Who Lives by the Sword | Gunsmoke (02-26-56)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Old Time Radio Westerns" - Episode: "Who Lives by the Sword | Gunsmoke"

Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: February 26, 1956
Release Date: July 18, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of the Old Time Radio Westerns podcast, host Andrew Rhynes presents a digitally restored rendition of the classic Gunsmoke episode titled "Who Lives by the Sword." Originally airing on February 26, 1956, this episode delves into themes of violence, redemption, and the cyclical nature of law and disorder on the Wild West frontier. Through enhanced audio quality, listeners are immersed in the rich soundscape of Dodge City, experiencing every creak of the saloon door and the tension-filled encounters between characters.

Plot Overview

Opening Confrontation: The episode begins with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (voiced by William Conrad) navigating the tense environment of the Dodge City saloon. A troubled gunman, Joe Delk, enters the establishment, seeking confrontation after a previous altercation. Delk's aggressive demeanor immediately sets the stage for a showdown.

Key Interactions:

• Matt Dillon's Stoicism: Matt maintains his composure, striving to defuse the situation. At [05:18], Matt introduces himself, highlighting the burdens of his role:

  "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."

• Delk's Aggression: Joe Delk persistently challenges Matt, reflecting his internal struggle with violence. At [07:40], the tension escalates:

  "I'll kill you for that."

  Kitty: "No, Billy. He's a gunman. Can't you tell?"

• Matt's Resolve: Despite Delk's threats, Matt remains steadfast, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining peace:

  "You never expected that, did he?" ([09:15])

Climactic Struggle: The confrontation leads to Matt disarming Delk, restraining him, and attempting to reach out for Delk's redemption. Delk, torn between his violent tendencies and his desire for change, confronts Matt about abandoning his life of gunfighting:

"You gotta help me." ([23:47])

Resolution: In the end, Matt embodies the archetypal Western lawman, choosing duty over personal connections. Delk's plea for protection remains unresolved, underscoring the perpetual struggle between good and evil on the frontier. Matt muses on the inevitable consequences of a life steeped in violence:

"A man who lives by the sword dies by the sword." ([22:54])

Character Development

• Matt Dillon: Portrayed as the epitome of a principled lawman, Matt balances toughness with underlying loneliness. His interactions reveal a man burdened by responsibility yet unwavering in his pursuit of justice.

• Joe Delk: A complex antagonist, Delk embodies the internal conflict of a man caught between his violent impulses and a yearning for redemption. His dialogues reflect his desperation to escape his destructive path.

• Miss Kitty: Serving as the voice of reason and compassion in the saloon, Kitty mediates tensions and offers insights into the characters' motivations. Her interactions with Matt and Delk add depth to the narrative.

• Chester: The loyal bartender adds a layer of camaraderie and support, often providing Matt with practical assistance and moral support.

• Doc Adams: The local doctor plays a pivotal role in attempting to heal Delk's physical and emotional wounds, highlighting themes of compassion and the possibility of change.

Themes and Insights

• Cycle of Violence: The proverb "A man who lives by the sword dies by the sword" serves as a central motif, illustrating the inevitable downfall that accompanies a life of violence.

• Redemption and Change: Delk's struggle represents the broader Western theme of seeking redemption and the difficulty of breaking free from one's past.

• Law vs. Chaos: Matt Dillon personifies law and order, constantly battling against the chaos represented by characters like Delk, emphasizing the fragile balance in frontier towns.

• Isolation and Responsibility: Matt's role as a marshal comes with solitude and the heavy burden of maintaining peace, reflecting the personal costs of leadership.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Dillon on His Role:

  "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." ([05:18])

• Kitty's Concern:

  "You shouldn't spend all your money on me, mister." ([06:02])

• Delk's Threat:

  "I'll kill you for that." ([07:40])

• Matt on Past Actions:

  "I'm Doc Adams. You're awake now, Del." ([17:15])

• Reflection on Violence:

  "I can't think of no reason why someday he ain't going to be true for you, Sam." ([25:16])

Conclusion

"Who Lives by the Sword" is a quintessential Gunsmoke episode that masterfully encapsulates the essence of the Western genre. Through compelling character interactions and a poignant exploration of themes like violence and redemption, the episode offers listeners a captivating journey into the rugged life of Dodge City. The Old Time Radio Westerns podcast's meticulous digital restoration breathes new life into this classic tale, ensuring that the timeless stories of the Wild West continue to resonate with modern audiences.

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Recommended For:
Listeners who appreciate classic Western dramas, intricate character studies, and the atmospheric richness of old-time radio shows will find this episode particularly engaging. Whether you're a long-time fan of Gunsmoke or new to the genre, "Who Lives by the Sword" offers a powerful narrative experience.

Listen Here:
Available on all major podcast platforms. Visit otrwesterns.com for more episodes and additional content.

Transcript

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[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 remind you to check out our other western podcasts released daily by going to otrwesterns.com or searching OTR Westerns in your podcast app of choice. I also wanted to invite you to check out our other podcast channel releasing non western shows by going to otnetcast.com or by searching otnedcast in your podcast app of choice. Now let's get into this episode. This episode is going to be Gunsmoke. Original air date is February 26, 1956 and the title is who lives by the Sword? Let's get into it.

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[Chesterfield Representative]

Gunsmoke 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.

[William Conrad (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.

[Joe Delk]

There.

[Chester]

I got enough to buy one more drink, Miss Kitty.

[Kitty]

You shouldn't spend all your money on me, mister.

[Joe Delk]

Mister?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Well, listen to that. Ain't nobody call me mister in my whole life.

[Kitty]

How old are you, Billy?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

21. Oh, it's true.

[Kitty]

Well, anyway, you're old enough to be called mister.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Golly, you.

[Chester]

You sure make a man feel good, Miss Kitty.

[Kitty]

Thank you, Billy. But you pick up that money now. You've had enough to drink for one night.

[Joe Delk]

Oh, a couple of beers.

[Kitty]

Save it for breakfast filling. You'll be glad I made you.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Now. You ain't treating me like a man, Miss Kitty.

[Joe Delk]

There's no reason why she should kid. Kitty. Huh? You won't have no trouble treating me like a man, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Beat it, stranger.

[Chester]

What are you horning in here for?

[Joe Delk]

Go on home to bed, kid. Let you and me sit down somewhere, Kitty.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Talk it over a little.

[Kitty]

You wouldn't feel at home, stranger. There's no hogwaller for you to sit in around here.

[Joe Delk]

People don't talk to Joe Delk like that.

[Kitty]

Then Joe Delk had better go back to wherever it is he's got people afraid of him. Not here, mister. Not in Dodge.

[Joe Delk]

Don't be afraid of me in Dodge. You just don't know I'm here yet.

[Kitty]

Well, why don't you go let him know and leave us alone?

[Chester]

She's asking you, mister.

[Kitty]

I'm telling him.

[Chester]

You heard her.

[Joe Delk]

I'll take care of you in a minute, Kitty. Soon as I get this little blow fly off my neck. This your money, kid?

[Chester]

You leave that alone.

[Joe Delk]

Go on, go pick it up before you get into real trouble.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I'll kill you for that.

[Kitty]

No, Billy. He's a gunman. Can't you tell?

[Chester]

I don't care what he is.

[Kitty]

You killed him. He was only a kid.

[Joe Delk]

I wouldn't care if he was a grown man.

[Kitty]

He didn't have a chance against a professional like you.

[Joe Delk]

Nobody I've ever met has. But now people begin to know. Joe Delks in town.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I never heard of Joe Delk.

[Joe Delk]

Maybe not, mister. But you've seen what he can do.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I didn't see it, Matt.

[Kitty]

That poor kid. I don't even know his last name.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

What happened, Kitty?

[Joe Delk]

I'll tell you what happened, mister. He got to crowding me, same as you're doing right now.

[Kitty]

This is Marshall Dillon you're talking to.

[Joe Delk]

Oh, Marshall Dillon, eh? Well, I don't mind eating the Marshall now and then.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Did he murder the boy, Kitty?

[Kitty]

No. It didn't matter. Kid Drew first.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Must have been easy for you, Duck.

[Joe Delk]

Real easy, Marshall. It was kind of fun.

[Kitty]

Fun? Killing that nice boy.

[Joe Delk]

Fun taking my time that way. What are you doing? Give me my gun.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You're not gonna be needing a gun. Don't.

[Kitty]

He sure never expected that, did he?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

No gunman would, Kitty. But he's sure never gonna forget.

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[Chester]

Well, good morning, Mr. Dillon.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Morning, Chester.

[Chester]

I let Del carve his cage. He ain't none too surprised this morning.

[Joe Delk]

What do you expect me to do? You holding a shotgun on me.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

How you feeling, Duck? Outside of your pride being hurt, I mean.

[Joe Delk]

You know what I think of a man who fights with his hands more. Sure.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I don't care what you think about anything.

[Joe Delk]

He's a coward, that's what he is.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

It took you by surprise, didn't it?

[Joe Delk]

Of course it did.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

And I hurt you too, didn't it, Doug? Hurt you pretty bad. You wouldn't want to go through that again, would you?

[Joe Delk]

No, no I wouldn't.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Because I'd kick you half to death next time. Now what are you doing in Dodge anyway?

[Joe Delk]

Coming on the Santa Fe.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I said what are you doing?

[Chesterfield Representative]

What?

[Joe Delk]

Marshall, Just cause I had to shoot a man in self defense. Boy, he had a gun, didn't he?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Against you, he might as well have had a stick.

[Joe Delk]

It was still self def.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

There. There's your gun belt.

[Joe Delk]

You turning me loose?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Put it on.

[Joe Delk]

Okay.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Now I can't reach you from here with my fists.

[Joe Delk]

Duck.

[Chester]

My, that was an awful chance you took, Mr. Dillon. I mean, you might have had to shoot him.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I was pretty sure he wouldn't draw, Chester.

[Chester]

Well, why?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

The beating I gave him last night. That takes the vinegar out of a man like Dulc. Kind of scares him.

[Chester]

You mean that's why he just walked out of here?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

And it could be one reason.

[Chester]

One reason?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Maybe he's got something in mind.

[Chester]

Like what?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Like finding me when I'm not ready for him. Putting himself behind a shotgun, shooting me in the back. Doc never got hurt that way before. It rattled him some. But he's not through. Not.

[Kitty]

Can I borrow your spoon to stir my coffee, man?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Ah, sure, Kitty. Here, here.

[Kitty]

You'd think this restaurant could afford more than one spoon to two customers.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Well, if they did, they couldn't afford the quality beef they serve.

[Kitty]

Then I won't complain. I'd hate to think of eating any lower off one of those animals.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You know something, Kitty? Before long some bright fella's gonna get the idea of raising cattle in one small area where they can live peaceful and grow fat and juicy.

[Kitty]

Sounds like a great idea, Matt. Why don't you start It?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

No, I got a job.

[Kitty]

Oh, sure, I forgot. After all, a job with a future like yours. Oh, now, Kitty, I can see your gravestone. He didn't die rich, but he sure died stubborn.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I like that. I think I'll use it.

[Kitty]

You won't be there.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Well, maybe you'll take care of it for me, huh?

[Kitty]

Having dinner with you is real pleasurable, Matt.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Why, thank you, Kitty.

[Kitty]

Don't mention it, Mr. Jones.

[Chester]

Hello, Miss Kitty.

[Kitty]

You sit down, Chester. Have some coffee with us.

[Chester]

We ain't got time, Miss Kitty. Doc's gonna be waiting outside any minute.

[Chesterfield Representative]

Doc?

[Chester]

He wants you to go at the Dodge house with him, Mr. Jones.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Oh, what for?

[Chester]

To see Joe Delk.

[Kitty]

Well, tell me somebody's finally shot that ape.

[Chester]

No, tain't that. He was over the Texas trail drinking all day yesterday. He sent word to Doc. He's sober now, but he's got the shakes and needs something to fix him up.

[Kitty]

Wolf poison might help.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Why does Doc want me along, Justin?

[Chester]

Maybe he don't trust old elf. Anyway, he says he won't go see him alone.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Maybe he's right.

[Kitty]

I never heard of a gunman fool enough to drink so much. He got the shakes, man.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

No. Neither did I kill him.

[Chester]

Maybe it ain't even true, Mr. John. Maybe he's got something fancy in mind, like you said.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Yeah, maybe. You wait down here, Chester.

[Chester]

Yes, sir.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

What'd the clerk say, man? Top of the stairs and fifth room on the left. Wouldn't surprise me if he's recovered by now. No. What do you mean? It's been two or three hours since he sent for me. I didn't think he had hurt him to live with his misery a while. If there was anything wrong with him at all. No. I heard he'd been drinking yesterday. Jim Buck said he saw him over there. Man can make a show of drinking and still be sober, Doc, if he's got a reason, you know. Yeah. Wait a minute. This is the room. Wait a minute. Listen. Somebody's in there.

[Joe Delk]

Where the.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

No, it's just Doke.

[Joe Delk]

No. No. Get away. Don't hit me. Get away. Stop. I'll kill you.

[Chesterfield Representative]

I'll kill you.

[Joe Delk]

Matt.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

It's locked. It's not. Out of the way, Doc.

[Joe Delk]

Don't hit me, Marshall. Don't hit me.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Why, he's asleep, Matt. He's dreaming. Yeah. Hey, Doak.

[Chesterfield Representative]

Del.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Come on, wake up.

[Chesterfield Representative]

Come on.

[Joe Delk]

Marshall, what are you doing here? Who's he?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I'm Doc Adams. You're awake now, Del.

[Chester]

You were having a nightmare.

[Joe Delk]

Yeah, I was Dreaming. Where you been? I sent for you hours ago. What'd you bring the marshals for?

[Chester]

What in the world's going on here, Mr. Jones?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

It's all right, Chester. Bill got a little mixed up. He started seeing things.

[Joe Delk]

Yeah, he's dreaming.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Man like you can't afford to dream like that, Duck. He can't afford to get as jumpy as you are, Doc.

[Joe Delk]

Give me something, will you? Give me something to take.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Yes, all right. I've got some pills here somewhere, if.

[Joe Delk]

I can just find them.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Now? Yes, but these pills won't do you as much good as about a gallon of coffee, Will.

[Joe Delk]

What are you staring at me for, Marshall?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Just taking a last look, Delk. What do you mean, two hours from now? I don't want you anywhere near Dodge.

[Joe Delk]

I ain't done nothing.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You're all through, Duck. Your gun's no use to you anymore.

[Joe Delk]

You're afraid I had a bad dream. That don't mean nothing.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You got two hours, Del. Go get killed someplace else. I don't want to watch it.

[Chesterfield Representative]

Where are you? Listening to gun smoke in your favorite easy chair or out driving. Oh, there you are. In the kitchen. Say, you want to make whatever you're doing more enjoyable. Have a Chesterfield. Enjoy. Chesterfield's better taste and mildness. You see, Chesterfield packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed. A more perfectly packed cigarette gives you an open, easy draw that unlocks all the better taste and mildness of fine tobaccos. And Chesterfield, made by Exclusive Accuray is more perfectly packed with an even distribution of tobacco from one end of your Chesterfield to the other. Firm and pleasing to the lips. Mild, yet deeply satisfying. Remember to the touch, to the taste. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed by Chesterfield. Mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[Chester]

I should not even be in here, Mr. Dillon.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Oh, why not, Chester?

[Chester]

Well, I'm broke.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

The beer's on me.

[Chester]

Oh, well, now, I surely do thank you, Mr. Dillon. I am plumb grateful.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Grateful?

[Chester]

I truly am ungrateful to you.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I only figured on buying you one, Chester.

[Chester]

Oh, Mr. Dillon.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Yeah, I see him. Ali's still got an hour.

[Chester]

Who? That fella.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

He's talking to some drifter.

[Joe Delk]

I guess I'll buy you a drink, mister. No, I thinking of more. I only come in for one. I said I'd buy you a drink. Sorry, stranger. One all I can take. I did my drinking yesterday. I don't like it much when a man's downright unfriendly. Well, some other time, mister. I could take it. You think you're too good to drink with me. That ain't what I'm saying. I told you why. You'll drink with me. No. No, I can't. All right. You're wearing a gun. No.

[Chester]

What you doing?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

All right, hold it, Mr. Marshall. Step back.

[Joe Delk]

Dulke, what are you interfering for?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You ever hear of Joe Doak?

[Joe Delk]

What's he got to do with this?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You were about to fight him.

[Joe Delk]

Joe D. That couldn't be him.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Oh, why not?

[Joe Delk]

Del wouldn't take that kind of talk. He'd have killed me right off.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Now, you're just lucky, mister.

[Joe Delk]

You really Joe Delk? Mister, I am. Look, I didn't mean nothing. I didn't know. I got to be going anyway. Well.it ain't two hours, Marshall.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I said I didn't want to watch you get killed.

[Joe Delk]

Here.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You go find yourself a horse. I'll be at my office for 30 minutes. Then I'm going to come looking for you.

[Chester]

30 minutes is up, Mr. John.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Yeah?

[Chester]

You reckon he's left?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I hope so, Chester.

[Chester]

I feel kind of sorry for him.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Do you?

[Chester]

It's him.

[Joe Delk]

Take it easy, Marshal. I ain't looking for trouble. I. I want to talk to you.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

All right, talk.

[Joe Delk]

You seen it? That fellow over at the saloon?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Yeah. What about him?

[Joe Delk]

I backed down, Marshall. I was afraid of him. Don't you understand that?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

He was no gunman.

[Joe Delk]

Of course he would. Something's wrong with me, Marshall. Ever since that beating you give me.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Why did you want to see me about that?

[Joe Delk]

You gotta help me.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Help you? I'm.

[Joe Delk]

I'm going to take my gun off. I'm through gun fighting. But you got to protect me. You got to do it, Marshall.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

I'm sorry, Doc. There's nothing I can do.

[Joe Delk]

I'll get killed. There's men all over looking to kill me.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You should have thought about that a long time.

[Joe Delk]

Let me stay here, Marshal. You tell everybody to leave me alone. I'll die if you don't.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Doc, let me ask you something. How many men have you killed in your time?

[Joe Delk]

I don't know. A lot of them.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

What difference is it how many? Like that boy you shot down the other night.

[Joe Delk]

You're against me. You ain't gonna help.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

No, I'm not gonna help you. You're a killer, Doke. You're nothing but a murderer. All right.

[Joe Delk]

I'll go. I don't know where, but I'll go.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Wait a minute, Dulke. You ever hear that saying about how a man who lives by the sword dies by the sword?

[Joe Delk]

Yeah, I heard that somewhere.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Well, it's true, you know.

[Joe Delk]

I guess it's going to be true for me.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

Yeah.

[Joe Delk]

You know something, Marshall?

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

What?

[Joe Delk]

I can't think of no reason why someday he ain't going to be true for you, Sam.

[Chesterfield Representative]

In a moment, our star, William Conrad. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed. Chesterfield made by exclusive Accuray Packs more pleasure because it's more perfectly packed Unlocks all the pleasure of fine tobacco. Chesterfield packs more pleasure because Chesterfield's more perfectly packed. Firm and pleasing to the lips. Chesterfield mild, yet they satisfy the most.

[William Conrad (Matt Dillon)]

You know, people on the frontier look down on a buffalo skinner. They referred to him as a stinker and they avoided him. But next week, one of these outcasts wins the respect of the whole of Dodge. And that was the West. Good night.

[Chesterfield Representative]

Gunsmoke, produced and Directed by Norman MacDonald. Stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. 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 John Dana, Sam Edwards and Clayton Post. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. Smokers this is it. L and M filters so good to your taste so quick on the draw make today your big red letter day your L and M red letter day Superior taste and filter it's the miracle tip make today your big red letter day Change to L and M today L M so good to your tastes so quick on the draw Get L and M today Relax with L and M so good to your taste so quick on the draw. Join us again next week for another specially transcribed story on gun smoke.

[Andrew Rines]

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