and depth, breathing new life into this timeless tale.

Matt Dillon: "I'm telling you, Rollins, you get out where you can." [24:08]

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Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon: "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." [01:36]

• Doc: "Nobody ever tells me anything. Nobody don't have to." [03:26]

• Stella Hockney: "Let me ride with you, please." [13:43]

• Clegg Rollins: "I come here to tell you you and I can still work things out, Marshall." [23:22]

Themes and Insights

"The Peace Officer" delves into themes of justice, power corruption, and personal sacrifice. Marshal Matt Dillon embodies the lone hero archetype, navigating moral complexities and physical dangers to maintain law and order. The episode also explores the impact of corrupt leadership on a community and the challenges of instilling integrity in a hostile environment.

Final Thoughts

Through meticulous digital restoration, Old Time Radio Westerns brings "The Peace Officer" to modern audiences with enhanced soundscapes that amplify the storytelling. The episode not only entertains but also preserves the rich legacy of Gunsmoke, celebrating its place in Western radio drama history.

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Join the Journey

Immerse yourself in the golden age of radio with Old Time Radio Westerns. Follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive content. Become a ranch hand today to unlock behind-the-scenes access and support the preservation of these timeless Western tales.

Transcript

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[Matt Dillon]

Foreign.

[Andrew Rines]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.

[Matt Dillon]

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. Guns, folks. Starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America. And the story of a man who moved with it. 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. Chester, if you put any more chili powder on those eggs, you you'll go up and smoke. Well, I like eggs good and hot, Doc. Yeah, well, what you do to your stomach is your business, but Chili and.

[Doc]

I have to sit here and watch.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, my gracious. You don't have to watch When Matt.

[Doc]

Has breakfast with you two, does he have to listen to this kind of nonsense?

[Matt Dillon]

When Matt's around, Chester isn't so cheeky. There's one thing sure, Miss Kitty, Mr. Dillon don't interfere with a man's natural pleasures like some people I know. Oh, they haven't saved, sir.

[Doc]

Pour me some more coffee, will you, Doc? Yes, coffee. Oh, of course, yes.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh, by the way, did Matt say.

[Doc]

When he'd be back? He told me the end of the week.

[Matt Dillon]

After all, Doc, it's a two day ride to Tascosa and he didn't leave here till two days ago. Well, I only asked him a question.

[Doc]

Anyhow, how was I supposed to know?

[Matt Dillon]

Nobody ever tells me anything. Nobody don't have to. The Way you snoop around. What's Matt doing in Taskosa, Kitty?

[Doc]

Talking to the men that sent for him, that's what. What men, Gibby? The Citizens Committee. Something to do with hiring a new sheriff for the town. I guess they figured Matt would know where to find one.

[Matt Dillon]

Hire a sheriff?

[Doc]

What in the world for? To keep the town from running wild.

[Matt Dillon]

That'S what in the world for.

[Doc]

The man they've got a sheriff now is no good and the decent citizens can't get rid of him.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, if he's no good, why'd they hire him in the first place?

[Doc]

Well, Taskosa was a pretty wild camp a few years back and they needed a rough man to clean it up. Trouble is that after this sheriff ran the old gang out, he stayed on and took over for himself. And now it's worse than before.

[Matt Dillon]

But ain't the first time it happened. Doctor, I just don't understand.

[Doc]

The whole frontier is an armed camp, shooting and killing everywhere you look.

[Matt Dillon]

Nobody left but the quick and the dead. Doc, could you please reach me that chili pine? Oh, for heaven's sakes. Yeah, yeah, okay. I'll tell you one thing.

[Doc]

I don't know how bad the trouble is down in Tascosa, but Matt better get back here quick. Why, Doc, what's wrong?

[Matt Dillon]

What's wrong?

[Doc]

You asked that when the only vestige of the law that we've got in this town is a chilly eating cherry rocker like the fool I'm sitting next to. What's wrong again? Now here, you just let me tell you something. You two are worse than children. Settle back now, both of you, and have some more coffee.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, maybe just a dab, but that's all. Swear it's a caution what happens to some people when they get out in plight society.

[Doc]

Drink your coffee, both of you.

[Matt Dillon]

It was a two day ride from Dodge down to Tascosa. Now, riding through the dust of the plaza, I was glad enough it was over. The town used to be shaggy at best. And as I rode along in the heat of the late afternoon sun, I could see that Tascosa was still a pretty wild camp. Some of the store windows were broken. Others were boarded over to protect what glass was left. The busiest building in the Plaza and the one showing the least damage was the Oasis Saloon. I tied up out in front and went in. What'll it be? I'll have a beer. You new in town, huh? You just traveling through or are you gonna stay? I don't know how long I'll be here. That'd be 25 cents 25 for a glass of beer. Pay it or go thirsty, mister. Maybe I'll try another saloon. You hear that, boys? You don't like the prices we charge. He gives you any trouble, we'll shoot him in the foot. Might just shoot him twice. Make sure. Are these friends of yours, Barton? We all work together here, mister. I see. Just who is it you work for? Clegg Rollins, Sheriff. Clegg Rollins. Sheriff. Hell, that's a pretty good title to hide behind, isn't it? You never been in Taskosa before, have you? No, not since Clegg Rollins took over. You act like kind of a troublemaker, mister. I got a feeling he don't like the way this town is run. Where are you from, stranger? Dodge City. What are you doing down here? I don't think that's any of your business. Drag him out of town, Ponce. Good idea. I'll just take. All right, you. You drag your friend out of here. Unless you figure I'm doing something. No, I ain't gonna try nothing. All right, get moving then. And take him with you. It kind of rough, mister? I could be rougher. What'd you say your name was? Dillon. Matt Dillon. Oh, I'll tell you something else, bartender. After I put up my horse, I'm going over to the Tascosa House for a room and a bath. You might tell that to anybody that seems interested. Well, sure, Mr. Dillon. How much did you say the beer was? 25. I mean, 15 cents, Mr. Dillon. Keep a change it. Yeah, Come in. Your name Dylan? That's right. You're that U.S. marshal from Dodge? Uh huh. Well, I'm Clegg Rawlins, Marshal. A man the Citizens committee wants to be rid of. I know. I talked to several of them earlier this evening. You've been busy since you got to town, but here five minutes you knocked the gold teeth up in Gil Ponce's mouth. Maybe he won't be so free with his talk for a while. You know, I like a man like you, Dylan. Man that acts ain't all just talk. Don't you come to the point. All right. I came up here to your room to tell you how Wrong they are. Mr. Parks and Mr. Sykes and Mr. Styles and all those men on that citizens committee. I know they paint a black picture. I want you to know I'm a reasonable man. Is that so? Oh, sure is. Like people can do business with me real easy. Even you, for instance. Well, what's on your mind, Mr. Ronald? No. A while back they brought me here to Taskosa to kind of Clean it up some. Now, I did that for them. Now all of a sudden they want me out. I call that downright ungrateful, Marsh. Now, go on. I suppose they. They give you the money at the meeting. Money to hire a new sheriff here? That's right. Yeah. Well, Marshall, that kind of forces me into talking business. What I had in mind was I'm a rich man and a marshal don't make all the money in the world, now, does he? I wondered how long it'd take to get around to it. Just wait a minute, Marsh. Wait a minute. You might be missing a good thing. The only thing I'm interested in is hiring a peace officer to come down here. You're through and task, Rollins. Now, you might as well make up your mind. Oh, a man don't always give up that easy. You better, Rollins. You've got as much time left as it takes for the man I hire to get back here from Dodge. As short as that? As short as that. You know, Marshall, there's a lot of prairie between here and Dodge. I sure hate to see anything happen to you on your way back. Get out, Raoul. Sure, but like I say, it's a long ride. There's just a few people around Tesco that might be real pleased to hear that you was dead. And it always seems kind of too bad when a man dies for something that ain't even his concern. The next morning I was in the saddle before dawn, and by the time the sun was up, I'd covered a good 15 miles. A slight breeze blew apart the dust puffs. My horse raised and I knew it'd be hard for anybody to follow me. And for the same reason, I knew that someone could track me without being seen. About noon, I stopped in the shade of a grove of cottonwood to rest the horse. I was easing the cinch a little when I saw a rider coming up fast. I pulled my rifle from the saddle boot and I waited. And then I put this rifle back.

[Doc]

I. I've got it to talk to you. Please.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. Right on in. Here, let me help you down.

[Doc]

Thanks.

[Matt Dillon]

It's a long way on the prairie for a long moment, isn't it?

[Doc]

Can I. Can I have some water?

[Matt Dillon]

Yeah, sure. There you are.

[Doc]

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

[Matt Dillon]

You haven't said what you're doing out here.

[Doc]

I followed you from Tascosa.

[Matt Dillon]

Followed me?

[Doc]

If you'd seen me sooner, you'd have sent me back. And I can't go back.

[Matt Dillon]

Just who are you, Miss?

[Doc]

Stella. Stella Hockney. I'm one of the Girls at the Overland Saloon.

[Matt Dillon]

I might have shot you riding up on me that way.

[Doc]

It was the only thing I could do, follow you this way. Besides, I didn't think you'd ride out so early.

[Matt Dillon]

That's just why I did.

[Doc]

I. I know all about you, Marshall. And I know why they sent for you to come to Tascosa.

[Matt Dillon]

That so?

[Doc]

I'm Craig Rawlins girl.

[Matt Dillon]

Rawlins girl?

[Doc]

That's right.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Stella, you better turn around and head back right now.

[Doc]

I can't go back. It's too late. Craig'd kill me if he found out I tried to run away.

[Matt Dillon]

How do I know you're not still his girl? Setting a trap of some kind?

[Doc]

Well, look here. Look. My shoulder. He put these marks there. Now, do you think I'd stay with a man like that? All I'm asking is to ride on to Dodge with you, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll.

[Doc]

Look, I've got a rifle, and two rifles are better than one. Teg will come after you, you can be sure of that.

[Matt Dillon]

Seems to me you're awful anxious to help kill the man you belong to.

[Doc]

Well, I belong to him right now. He brought me down here from Hays City. Gonna marry me, he said. I found out different. Just wanted me to work in his saloon. He already has a wife down by Willow Springs. Didn't exactly like that. I told him so. That's when he beat me. Let me ride with you, please.

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know.

[Doc]

I'm not going back, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

All right. I guess it doesn't matter now that you come this far.

[Doc]

Thanks.

[Matt Dillon]

You may be telling the truth, but you better ride a little bit ahead of me anyhow.

[Doc]

What for?

[Matt Dillon]

Just be easier to keep an eye on you, like you said. You got a rifle? Okay, let's get started. You're pretty tired, Seller.

[Doc]

I make it.

[Matt Dillon]

There's a nester's cabin not far from here. If we can find it before dark, maybe he'll put us up for the night.

[Doc]

It sure feel good to walk around a little.

[Matt Dillon]

Are you saddle worry?

[Doc]

Well, dance hall girls don't do much riding. Ma.

[Matt Dillon]

Get out. Get us a horse camp. Just lie still now and I'll make a move.

[Doc]

Where are they?

[Matt Dillon]

Where'd they shoes from off the left somewhere.

[Doc]

It's Clegg. I know it's Clegg.

[Matt Dillon]

It's more than one man. They're probably in that box elder over there.

[Doc]

Heavy coward.

[Matt Dillon]

I can't get him from here with a six gun. I can't get to the horses for a rifle.

[Doc]

I knew Clegg Good fellow was hindered.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, if we play dead, maybe we can draw him out.

[Doc]

Marshall, I'm sorry.

[Matt Dillon]

You just lie still and they'll talk. Yeah. Yeah. Here they come. Two of them. You just hold still.

[Doc]

Now, I've seen those men before. They work for Clegg.

[Matt Dillon]

When I give the word, you yell as loud as you can. Scream. It'll throw them off. You ready? All right.

[Doc]

Are they dead?

[Matt Dillon]

I don't know. But the fight sure out of him. If Craig's with him, he's still in that grove. Come on, let's get out of here fast.

[Doc]

I I I can't get up.

[Matt Dillon]

What?

[Doc]

I'm here. My leg.

[Matt Dillon]

Here, let me see. Oh, yeah. Well, can you make it to your horse?

[Doc]

I'm afraid I can't drive.

[Matt Dillon]

I'll have to put you up on my horse. We'll ride double.

[Doc]

Marshall, are you blaming me for this?

[Matt Dillon]

No, Stella. But we better get out of here before whoever's in those trees gets a little braver. Come on, now. Let's get you into that cab there, miss. You just lie back now. The morning of the fittest of fiddles.

[Doc]

Thanks, mister. But that coal oil you poured on my leg like to set me on fire?

[Matt Dillon]

That's the best way to clean a wound there is, fellas. Less than it's whiskey, of course. Yeah, that'd be pure waste, wouldn't it?

[Doc]

Thanks. You, too, can afford to make light of it. It's me who's got the bullet now.

[Matt Dillon]

Like they say, Stella, a bullet hole in your leg is not serious. It's too far from your heart. Well, I'm going out to feed my patient. Having company like this is holding me clean off schedule. I'll be back directly. Right.

[Doc]

Having me along has caused you a lot of trouble. Slowed you down. Craig's probably going to ride in to Dodge ahead of you. He'll be waiting there, maybe. And he won't go back to Tascosa without trying to kill you for sure.

[Matt Dillon]

Maybe he won't try again, Stella. After all, there are other towns for him to take over.

[Doc]

Oh, it's more than that, Marshall. A lot more. Now that he knows I'm with you. He's a jealous man. He's crazy jealous. Now he'll think there's something between us. Between you and me, I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, let's not worry about that now. You just got some rest.

[Doc]

It's foolish to think you might have any feelings about me, isn't it? Not knowing me any longer than you have? Stella, I don't suppose any man could take to a woman he'd known for only one day could he.

[Matt Dillon]

Look, Stella, you. Once you get some sleep, we still got a long ride to Dodge.

[Doc]

Yeah. Yeah. I'm sorry, Marshall.

[Matt Dillon]

Good night, Stella.

[Doc]

Good night.

[Matt Dillon]

The next morning, Stella's leg wasn't anywhere near well enough for her to ride. So I borrowed a spring wagon from the next and we started out for Dodge. It was a rough trip and a slow one. Fella sat there not saying much, just staring ahead. Once or twice I saw a dust cloud on the horizon. And I knew if it was Quake Rollins, he'd be in Dodge long before I would. It was nearly dusk by the time we drove down the plaza and stopped outside Doc's office. And it was a half hour later before Doc had clean bandages on Stella's leg. Then I waited with her while he went out on another call.

[Doc]

Marshall?

[Matt Dillon]

Yes?

[Doc]

I had a lot of time to think today while we were driving in.

[Matt Dillon]

That was a rough trip on you.

[Doc]

Oh, not so bad. But what I wanted to tell you was I'm not gonna stay in Dodge.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh. Where are you going?

[Doc]

Oh, I don't know. Abilene. Mey deer is in St. Louis.

[Matt Dillon]

You don't have to worry about that right now.

[Doc]

Yes, I do. As soon as I'm well enough, I'm taking the sage out of here.

[Matt Dillon]

There's no reason for you to leave, Stella.

[Doc]

Yes. Yes, there is, Clay.

[Matt Dillon]

Rollins.

[Doc]

No.

[Matt Dillon]

What is it then?

[Doc]

It's not important. It's just easier if I go. Easier for me, I mean.

[Matt Dillon]

Oh.

[Doc]

You'D better go now. Doc will be back directly and there's no reason for you to wait. Not any longer.

[Matt Dillon]

Well, goodbye, Stella.

[Doc]

Goodbye, mate.

[Matt Dillon]

Marshall. Hello, Rollins. I've been waiting for you, Marshall. Last time you sent a couple of your men to do the talking. I don't know what you're saying. You're two riders who tried to dry gulch me. I hope you buried them, Rollins, because I didn't have time. You don't know that. They was my men, Marshall. And you can't prove nothing about me being there neither. Not hiding in that grove like you were. No. I come here to tell you you and I can still work things out, Marshall. You didn't get me killed. So you still want to buy me off, huh? Any man can use money. The government pays me. Not as much as I could. Listen, Rollins, so far I got nothing personal on you. Nothing I can prove anyway. Now, if you're smart, you'll saddle up and you'll ride out of here and you'll keep away from Taskosa, too. We'll see then. In the meantime, how is Stella? I'm telling you, Rollins, you get out where you can. Oh, sure. Oh, sure. Oh, you're. You're almighty fast Marshall. You shouldn't have tried it. Yeah, I know it now. I just thought maybe. Ms. Dylan. Ms. Dylan. I seen it. I. I seen the whole thing. What happened?

[Doc]

Who.

[Matt Dillon]

Who was he? Man named Rollins. What'd he do? He didn't want me to send a new peace officer to Taskosa. Well, my land, that ain't much of a reason to die, is it? He figured it was. Look, you go tell Doc about this, huh? I got some business at Delmonico's. You gonna eat now? No, there's a man over there I want to talk to.

[Doc]

Who?

[Matt Dillon]

An ex buffalo hunter I'm gonna ask to take the job of peace officer in Taskosa.

[Doc]

Who is it?

[Matt Dillon]

Slim Trant? No, it's somebody who just got into town a while back. He's quite a ladies man. Kind of hot headed, but he could get the job done. He's got an offer to go up to Abilene, but I think he might take this job first.

[Doc]

Well, who in the world is it, Mr. Dillon?

[Matt Dillon]

You don't know him, Chester. It's a fellow by the name of Hickok. Bill Hickok? You want to come meet him after you get Doc? No, no, I don't care about no Bill Hickok. I was hoping Slim Trent would get the job. Well, see you later, Mr. Dun. Yeah. Produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshall. The story was specially written for Dun by Norman McDonald with editorial supervision by John Met. Featured in the cast were Virginia Christine, Lawrence Tokin, Barney Phillips, James Muser and Vic Parin. Mari Bear is sir, Howard McNear is box, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gunpowder.

[Andrew Rines]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve and Ron W. Who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739 this episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Matt Dillon]

It.