Gunsmoke (1952-1961) was an OTR western drama set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the
1870s. In each episode, Marshal Matt Dillon deals with human dilemmas, trying to prevent
lawlessness from overtaking the city. Sometimes he can find solutions, sometimes he cannot. As
an "adult" Western, episodes were mature, brutal, and explicit, overturning Western fiction
stereotypes. Gunsmoke is significant for its constant striving for historical
accuracy and realism seldom achieved on radio, and for being called the best radio drama ever.
Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye
Audition #00a1, 11 June 1949
Michael Rye (credited as Rye Billsbury) as Marshal "Mark" Dillon.
Billy the Kid
Episode 001, 26 April 1952
A young boy gives Marshal Dillon leads on a murder, which turns out to be his first as Billy the
Kid.
The Boughten Bride
Episode 012, 12 July 1952
A young woman is kidnapped in a stage robbery while on her way to meet her fiance, Mr. Carter in
Dodge City. When she is rescued and returned to Dodge, she would rather be with her kidnapper
than the man who "bought" her.
Home Surgery
Episode 021, 13 September 1952
Marshal Dillon is forced to amputate the leg of a settler on the prairie. It is the only way to
save him. But the man still dies. Repeated 23 June 1957.
Kitty
Episode 032, 29 November 1952
Marshal Dillon insists on bringing Miss Kitty Russell, the saloon proprietress, to a Dodge City
dance, despite what the "decent" folk think. But Kitty knows what trouble her appearance will
cause.
The Cabin
Episode 036, 27 December 1952
Entering a cabin during a blizzard, Marshal Dillon is imprisoned by Hack and Alvie, two mad-dog
killers who plan to murder him in cold blood!
Cavalcade
Episode 041, 31 January 1953
Doc Adams' past comes back to haunt him. He is, in reality, Calvin Moore, a murderer! Repeated 8
November 1959.
Jayhawkers
Episode 050, 4 April 1953
A band of Jayhawkers—renegade raiders—preys on a cattle drive from Texas. Marshal
Dillon lends a hand and earns the cowboys' respect. Repeated 11 August 1957.
Sundown
Episode 059, 6 June 1953
Marshal Dillon and Chester Proudfoot find an Indian squaw dying of exposure on the prairie, a
victim caught between two cultures.
Flashback
Episode 062, 27 June 1953
A retired Calvary Officer learns too late that he cannot treat his trail crew like a military
outfit. He also learns that his son is a better man than he thinks, but is the lesson too late?
Blacksmith
Episode 111, 5 June 1954
Emil, a good-natured German blacksmith, is picked on by Gil Tallman. But when his pretty new
wife is threatened, the blacksmith serves up justice in a way that meets Marshal Dillon's
approval.
Bloody Hands
Episode 155, 2 April 1955
Marshal Dillon gets sick of killing and resigns his job. Script
available here.
Repeated 14 July 1957
X
Episode Inventory
Totals
Total Episodes: 480 (+ 2 auditions)
Surviving Episodes: 479
Inventory
1949
Matt Dillon Goes to Gough Eye
Audition 1; 11 June 1949
Micheal Rye (credited as Rye Billsbury) as "Mark" Dillon
Matt Dillon Goes to Gough Eye
Audition 2; 13 July 1949
Remake of audition with Howard Culver as "Mark" Dillon
1950
Title Unknown
Audition 3; 1950
John Dehner as "Mark" Dillon
1952
First season: 26 April 1952-29 August 1953
Billy the Kid
Episode 001; 26 April 1952
A Dutchman draws a lynch mob after the whole town accuses him of murder.
Ben Thompson
Episode 002; 3 May 1952
Matt Dillon defends himself against three men hired by the widow of Lassiter, a
notorious gunman he killed in a gunfight.
Jaliscoe
Episode 003; 10 May 1952
Jaliscoe Pete and his three friends murder Will Thompson and his family and try to
make it look like it was done by Indians.
Dodge City Killer
Episode 004; 17 May 1952
Narisha Yar, daughter of a Comanche chief, and her husband Clancy, are refused a
hotel room in Dodge City by Jack Grace, hotel owner. Narisha later kills Grace when
he makes unwanted, amorous advances. Some men want to run Narisha out of Dodge. Matt
Dillon defends Narisha and she is found innocent. He reminds Clancy and Narisha that
Kansas is the frontier, and many people have bitter memories of loved ones killed
during the Indian wars. It will take time for those memories to fade. Script available
here.
Ben Slade's Saloon
Episode 005; 24 May 1952
A series of murders of men who have been lucky while gambling leads Marshal Dillon
to a most unusual killer.
Carmen
Episode 006; 31 May 1952
After the army payroll has been robbed, an army Major threatens to declare martial
law in Dodge! Connie Dell, a good looking girl keeping bad company becomes the key
to the crime.
Repeated 21 June 1959
Buffalo Killers
Episode 007; 7 June 1952
An albino buffalo skin is the clue to the murder of two buffalo hunters, and their
father.
Jailbait Janet
Episode 008; 14 June 1952
Matt Dillon and Chester apprehend three unlikely train robbers: Dan Everly, and his
young son, Jerry, and daughter, Janet. They tell Dillon they robbed the train
because sparks from a train burned their wheat crop. The officious railroad agent,
J. L. Krocker, wants the money returned, and offers a $1,000 no questions asked
reward, even while he whips up a lynch mob against the Everlys. Janet breaks her
brother and father out of jail. They escape to their camp, where, it turns out, the
money is hidden under the campfire. Dillon and Chester arrive, gunfire is exchanged,
and Dan Everly is killed. Dillon gives Janet and Jerry $1,000 for a fresh start in
Wyoming.
Repeated 28 June 1959; new production; different cast.
Heat Spell
Episode 009; 21 June 1952
Trouble arrives in Dodge City with Parson Kirkland. A man is shot and killed soon
after and the grieving father, Wade Grider, blames Kirkland. Grier and his other
son, Sut, set fire to the church, and beat Kirkland to death. Dillon confronts
Grider in a lumber yard where a pile of lumber tagged for the new church falls on
and kills Grider. In a strange way, justice and vengeance is served.
The Ride Back
Episode 010; 28 June 1952
Three days out of Dodge City, Matt Dillon returns with a prisoner, Leeds Martin.
They encounter three Cheyennes who, they suspect are planning an ambush. Leeds
demands a gun. Dillon refuses. That night, Dillon kills one of the Cheyennes when
they raid their camp. The next day, Dillon and Leeds find a cabin where, seemingly,
the Cheyenne have killed and mutilated a man, his wife, and their young daughter.
Martin is unnerved by the sight of the young girl and begs for a gun so he can kill
the Cheyennes. Again, Dillon refuses. The next day they are again ambushed by the
Cheyennes. Dillon kills one. Again, Martin begs for gun. Matt, again, refuses and
tells Martin to hide while he hunts down and kills the remaining Cheyenne. While
closing in on the Cheyenne, Dillon sees Martin attacking him with a rock. The
Cheyenne and Martin kill each other. Dillon takes Martin's body to Dodge City where
Chester finds a picture of a young girl in Martin's belongings. This picture,
perhaps, explains Martin's actions.
Never Pester Chester
Episode 011; 5 July 1952
Two Texas cowboys drag Chester behind a horse for fun, almost killing him. Marshal
Dillon brings in the cowboys, without his guns.
Repeated 30 October 1960
The Boughten Bride
Episode 012; 12 July 1952
The stage has been robbed of $50,000, and also Mr. Carter's fiance! When the girl is
returned to Dodge, she's not very eager to be with her husband-to-be.
Doc Holiday
Episode 013; 19 July 1952
Doc Holliday has come to Dodge to kill Big Jack Finley. But Big Jack's son, Thorne
Finley, is the real problem.
Gentleman's Disagreement
Episode 014; 26 July 1952
Ed Beaudry comes to Dodge to kill Bert Wells. A showdown seems inevitable, but
Beaudry is found dead!
Repeated 20 September 1959
Renegade White
Episode 015; 2 August 1952
Ord Spicer, who sells rifles to the Cheyenne, kills two cowboys with his new Sharps
rifles.
The Kentucky Tolmans
Episode 016; 9 August 1952
The Tolmans from Kentucky include a good looking mountain gal, a drinking old father
with a secret, and a son willing to kill to get at it.
The Lynching
Episode 017; 16 August 1952
Marshal Dillon tries to get proof of the guilt of the leader of a lynch mob. Billy
Saxton was hung for being a murderer, without benefit of trial.
Shakespeare
Episode 018; 23 August 1952
A crazed Shakespearean actor commits murder during a Kansas heat wave.
The Juniper Tree
Episode 019; 30 August 1952
Jim Stanley, a slow thinking rancher, is framed by Mingo and accused of stealing
from his gambling table.
The Brothers
Episode 020; 6 September 1952
Jim and Will Thompson are in town to sell a herd of horses, or are they? Who are the
Thompson Brothers?
Home Surgery
Episode 021; 13 September 1952
Marshal Dillon is forced to amputate the leg of a settler on the prairie. The man's
beautiful daughter is the object of Ben Walling's affection.
Repeated 23 June 1957
Drop Dead
Episode 022; 20 September 1952
Greedy Mr. Howard won't let Jack Jackson water his herd during a Kansas drought.
The Railroad
Episode 023; 27 September 1952; rehearsal only available
Libby Sanger refuses to leave her land for the Transcontinental Railroad, even in
the face of a court order. In a misguided shoot out, she is fatally wounded, and
dies on the front porch of her house. She tells Matt Dillon to think of her each
time the train whistle blows. Matt tells Chester, "Sometimes progress is hard to
come by."
NOTE: The actual episode is lost, but this rehearsal remains. No music, no sound
effects, just the dialogue of the show.
Cain
Episode 024; 3 October 1952
Cain Vestal, a quiet man dying of consumption, buys a gun to kill a man he's never
met before.
Repeated 7 February 1953
Hinka-Do
Episode 025; 10 October 1952
Tough-talking Mamie takes over the Longhorn Saloon, and the old manager has
disappeared! Script
available here.
Repeated 4 October 1959
Lochinvar
Episode 026; 17 October 1952
Artis Nash is planning to marry Ben Martin, but not if Frank Craig has anything to
say about it!
The Mortgage
Episode 027; 24 October 1952
Caleb Andrews forecloses on the Blake family, with the law all on his side! Script
available here.
Repeated 18 October 1959
Overland Express
Episode 028; 31 October 1952
While taking an escaped killed named Joe Bodrie back to Dodge, Matt and Chester find
plenty of action aboard a stagecoach.
Tara
Episode 029; 7 November 1952
Young Tara has fallen in love with Jack Grace, who's no damn good!
The Square Triangle
Episode 030; 14 November 1952
Eva Morley causes the death of three men. There aren't many women like her!
Repeated 15 November 1959
Fingered
Episode 031; 21 November 1952
Jim Corbett's new wife has disappeared, just like his previous wife!
Kitty
Episode 032; 29 November 1952
Marshal Dillon insists on bringing Kitty to a Dodge City dance, despite what the
"decent" folk think.
I Don't Know
Episode 033; 6 December 1952
Little Danny Birch brings Marshal Dillon and Chester out to the ranch . . . and a
secret about his father.
Post Martin
Episode 034; 13 December 1952
Beautiful Catherine Blair arrives in Dodge to visit her brother Martin, who's in
jail to be tried for murder and cattle rustling.
Christmas Story
Episode 035; 20 December 1952
Marshal Dillon tells Amos Crowley about last year's Christmas in Dodge.
The Cabin
Episode 036; 27 December 1952
Entering a cabin during a blizzard, Matt is imprisoned by "Hack" and "Alvie," two
mad-dog killers who plan to murder him in cold blood!
1953
Westbound
Episode 037; 3 January 1953
Marshal Dillon and Chester arrest Jack Daggett in Abilene for murder and plan to
take him back to Dodge. Daggett's two older brothers have other ideas.
Repeated 1 November 1959
Word of Honor
Episode 038; 10 January 1953
After treating a wounded man, Doc gives his word of honor not to reveal the identity
or hiding place of the killers.
Repeated 3 July 1954; 7 July 1957
Paid Killer
Episode 039; 17 January 1953
Lawson Hales hires a killer to gun down Marshal Dillon for $5000 in gold.
Repeated 22 November 1959
The Old Lady
Episode 040; 24 January 1953
Ellen Henry, a bitter widow with a drunken son, has a secret that involves stolen
cattle.
Cavalcade
Episode 041; 31 January 1953
Doc Adams is, in reality, Calvin Moore, a murderer!
Repeated 8 November 1959
Cain
Episode 042; 7 February 1953
Cain Vestal, a quiet man dying of consumption, buys a gun to kill a man he's never
met before.
Repeated 7 February 1953
The Round-Up
Episode 043; 14 February 1953
During the annual round-up in Dodge, Matt's old pal Zell Matlock offers to help out,
and is shot by Dillon!
Meshaugah
Episode 044; 21 February 1953
An entire town terrorized by a gang of killers.
Trojan War
Episode 045; 28 February 1953
The Pueblo Gang comes to Dodge, robs the stage and kills two drivers and a Helen
Ford, an old girlfriend of Marshal Dillon!
Repeated 3 January 1960
Absalom
Episode 046; 7 March 1953
Billy Mallor, along with his father and his father's Texas gang, shoot up Dodge.
Most of the townsfolk want Marshal Dillon to let him get away with it!
Cyclone
Episode 047; 14 March 1953
The Cyclone Ranch has been sold under strange circumstances. Marshal Dillon suspects
foul play.
Pussy Cats
Episode 048; 21 March 1953
Jack Farah and his wife calmly kill four men in Dodge and then ride out of town.
Quarter Horse
Episode 049; 28 March 1953
Thatcher and his quarter-horse from Missouri challenges Butler to a grudge race,
with his ranch as the stakes!
Repeated 1 June 1958
Jayhawkers
Episode 050; 4 April 1953
A band of Jayhawkers has been preying on a cattle drive from Texas. Marshal Dillon
lends a hand.
Repeated 11 August 1957
Gonif
Episode 051; 11 April 1953
Frank Bissell and his gang have come to Dodge. Marshal Dillon gives them until
sundown to leave Dodge.
Bum's Rush
Episode 052; 18 April 1953
Marshal Dillon captures two killers and brings them back to Dodge. Three witnesses
come forward to prove them innocent, for an unusual reason.
The Soldier
Episode 053; 25 April 1953
Two soldiers get into trouble with a strict commander. Marshal Dillon tries to help.
Tacetta
Episode 054; 2 May 1953
A beautiful girl in Dodge named "Tacetta" causes a hanging in the jail, a gunfight
with Chester, and another gunfight with Marshal Dillon.
The Buffalo Hunter
Episode 055; 9 May 1953
A buffalo hunter named Gatliff brings a dying buffalo skinner into Dodge. His face
had been pushed into a pan of hot lead! Soon afterwards, a nester is found stabbed
to death.
Repeats 24 October 1953 episode
Repeated 30 June 1957
The Big Con
Episode 056; 16 May 1953
A fascinating, original way to rob a bank!
Repeated 13 November 1960
Print Asper
Episode 057; 23 May 1953
Rabb is a dishonest lawyer who tries to cheat John Asper out of his ranch. Lawyer
Rabb is found shot four days later, it looks as if one of Asper's sons did the
shooting.
Fall Semester
Episode 058; 30 May 1953
Lee Dargan is being cheated by his foreman Jim Slater. His cattle are being stolen,
but he doesn't know how!
Sundown
Episode 059; 6 June 1953
Marshal Dillon and Chester find an Indian squaw dying on the prairie and suspects
foul play.
Spring Term
Episode 060; 13 June 1953
After an innocent man is killed right on Front Street, Matt figures out that he is
the target of a killer hired by Danch, a man with no ear. Danch had sworn to kill
Dillon.
Repeated 1 January 1960
Wind
Episode 061; 20 June 1953
Dolly Varden causes the citizens of Dodge to kill each other while playing Faro.
When Marshal Dillon orders her out of town, she refuses and Dillon can't seem to do
a thing about it!
Flashback
Episode 062; 27 June 1953
Stark vs. Colonel Beck. A contest complicated by Beck's son Brian and Cottonmouth, a
cheating gambler!
Dirt
Episode 063; 4 July 1953
A shotgun wedding in Dodge, but with a twist. The groom gets shot if he marries the
girl, and also if he doesn't. What about Crazy Beulah?
Repeated 27 November 1960
Grass
Episode 064; 11 July 1953
Harry Pope is sure there are Indians sneaking around his farm at night. After
shooting an "Indian," it turns out to have been a cowboy trying to get him to leave
his land.
Repeated 25 August 1957
Wild West
Episode 065; 18 July 1953
Young Yorky Kelly tells Marshal Dillon that his father has been kidnapped. The old
man is found out on the prairie, almost starved to death.
Hickok
Episode 066; 25 July 1953
Wild Bill Hickok sends a telegram to Marshal Dillon, warning him that two killers
named Teeters and Gridler are coming to Dodge. Wild Bill asks Dillon to keep them in
Dodge, but not to arrest them!
Boy
Episode 067; 1 August 1953
Webb Johnson buys the Long Branch saloon, and stocks it with beautiful girls.
Sky
Episode 068; 8 August 1953
Frogmouth Kate has been killed and the obvious suspect has left town in a panic.
Moon
Episode 069; 15 August 1953
Vint James loses $750 to Charlie Brewer at his blackjack table. Vint uses his
girlfriend to lure Charlie out in the alley, where he's murdered and his money
stolen.
Gone Straight
Episode 070; 22 August 1953
Marshal Dillon and Chester ride to Tascosa to bring back Dave Shaw, a gunman trying
to go straight.
Jesse
Episode 071; 29 August 1953
Jesse Pruitt comes to Dodge with his evil friend "Staph," in search of the man who
killed his father.
Second season: 5 September 1953-30 August 1954
The Sutler
Episode 072; 5 September 1953
Mr. Jonas, the sutler at the army post, is about to lose his job, because of the
Major and the sutler's assistant.
Prairie Happy
Episode 073; 12 September 1953
The Pawnees are attacking tomorrow at dawn, or are they?
There Was Never A Horse
Episode 074; 19 September 1953
Ken Creed comes to Dodge. He's the fastest gunman ever (faster even than Marshal
Dillon), and he's looking for a shootout!
Fawn
Episode 075; 26 September 1953
Mrs. Phillips returns to civilization after being a captive of the Indians for ten
years.
How To Kill A Friend
Episode 076; 3 October 1953
Two gamblers being run out of town by Marshal Dillon hire and old friend of
Dillon's, Toque Morlan, to kill him!
Repeated 20 March 1954; retitled "Old Friend"
Repeated 5 May 1958
How To Die for Nothing
Episode 077; 10 October 1953
After Marshal Dillon shoots a drunken cowboy, his brother swears to shoot him in the
back.
Repeated 10 May 1958
Yorky
Episode 078; 17 October 1953
A young white boy captured from an Arapahoe raiding party wants to return to the
Indians.
Repeated 6 April 1958
The Buffalo Hunter
Episode 079; 24 October 1953
A buffalo hunter named Gatliff brings a dying buffalo skinner into Dodge, His face
had been pushed into a pan of hot lead! Soon afterwards, a nester is found stabbed
to death.
Repeats 9 May 1953 episode
Repeated 30 June 1957
How To Kill A Woman
Episode 080; 31 October 1953
Nat Pilcher is one tough hombre that Marshal Dillon suspects has robbed the stage.
His friend Jesse Dagget believes that every man should kill his own snakes.
Repeated 20 November 1954
Stolen Horses
Episode 081; 7 November 1953
Marshal Dillon and Chester set out over the prairie to find the two men who shot Jim
Redigo and stole his horses.
Professor Lute Bone
Episode 082; 14 November 1953
The Professor is selling wormseed tonic that cures just about everything, possibly
because it contains opium!
Repeated 20 October 1957
Custer
Episode 083; 21 November 1953
A stranger has murdered old man Granby, but Marshal Dillon can not prove it.
Repeated 22 September 1957
Kick Me
Episode 084; 28 November 1953
An Indian scout named Tobile vows to kill the two white men who played a cruel
practical joke on him, and who have insulted his honor.
Repeated 19 October 1958
The Lamb
Episode 085; 5 December 1953
Lew Madellon is the fastest gunfighter in Colorado Territory. When he comes to
Dodge, so does Ab Fisher.
The Cast
Episode 086; 12 December
Doc tries to save Shell Tucker's wife after she swallows a nail. When he fails to
save her, Shell swears revenge on Doc, and almost succeeds! A horse with a broken
leg might make him change his mind.
Repeated 27 July 1958
Big Girl Lost
Episode 087; 19 December 1953
Laura Simmons, who works for Kitty in the Long Horn, is visited by her
ex-fiancé from Philadelphia, and who wants to take her back.
Repeated 21 September 1958
The Guitar
Episode 088; 26 December 1953
Simple-minded Weeb Pendle comes to Dodge riding on a mule. He's promptly picked on
by bullies. Script
available
here.
Repeated 2 March 1958
1954
Stage Holdup
Episode 089; 2 January 1954
Jermo and Charlie rob the stage while Marshal Dillon is a sleeping passenger.
Joke's on Us
Episode 090; 9 January 1954
Three men lynch a rancher for stealing horses. Two of the men are shot, and the
third one is threatened.
Repeated 9 February 1958
The Bear
Episode 091; 16 January 1954
Mike Blocker is a large, good-natured man who is about to be married. Joe Plummer
plays one practical joke too many and pays the price.
Nina
Episode 092; 23 January 1954
An army scout named Cuff Peters leaves his pregnant Mexican wife in Dodge. Hank
Lawson causes a miscarriage while annoying Mrs. Peters.
Gunsmuggler
Episode 093; 30 January 1954
The Pawnees have killed a family of homesteaders using guns smuggled to them by a
white man. Marshal Dillon, Chester and an Indian scout track the Indians, hoping to
find the white gun smuggler.
Big Broad
Episode 094; 6 February 1954
Two hundred pound Lena Wave swaggers into Dodge and throws her weight around. She is
good with a six-gun too!
The Killer
Episode 095; 13 February 1954
Crego is a cowardly killer who's very particular about whom he shoots.
Last Fling
Episode 096; 20 February 1954
Two harmless old geezers come to Dodge for a good time, and accuse Kitty of trying
to kill them! Maybe they're not so harmless after all!
Bad Boy
Episode 097; 27 February 1954
Young Tom Vickers is being led astray by his friend Blake. Cattle rustling and
murder soon follow.
The Gentleman
Episode 098; 6 March 1954
A Philadelphia gambler named Marcus France is in love with Mavis McLeod, and heading
for a showdown with a bully named Tiller Evans.
Confederate Money
Episode 099; 13 March 1954
Neil Butler is fired by his boss Fate Ender when Lee Shin comes to town. Fate is
bushwacked and wounded. He swears to get Neil for the crime.
Old Friend
Episode 100; 20 March 1954
After trying to bribe Marshal Dillon, a gambler named Ben Corder hires Toque Morlan
to kill Matt!
Repeats 3 October 1953 episode; "How To Kill A Friend"
Blood Money
Episode 101; 27 March 1954
Joe Harp is a likable fellow who turns out to have a price on his head. Harry
Speener has been helped by Joe, but isn't very grateful.
Repeated 6 March 1960
Mr. and Mrs. Amber
Episode 102; 3 April 1954
After Neil Amber is caught stealing seeds from the General Store, Pete Fletcher (a
wealthy rancher), accuses Amber's wife of stealing one of his calves.
Repeated 21 February 1960
Greater Love
Episode 103; 10 April 1954
Two gunmen are wounded while holding up the stage. Howard Brand is one of the
robbers, and he's been fatally wounded. Doc is kidnapped by the other members of the
gang.
Repeated 3 April 1960
What the Whiskey Drummer Heard
Episode 104; 17 April 1954
Wilbur Hawkins tells Marshal Dillon about a plot against his life. When Dillon
pretends to be dead, two different people brag about killing him!
Repeated 29 June 1958
Murder Warrant
Episode 105; 24 April 1954
Likeable Lee Prentiss is ambushed. Jake Harbin is not so likeable, but he's a deputy
sheriff with a warrant for Prentiss' arrest.
Cara
Episode 106, 1 May 1954
Ben Tolliver and his gang are coming to Dodge to rob the bank. Marshal Dillon
suspects his old girlfriend Cara is a member of the gang.
The Constable
Episode 107; 8 May 1954
When a trail boss objects to Marshal Dillon's peacekeeping methods, and the town's
merchants ask him to ease off, Dillon vows to make no further arrests. The town then
hires an unusual "constable" to keep the peace.
Repeated 20 March 1960
The Indian Horse
Episode 108; 15 May 1954
Obnoxious Lieutenant Flagg wins a horse race against Sy Pilcher. Old Howling Dog is
another matter, however.
Monopoly
Episode 109; 22 May 1954
A "businessman" from St. Louis named Ivy is planning to take over the freight
business in Dodge, with a gunfighter to help him do it!
Feud
Episode 110; 29 May 1954
An Ozark Mountains feud comes to the plains of Dodge City.
Repeated 25 December 1955 with the title "Twelfth Night."
Blacksmith
Episode 111; 5 June 1954
Emil, a good natured German blacksmith, is picked on by Gil Tallman, once too often!
The Cover Up
Episode 112; 12 June 1954
Barnaby Hoffer plans to kills Art Long, but both of them are found dead! It looks
like Sam Baxtin did it!
Going Bad
Episode 113; 19 June 1954
Young Dave Robbins meets up with a "hard case." He's Luke Quiller and sure enough,
murder follows upon murder!
Claustrophobia
Episode 114; 26 June 1954
Giles and Deaver are two bad guys, one of whom is killed by Obie Ridgers. Despite
his claustrophobia and preference for hanging, the judge sentences Obie to life in
prison!
Word of Honor
Episode 115; 3 July 1954
After treating a wounded man, Doc gives his word of honor not to reveal the
identities or hiding place of his criminal patients.
Repeats episode 038; 10 January 1953
Repeated 7 July 1957
Hack Prine
Episode 116; 5 July 1954
A professional gunman, who is an old friend of Marshal Dillon's, is hired by a
coward and an enemy of Dillon's to gun down the Marshal. Script
available here.
Repeated 28 April 1956.
Texas Cowboys
Episode 117; 12 July 1954
Marshal Dillon threatens to close down Front Street to a Texas trail gang, unless
they turn over a murderer to him. Sam Peoples is nominated to hang for the crime. Script
available here.
The Queue
Episode 118; 19 July 1954
An educated Chinaman named Chin Wong comes to Dodge to work as a cook. When two
bullies steal his pigtail, he threatens to kill them. Script
available here.
Matt for Murder
Episode 119; 26 July 1954
aka "How To Catch A Marshal." Red Samples accuses Marshal Dillon of murdering his
partner. Wild Bill Kickok is sent to arrest Dillon so he can stand trial. Script
available here.
No Indians
Episode 120; 2 August 1954
Matt commits cold blooded murder four times to kill off members of a gang who are
scalping settlers and blaming the Pawnees.
Joe Phy
Episode 121; 9 August 1954
"Marshal" Joe Phy is running the town of Elkader with an iron fist, until Matt
Dillon comes to town! Script
available here.
Mavis McCloud
Episode 122; 16 August 1954
Young and beautiful Mavis arrives in Dodge looking for a husband. Finding one in a
short time, her troubles are just beginning, and so are Marshal Dillon's! Script
available here.
Repeated 9 April 1959
Young Man with a Gun
Episode 123; 23 August 1954
Shortly after Marshal Dillon is forced to kill Sam Kertcher, young Peyt Kertcher
comes to Dodge, to kill Marshal Dillon! Script
available.
Obie Tater
Episode 124; 30 August 1954
Two tough guys rough up Obie Tater to force him to tell where his gold is hidden.
When that fails, Obie finds himself suddenly married. Script
available here.
Third season: 6 September 1954-27 August 1955
The Handcuffs
Episode 125; 6 September 1954
AKA "The Promise" although this title scratched out on script. Hank Springer has
been shot in the leg, but manages to strangle a deputy sheriff and avoid being taken
in for trial. Script
available here.
Dooley Surrenders
Episode 126; 13 September 1954
A buffalo skinner named Emmett Dooley confesses to Marshal Dillon that he's killed a
man, but Matt has a good reason for refusing to put him in jail. Script
available here.
The F.U.
Episode 127; 20 September 1954
It appears that Al Clovis has shot Onie Becker in the back, killing him. Clovis
leads Marshal Dillon and Chester out of town so the bank can be robbed. Script
available here.
Helping Hand
Episode 128; 27 September 1954
Steve Elser is just about to be lynched for cattle rustling, but is saved by Marshal
Dillon. Matt gives young Elser a chance, but this might be a mistake. Script
available here.
Matt Gets It
Episode 129; 2 October 1954
Dan Grat comes to Dodge on the lam from Amarillo. After shooting the sheriff of
Amarillo, he faces Marshal Dillon in a gunfight, and shoots him down!
Love of a Good Woman
Episode 130; 9 October 1954
Coney Thorn plans to kill Marshal Dillon. Coney is sick however, so first Abby
Twilling (a good friend of Doc's) has to nurse him back to health.
Kitty Caught
Episode 131; 16 October 1954
The Karp Brothers rob the bank in Dodge and take Kitty with them as a hostage.
Repeated 21 July 1957
Ma Tennis
Episode 132; 23 October 1954
After Andy Tennis kills an unarmed man and is arrested by Marshal Dillon, Ma Tennis
comes to town, with her shotgun!
The Patsy
Episode 133; 30 October 1954
Dave Thorpe has been shot in the back and killed. Holly Fanshaw says Fly Hoyt is the
killer, Mr. Hoyt has a different opinion.
Smoking Out of the Beedles
Episode 134; 6 November 1954
Jim Beedle and his wife refuse to leave their forty acres. They claim they bought it
from Pat Clay, but can't prove it.
Wrong Man
Episode 135; 13 November 1954
Sam Rickers claims a $1000 reward for the dead body of outlaw Bob Hulburt. However,
the body was not Bob Hulburt's, and it does have a bullet in the back!
8 May 1960 episode has same title, but a different script.
How to Kill A Woman
Episode 136; 20 November 1954
The stage is robbed and a passenger murdered in cold blood. Suspicion falls on Nate
Pilcher, a friend of Jesse Daggett.
Repeats episode 080; 31 October 1953
Cooter
Episode 137; 27 November 1954
Kitty mentions that she plans on staying at the Long Branch "for a while." Ben Sisle
uses a hired gun and then simple-minded Cooter Smith to be his bodyguard.
Cholera
Episode 138; 4 December 1954
An outbreak of cholera complicates a feud between two neighbors out on the prairie.
Bone Hunters
Episode 139; 11 December 1954
It appears as if Noley Meeker has murdered Bill Zant. The two buffalo bone hunters
had been trying to kill each other in Dodge, yet Marshal Dillon suspects something
is wrong.
Magnus
Episode 140; 18 December 1954
Magnus Proudfoot, Chester's "uncivilized" brother, has arrived in Dodge,
permanently!
Kitty Lost
Episode 141; 25 December 1954
Kitty has disappeared, and so has a dude named Jim Rachmil. They were both last seen
riding off for a moonlight buggy ride.
1955
The Bottle Man
Episode 142; 1 January 1955
An old drunk named Tom Cassidy is determined to kill a gambler named Bill Clell, for
a good reason. Script
available here.
Robin Hood
Episode 143; 8 January 1955
The stage has been robbed by a gentleman, in the manner of Robin Hood. Was it Teddy
Blue Fisher? Script
available here.
Chester's Murder
Episode 144; 15 January 1955
Charlie Pickard has been shot and killed while Chester was taking him to jail. All
the evidence points to Chester as the murderer! Script
available here.
Sins of the Father
Episode 145; 22 January 1955
Big Dan Daggett is a big mountain man. His Kiowa wife is the daughter of Chief
Yellow Horse and much hated in Dodge by some. Script
available here.
Young Love
Episode 146; 29 January 1955
Jesse Wheat is shot in cold blood by two drifters who plan to take over his cattle,
his wife, and his ranch. Script
available here.
Cheyennes
Episode 147; 5 February 1955
The Cheyenne have gotten repeating rifles and are leaving the reservation for the
warpath. A new army captain proves an added problem. Script
available here.
Chester's Hanging
Episode 148; 12 February 1955
Candow's partner is desperate to break him out of jail and even hires a professional
gunman to do the job. Script
available here.
Poor Pearl
Episode 149; 19 February 1955
Willy Calhoun comes to Dodge to claim his bride Pearl, with a rifle! Script
available here.
Crack-Up
Episode 150; 26 February 1955
Nate Springer, the gunman with nerves of ice, has come to Dodge to kill, but who?
And, what's wrong with his nerves? Script
available here.
Kite's Reward
Episode 151; 5 March 1955
A naturally fast gunfighter named Andy Travis is a very nice guy. He's come to Dodge
to start a new life, but so has Joe Kite! Script
available here.
The Trial
Episode 152; 12 March 1955
Judge Stokes has arrived in Dodge to dispense a most unusual brand of justice. A
killing and $10,000 from a robbery are at stake. Script
available here.
Repeated 22 March 1959
The Mistake
Episode 153; 19 March 1955
Faro dealer Earl Hanley has been killed. Suspect Sam Bostick says Doc is his alibi,
but Doc's out of town! Script
available here.
Horse Deal
Episode 154; 26 March 1955
Charlie Deesha's horses have been stolen, and the thief is selling them all over
Dodge! Script
available here.
Bloody Hands
Episode 155; 2 April 1955
Marshal Dillon gets sick of killing and resigns his job. Script
available here.
Repeated 14 July 1957
Skid Row
Episode 156; 9 April 1955
Ann Cabot comes to Dodge looking for Jack Schomer, who happens to be the town coward
and drunk. Script
available here.
The Gypsum Hills Feud
Episode 157; 16 April 1955
Marshal Dillon is almost shot when he gets involved in the feud between the Peavy's
and the Cades. Script
available here.
Born To Hang
Episode 158; 23 April 1955
Joe Digger is lynched by two ranchers, but he is cut down before he dies and swears
to kill the men who tried to kill him. Script
available here.
Repeated 9 October 1960
Reward for Matt
Episode 159; 30 April 1955
Mrs. Hornsby gets pretty mad when Marshal Dillon kills her husband. She offers a
$1000 reward for anyone who kills Dillon! Script
available here.
Potato Road
Episode 160; 7 May 1955
The Grelk family plan to kill Marshal Dillon and Chester who are locked in the
potato cellar. Script
available here.
Robber Bridegroom
Episode 161; 14 May 1955
Franklin Reeves' fiancee is kidnapped off a stagecoach. The robber returns and
surrenders for a strange reason. Script
available here.
The Liar from Blackhawk
Episode 162; 21 May 1955
Hank Shinn has Dodge buffaloed by his reputation as a gunman. Is he all talk? Script
available here.
Cow Doctor
Episode 163; 28 May 1955
Ben Pitcher, a man who hates doctors, sends for Doc Adams to tend his sick cow.
Tragedy follows. Script
available here.
Repeated 28 July 1957
Jealousy
Episode 164; 4 June 1955
A trouble-making Faro dealer named Lonnie Pike has his hand stabbed while dealing.
He threatens to make trouble for Marshal Dillon. Script
available here.
Trust
Episode 165; 11 June 1955
Marshal Dillon is forced to give a gun to his prisoner to help capture a stagecoach
robber. Script
available here.
The Reed Survives
Episode 166; 18 June 1955
Booth Rider is tricked into killing Ephraim Hunt, the bible-quoting husband of a
scheming woman. However, Lucy Hunt gets one more killing than she counted on! Script
available here.
Repeated 23 August 1959
The Army Trial
Episode 167; 25 June 1955
Jed Cook deserts from the Army to marry Della Masters. Script
available here.
General Parsley Smith
Episode 168; 2 July 1955
"General" Smith is warning Dodge about Drew Holt and his new bank. He accuses Holt
of being a thief, but General Smith is a liar!
Uncle Oliver
Episode 169; 9 July 1955
Oliver and Viney Stang decide to get Chester's job, and the easiest way to do that
is to shoot Chester, which is exactly what they do!
20/20
Episode 170; 16 July 1955
Troy Carver, a gunman who doesn't see very well, is determined to go ahead with a
gunfight.
Ben Tolliver's Stud
Episode 171; 23 July 1955
Ben Tolliver is accused of stealing a stud horse from Jake Creed, and Creed
threatens to kill him, or worse!
Repeated 2 June 1957
Tap Day for Kitty
Episode 172; 30 July 1955
Nip Culler, a crazy old man, proposes to Kitty and won't take "no" for an answer.
Innocent Broad
Episode 173; 8 August 1955
Linda Bell, a seventeen year old girl, comes to Dodge to meet her fiancé, but
finds trouble instead.
Johnny Red
Episode 174; 13 August 1955
Billy Krale returns to his old mother seventeen years after he ran away from home.
But he's not really Billy Krale!
Repeated 13 September 1959
Indian Scout
Episode 175; 20 August 1955
Amos Cartwright is a half breed Comanche hated by both his tribe and the whites, and
with good reason!
Doc Quits
Episode 176; 27 August 1955
Doc Betchell comes to practice medicine in Dodge and gives Doc Adams a bit of
competition. So much in fact, that Doc Adams quits!
Fourth season: 3 September 1955-
Change of Heart
Episode 177; 3 September 1955
AKA "A Family Affair." Jerry Cass plans to marry Bella Grant, a dance hall girl at
the Long Branch. His brother Brisco Cass plans to stop the wedding, with lead if
necessary.
Alarm at Pleasant Valley
Episode 178; 10 September 1955
A band of Kiowa Indians attacks the Clayburn family. Sam Fraser decides to give up
and leave the territory.
Thoroughbreds
Episode 179; 17 September 1955
Jack Portas comes to Dodge, with two beautiful horses and a pocketful of money with
which to buy friends.
Indian White
Episode 180; 24 September 1955
Dennis Cullen, raised as a white boy but really an Indian, leaves to join the
Cheyenne during an Indian uprising.
The Barton Boy
Episode 181; 1 October 1955
The baggage clerk aboard the train to Dodge is killed and $20,000 is stolen. Young
Billy Barton is also shot, but he can identify the killer's voice, and the killer
knows it! Script
available here.
Good Girl - Bad Company
Episode 182; 8 October 1955
After the Army payroll is robbed, Major Harris threatens to declare martial law in
Dodge! Jenny Lane, a good girl keeping bad company, becomes the key to the
crime.
Repeats episode 006, 31 May 1952 Script
available here.
The Coward
Episode 183; 9 October 1955
An unknown coward in Dodge is out to kill Marshal Dillon. Script
available here.
Repeated 4 January 1959
Trouble in Kansas
Episode 184; 16 October 1955
Jim Hoyt and his boss Jack Raven are Texans driving a herd to Dodge. En route,
they're attacked by Jayhawkers, so Raven plans to kill him a few Kansans! Script
available here.
Brush at Elkader
Episode 185; 23 October 1955
Ben Williams is murdered by Lou Shippen. Matt has to travel to the very tough town
of Elkader to bring him back, not an easy job! Script
available here.
Repeated 16 November 1958
The Choice
Episode 186; 30 October 1955
Andy Hill, an outlaw trying to go straight, gets a job riding shotgun on the stage.
Script
available here.
Repeated 28 December 1958
The Second Choice
Episode 187; 6 November 1955
Andy Hill, a reformed gunfighter, must return to Oklahoma Territory to stand trial
for murder. Script
available here.
The Preacher
Episode 188; 13 November 1955
Seth Tandy, a preacher who's lost his faith, is beaten to a pulp by Sam Keeler.
Keeler's the biggest, meanest, red-head ever seen in Dodge! Script
available here.
Dutch George
Episode 189; 20 November 1955
Dutch George, the biggest horse thief in the West, returns to Dodge. He seems to be
up to his old tricks! Script
available here.
Amy's Good Deal
Episode 190; 27 November 1955
Amy Slater comes to Dodge, determined to make Marshal Dillon kill her! Script
available here.
Sunny Afternoon
Episode 191; 4 December 1955
It has been a cold winter in Dodge, and only the town miser has enough hay for the
cattle. Script
available here.
Land Deal
Episode 192; 11 December 1955
Trumbull is selling land that does not belong to him, and stealing a wife on the
side!
Scared Kid
Episode 193; 18 December 1955
A nice young man named Gil Varden kills Henry Gant after an argument in the Long
Branch, and leaves town in a hurry. Script
available here.
Twelfth Night
Episode 194; 25 December 1955
Eban Hakes has walked all the way from the Ozarks, just to kill Joff Monger. A
family feud going on for years is about to break out in Dodge, but never on Sunday!
Script
available here.
Repeats "Feud" episode 110; 29 May 1954 with new title
Repeated 28 December 1957
1956
Pucket's New Year
Episode 195; 1 January 1956
Jed Larner has left Ira Pucket out on the prairie, where his foot becomes badly
frozen and is cut off by Doc. Feeling that he is less than a man, Pucket decides to
rob a bank!
Repeated 5 January 1958, 27 December 1959
Doc's Revenge
Episode 196; 8 January 1956
Clem Maddow is found shot in the back shortly after his life was threatened by Doc
Adams.
How To Cure A Friend
Episode 197; 15 January 1956
Marshal Dillon's old friend Nick Search comes to Dodge to start a gambling game.
Dillon's heard that he's a crooked dealer, and a very fast gunman.
Romeo
Episode 198; 22 January 1956
Andy Bowers and Judy Worth plan to elope despite the hatred of their fathers.
Bureaucrat
Episode 199; 29 January 1956
Rex Proctor, a government inspector, comes to Dodge to enforce a strict set of rules
on the town.
Legal Revenge
Episode 200; 5 February 1956
Marshal Dillon and Chester visit a dying man and his strange wife in a cabin out on
the prairie. There's an unusual secret between the man and his wife.
Kitty's Outlaw
Episode 201; 12 February 1956
Cole Yankton comes to Dodge, and he's obviously up to no good. Two days later, the
bank is held up, and Miss Kitty seems to be in on the job!
The New Hotel
Episode 202; 19 February 1956
A new hotel is being built by Enoch Mills, which does not please Jim Dobie, owner of
The Dodge House.
Who Lives by the Sword
Episode 203; 26 February 1956
Marshal Dillon beats up Joe Delk, a professional gunfighter. Delk loses his courage
shortly thereafter.
The Hunter
Episode 204; 4 March 1956
Marshal Dillon battles Jase Murdock, an insane buffalo hunter.
Bringing Down Father
Episode 205; 11 March 1956
When Harley Burke is arrested for murder, young Andy Gillan takes over as trail boss
of his father's herd. Marshal Dillon suspects the obvious killer may not be the
guilty one.
The Man Who Would Be Marshal
Episode 206; 18 March 1956
M. Emmett Egan comes to Dodge to become Marshal, and is willing to pay Matt Dillon
$50,000 for the job!
Hanging Man
Episode 207; 25 March 1956
Sawyer the store keeper is found hanging in his shop. Mel Tucker is found spending
money shortly thereafter.
How To Sell A Ranch
Episode 208; 1 April 1956
Why is Wayne Rudman willing to pay $15,000 for old Tupp Quaver's ranch, which is
hardly worth $10,000?
Widow's Mite
Episode 209; 8 April 1956
A widow is not telling where her outlaw husband hid the loot from his last job. Then
however, she suddenly remarries.
The Executioner
Episode 210; 15 April 1956
Tom Clegg, a fast gunman, provokes and kills Abe Curry. Abe's brother Morgan plans
revenge.
Background
26 June 1952-18 June 1961
Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)
With 480 performances from 413 scripts, 1952-1961, Gunsmoke is one of the longest
running OTR dramas, and arguably, radio's last great dramatic series.
Around Dodge City and in the territory out west there's just one way to handle the killers,
the spoilers and that's with the U.S. Marshal and the smell of Gunsmoke.
Dodge City, Kansas, during the 1870s was called the "Queen of the Cow Towns," the "Wicked Little
City," the "Gomorrah of the Plains." It had a reputation as a hostile, lawless town where the
"fastest gun" ruled during the settlement of the American West. Cowboys herding cattle up from
Texas, drifters, criminals, psychopaths—the mix was volatile. US Deputy Marshal Wyatt Earp
(1848-1929), Sheriff Bat Masterson (1856-1921), Sheriff Bill Tilghman (1854-1924), and Sheriff
Charlie Bassett (c. 1847-1869), all real lawmen, worked without reservation to keep Dodge City
under control until civilization could take hold.
Marshal Matt Dillon (played by William Conrad, already known for narrating Escape) is modeled after these lawmen. He is a
loner, isolated, hard as worn leather saddle. There are only two ways he can go: be an outlaw,
or be a Marshal and rid the territory of the mad-dog characters drifting through, spreading
misery and death in their wakes. He is scared that everyday could be his last.
Gunsmoke, the radio series, was developed by Harry Ackerman. A pilot episode was
written and recorded in two versions, both in 1949. The first, a hardboiled version, starred
Michael Rye (credited as Rye Billsbury) as Marshal "Mark" Dillon. The second, a lighter version,
starred Howard Culver as "Mark" Dillon. The role went to Culver, but he was unavailable because
of his contract as the star of Straight Arrow. The project was shelved until 1952
when it was revived by producer Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. They had worked
together on Escape and wanted to create a
Western series. The series drew praise for its realism right from the start.
The recurring cast included . . .
Marshal Matt Dillon (William Conrad)
Deputy Chester Wesley Proudfoot (Parley Baer)
Kitty Russell (Georgia Ellis)
Charles "Doc" Adams (Howard McNear)
There were western-themed radio dramas before Gunsmoke. They were made for
juveniles. Gunsmoke, as conceptualized by Macdonnell and Meston, was made for
adults. Episodes dealt with the hard realities of life in Dodge City and the Kansas frontier
from 1872-1885. They overturn Western fiction stereotypes, are mature, brutal, and explicit,
with violent crimes and deaths, massacres, scalpings, racism, and opium addiction. Criminals are
not always caught. Episodes often end unhappily. And women are treated poorly. For example, Miss
Kitty Russell runs the Texas Trails Saloon and is looked down upon by many Dodge City citizens.
Other women are treated as chattel. Gunsmoke explored these issues well ahead of
other media. Writer Katherine Hite was one of the first women writers to work regularly on a
western. The writing and storytelling are superb, as is the music (theme "Old Trails," aka
"Boothill," composed and conducted by Rex Koury), the acting, and especially the sound effects.
The soundscapes are subtle, and realistic. The gun shot in the opening sequence is a legendary
industry standard.