Brush at Elkader

Originally Aired: November 16, 1958

Gunsmoke #345, "Brush at Elkader," begins with the cold-blooded murder of Ben Williams on the streets of Dodge City. When Marshal Matt Dillon returns to town at midnight, he finds Doc Adams and Chester crouched over the dying man, who manages to whisper only one clue: Elkader. The killer is identified as Lou Shippen, a wanted man from Wichita, who called Williams out of the Long Branch Saloon and shot him twice without warning before riding off into the darkness. Kitty Russell witnessed the murder but couldn't provide a description in the dim light.

Dillon and Chester ride a hundred miles north to the remote town of Elkader, where they encounter a wall of fear and hostility. From the stable owner to the hotel clerk to the telegraph operator, every citizen refuses to help the lawmen, clearly terrified of Lou Shippen. Unable to get a description telegraphed from Wichita and surrounded by suspicious townspeople who might be sheltering the killer, Matt realizes Shippen has the entire town under his thumb. With danger lurking around every corner and no way to identify his quarry, Dillon must find a way to smoke out the murderer before Shippen strikes again.

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.