Brush at Elkader: A Town’s Silence, A Marshal’s Trap

Originally Aired: October 23, 1955

In Gunsmoke #185, “Brush at Elkader,” Marshal Matt Dillon investigates the cold-blooded murder of a quiet rancher named Ben Williams, gunned down in the streets of Dodge City. The only clue: the name of a remote town—Elkader. Riding north with Chester, Dillon finds a town gripped by fear and silence, where every door is closed and every word cautious. As suspicion narrows on a wanted man named Lou Shippen, Dillon devises a dangerous bluff to expose the killer hiding in plain sight. A tense, slow-burn western thriller that pits courage against control in a forgotten outpost.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear

Tags:

Western, marshal, Gunsmoke, classicradio, 1950sradio, LouShippen, Elkader, frontierjustice, WilliamConrad, oldtimeradio, classicdrama, suspense, vintagewesterns, MattDillon, radiotheater, radiohistory

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.