20-20: The Last Shot He Could See

Originally Aired: July 16, 1955

20-20: The Last Shot He Could See
When Troy Carver, an aging Arizona gunfighter and old friend of Marshal Matt Dillon, rides into Dodge chasing a wanted killer, Matt quickly notices something’s wrong—Troy’s vision is failing, and he refuses to admit it. Determined to take outlaw Lee Poland alone, Troy’s pride blinds him more than his failing eyesight ever could. But Matt can’t sit by while his friend walks into a sure death. In a final showdown, Matt breaks his promise and intervenes—saving Troy’s life and forcing him to confront a truth he’s long denied: a gunfighter who can’t see is already finished.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke 20-20 episode,” “Troy Carver gunfighter blindness,” “Lee Poland outlaw showdown,” “Matt Dillon breaks promise,” “John Meston western radio drama,” “July 1955 Gunsmoke episode,” “Marshal Dillon friendship story”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Vic Perrin (Troy Carver), Joseph Cranston (Lee Poland), James Nusser, and others.

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.