Howard McNear

In this cunning and character-rich episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon investigates a seemingly simple case of mistaken identity that unravels into a far-reaching horse theft scheme. When rancher Emmett Bowers is accused of stealing a horse, tempers flare in Dodge City. The accuser, Charlie Disher, claims the horse is one of 17 stolen from his ranch on the Canadian River—and he’s got the brand registration to prove it. The investigation reveals that Bowers unknowingly purchased several of Disher’s horses from a drifter named Vic Lowry, who has vanished without a trace. As more townspeople realize they’ve been swindled, a posse threatens to take justice into their own hands. But Matt, determined to avoid a lynching, asks for one week to resolve the case his own way. With Chester keeping Disher distracted and Matt patiently waiting for the final horses to surface, a trap is laid. When a new buyer brings the last two stolen horses into Dodge, Matt sets a clever ruse in motion—leading him and Chester to a remote cabin, where the truth behind the horse theft is revealed in a violent and tragic confrontation. Horse Deal is a tale of deception, patience, and poetic justice on the frontier, showcasing Matt Dillon’s moral authority and strategic thinking in the face of rising mob justice. Keywords: "Gunsmoke Horse Deal episode," "March 1955 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon horse theft investigation," "Vic Lowry scam story," "Charlie Disher ranch horses," "Western mob justice conflict," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts," "classic Dodge City radio drama."

In this riveting episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon watches as the frontier legal system is twisted into a weapon of injustice. When Homer Tisdale, a starving homesteader, is accused of stealing a handful of potatoes, Matt refuses to jail him. But days later, Homer is charged with a far worse crime—robbing the stage office and murdering Charlie Reynolds. Despite his protests of innocence, Homer is swiftly put on trial before the newly arrived Judge Stokes, a man whose interest in whiskey far outweighs his interest in the law. With two supposed eyewitnesses—storekeeper Van Walcott and stage agent Jay Buford—testifying against him, the outcome seems inevitable. But the true injustice unfolds when Homer’s court-appointed lawyer refuses to mount any defense at all. As Matt investigates, he realizes that the real criminals are the very men accusing Homer. Walcott, Buford, and Judge Stokes are all part of a conspiracy to steal $10,000 from the stage office—and pin the crime on a man too poor and powerless to fight back. In a dramatic climax, Matt corners the conspirators, exposing their plot and arresting the corrupt judge in a rare act of frontier justice. This episode is a gripping examination of power, corruption, and the resilience of one man standing against a broken system. Keywords: "Gunsmoke The Trial episode," "March 1955 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon vs corrupt Judge Stokes," "Homer Tisdale framed for murder," "Dodge City stage office robbery," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts," "classic Western radio drama."

"Kite's Reward" is a poignant exploration of the challenges faced by those trying to escape their violent pasts in the American West. The story centers on Andy Travis, a skilled young gunman who reluctantly kills a man in self-defense at the Long Branch Saloon. Recognizing Andy's exceptional skill with a gun, Marshal Matt Dillon offers him a stark choice: continue down the path of a gunfighter and face a life of constant challenges and bloodshed, or hang up his gun and build a peaceful life. Andy chooses the latter, taking a job at Moss Grimmick's stable and quickly becoming a valued member of the Dodge City community. His attempt at redemption is cut short when bounty hunter Joe Kite arrives, revealing Andy's past connection to the Fisher gang and the $1,000 reward on his head. In a tragic twist, when confronted by Kite, Andy instinctively reaches for the gun he no longer carries, giving Kite the opening to shoot him. As Andy lies dying, he confesses to Matt that he had genuinely left the outlaw life behind, hoping for a fresh start. The episode concludes with a morally complex resolution as Marshal Dillon, feeling responsible for Andy's death, takes a form of justice into his own hands. He denies Kite his bounty by telegraphing Laramie that he himself killed Andy, effectively preventing the bounty hunter from profiting from Andy's death. This powerfully bittersweet ending exemplifies Gunsmoke's reputation for adult-oriented storytelling that refused easy moral resolutions, instead reflecting the harsh realities and difficult choices of frontier life.

In this tragic episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself entangled in a deadly love triangle that ends in murder. Willie Calhoun, a lonely homesteader, arrives in Dodge City determined to marry Pearl Bender, a saloon girl he believes returns his affections. But Pearl has long been involved with the volatile and controlling Web Thorne, a gambler who has no intention of letting her go. Calhoun, armed and stubborn, refuses to accept reality, threatening anyone who might stand in his way. Matt steps in to prevent bloodshed, forcing Pearl to choose once and for all. To Calhoun’s devastation, Pearl refuses his proposal, leaving him heartbroken and humiliated. Days later, Matt is awakened by news of a shooting—Pearl has been gunned down in her own home. With her dying breath, she names her killer: Willie Calhoun. Fueled by grief and rage, Matt and Chester track Calhoun to his homestead, where the truth is finally revealed—Calhoun had meant to kill Web Thorne, not Pearl. In a cruel twist of fate, his blind devotion to Pearl led to her death by his own hand. This haunting episode explores themes of obsession, jealousy, and the irreversible consequences of a man unable to let go of love. Keywords: "Gunsmoke Poor Pearl episode," "February 1955 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon Willie Calhoun tragedy," "Pearl Bender and Web Thorne," "Western love triangle gone wrong," "Dodge City murder mystery," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts."

In this action-packed episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon encounters Willard Bann, Dodge City’s newly appointed constable—a man more suited for peace talks than facing the town’s wild cowboys. Willard, described as humble and soft-spoken, struggles to keep order as tensions escalate between the trail-hardened drag-R cowboys and the townspeople. Amid the chaos, Matt finds himself challenged by the town’s businessmen, who demand a softer approach to law enforcement. Refusing to compromise on justice, Matt steps back, allowing the citizens to witness the havoc that lawlessness can bring. As the night unfolds, Dodge descends into mayhem with gunfights and casualties, leaving Matt no choice but to intervene. The episode highlights the fragility of law and order in the Old West and the stark contrast between Willard’s well-meaning but ineffective methods and Matt Dillon’s firm hand in restoring peace. Featuring standout performances and sharp writing, “The Constable” explores themes of leadership, morality, and the true cost of keeping the peace in a turbulent frontier town. SEO Keywords: Gunsmoke Constable episode, Dodge City Western drama, Willard Bann character, drag-R cowboys, Matt Dillon law enforcement, Gunsmoke May 8 1954, Old West justice Gunsmoke, classic radio Western Gunsmoke, Norman Macdonnell production. Experience this gripping tale where Dodge City learns that the rule of law is not optional, but essential for survival in the untamed West.

In this poignant episode of Gunsmoke, Matt Dillon’s past collides with his present as a stagecoach brings an unexpected arrival to Dodge—Cara, a woman from Matt’s days in Arizona. As Cara settles into her new life, her charm and mystery capture attention, but questions arise about her true motives. Sheriff Benton from Wichita stops by Dodge with news of Jack Tolliver, a notorious bank robber heading south. A key detail about Tolliver’s gang sends Matt’s suspicions towards Cara, especially as her actions seem to align with the gang’s modus operandi. As Matt grapples with conflicting emotions and his duty as a marshal, tensions rise, leading to a showdown with Tolliver and his gang. Featuring an intricate tale of betrayal, redemption, and justice, this episode blends emotional depth with the action-packed drama that Gunsmoke fans love. SEO Keywords: Gunsmoke Cara episode, May 1 1954 Gunsmoke, Gunsmoke bank robbery story, Matt Dillon Cara relationship, classic western radio drama

In this intriguing episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon receives a dire warning from Wilbur Hawkins, a nervous whiskey drummer who overhears a plan to assassinate him. When Hawkins reveals that he heard two men discussing a $300 bounty on the Marshal’s life, it sets off a chain of tense events in Dodge City. As Matt and Chester grapple with the authenticity of Hawkins’ story, a shadowy figure in Dodge proves the threat is very real. With a potential killer lurking in the town, Matt devises a plan to fake his death and draw the assassin out of hiding. The scheme takes a dangerous turn when a drunken braggart claims credit for the ambush, leading to a game of cat and mouse as the true mastermind remains at large. Featuring sharp dialogue, intense suspense, and a clever twist, this episode highlights the constant dangers faced by Marshal Dillon as he upholds the law in the rugged West. With its vivid atmosphere and memorable characters, including the eccentric Wilbur Hawkins, What the Whisky Drummer Heard delivers a gripping tale of deception and courage. SEO Keywords: Gunsmoke What the Whisky Drummer Heard, Gunsmoke April 17 1954 episode, Gunsmoke William Conrad Matt Dillon, Western radio drama Gunsmoke, Dodge City ambush plot, Old-time radio Western thriller, Gunsmoke classic episodes Tune in to discover if Matt can outsmart his would-be killer and restore order to Dodge City in What the Whisky Drummer Heard.

"Jaliscoe" - Gunsmoke Radio Episode (May 10, 1952) Essential Western Radio Drama: Tension on the Frontier In "Jaliscoe," the third episode of CBS's groundbreaking radio Western Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon (William Conrad) confronts rising tensions between cattle ranchers and homesteaders after a settler family is brutally murdered. When evidence points to Jaliscoe Pete and his outlaw companions disguising their crime as an Indian attack, Dillon must solve the case before it ignites a bloody range war and provokes military action against innocent Kiowa tribespeople. Historical Significance & Fun Facts This episode marks the first appearance of Georgia Ellis as the character "Miss Kitty," who would become a cornerstone of the series. Ellis had appeared in the premiere episode, but as a completely different character named Francie Richards. "Jaliscoe" was written by Les Crutchfield, who would go on to become the second most prolific writer for Gunsmoke (radio and TV combined), with 138 scripts to his credit. The episode aired just two weeks after the series premiere and helped establish Gunsmoke's reputation for tackling adult themes and complex frontier conflicts. The character dynamics between Marshal Dillon and Kitty begin to develop in this episode, establishing one of radio and television's most famous relationships. Gunsmoke was deliberately created as an "adult Western" to counter more juvenile fare like The Lone Ranger, and this episode exemplifies that approach with its nuanced portrayal of racial tensions and land disputes. William Conrad's commanding performance as Matt Dillon in this episode helped cement his reputation as the definitive radio voice of the character, though he would later be replaced by James Arness when the series moved to television. The sound design and effects in "Jaliscoe" demonstrate the show's commitment to creating an immersive prairie setting that was revolutionary for radio drama of the era.

Originally Aired: April 26, 1952 Billy the Kid: A Marshal’s First Case: In the very first episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon faces off against the notorious Clay Richards, a wanted man accused of murder and attempted bank robbery. When Clay’s lifeless body is discovered near the river, the townsfolk of Dodge City quickly assume justice has been served. But Matt isn’t convinced—the evidence doesn’t add up, and the mysterious disappearance of Clay’s gun raises more questions than answers. As Matt digs deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit, with suspects ranging from Clay’s closest friends to those who stood to gain from his death. But when a runaway boy from Cottonwood turns up with Clay’s missing gun, Matt realizes the case is far from over. In a dramatic showdown, Matt must prevent a lynch mob from taking justice into their own hands while navigating the moral complexities of frontier law. This inaugural episode introduces audiences to the gritty realism and moral ambiguity that would define Gunsmoke, setting the stage for countless tales of law and order in the Wild West. Keywords: "Gunsmoke Billy the Kid episode," "April 1952 Gunsmoke radio debut," "Matt Dillon first case Dodge City," "Clay Richards murder mystery," "Dodge City bank robbery drama," "classic Western radio series," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts." Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Don Diamond, Harry Bartell, Richard Beals, Paul Dubov, Mary Lansing.