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 the US Marshal and the smell of gun smoke.
Guns 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.
Hey you pretty travelers, you listen to me.
You gotta get welcome to Dodge City proper like it.
Hey you there mister.
I said you.
Are you addressing me sir?
I reckon I am.
You the preacher.
Not exactly.
You're dressed like a preacher.
If you'll excuse me.
Back up fancy pants.
You ain't no preacher.
I figure I'm making you dance some for the folks.
You think you can who-raw me?
Dude I said dance.
Dance or the next shot will take off one of your toes.
I don't think I'd like that.
Doc, no.
Alright Thorn put up the gun.
Marshal you got a wild and wooly town here.
Marshal you move aside.
I'm gonna make this grinning dude kick off his heels for us.
I'd say that might be quite a trick Thorn.
Unless he's changed a lot since I last met him.
Happy Doc?
Not for the good Matt.
I was afraid.
You facey face tender put.
I said for you.
Shut up Thorn.
He's drunk Doc.
He's dead.
He just don't know it yet.
I'll take it good if you'd make me litter at my office.
Alright Matt.
You.
Well that sure a lot of talk.
Now I'm gonna shoot that dude's boot heels.
Fire one shot and I'll pistol whip you Thorn.
What's that?
You're kind of forgetting who's holding a gun ain't you?
I wasn't forgetting.
Oh my wrist.
You broke my wrist.
I doubt it.
Now let's go to jail.
You can't put me in jail.
I'm Thorn Finley.
Move.
Oh you wait till I tell Big Jack about this and I will too.
Do that.
He might be grateful to me for saving your neck.
You pull some fool stunts Thorn but you've never been closer to dying than just a minute
ago.
Do you mean from that fancy pants?
Oh I gotta handle six like him.
That makes you a lot of man.
I can name a dozen pretty good gun hands who can't handle one of it.
Why?
Because it's dark holiday.
There you are.
Salute man.
Salute Doc.
It sounds worse Doc.
Yeah I got orders to go to Arizona.
Air is dry there.
Better for my lungs.
Going?
Thought I might.
Wyatt invited me to visit him.
He and Virgil Morgan of the law down there.
Some little mine in town called Tombstone.
Well it sounds peaceful anyway.
It is and it will be by the time Wyatt Earp gets through.
He is the peacemaker of this man I ever met outside of you.
Matt who was the teller head down at the depot anyway?
Oh Thorn?
He was just a spoiled kid.
Kid?
Couldn't be much younger than you.
Sure but Thorn never grew up.
His father has coddled him and protected him and gotten him out of scrapes ever since he
was a pup.
He's never had to be a man.
Not with Big Jack Whittener's in him.
Big Jack?
Big Jack Finley?
Oh you know him?
I've heard of him.
Well that figures.
He owns about half of Kansas.
Star in a box runs more cows than he can count.
Swings a lot of weight and dodge?
Yeah too much.
Mr. Dillon?
Somebody said the Doc Holliday would come into town today and he...
Oh excuse me.
It's alright Chester.
Why don't you shake hands with him?
Don't mind if I shake with my left hand.
It's a kind of habit.
Yeah I know.
Mr. Dillon has the same habit.
He would.
How about dinner tonight Matt?
Sure sure.
How long will you be in Dodge?
Not long.
Until I finish at Chor.
Oh?
Does Chor have anything to do with Big Jack Finley?
You might say so.
I'm going to kill him.
Alright Dillon.
Turn him loose.
You forgot to close the door Mr. Finley.
You're going to turn my boy loose?
I'm going to have to do it for you.
You got a writ of habeas corpus?
Rit?
Thorn didn't commit no crime.
Your charges are drunken disorderly, disturbing the peace and attempted assault with a deadly
weapon.
I wish.
You still need a writ.
But man Judd and Nathan does what I say and you know it.
Don't you think I can get a writ?
I'm sure you can and will.
You always do.
Then what's the point Dillon?
It's just a lot of useless red tape.
It's the law.
Close the door on the way out.
Alright Thorn.
Didn't I tell you Big Jack could get me out?
When are you going to learn you can't slave the speech?
The law can't touch a Finley.
You ought to get smart Marshall.
Like you?
You ought to get a intellectual like me.
Hi Big Jack.
You okay son?
Fine.
Anything else Mr. Finley?
Why yes.
My boy here is a little boisterous sometimes.
I know.
High spirited.
You understand?
Uh huh.
So?
So I want to put a stop to all this nonsense of yours arresting him every time he kicks
up his heels a bit.
Now go on.
Well, I'm offering you a job.
Let's say protecting my interests.
Two hundred a month.
And no work naturally.
I see we understand each other perfectly.
No work of course.
All I have to do is just shut my eyes whenever Junior here bricks the law.
I said we understand each other.
There's no need to elaborate on it Dillon.
There's a big need.
Only how do I explain to a person like you that some men don't wear a price tag?
How do I explain how I feel about a so-called respectable citizen making the law his private
doormat?
Hey, you're nothing but the stupid gunman I've always thought you were.
I understand you took the part of Doc Holliday against my son.
I kept Thorn from committing suicide, yeah.
You sided with a notorious killer against an important citizen of this community.
Now I'm telling you Dillon, I don't want him in Dodge tomorrow.
Jack may be a gunfighter but he's clear with the law, Finley, and a better man than your
son Liverby.
What?
Why are you...
That hurts doesn't it?
Cute.
I'm serving notice, Marshal.
You run that killer out of Dodge City or I'll do it myself.
Big Jack Finley, cattleman and self-made king of southern Kansas.
So better or worse than most of the men carving empires out of the west until love for his
son blinded him to the fact that Thorn Finley had gone bad.
From here on I knew the war was on between Big Jack and me.
So Big Jack Finley's gonna run me out of town?
Well, unless I do it first.
Oh?
How you do something naughty, man?
You threaten a man's life.
And just between friends, man.
Anything else, Doc?
Not murder.
Murder?
I can give him an even break.
With you that's still murder.
Eh, don't you think you better tell me about it?
What if I don't tell you?
Well then my job's to warn Finley and try to protect him.
You're a tough man to be friends with, man.
That applies to you too, doesn't it?
Guess maybe it does at that.
Didn't realize I put you on the spot by spouting off my good intentions.
Sorry.
Ah, forget it, forget it.
You want to talk to me?
All right.
Remember a girl named Ruth Davis?
Mm-hmm.
Died in a riding accident a few months ago.
I always wondered if it wasn't suicide.
You lost her brother two weeks before that.
No accident.
No suicide.
You sure?
Sure.
You know, Ruth and her brother ran their ranch alone.
Mm-hmm.
A man started pestering Ruth and she hated him.
Her brother kicked the man off the ranch.
This fellow, Drag Ghost Ruth's brother, made it look like a robbery.
You have any proof of this?
Yeah.
Ruth was afraid to go to the law, so she sent a letter to me.
Here, read it yourself.
She says the man was Finley and says she expects him to try and shut her up for good.
That doesn't mean it's Big Jack.
I went to see Ruth's folks.
They had her belongings.
Among them, I found this.
Mm, watch chain.
Engraved JF on the clasp, Jack Finley.
You see why I've got to kill him, Matt?
He forced Ruth's horse over that cliff, sure.
But you still think she died accidental?
No.
But who's responsible is something for a court to decide.
Court?
If he had money and influence, he wouldn't spend five days in jail even if he was convicted,
which he wouldn't be.
He doesn't own the court.
Maybe not, but it's still the most powerful man in the state against a dead girl whose
only friend is Doc Holliday.
How do you think a judge will decide?
Doc, I'm going to ask you a favor.
Make it one I can give.
I got an idea, but you must let me handle it my way.
Give the law a chance.
All right, Matt, I can wait.
Thank you.
I'll keep this letter in chain for a while.
All right, but if the law fails, I'll brace Big Jack Finley when he walks out of the courthouse.
And you'll be bracing two men, Doc.
Finley and me.
Come in.
Morning, Marshall.
Looks like it'll be a fine day.
Well, you're up kind of early just to bring me a weather report, aren't you, Judge Nathan?
Huh?
Oh, well, I wanted to see you.
Now go around ahead.
You mind if I finish shaving?
No, no, please do.
Just thought I'd chat with you about the...
About the Finley's?
Uh-uh.
Yes.
Yeah, it seems that Big Jack's very upset by your attitude.
I'm not surprised.
He feels you're a little rough on his boy.
I am.
Well, Ralph Thornton is high-spirited, like yesterday.
Yesterday, he was just plain high.
Tell me, Judge Nathan, how do you like being on Finley's payroll?
What?
You know, you used to be a pretty decent person.
Oh, you can't talk to me like that.
Yes, I can.
I'm sending a copy of Thornton's record to the governor.
Governor?
And with it, I'm sending a list of the rich you've issued to get him out of jail and a
copy of the court records.
I've only tempered my justice with mercy, that's all.
Thornton's been arrested for 18 offenses, convicted of 10, spent no time in jail, and
paid a total of $15 in fines.
I'd say you've been very merciful.
Um, you said you were sending this to the governor.
You haven't actually mailed it yet?
No.
You've got enough.
Well, not that I don't feel justified in any decisions I've made, but such a report might
cause undue talk at the Capitol.
And ruin your political hopes.
Well, my conditions are simple.
Get off Finley's payroll now.
Very well.
And give me cooperation from here on, no matter who's involved.
Do that and I shelve the report.
Uh, George?
Mr. Dillon, troubles are making.
What kind of trouble, Chester?
It's Big Jack Finley.
Mr. Dillon, he's rounding up his crew at the Alapheganza.
They're gonna ride Doc Holliday out of town on a rail.
Could you cut yourself shaving?
We will return for the second act of gun smoke in just a moment.
But first, don't forget, starting Monday, CBS radio's tremendous new staff will start
bringing you the complete coverage of the Democratic convention in Chicago.
As you found during the Republican convention, CBS radio never misses.
So starting Monday, stay with CBS radio all day and evening for the Democratic convention.
Now, the second act of gun smoke.
Doc.
Wake up, Doc.
It's Matt.
Hello.
What's up?
Trouble.
Lots of trouble.
Big Jack Finley's organizing a little citizens committee of his own hand-picked men coming
to West Corchua to town.
On a rail?
Yeah, that's the general idea.
Here, take a shotgun.
Yeah, I'll hide it under the covers, might as well.
I'll wait against the wall here.
Good.
That'll put them in a crossfire.
What comes to that?
There's enough of them.
We're in a spot.
Likely we are.
You're risking your neck to save me some bruises.
One I owe you, friend Matt.
It's my job.
Still, one I owe you.
There he is.
Wrap him up.
All right, stop right there.
I'll shoot the man who takes another step.
You think you're going to stop us, Dylan?
I think so.
Me and Doc.
Doc.
Show them, Doc.
Sure thing, Marshal.
Look, boys, surprise.
I sure do love surprises.
Dylan, I've got a dozen men with me.
Well, sure, about six of them will die, Finley, if you don't crawl out of here fast.
And guess who'll die first, Big Jack?
You there, Moncrete.
I always figured you for some brains.
Get your boss out of here, quick.
You sure talking sense, Big Jack.
Shut up, Moncrete.
You should be.
You're going to be the one to die.
You're going to die.
And I'm getting edgy, Finley.
And me, if I get a coffin spell, I'm liable to shoot without meaning to.
All right, all right.
This is twice you have made a Finley back down.
You'll never get a third chance.
Let's get out of here.
Matt, when you gonna arrest him?
When I'm ready.
Not long.
I hope not.
Getting impatient to see that man dead.
I, uh, got you a message, Marshal.
I hope it's important.
It is, Moncrie.
How long you been forming for Big Jack?
Fifteen, sixteen years.
You know him pretty well.
Would he be the kind to kill a girl?
No, of course not.
He'd kill a man if he got mad enough that he wouldn't kill no girl, Marshal.
I have proof that he did.
A girl and her brother.
But it doesn't set right.
I'm hoping you can help.
What's your proof, Marshal?
A letter that names Finley as the man.
Ruth Davis wrote it before she died.
Ruth Davis?
And this watch chain was found with her belongings.
It's engraved on the back.
I, uh, was with Big Jack when he bought this chain in Chicago.
It was right after his wife died.
Big Jack wore it all the time?
Mmm.
You, uh, rode the right hunch, Marshal.
What?
Thorne is your man, just like your figure.
He had a yen for the Davis girl, but he kept it quiet.
Guess he didn't want it known, she threw it him over.
But the watch chain...
Big Jack gave that to Thorne on his 25th birthday.
Whole ranch can testify to that.
Mmm.
Good.
All right, thank you, Moncrieff.
You, uh, gonna try and arrest Thorne?
Why?
If Big Jack believes Thorne killed that girl, it'll break his heart.
Broke her neck.
If he don't believe it...
Then?
He'll protect Thorne.
And, Marshal, there's not enough lawmen in the state of Kansas to make Big Jack give up his son.
The Last Post
Yeah, what it...
Oh, it's you, Marshal.
And, uh, John Holliday.
Doc, this is Judge Nathan.
Uh, Holliday?
Oh, yes, I've heard of you.
I've heard of you too, Judge.
Wonder which has heard the worst.
What's that?
Why, I, uh...
Judge, I'm here on business.
Oh, of course.
Come in, won't you?
In my study here, so we won't be disturbed.
Now, what is it, Marshal?
I want you to swear out a warrant for Thorne Finley's arrest.
Charge.
Murder.
You sure you want to go with me, Doc?
I'm sure.
All right, hold up your right hand.
Oh, no, Matt, you wouldn't make me a lawman.
If you go, you go as my deputy.
I'm not letting you make this a private fight.
And with my friends, if they hear I wore a star...
All right, Matt, it's your show.
You swear to uphold and enforce the laws of this community,
the state of Kansas, and the United States,
to the best of your ability as deputy marshal,
so help you God?
All of that?
All of that.
I swear.
Here, pin on this badge.
All right, Matt.
You know, I'm feeling this badge is going to cramp my style
something terrible.
Better breathe our horses going up through this patch.
We've still got a good ride ahead.
How far?
About 10 miles.
What do you think, Matt? Will they fight?
Well...
Doc! Doc!
Stay on your horse, marshal.
Grab some clouds.
Keep those hands high.
He'll creep on the other side of the pass behind you.
That's being smart, Dylan.
Green will drop you if you touch a gun butt.
You're handy at this bushwhacking, aren't you, Thorn?
I am.
Doc, it's all right.
My slug seems to have bounced off his thick skull.
Good.
Let's pull your teeth.
Better you do it.
With your left hand, reach down and across slow.
Pull your gun out with your fingertips and toss it away.
Nervous?
Just cautious.
Or maybe this queen doesn't exist, huh, Thorn?
Queen!
Queen's one of Dad's men, but I pay him extra to work for me.
Any more questions?
I guess not.
Where's my gun?
The rifle next.
I, uh...
I got a penknife in my pants pocket.
You know why Holliday came to Dodge?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess you do. You wouldn't be riding with him.
And he's not gonna tell any stories to my dad or anyone else.
You can't kill us, you stupid...
Not planning on killing you.
And what have you got planned?
A queen's kind of a magician.
He's gonna make Holliday just disappear.
Folks won't care much about one of his kind.
I would.
I'd care so much I'd hang you for it.
No.
No, with Holliday gone, it's your word against mine.
And he won't be able to approve of it.
You sure of that? I'm sure.
Otherwise, I'd take care of you along with Holliday.
Now get out and start walking back to town.
It's like I told you.
Law can't touch you, Finley.
It was no time for heroics, so I walked.
When I reached a turn, I cut back through the rocks by the road.
When I reached a turn, I cut back through the rocks, but it was too late.
They were gone.
And with them, the horses, guns, and Doc Holliday.
Two miles up the road, I found my horse turned loose.
And with a mind full of cold hate, I raced onto the star in a box.
On the front porch of the ranch house was one of Pig Jack's men.
Hold it right there.
Out of my way, mister. I'm in no mood to shake hands.
Where you heading, law man?
You don't hear well.
Gillen.
Where's Holliday?
How should I know? Get off my ranch.
And where's that prized son of yours?
What?
Trot him out. I want him.
Do you now? What on earth for?
Come on. Put that gun away.
Oh, no. This is just in case the Marshal loses his temper.
I've lost it, Junior.
Gillen, I've had all I'm going to stand from you.
You just think you have.
Where's Holliday, Thorne? Where'd Queen take him?
Holliday? Why, I haven't the faintest idea.
Where is Queen, Dad?
Righty fence line, but...
See, Marshal, we don't know where your friend is.
You're under arrest, Thorne.
What's that?
Ask him to show the warrant.
Here. Read it, Finley.
Oh, no. No. That's not possible.
The judge wouldn't issue a warrant without proof.
He has proof, Thorne.
This is a lie. Thorne couldn't be guilty of murder.
No. Take a look at his face.
Son.
Dad, he's trying to frame me.
Don't let him get away with this.
Oh, I won't. I won't.
Get out, Gillen.
Man, open your eyes. This is not going to happen.
Have you heard me? I don't believe you, your warrant or your proof.
I believe my son.
So get off this ranch. Get out of the state.
You let me see you again, so help me or I'll kill you myself.
Forget me. You're back in the law. You can't kill my own law.
So do I.
Doc, holiday.
You're supposed to be dead. Queen was supposed to be...
He's the one who's dead.
I carry a knife in my boot just for men like him.
Thorne.
God help me.
You are guilty.
He sure is.
And if he knows any prayers, he'd better get them over with.
Now, Doc, he goes back with us as our prisoner.
You're wrong, Marshal.
I'll take care of my son.
Dad. Dad, no.
You rotten lying murderer.
Please. Please don't, Dad.
I should have strangled you in a burrito when you were...
Stand away or I'll shoot. I'll shoot you all.
Manley, look out.
I throw myself at Manley's book,
first hit the floor rolling away from Thorne as he raised his gun to fire.
Then in the doorway, the blood-stained, terrible figure of Doc Holiday wanted to action.
His pale hands flared over his head.
Thorne!
The Rune-thorn!
Thorne!
Rune?
I...
The stage is ready to leave, Mr. Holiday.
Thanks, Chester.
You sure you want to stay around a while, Doc?
Yeah, we're good friends, man, but you're a peace officer.
I guess I'm not a very peaceful man.
You could be, Doc.
No, I'm not going to change, and you shouldn't.
Law needs men like you.
You know, if I stayed there, it's too good a chance I might cross you.
Yeah.
Then I'd have to meet you over gun barrels, and...
It's one thing I'm afraid of.
So long, man.
Good luck, Doc.
My.
I never would have thought Doc Holiday was scared of meeting anyone in a gunfight.
Hmm.
You don't understand, Chester.
Doc's afraid because he might beat me.
Gunsmoke, under the direction of Norman MacDonald, stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal.
Tonight's story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Herb Purdom, with music composed and conducted by Rex Corey.
Featured in our cast were Harry Bartel as Doc Holiday, with Lee Millar, Nestor Paiva, Ralph Moody, and Tom Tully.
Parley Bear as Chester.
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.
Sunday evening, we invite you to join Lovely Doris Day.
Spring Buyington playing a December Bride, and Audrey Totter as Millie.
They're here on most of these same CBS radio stations.
This is Roy Rowan speaking.
I'm Roy Rowan.
Thank you for watching.
We'll see you next time.
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