Chester's Choice

Originally Aired: July 6, 1958

In Gunsmoke #326, "Chester's Choice," Chester stumbles into a deadly dilemma while fishing outside Dodge City. Dozing in the brush, he overhears three outlaws planning to rob the bank at three o'clock that afternoon. When the gang discovers him, their ruthless leader Milt gives Chester an impossible ultimatum: get Marshal Matt Dillon out of town during the robbery, or watch Doc Adams and Kitty Russell die. Threatened with the blood of his friends on his hands, Chester reluctantly agrees to the outlaws' demands.

Back in Dodge, Chester desperately tries to lure Matt out of town without revealing the truth. He awkwardly attempts to convince Kitty to go riding with the marshal, then tries persuading Doc Adams to take Matt on a medical call to the country. When both efforts fail, Chester makes increasingly frantic attempts to get Matt interested in a fishing trip to Reed Creek. As the clock ticks toward three o'clock, Chester must decide between his loyalty to the marshal and the safety of the people he cares about most, knowing that any choice he makes could have fatal consequences.

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.