Old Time Radio Westerns – "The Professor" | Gunsmoke (11-20-60)

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: August 23, 2025 (broadcast of 1960 radio drama)
Podcast Theme: Digitally restored classic Western radio dramas, celebrating the “golden age of radio” with enhanced audio.

Episode Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Westerns features the Gunsmoke story "The Professor," originally aired November 20, 1960. Marshal Matt Dillon encounters a bookish, awkward Eastern academic named Otis Milford (the “Professor”). Milford’s naive curiosity about Western culture repeatedly puts him at odds with Dodge City’s rough characters and in real danger on the frontier. Marshal Dillon tries – and fails – to dissuade Milford from exploring Indian country, leading to a dramatic confrontation involving would-be criminals and a surprising display of heroism from the Professor himself.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Introduction to the Professor (Otis Milford)

• Milford is found stranded after his horse escapes; he's out of place, studying Native American culture for a book (06:45).
• Draws suspicion and mild scorn from locals for his lack of frontier skills and intrusive curiosity.

Notable Moment:

• Chester: "You don't look as though you're very familiar with any culture out here on the plains."
• Milford: "You're right, sir, I'm not. I have studied the Indians of the East. I've come to study the Indians of the West." (08:00)

2. Cultural Clashes in Dodge City

• Milford’s scholarly approach clashes with Dodge’s expectations. He is caught rifling through hotel records for research, stirring up Mr. Dobie, the innkeeper (13:00).
• Doctor Adams and Marshal Dillon discuss Milford’s total unsuitability for the West.
• Local tolerance for the Professor is running thin, foreshadowing trouble.

Notable Exchange:

• Dobie: "I don't allow prying, Mr. Milford."
• Milford: "I suppose I should have asked you first. I was just looking... for background material for my book."
• Dobie: "I want you to get out of my office and stay out." (13:50)

3. The Professor’s Expedition

• Milford, undeterred by warnings, prepares to explore Indian country – convincing himself that adequate supplies (like beans, a blanket, and a shovel) are all he needs (23:00).
• Marshal Dillon tries to talk sense into Milford.
• Dillon: “A man who doesn’t know the prairie stands a good chance of not getting back.”
• Milford: “I’ll know the prairie when I get back, I promise you that.” (17:45)

4. The Outlaw Plot

• In a parallel thread, two outlaws, Berkey and Crib, bury stolen gold near Dodge. Rumors lead them to believe Milford is out to dig up their loot (16:00, 24:30).

5. Disaster at Crawdad Creek

• Milford’s wagon is found overturned and abandoned; his fate is uncertain (26:00).
• Fresh tracks lead Dillon and Chester to a confrontation at the creek.

6. Climax: A Test of Character

• At the creek, Milford is accosted by the outlaws, who believe he is stealing their treasure. Milford insists he is conducting “scientific investigation.”
• As violence erupts, Milford uses his Indian bow to shoot one of the attackers, saving Chester’s life.

Notable Quote:

• Milford: “I never aimed an arrow at a human being before. Sorry I had to.”
• Dillon: "But I'm glad you knew how." (30:25)

7. Resolution

• Milford’s courage and quick thinking save the day, subverting initial assumptions about his abilities.
• The episode closes with reflection on danger and prejudice.
• Milford: “It isn’t always the Indians who are dangerous, is it?”
• Dillon: “No sir, you’re right. It isn’t always the Indians.” (31:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matt Dillon's iconic opening:
  "I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal... It's a chancy job and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely." (03:00)

• Professor Milford’s earnestness:
  “Once in a while, it’s necessary, in the interest of science, to collect a certain article.” (07:40)

• Chester's wry humor after the climax:
  "Good thing you've got a thick skull." (30:45)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |--------------------------------------------|----------| | Host Andrew Rhynes Intro | 01:15 | | Gunsmoke program start | 01:43 | | Meeting Professor Milford | 06:30–09:45 | | Milford in town, cultural clashes | 12:30–16:30 | | Dillon warns Milford about traveling alone | 17:45–19:40 | | Milford outfitting for his trip | 22:53–24:30 | | Outlaws realize Milford may dig up loot | 24:40–25:40 | | Wagon found abandoned | 26:00–28:00 | | Showdown at the creek, Milford saves day | 29:00–31:00 | | Final reflection | 31:00 |

Episode Tone and Style

The episode reflects the classic Gunsmoke tone: a blend of gritty realism, dry humor, and moral insight. Matt Dillon is firm but compassionate; the townsfolk are skeptical, sometimes harsh. Professor Milford brings innocence but ultimately proves resourceful, offering a twist on expectations.

Summary Takeaways

• The episode explores themes of resilience, the perils and prejudices of the frontier, and the unexpected capacities of outsiders.
• Professor Milford, at first a ridicule for his naiveté, turns out to be heroic when it counts.
• The story subverts stereotypes: it's not always the “wild” or the unfamiliar who are the most dangerous, but sometimes those close to home.

For fans of classic radio drama, this episode is a well-restored showcase of Gunsmoke’s literary approach to the Western and a reminder not to underestimate the stranger in town.