Chester’s Hanging: A Deadly Ultimatum:

In one of the most harrowing episodes of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon faces a race against time when Chester Proudfoot is taken hostage by a pair of ruthless killers. After arresting Jim Kando, a wanted murderer, Matt believes the case is closed—until he discovers that Kando’s partner, Lee Binders, is still at large and willing to do anything to break him out of jail.

When Binders and a hired gunman, Jack Haney, ambush Chester inside the jail, Matt is forced into a brutal standoff. The outlaws demand Kando’s release, but Matt refuses, knowing it would spell disaster for Dodge City. As tensions reach a boiling point, the killers resort to a terrifying strategy—stringing Chester up with a noose, threatening to hang him unless Matt hands over the cell key.

With Chester’s life hanging in the balance, Matt refuses to back down, relying on quick thinking and the element of surprise to turn the tables. In a final, heart-stopping moment, the tide shifts as Matt and his men overpower the outlaws, saving Chester from the gallows just in time. Kando, now desperate, turns on Binders, ensuring they both face justice.

This gripping episode showcases Matt Dillon’s unwavering resolve, Chester’s quiet bravery, and the deadly consequences of frontier justice.

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Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Paul Dubov, Clayton Post, James Nusser, Joe Cranston.

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.