Around Dodge City and in the territory on West, there's just one way to handle the killers
and the spoilers and that's where the US Marshal and the smell of Gunsmoke.
Gunsmoke 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.
Bartender, Bartender, set out another bottle of that rye whiskey.
Now look Mr. Thatcher, you just tell us once more about this stud colt you got up.
He's a good colt Mr. Butler.
And a running colt you tell me.
He can run some.
Some?
About the fastest thing in these parts I hear.
You're making fun of me Mr. Butler, you and your friend.
Oh I don't know why you should think that.
Out here in Dodge we're all interested in good horse flesh, especially when it's some
sort of a fancy new breed.
Quarter horse you call it huh?
If you don't mind I'll be going now.
Oh no!
Not yet Mr. Thatcher.
We'd all like to hear some more about your stock wouldn't we boys?
Mr. Butler, my grandsons waiting for me outside.
Hey Thatcher, tell us again about those little old sawed off colt of yours.
I understand these new type horses you raise have rump so hard they look like they're going
downhill.
Hank, it ain't polite to call us colts that way.
Besides it ain't that he's sawed off, it's just that he's got no back.
His withers run right into his crook.
He's quarter horse and three quarters what else?
I guess this is all fun for you but you got no call.
Now boys I do believe Thatcher's upset.
Let me pour you another drink.
No thanks, I'll be going.
No that just ain't sociable.
Here have a drink.
I said no Mr. Butler.
Drink it.
I'm old enough to be your father Mr. Butler and I'll drink when I want and with who I
want.
You ornery old goat I'll pour this whole stinkin' bottle down your throat or you'll...
Alright Butler, that's enough.
Evenin' Marshall Diller.
Mr. Thatcher your grandsons waiting outside in the buckboard.
You better get along home huh?
Thank you Marshall.
Thank you very much.
Old fool, bragging in the quarter cold he's so proud of.
Well buy a drink Marshall.
No thank you.
He just missed the fun.
We were having old Thatcher on about his stock.
He's not young anymore Mr. Butler but let me warn you about something, sometime you may
push him too far.
Oh we were just haraunin' him a bit, we didn't do any harm.
Thatcher and his grandsons are new out here.
You find your fun somewhere else Butler, why don't you leave him be.
You know when you torment an old man like that it makes you cheap, real cheap.
Sit on that.
You could buy me a drink if you wanted.
Yeah sure.
Sam, send over a drink for Miss Kitty will you?
I have to drink alone?
Usually my partner drinks with me.
Not tonight Kitty.
You mad about something Matt?
No no, tired maybe.
I saw you talking with Ed Butler over there.
He say something to set you off?
Yeah maybe that's it Kitty, I don't know.
Oh thanks Sam, there you are.
That was old man Thatcher over there wasn't it?
Yeah.
Whenever he comes in here, Butler gets him started on this new breed of horse Thatcher's
got.
Is that what it was tonight?
Yeah that's what it was.
Happens every time he comes to town Matt.
He's an old man Kitty, there's no way he can fight back.
Well Matt it's not your worry.
You can't keep Butler off his back anymore than I can.
They're like vultures circling a buffalo that's hurt just waiting for the time when he finally
goes down so they can settle for a meal.
Matt.
I'm thirsty after all, I think I will have that drink Kitty.
Sam.
Chester, if you'd run these papers over to Mr. Hightower.
Yes sir Mr. Dillon.
Another wanted poster on John Oringo.
Mr. Hightower's waiting for him Chester.
But John Oringo is out in Arizona, he never comes back this way.
Chester.
Yes sir Mr. Dillon, I'll take him right over.
Oh is there anything for me to do while I'm down at the other end of the plaza?
No nothing I know of.
Well then I'll just wait around down at the depot then Mr. Dillon if it's alright.
The morning train's due in from St. Louis in half hour.
Alright Chester.
Marshal Dillon.
Oh good morning Mr. Thatcher.
Got a minute to spare?
I have a favor to ask.
Yeah certainly come on in.
Mr. Hightower's waiting Chester.
Yes sir.
Well sit down Mr. Thatcher.
First of all Marshal I want to thank you for what you did last night over at the Texas Trail.
Oh butler and his crowd just had too much to drink I saw.
Maybe I did too, once I started hard stop and I get to argue.
I'm too old to argue that way.
Maybe you shouldn't go to the Texas Trail, seems every time you do butler takes his pleasure
riding you.
Well it's that I wanted to talk to you about.
Now what go on?
Well Ed Butler's always said he's got the best horses around Dodge or anywhere else.
Maybe he does Mr. Thatcher.
Mine or better?
Well I don't know anything about your stock.
Marshal Dillon, Ed Butler's having breakfast right down the street at the Dodge house.
I want you to walk down there with me.
Oh look Mr. Thatcher I don't want to mix up in any personal problems between you and Ed.
Well this ain't completely personal Marshal, oh save maybe in a way.
I come to you because I figure you're the one man in Dodge with nothing to gain and
you'll be honest.
I got something here, I want you to take it.
No.
I want the deed to my ranch.
Why are you giving it to me?
I want you to hold that deed and come with me to meet Ed Butler.
I'm going to challenge him to a grudge race, my quarter cold against the best horse he's
got.
You mean you're putting up your ranch on this race?
Yes sir and I want you to hold the stakes.
Look it's no business of mine but you could lose you know.
No sir I don't figure I can.
Mr. Thatcher you and your grandson have been over here from Missouri better than a year
now.
Now you know how these people are, men such as Butler and the rest.
There's nothing more fun than ragging somebody.
Somebody who fights back but isn't too strong.
You're trying to lecture me Marshal.
Well it's because you're new here that they're making it rough for you.
You just don't know the ways yet.
It's no good Marshal.
Look Mr. Thatcher you're putting up everything you got on this race.
Now what makes you so sure you can win?
What's so special about this stud colt that you've raised?
He's a little special in most everywhere Marshal.
His daddy was cold deck and his mother was the best mare in Missouri.
Oh I know why Butler and the others laugh at him.
Compared to some horses he looks like a bulldog beside a greyhound.
His head's short and he carries it too low.
He's built too close to the ground with bulging muscles and short legs.
But I'll tell you one thing he's just gone four and as he stands now he's the most horse
west of St. Louis.
And there are some like him in Texas now.
And if I have any say one day quarter horses will be all over the west.
When a man gets to be my age Marshal Dillon he's got to stand behind what he believes.
And I believe in this little horse.
He's sleepy and he's quiet but he can unwind like the lightning.
You've got a feel for horses haven't you Mr. Thatcher?
There ain't much of a man talks one way and thinks another.
Will you walk with me down to the Dodge house?
Yeah I'll walk with you.
Well Butler that's it and Mr. Thatcher here has asked that I hold the purse.
Couldn't ask for any more fare than that.
Then you race?
By sure I'll race.
You name the day and the time I'll be there.
This afternoon then across the river.
Good enough for me.
All right we'll make it at two o'clock.
I'll have Doc Adams there to look over the horses.
They'll both be sound or there'll be no race is that agreed?
That's good.
And they'll run the way they are shot or not shot.
Mr. Thatcher has suggested a distance of 400 yards.
That's right.
400 yards.
Hardly worth running but I'm willing.
All right since you accept the match Mr. Butler you'd best come to some agreement on the bet
with Mr. Thatcher here.
What do you figure your ranch and everything on it's worth Thatcher?
Maybe four thousand dollars.
That's high for just five six hundred acres a few out buildings and a couple of old milk
cows.
I'll put four thousand against your deed.
Marshall I'll give it to Hank here.
He'll bring it over to your office.
All right if you have it there but no.
How about a side bet for me Mr. Thatcher?
Well I don't know.
Hank.
Hey edge of one.
I've seen a quarter mare named Belle run down Galveston last July and I've seen Thatcher's
colt run a little.
I'll take your side bet.
Name it.
Four hundred.
Double that it's a bet.
Good enough.
Then it's eight hundred and I'll bet the quarter colt.
Well now Mr. Thatcher.
You Jim Bales here don't have no more sense than you.
Well at least you're not alone.
All right then everything's settled.
Just one last thing gentlemen.
This is going to be a fair race.
Well no need to worry Marshall.
Ain't no reason to press my luck not against a jug headed guy used like Thatcher.
Why you.
All right that's enough now come on Mr. Thatcher.
Let's get out of here.
Why don't you go on home.
I'm going back to the office.
You think I'm just an old fool don't you.
Yes Mr. Thatcher I do.
Your head's strong and you're stubborn.
But good luck to you this afternoon.
You know Matt there have been horse races and dives before lots of times.
But I've never seen one where so many people got concerned.
By the whole town's in on it.
Everybody's betting one way or another.
Yeah I know.
I don't like it Doc.
Well there's nothing wrong with that isn't there.
You know people lack an excuse to celebrate.
And this afternoon there'll be whiskey running to help them.
Whiskey and horses don't mix when there's money changing hands.
Matt are you worried about Thatcher putting his ranch up on the race?
He could lose his ranch Doc.
Oh well doesn't he have a chance.
I don't know.
I don't think so.
Mr. Dillon.
Yeah what is it Chester.
Oh hello Doc.
Chester.
Say I was down at the bridge a few minutes back watching for Butler to take his horse
across.
I wanted to know which one he was running.
Well.
And I didn't recognize the horse.
I thought probably it'd be his sorrow but it wasn't.
It was a horse I ain't never seen before.
What horse is it Chester.
Ed Butler ain't putting in no cow pointing Mr. Dillon.
He's running a thoroughbred.
Well he's got no chance at all now.
Is that it man?
Mr. Thatcher is betting everything he has on this quarter horse of his to beat a cow
pointing.
Now Butler's running a pure racing horse a thoroughbred.
Well it's past one.
Let's get over to the other side of the river.
We'll return for the second act of Gunsmoke in just a moment but first Tuesday night you
have two dates for Thrilling Mystery on CBS radio.
Ones with Pam and Jerry North.
The others with yours truly Johnny Dollar.
For next Tuesday and every Tuesday on most of these same stations enjoy John Lund as
yours truly Johnny Dollar and Mr. And Mrs. North both presented by CBS radio.
Now the second act of Gunsmoke.
Looks like half a dog is over here Mr. Dillon.
Maybe more than that.
Chester see if you can find Ed Butler and old man Thatcher and bring him over here.
Hi Matt.
Hi Kitty.
I haven't seen this many people in one spot since last year when Eddie Ford played the
opera house.
Kind of a fiesta isn't it?
Yeah in a way.
Nobody would think it to look at you.
Where's the finish line going to be Matt?
I want to see good.
Back up there about fifty yards.
Oh well I'll go up and find me a place.
Yeah okay.
Matt!
Yeah Doc.
Oh here you are.
Well I've looked over both horses.
They seem sound enough.
Good.
I don't get much call to check horses anymore.
Mostly as babies these days.
Or maybe a gunshot wound.
Doc who's going to ride for Butler and Thatcher you know?
Butler's got Hank Thomas and I think Thatcher's grandson is going to ride for him.
Well I hope the boy knows what he's doing.
I think he does Matt.
He's got spurs and a switch.
Well that'll help.
See Matt Thatcher's getting all liquored up.
Well that's his affair isn't it Doc?
Yeah but he's got a skin for it.
You know how edgy he gets when he's that way.
I sent juster for him.
He should be along any moment.
The whole crowd seems kind of excited and nervy.
Maybe I'll pick up some business out there.
That's not funny Doc.
I'm sorry Matt.
Mr. Dillon.
I found Mr. Butler.
Good afternoon Marshal.
Where's Thatcher?
Oh I wouldn't know.
Last time I saw him he was pouring down some red eye.
Preparing for the loss maybe.
Well Mr. Hightower and Doc here are going to act as judges along with me.
Chester will fire the starting gun.
This is all terrible fancy for just a whim with that old fool Thatcher's ain't it?
You may call me an old fool now butler but it'll be different after the race.
You're drunk Thatcher.
Any loss a man can't win a horse race if he's drunk?
What's the matter?
Need courage to bring your horse out here to the flat?
All right stay out of it butler.
Mr. Thatcher is your grandson all set?
Yes sir marshal.
How about you butler?
We're ready.
All right then tell your riders to take their horses down to those two buck boards down there.
That'll be the starting line.
You thought you'd fool me didn't you butler?
Bringing out that thoroughbred to run.
Well I don't care.
I can still beat you.
You're talking an awful lot for a man I ain't worried.
Don't write me butler.
I've had enough of you.
Oh listen to me Thatcher.
I've put up with your chatter long enough.
Why you.
All right that's enough.
If you do it you win Thatcher.
I'll have your ranch and that colt you think so much of.
Oh what did you say?
You heard me.
Just make sure you win if you can.
What did you say about my colt?
What did you mean?
Well if my bay mayor wins I get your ranch and everything on it.
That includes your colt.
No no that isn't right.
Well what about it marshal?
You're holding the purse and drawing up all the rules.
It seems what about it?
Butler's right Mr. Thatcher.
That's the way you made the bet.
You are no good butler.
No good at all.
I didn't make the bet.
All right both of you move your horses down to the starting line.
It's two o'clock.
Hey move that bay down those marks.
Well go on down Mr. Thatcher.
Yes sir yes.
Chester you walk with him.
Give him five minutes and then you can start him off.
Five minutes.
Yes Mr. Dillon.
I heard I was right.
Wasn't it Matt?
Thatcher's been drinking some.
Yeah.
Now come on duck we'll look up Mr. Hikes.
You know Matt this is like a holidays like a fiesta.
Yeah that's what Kitty said.
Oh she's out here too.
Yeah well I guess maybe outside of Mr. Thatcher the only person not enjoying himself is you.
I have to enjoy it duck.
I'm sorry Matt.
What's up?
Come on duck run.
Mr. Dillon.
It's Mr. Thatcher he's been shot.
Shot where is he Chester?
Right over there laying on the ground.
His boy is with you.
Let me through.
I'm the duck.
Let me through here.
Here now just a minute.
It's not much you looking duck.
I know where it is.
He's bad Matt.
What happened Mr. Thatcher?
Now I won't see him run.
Mr. Thatcher listen to me.
Now I'll never know for sure if my colt could.
I'll never know.
What happened?
I can't remember.
What happened?
I can't remember.
What happened Mr. Thatcher?
What happened Chester you were with him?
Mr. Dillon I don't know.
I was walking along not thinking anything particular.
Thatcher and Butler was up ahead and then Thatcher grew on.
Butler tried to shoot him.
I shot him if that's what you want to know Marshal.
It was self defense Marshal.
That's what it was Mr. Dillon.
It was drunk you saw that for yourself.
Then he tried to kill me.
That's right Marshal what Ed says is right.
That's the way it happened Mr. Dillon.
Suppose now that forfeits the race don't it Marshal?
Well you take care of it.
Get him into a wagon and back into town I'll see you back there.
Oh sure man.
You men give me a hand here now.
What about that forfeit Marshal?
You just can't wait till a man's cold before you want his property can you?
Oh it ain't that Dillon.
The race ain't forfeit.
I'll run it.
That's the Thatcher boy Mr. Dillon.
Come here son.
What's your name?
I'm Lonnie Thatcher.
I'm gonna ride granddaddy's colt.
Well now look maybe...
I'm kin.
Granddaddy was queer kind of but what he said about this colt is right.
And I'm riding him in the race.
Yeah but with what's happened Lonnie maybe we should put the race off.
We'll run it sure but not today not now.
I'll agree to put it off.
Granddaddy'd like it best this way.
No race.
Gracious.
Ain't a tear in his eye Mr. Dillon.
Alright if that's the way you want it.
It's what I want.
Alright then get on down to the starting line both of you.
Go on Chester.
I was looking for you Marshal.
We gonna have the race?
Yeah.
That's a good thing you know there'd be a lot of people disappointed if it didn't come
off.
And we wouldn't want that would we Mr. Hightower?
How's that?
It's hardly enough to make the day complete is it?
No Marshal I didn't mean anything wrong it's just.
Yeah sure sure just forget it.
Move on up to the finish line I'll get a couple of these riders to clear the lane.
Alright Mr. Dillon.
You you there would you ride down toward the start and make everybody move back and clear
a lane huh?
Alright everybody will you get back please.
Would you clear the lane please.
Please please move back.
All you people there move back.
That's it.
Well it's time Marshal.
Yeah.
What's Chester waiting for?
It looks like the colts acting up.
I've never seen two different breed of horses run against each other.
And that colt's kicking up a storm.
Could make a good column for the paper maybe.
Come on come on get a hold of him kid.
Don't you think it'd make a good column Marshal?
There they go Matt.
Come on kid.
You see that Matt?
Oh that boy did he.
I guess there was no question about it Matt.
Yeah it was the colt by half a length.
A quarter horse beat a third break.
Now that is something to see.
And it's a new kind of horse in these parts.
Well Marshal you should be happy.
I because the boy won.
And for that I am happy yeah.
Well I got no complaint Marshal it was fair and square.
If you gentlemen will excuse me I want to get back to the office.
Sure Mr. Hightower.
Marshal.
Yeah.
Look Marshal about what happened this afternoon.
Thatcher.
I didn't really hold anything against the old man.
I'm sorry it happened.
I told you sometime you'd push him too far.
Now he's dead.
Well after all Marshal he drew first.
Oh I'm not saying you're a murderer Butler.
But you're small inside.
The only feeling I got for you is contempt.
You're responsible for the death of that man today and yet there's nothing I can do about
it.
You're blaming me for everything.
Ah it's not you.
I guess it's just people.
Good day Mr. Butler.
Matt.
I was looking for you.
Where's Lonnie Thatcher kitty?
Standing over there by his horse.
Maybe you ought to talk to him Matt.
I'm going to.
He doesn't want to see anybody.
Some of us tried talking to him and he just walked away.
I'll see you later.
Hey boy you better walk that horse.
Any horseman who knows he shouldn't be standing around after running like that.
Yes sir.
I got four thousand dollars for you Lonnie.
You want to take it or shall I give it to banker Hodgson?
I'll take it.
It might be better to leave it in the bank.
I said I'll take it.
Alright son.
Here.
Thank you Marshall Dole.
Lonnie you got any plans?
Yes sir.
What?
I'm going to do what my grand daddy always wanted to do.
I'm going to raise horses like this stud colt.
I'm going to breed them.
Why are you going to do this?
At your grand daddy's place?
Yes sir.
That's a big spread for a boy to handle alone.
I'll manage.
How old are you Lonnie?
I got four thousand dollars to help me.
I'm old enough to know my mind.
Yeah I guess you are.
You know something else Marshall?
I understand these quarter horses just like your grand daddy did.
When men in these parts get sense enough to be interested in new stock and want good mounts
with a fine way of going they can come and buy them from me Lonnie Thatcher.
Yeah.
And if I'm any judge that may not take too long Lonnie.
Thanks Marshall Dole.
The boy's eyes were glistening as he turned and walked away leading his stud colt home.
Most of the crowd had left.
They'd gone back in the dodge to rerun the race over a drink or two and talk about this
new kind of horse this stocky heavy muscled quick as lightning quarter horse that had
come to dodge.
And now it was getting darker because of some clouds building up over in the northwest.
And when I looked again the boy and his horse had almost vanished from sight.
Gunsmoke under the direction of Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon U.S.
Marshal.
The special music is composed and conducted by Rex Corey.
Featured in the cast were Lawrence Dobkin and Joe Carnes with Johnny McGovern, Harry
Bartel and Luke Krugman.
Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc and Georgia Ellis is Kitty.
Gunsmoke is heard by our troops overseas through the facilities of the Armed Forces Radio Service.
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.
Tomorrow night that great Thespian Jack Benny attempts to show Tyrone Power how it should
have been done, playing the power role in his own version of the movie Mississippi Gambler.
Also tomorrow night don't miss the latest laughs with Eve Arden as our Miss Brooks of
Mary Madcap Madison Ha.
George Wall speaking and remember Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy open fire on your funny
bones Sunday nights on the CBS radio network.