Change of Heart: A Brother’s Scheme and a Woman’s Redemption

Originally Aired: September 3, 1955

Change of Heart: A Brother’s Scheme and a Woman’s Redemption
When Jerry Cass falls for a charming saloon girl named Bella, his estranged brother Briscoe returns to Dodge with an agenda of his own. Briscoe’s hostility toward the match seems like simple disapproval—until Marshal Dillon uncovers the truth: a hidden clause in their father’s will that could strip Jerry of his inheritance if he leaves the ranch. Caught in a tangled web of manipulation, Bella ultimately turns against Briscoe, but not before he pulls a gun. In a tragic final moment, Bella saves Jerry’s life—at the cost of her own.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke Change of Heart episode,” “Jerry and Briscoe Cass feud,” “Bella Grant saloon girl,” “Matt Dillon inheritance plot,” “1955 Gunsmoke western drama,” “frontier love and betrayal,” “will and land ownership twist,” “Briscoe Cass villain”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Howard McNear (Doc), Sam Edwards (Jerry Cass), Virginia Christine (Bella Grant), Vic Perrin (Briscoe Cass), Joe Duval

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.