Chester's Inheritance

Originally Aired: April 2, 1961

Gunsmoke #469, "Chester's Inheritance," finds Chester in a panic when he receives a letter from lawyers in Waco, Texas. Too frightened to open it himself, convinced he's about to be arrested over an old four-dollar debt, Chester has Matt read it for him. The letter brings unexpected news: Chester has inherited $368.63 from his late cousin Clarence Webley Proudfoot. While Chester waits anxiously for the cashier's check to arrive, Matt deals with a more serious matter involving Ed Grimes, a struggling farmer facing eviction, and his former friend Bert Donald, a prosperous cattle broker who refuses to extend the loan payment deadline.

Once Chester's inheritance finally arrives, his worries are replaced by grand dreams of building a white house with a red barn, buying an all-black suit and horse, and playing high-stakes poker. As word spreads through Dodge City about Chester's sudden wealth, townsfolk begin approaching him with various investment schemes and business proposals. Matt tries to steer his impulsive deputy toward the bank before the money burns a hole in his pocket, while Chester struggles to manage his newfound fortune and the attention it brings.

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.