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 US Marshal and the smell of gun smoke.
Gun Smoke starring William Conrad, the story of the violence that moved west with young America.
The story of a man who moved with it, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal.
The story of a man who moved with it, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal.
Oh, well look at him, look at that.
What?
Well he just hit her Mr. Dillon.
What?
Slapped her right in the face.
He did.
I told you he was mean.
Well that's a fine way to tell a girl goodbye.
Yeah.
Look he hit her again.
Yeah.
Oh I hate a man that picks on women Mr. Dillon.
Oh poor little thing she's crying.
I sure am glad we're doing something about this.
I hear anything about you when I get back Mavis.
I'll really whip you.
You understand?
No, no Dillon don't.
That's enough Tiller.
What are you butting in for Marshal?
Let go of her.
This ain't no business of yours.
I said let go of her.
Okay.
I ain't hurting her none, am I Mavis?
Am I?
You see you got no right to mix in people's private business Marshal.
Is this your wagon and mules Tiller?
Of course it is.
Then get going.
Right now.
I'm going but if I wasn't in a hurry I'd have this out with you right here.
And see you when I get back next week Marshal.
Mavis you remember what I told you now.
We'll do just that.
What's going on here anyway?
Mavis this beast been after you again.
Don't you call me names kitty.
I'll fix you same as her.
I can't tell you from one of your mules Tiller.
Now look at him.
Leave him alone kitty.
You get up on that wagon box Tiller.
Now.
You whittle like your back.
He's been hurting you again hasn't he Mavis?
Well what are you doing with him if you hate him so much?
He's a bully Chester.
She's afraid of him.
At least he'll be away for a few days now.
I hope he never comes back.
Will you come with me honey?
Thanks kitty.
I'll make you some coffee.
Come on Chester.
Poor gal.
You think old Tiller's going to start trouble when he gets back?
I don't care if he does Chester.
I feel the same way.
Only he's a mite too big for me.
What?
Look there's somebody here.
Are you a Marshal Dillon sir?
I am.
My name is Marcus France.
How do you do?
This is Chester Proudfoot.
Mr. Proudfoot?
Mr. Proudbrooks.
Well how do you do Mr. France?
I witnessed that scene in the street there Marshal.
That man should be horsewhipped.
He sure should.
Such a pretty girl.
She's an awful nice girl too Mr. France.
I'm sure she is.
Well Marshal I don't want to take up your time.
I thought it best we have a talk before I...
go to work here.
You're a stranger in town.
I arrived this morning.
I'm from Philadelphia Marshal and I'm a gambler.
Oh?
They gamble much in Philadelphia?
Men gamble everywhere sir.
The weakness is universal.
I suppose.
Well you can gamble here all you like.
As long as you don't run a crooked game.
That's precisely what I wanted to see you about Marshal.
What?
It's not that I'm dishonest.
But I've often been accused of being so.
Sometimes makes for unpleasantness.
Around here it usually leads to gunplay.
Yes of course.
I can handle myself on that score.
Mr. France I never heard a gambler yet come out and admit he was a crook.
But if he is sooner or later either he or somebody else winds up dead.
That's why I don't tolerate anything but an honest game in Dutch.
You impugn my honor sir?
He what?
Never mind Chester.
Now just what is it you want to tell me Mr. France?
I am a gentleman Marshal.
Well if you are you're about the first one that ever rode into this town.
But for the time being I'll believe you.
Thank you sir.
And don't be so touchy about your honor.
It'll just get you into trouble.
I'm afraid I haven't explained myself Marshal.
There are reasons why I've often been accused of dishonest.
Now like what?
A bad loser will grasp at any straw to save face.
He'll even call the deal crooked.
I've seen that happen.
There are likely to be many losers in a game I run.
Is that so?
That may sound like bragging Marshal but I possess great skill at cards.
Also I'm extremely lucky.
I see.
Now you may send a man to watch the deal if you like.
Perhaps Mr. Proudfoot here.
Oh sure why I'd be glad to come.
No.
You run your game Mr. France.
If it's crooked I'll find out soon enough.
All right.
But don't get the idea you're going to start shooting down every man that bothers you no matter how good you might be with a gun.
Do you include self defense in justifiable homicide Marshal?
If it is self defense.
But you take to killing people even in self defense and I'll have to run you out of town.
Hello Matt.
Hi doctor.
Fellas been trying to sell me a new horse Matt.
I thought you'd take a look at it for me.
Can you through here?
Sure doc.
This is Marcus France.
I'm pleased to meet you doctor.
Doc will do.
Of course.
Where are you from mister?
Philadelphia sir.
Not much sun there.
Sun?
Why you look peaking.
I've had a long journey sir.
Well now when you get rested up you come see me and I'll give you some good tonic.
One dollar a bottle Mr. France.
He gave me some once.
I appreciate your interest doc.
Perhaps I will call on you one day.
Anytime.
Now if you gentlemen will excuse me.
I'll be going.
Bye Mr. France.
Goodbye.
What's he doing there?
He's a gambler doc.
Why?
Oh I don't know.
What's the place around here?
He says he's a gentleman.
Oh maybe that's it.
Well I've heard that easy talk before.
I will soon find out just what he really is.
Well you think a restaurant like this could serve something such as beans or their meat.
Wouldn't you know man.
You've got potatoes doc.
I'm sick of them too.
Why don't you get married doc and then you could eat fine.
Oh the last woman that wanted to marry me was a hog and harmony cook.
I don't think she ever heard of any other kind of food.
Why didn't you ever take her out?
Oh take her.
Oh man that was in Arkansas.
She didn't even wear shoes.
You old liar.
No no no no no I swear.
Her pappy had a saying that every woman's entitled to a baby and a bonnet.
But shoes were never mentioned in that house.
You must have made a handsome couple.
Oh well of course I was somewhat younger then.
A lot younger I hope.
I was I was.
Good thing too.
They lived in a place called Rip Shin Thicket.
The court mad girl was a day's work man believe me.
Doc why don't you finish your supper.
I'm not even listening to you.
And she had a brother called Spotted Jack.
He claimed he never slept in a bed his whole life.
Or took a bed.
There must be something else we can talk about doc.
Oh man well anything at all.
Well what are you going to do about that gambler that Marcus France for example.
Well I don't know yet doc.
Well he's been here for a week and he's already killed a man.
That was self defense aren't it.
But if it happens again he's through.
You think he's dealing on us man.
So far he is.
Oh Mr. Dillon.
Doc.
Chester.
Chester.
I've been over at the Texas trail.
Miss Kitty asked me to find you.
Oh trouble.
I don't know.
But she said it was really important.
Ok.
Oh Doc.
You didn't tell me that Arkansas girl's name.
Oh well it's a funny thing man.
She never told me.
Hello Kitty.
You wanted to see me huh.
Sit down man.
Alright.
It's about Marcus France over there.
Oh.
He's going to be killed Matt.
What.
Tiller Evans is due back tomorrow.
Oh what's Tiller got to do with it.
You remember the day he left when you stopped him from slapping Mavis around.
Mavis.
You mean Mavis and France.
She says she's in love with him Matt and she doesn't care who knows it.
Underneath she's scared to death.
Well does France know about Tiller.
Well Mavis told him.
Matt I don't know what you think about him but to me he's the most decent man I've met in a long time.
Well he may be Kitty.
But he's sure causing a lot of trouble.
Well Tiller's going to kill him.
I know he is.
You got to stop it Matt.
Kitty how did a nice girl like Mavis get started with Tiller in the first place.
Oh she didn't have much choice.
Big eight just moved in on her and took over.
She's awful young Matt.
Pretty helpless.
Now that she and France are so much in love why don't they get married.
I've thought of that too.
So has Mavis by the way.
Well maybe France isn't so honorable after all Kitty.
Ah give him time Matt.
Tomorrow isn't very far off.
Before I said you're cheating and I meant it.
No man can call me a cheat.
I just did didn't I.
Stay here Kitty.
Yeah.
You better leave the game Mr.
You're cheating you dealing crooked cards.
You got a gun Mr. now use it.
Leave that gun where it is.
Now France I warned you once.
You heard what he said Marshal.
I meant it too he's dealing crooked cards.
Can you prove it Mr.
I don't have to prove it.
He's got over a hundred dollars of mine I ain't want to hand you this table in an hour.
See Marshal.
Just like I told you some men can't take losing.
Did you see him cheating Mr.
I didn't have to look at that pile of money.
You talk pretty loose for a man that doesn't have any more to go on than that.
Now why don't you forget about it and get out of here.
Forget about it.
You heard me.
This game is closed for the rest of the night.
Just as you say Marshal.
Gentlemen the game is closed.
I'll see you later.
Oh France.
You know Hagen men into a draw and then calling it self defense is going to make your stay in Dodge mighty brief.
I'll have to chance that Marshal.
How many men have you killed because of that tender pride of yours huh.
Well it doesn't matter.
But there's something I would like to know.
What are you going to do about Tiller Evans.
Oh you heard.
Yeah.
First time in my life Marshal.
I love a woman.
Then why don't you get her out of here.
While there's still time.
Run away from a fight.
Tiller's a pretty tough man.
You mean he might kill me.
And where would that leave Mavis.
Sorry Marshal.
I've got to stay.
You know France I can't figure you at all.
There's something wrong with you and I don't know what it is.
You'll find out Marshal.
Soon enough.
We will return for the second act of gun smoke in just a moment.
But first tomorrow afternoon on stage struck Mike Wallace and CBS radio cover the opening of the new Broadway musical The Girl in Pink Tights.
It stars Jean Maire Charles Goldner and others in the cast will be heard.
Stage struck on most of these same stations tomorrow afternoon opening The Girl in Pink Tights.
A promising newcomer full of Sigmund Romberg's music.
Now the second act of gun smoke.
Well it won't be long now Mr. Dillon.
Oh what won't be long Chester.
Cowboy just told me he passed Tiller Evans a couple miles down the trail.
He'd be driving into town directly.
Chester.
What do you think of Marcus France.
Him.
Well sir.
For a fact I'm dubtated.
What.
Well he seems like such a nice fellow.
But he just won't do what he plain ordered.
Like.
Get married with Mavis McLeod like she wants him to.
That'd stop old Tiller.
Maybe.
The very least he could do is run off with her.
Mr. Dillon I just hate to think what'll become of that little girl if Tiller gets her.
Well one way or another Chester.
There's about to be a killing.
And I gotta try to stop it.
How you gonna do it.
Well there's a stage north in half an hour.
But Mr. France won't go.
Chester.
You know where Mavis lives don't you.
Yes sir.
All right go get her.
I'll put her on the stage.
I'll meet you there.
OK Mr. Dillon.
You're gonna have to hurry.
Music.
Hello Marshall.
Please come in.
Thank you.
I am honored sir.
Would you care for a glass of whiskey.
No.
No thank you.
The very best money can buy.
France.
Tiller Evans will be here shortly.
You've been looking for me Marshall not I for him.
Well any way it happens there'll be a killing.
One sinner less in the world.
I'm a law man France not a preacher.
Yes of course.
Now Marshall I have no quarrel with this man Tiller.
Why don't you talk to him.
Well he's not the kind of a man you can talk to.
Well then put him in jail for disturbing the peace or something.
It'll be too late by the time the peace is disturbed.
France there's a stage leaving Dodge in a few minutes.
Is there Marshall?
Mavis is gonna be honored.
Why?
Now if you're the gentleman you say you are you'll be honored with it.
You're making a mistake Marshall.
Well I've made mistakes before.
No use arguing with you is there?
Now if you tell me what's holding you back there might be.
Shall we say I never run from a fight?
I don't question that.
By this time it's different I don't believe that's your reason.
You say goodbye to Mavis for me Marshall?
No.
I've just decided you're going with her.
I'm sorry.
I'm not.
Careful Marshall.
I'm always careful.
No you're not.
Hey look at the Marshall.
You shoot him Mr. Dillon?
Where's Mavis Chester?
She's inside the coach.
I'm keeping an eye on her.
All right open the door Chester.
Frances is going with her.
Yes sir.
Marcus what happened?
He hasn't hurt Mavis but he'll be out for a while yet.
Why are you doing this Marshall?
Well I'm a gambler too Mavis and I'm taking a chance that man here or yours is what he says he is.
He's a fine man.
Well goodbye Mavis and good luck.
All right driver.
Yeah.
Get this stage out of here.
Sure Margo.
Hold on there.
What?
Get going driver.
Hold on.
Go on.
Come back here.
Stop that thing.
It's too late Teller.
You've done this Marshall.
Now take it easy.
That pinhorn run off with my gal and you helped him.
She wanted to go.
Nobody steals nothing from Tiller Evans.
I'll find him when I'll kill him.
Both of them.
No you won't.
Well I've got to kill you first then.
Why don't you go get drunk and forget about it Teller.
You helped him.
Don't do it.
I'll do it.
Chester.
Yes sir.
Take care of this will you.
Yes sir.
A couple of you fellas give me a hand here.
We'll drag you over to that top.
We'll be on you and Proven.
Alright.
Matt.
Yeah.
Is Tiller bad hurt?
No he'll be alright doctor.
Outside of being a little lonely.
Mavis is going to be a little lonely too.
What?
Marcus France did come to my office man.
What are you talking about doc?
His lungs.
That's why he came west.
I wouldn't give him over a couple of months at the most.
Mavis just isn't very lucky is she doc?
No she isn't.
Thanks to you at least they'll have what time there is.
He wouldn't have left with her any other way.
Yeah.
I guess Marcus really is a gentleman.
Gunsmoke under the direction of Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon U.S. Marshal.
Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by John Meston with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey.
Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin, Eleanor Cannon, John Danaer and Harry Bartel.
Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.
Gunsmoke has been selected by the Armed Forces Radio Service to be heard by our troops overseas.
Join us again next week as Matt Dillon U.S. Marshal fights to bring law and order out of the wild violence of the west in Gunsmoke.
Monday night CBS radio Suspense stars Ronald Reagan.
The drama is an unusual one titled Circumstantial Terror.
In it a man is on trial for a killing he didn't commit and the guilty man is on the jury.
Tension mounts and mounts until the suspense is almost beyond belief.
Don't miss Suspense Monday night over most of these same stations.
George Waltz speaking.
Stay tuned now for Gangbusters which follows in a few minutes over most of these same stations.
For more outstanding drama remember the Luxe Radio Theater Monday nights on the CBS Radio Network.
Music