Cain: A Riverboat Past and a Reckoning in Dodge

In Gunsmoke #042, “Cain,” a quiet musician named Cain Vestal arrives in Dodge on his way to Arizona to die—but when he sees a face from the past, his plans change. Years of sorrow and betrayal boil to the surface as Cain prepares to settle an old score with powerful landowner Joel Adams, a man who once destroyed the life of the woman Cain loved. Despite Marshal Dillon’s warnings and a town that seems indifferent to old sins, Cain pursues a path of vengeance. A haunting tale of love, loss, and the unshakable weight of memory, culminating in a confrontation where justice walks a fine line.

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.