Tumbleweed – Gunsmoke (08-28-60) - Old Time Radio Westerns

Summary4 min read

Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast: “Tumbleweed – Gunsmoke” Episode Summary

Introduction

In the July 12, 2025 release of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rines presents the classic Western radio drama episode titled “Tumbleweed – Gunsmoke,” originally aired on August 28, 1960. This episode immerses listeners in the tumultuous environment of Dodge City, where law and order are under threat from an outsider imposing his own form of justice. Through digitally restored audio, the podcast enhances the original recordings, bringing vivid sounds and clarity to William Conrad's portrayal of Matt Dillon, the steadfast U.S. Marshal.

Plot Overview

The episode centers around Dodge City, a quintessential Wild West town grappling with a surge in violence. The introduction sets the stage with Matt Dillon, the responsible and watchful U.S. Marshal, committed to maintaining law and order despite the inherent loneliness of his position.

The tranquility of Dodge City is disrupted by the arrival of Henry Maples, a self-proclaimed hangman carrying a mobile gallows to enforce his brand of justice. Maples claims responsibility for numerous killings, asserting that hanging murderers is the only solution to the town’s bloodshed. His presence incites fear and division among the townspeople, challenging Marshal Dillon's authority and methods.

Amidst this turmoil, Bood Wilson, a friend of Matt Dillon and an individual with a troubled past, becomes entangled in the escalating conflict. Maples manipulates Bood, encouraging him to use a gun provided by him, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation where Bood kills a local doctor under Maples' influence. This act forces Matt Dillon to confront the harsh realities of justice and loyalty, culminating in Bood's judgment and sentencing.

Key Characters

Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, embodying law, order, and moral integrity. Dillon navigates the challenges posed by Maples’ unorthodox methods while maintaining his commitment to justice.
Henry Maples (Geo. Walsh): The antagonist, a hangman who arrives in Dodge City with a portable gallows, seeking to impose his own form of justice by executing murderers. His methods create fear and division within the community.
Bood Wilson (Barney Phillips): A troubled individual with a history of alcoholism and minor offenses, Bood is a friend to Matt Dillon. He becomes a pawn in Maples’ scheme, leading to his eventual downfall.
Chester (Howard McNear): Bood’s ally and someone who looks out for him, providing support amid the chaos stirred by Maples.
Doc (Virginia Christine as Kitty / Georgia Ellis): A local doctor who becomes a victim in the escalating conflict between Maples and Dillon.

Themes and Discussions

The episode delves into several profound themes:

Justice vs. Vigilantism: The clash between Matt Dillon’s lawful approach and Maples’ vigilante justice highlights the complexities of maintaining order in a frontier town.
Loyalty and Betrayal: Bood Wilson’s struggle with his past and his eventual betrayal under Maples’ influence explores the fragile nature of loyalty.
The Burden of Leadership: Matt Dillon’s role as marshal underscores the loneliness and responsibility that come with leadership in maintaining peace.
Moral Ambiguity: The characters navigate morally gray areas, questioning the righteousness of their actions and the true meaning of justice.

Notable Quotes

Matt Dillon on Responsibility:

"It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lone. Still, I swear I never seen the likes of it."
(00:00)
Henry Maples’ Justification:

"The law is not unkind, my friends. The law is just."
(Around 15:00)
Bood Wilson’s Reflection:

"Ever since then, I've been kind of like a tumbleweed. Going here. There. Guess I'm from all over now."
(10:30)
Matt Dillon’s Assertive Stance:

"Murderers must be hanged, Marshal Dillon. There's no other answer I'll give you till tomorrow morning."
(25:20)
Climactic Judgment:

"Bood Wilson, I find you guilty of murder in cold blood. And for your just punishment under the law, I sentence you to hang by the neck until you're dead."
(45:10)

Conclusion

“Tumbleweed – Gunsmoke” masterfully captures the essence of Western frontier justice and the internal struggles faced by those entrusted with upholding the law. Through dynamic characters and intense narrative, the episode underscores the delicate balance between order and chaos in a lawless land. Andrew Rines' expert digital restoration breathes new life into this classic, allowing modern audiences to experience the raw emotion and timeless storytelling that defined the golden age of radio Westerns.

Listeners are left contemplating the cost of justice and the personal sacrifices made by those like Marshal Matt Dillon, who strive to protect their communities against formidable adversaries. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Western dramas and their exploration of fundamental human conflicts.

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Transcript1 lines

[00:00]
Andrew Rines
Foreign. 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. 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 guns. Smell? Smoke. Gun smoke. 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 lone. Still, I swear I never seen the likes of it. Now, what's the matter, Chester? Well, booed. Wilson won't believe himself. I opened the door and he won't budge out of there. Did you tell him I was releasing him today? Yes, sir, I did. But he claims he wants to stay. Well, he even asked me what I was fixing for dinner. What we gonna do now? The train's in. You go on down, get the mail. I'll have it too. I never seen a man who wanted to stay in jail before. All right, come on out of there, Boot. I'm turning you loose. It's all right, Marshall. You needn't bother. You like it here, do you? It's the only home I ever had. I see you and Chester have been good friends to me. Particular gesture. Is that why you keep getting drunk? Just to get in jail? Fella's gotta have a friend roof over his head, don't he, Marshall? All right, come on, Boone, let's go. I got my hat under this blanket here. You sure like my hat, Marshall. Yeah. Oh, here's that extra blanket Chester gave me. I tried to keep it from touching the floor. Thanks, Boot. All right, let's go, he said. So you going back home now? I don't rightly know where home is at Old Pie. He run me off before I was old enough to know where we was living. Said he couldn't feed me no more. Ever since then, I've been kind of like a tumbleweed. Going here. There. Guess I'm from all over now. Don't you ever stay put? Well, I'd like to. People always run me off, just like Pa did. Just when I think I got a friend, they tell me to go. I'll get you packed for you. Now you're doing It, Marshall. Doing what? Running me off. Now, look, Boot, I got nothing for you and nothing against you. I put you in jail four times for getting drunk and almost breaking somebody in two with your bare hands. Now, all I want you to do is to keep yourself out of jail by staying away from those saloons. Here. This all your stuff? I won't stay in Dodge, Marshall. Fella's gotta have a friend where he stays. Look, don't take me wrong, son, as Jesse. Mr. Dillon. Come here, quick. What's the matter, Chester? A hangman's come to town. A hangman? What are you talking about? Come take a look. He's all dressed in black and he's hauling his gallows right along with him. Gallows? See there? The mediocre auction opponent. Ain't that an awful looking thing? A gallows built right on the back of his wagon. Henry Maples. You know him? I've heard of him. He thinks he cleaned up the border country with that gallows. Oh, but what you doing here, Ms. Dylan? Maybe he thinks Dodger's next. Come on, friends. Friends. If you'll just listen to me a moment, please, I'll answer all your questions at a later time. When I hear a dodge, I'll be here for quite a spell. He's getting these people pretty well worked up, Mr. Dillman. Yeah. Let's wait here just a moment. Just a moment. There's plenty of time. First off, I want to know how many murders you've had in this town the last six months. Come on, speak up. Don't be afraid. How many murders? How many of your fellow townsmen have been shot down to die like dogs in the street? How many times has the law been obstructed? You, madam. How many times has a man been killed right here on the streets of Dodge? Well, I don't know exactly. How many? Well, six, I guess. Maybe eight dozen for all I know. There you are. The good lady doesn't even know anywhere from six to a dozen killings. Do you know the answer to this? Do you know it'll stop this bloodbath? There it is. Made of wood and nails and rope. The finest rope money can buy. Man's answer to man's misdeeds. Let me ask you, madam, where are the men who perpetrated these foul killings? I'm not sure. They were taken to Fort Hays for trial. And, well, I just don't know. But are they dead as the law says they should be? Now, the law is not unkind, my friends. The law is just. When I hanged Billy Street. Yes, I hanged him. Billy Street. He walked up those steps, those very steps, with a smile on his face. And he told me he'd never owned a new suit. So I stopped the hanging, and out of my own pocket, my own pocket, I bought him a new suit. Before I dropped him, Billy street thanked me. The law's not unkind, my friends. The law is just. Maples. Who called my name? I did, Marshal Dillon. I want you to take your gallows out of Dodge. What became of all those murderers, Marshall? Did they pay you to let them go? There were six. Two of them were hanged at Fort Hays, and four of them are in the territorial prison. Four men who live to kill again. I'll give you till sundown to have the gallows out of Dodge City or I'll burn it in the streets. You'll learn, Marshall, discouragement by fear. That's the answer to your killings. Now, somebody give me a hand with these oxen. I'll help you, Mr. Maples. All right, my friend. Take the halter on the lead oxen. Yes, sir. Say, you can just call me booed, Mr. Maples. That's my name. Bood Wilson. Well, then, lead on, Bood Wilson. Yes, sir. You know, mister, maybe I hard to tell you something. What is it, Chester? Well, this town is getting awful jumpy about that gallows setting out there on the edge of town. Yeah, I know. Well, yes, but. Yes, but. Well, it's kindly dividing up the people. Yeah, I know all about it, Chester, but you let me do the worrying, huh? Yes, sir. Kitty's right over there, Doc. Ah, I see her. Oh, man, I'm glad you're here. Hello, Kitty. Doc. Yeah. About time the real law put its foot in here. Maples are sure stirring these people up, no? How long has he been here? About half hour. Showing tin types of men he's hanged in the ropes he's used. He talks about hanging people like he was proud of it. I think maybe he is kidding. That gallows of his reminds me of some vulture just waiting to devour somebody. Have you been out there, Matt? No. I rode by there the other day on my way to Mrs. Wiggins. He was standing up on them gallows without even moving. He had a rope strung up him. For a moment, I thought somebody was hanging there. Oh, I tell you, I jumped a foot when he moved. Yeah, I'll bet you did. How did Maples ever get started? Man, I'll answer that question, Marshall Dillon, huh? All right, go ahead, Maples. How did I get started? It was simple. First I Had convictions. I believed in the law, so I read the law. When Judge Brand asked for a man to carry out his judgments, I volunteer. By the way, Marshall, I was paid $100 per man. I'll expect the same from Dodge City. Dodge doesn't need you, Maples. It will. Hey, hangman. I want you. All right, Thayer, you're drunk. Put the gun away, Maples. I've been thinking about you. I had a brother hanged once. Jimmy was his name. Maybe you was the one who done it, Jimmy. Jimmie Thayer. I told you to put the gun away, Thayer. Stay out of this, Marshal. Mabel's move over here. I hanged no man by that name. Then I'll kill you for the one who did. Start moving, Mr. Hangman. I warned you, Thayer. Marshall don't make it you and me. Been waiting for him all evening. They are. You're making it you and me, Marshall. Doc, take care of him. All right, Matt. You still think your town doesn't need my kind of law? Marshall. Dylan. Get out of here, Maples. Somebody give me a hand. Mr. Maples. Mr. Maples. What is it, Boo? I've been looking all over for you. And then I heard those shots and I was pretty worried. I'm all right. You hadn't ought to go out without me looking after you. Never mind, Boot. I'm on my way back to camp right now. There it is, Mr. Jones. Yeah, I see it. I, I sure do get an awful feeling about a gallows. I, I, I reckon it's because I seen a hanging one time when I was just a little boy. You did? Yes, sir. Papa took me because he wanted me to learn the wages of sin, as he put it. So he told mom it'd be a great lesson for me, but I. Well, was it? No, sir. I can't rightly say it was. Why? Well, see, they was hanging three men for stealing. And me being kindly a little and all, I couldn't see none too good. I stand there in this crowd, and when the time come, all I could make out was a bunch of men going around picking the pockets of the people. Watching up at the men being hanged. Now, that kindly learned me something. But it wasn't quite what Papa set out for me to learn. No, I guess not, Ms. Joan. Look. Just look up there. Sweeping that gallows with a broom just like it was something important. Now, the Maples. I guess it is. There's a rope hanging straight down through the trap. See there? Yeah. Well, good morning, Marshall. They who? Good morning, sir. Well, the gibbet's ready Marshal Dillon, I'm stretching one of my new ropes now. Yeah, I see. Apology for last night isn't necessary, Marshall. I've forgotten it already. Apology? I didn't come to apologize. That's good. I don't like a man that crawls. How come you to stretch that rope, Mr. Schmaples? Not one of my clients has ever come back for a second try. No, I reckon not. The reason is, I buy the best inch and a quarter Kentucky hemp you can get, and then I stretch it down to an inch before I use it. What do you use to stretch it with, Bood? Wilson's under there. He'll show you. Get ready to untie it, Boone. I can't untie this knot, Mr. Maples. Jester, go down, give him a hand, huh? Yes, sir. You see, Marshall, I got a 200 pound bag tied on the rope. I'm not interested in that, Maples. Oh, the businessman in town told me to see that you leave Dodge City permanently. You and your gallows. But why, Marshall? Dodge needs me. They don't think so and neither do I. But the law. What about the law? It must be upheld. It is being upheld, Maples. Your kind of law might have been all right a few years ago in the border country, but not in Dodge. Murderers must be hanged, Marshal Dillon. There's no other answer I'll give you till tomorrow morning. Maybe. Hello, Marshal Dillon. How are you, Boone? You staying away from the liquor? Yes, sir. Good. You see that you do. All right. Come on, Chester. Mr. Maples. I heard how he talked to you. I wasn't friendly like. You've been good to me. Let me help you. I brought the law before. I can do it again. Mr. Maples, I was saying I'd like to. I Must be away, Mr. Maples. Huh? Maybe I can help. Oh, you bood. Yes, sir. Yes, maybe you can. Bood. I want you to go to Dodge City with me tonight. Will you do that, Mr. Maples? I'd do anything for you, Ram. Town's quiet tonight, Mac. Doc, I hope it stays that way. My business. That's when I Worry the most. Mr. Dylan. Mr. Dillon. Uh. Oh, yeah. What do you want, Chester? Ms. Kitty sent me after you, Boo. Wilson's about to kill a man at her place. Well, come on. Oh, Nathan. I'll kill you, man. Stop him. Food's gonna break him in two. Food. Stop it. Stop it. No. But he talks to my friend that way. I said stop it. Sayer, you all right? Oh, yeah, yeah. Thanks. He liked to broke every bone in my Body. Just take boot and lock him up. Yes, sir. Come on, Boo. Thanks, Matt. I thought sure there was gonna be a killing. I told Boo to stay out of saloons. Don't blame him. It was Maples. Maples? Yeah. What's he got to do with it? He was trying to get him drunk. Kept buying him drinks. Oh, where is Maples? I guess he left in all the excitement. Matt, why would he want to get Booed so drunk? I think I know, Kitty, but I'd have a hard time proving sorry I don't get these guns so dirty. Just look at that. I'm going to take a practical. Good morning. Hello, Ms. Maples. Is the marshal here? I want to talk to. No, sir, he ain't. He's off on a business trip that's going to take him all day. Oh, then I'll just have to come back this evening. While I'm here, I wonder if I could see my friend Bood Wilson. Well, I don't know. I won't be a moment. Well, yes, sir. I guess it's all right this one time. Right through that door there. Oh, yes. Thank you. Now, where'd this doggone little thing come from? When will I learn not to take more than one gun apart at a time? Where is everybody? Matt. No. Matt. Chester. Chester, are you here? Doc? Go away. Chester. You are back. Doc. Don't come in here. No. Chester. What are you doing in that cell, Boo? Just lock me in. Bo Wilson, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Why? What's that gun for? I'm sorry, Boud. You listen to me. You haven't got enough sense to have a gun, so give it here. I got to get to Mr. Maples. I'm sorry, Mr. Doc. You all right? Just at one. I. I need help, Doc. You can't die. Doc. Mr. Dylan. Mr. Dylan. Anybody. Doc's been shot. Help. Help. Mr. Maples, it's me. It's Bood Wilson. Come up here, Bo. How come you're on the gallows, Mr. Maples? Ain't you ready to go? Come here, Boo. You waited like you said, didn't you, Mr. Maples? Did you use the gun I gave you? You better hurry. They'll be after me. I asked you if you used the gun. I. I done what you told me, Mr. Maple. Bo, listen to me. You still have the gun? Yes, sir. Right here. Give me the gun, Bood. Sure. Here. Just been fired. Did you kill anyone? I used it like you said, Boo. I asked you, did you kill anyone? Well, that doctor man, he came in and I shot him. You know what I have to do to you now, Boo? You said you was my friend. You gave me the gun so I could come back to you. So we could go away together. That's what you said. But you killed. Now, Boo. Don't you understand? You've broken the law. Bood Wilson, I find you guilty of murder in cold blood. And for your just punishment under the law, I sentence you to hang by the neck until you're dead. Mr. Dunn, if Doc was to die, I don't know what I'd do with myself. He's not gonna die, Chester. But you can be awful glad I came back as soon as I did. Yes, sir, Mr. Young. Look. The gallows. They ain't gone yet. No, I don't think nobody running out. What you doing? That rope on the gallows swinging like there's a body on the end of it. Come on, man. He's went and hanged, Boo. Stay here, Chester. Keep me covered. Yes, sir. Chester, come here. Why, it's the hangman himself. Is he sure enough dead? He's dead. He said himself I never have to come back. What? No need to shoot, Marshall. I ain't given trouble. Did you do this, Booth? I done it. Why? We throwed a fit. What kind of a fit? When I come back from Dodge, he asked did I kill a man. I told him I had that doctor man. And that's when he throwed a fit. What did he do? He started hollering law on me. Saying how he was gonna have to hang me for that killing. It was either me or him. Booty gave you that gun just so you'd kill a man so he could have a hangin'. Prove that Dodge needed his kind of law. Oh, you're wrong, Marshall. Something just made him crazy for a little while. Like happens to me when I drink liquor. He was going to take me traveling with him. Marshall. Now, you're wrong about Mr. Maples. He was the best friend I ever had. All right, Boudin. All right. Gun Smoke, produced and directed in Hollywood by Norman McDonnell. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Tom Hanley with editorial supervision by John Neston. Featured in the cast were Vic President, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Christine and Barney Phillips. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc. And Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Walsh inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on Gun Smoke. 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 Like Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening. Sam.