Cheyennes: A Dangerous Trade

Marshal Matt Dillon stumbles upon the gruesome remains of a homestead massacre north of Dodge, the work of a well-armed Cheyenne war party. But when Matt and Chester investigate further, they discover a chilling truth—these Cheyennes weren’t just armed with traditional bows and arrows; they carried Spencer repeating rifles. Someone has been selling weapons to the tribes, fueling unrest and setting the stage for a violent uprising.

As Matt and Chester follow the trail of the gunrunners, they cross paths with a newly stationed cavalry unit, led by the overly cautious Captain Nichols. Misunderstanding Matt’s presence at the scene, Nichols arrests him and Chester, believing they might be connected to the illicit weapons trade. But once Major Honeyman intervenes, Matt is released and given permission to investigate deeper.

Risking his life, Matt ventures into a Cheyenne reservation to speak with Chief Long Robe, an old friend. Long Robe confirms that a rogue band of Cheyennes, led by a young warrior named Stone Eagle, has been receiving shipments of rifles at a secret meeting point near Rock Mound. With a war on the horizon, Matt and Chester must track the gunrunners before the weapons fall into more hands.

In a high-stakes ambush, Matt and Chester intercept the criminals at a hidden cabin just as a wagonload of rifles arrives. A gunfight erupts, leaving the gunrunners dead—but with Cheyenne scouts already watching, Matt knows it’s only a matter of time before the rest of the war party arrives. Just when all seems lost, Captain Nichols and his cavalry troop appear, scattering the warriors before they can retrieve the weapons.

With Stone Eagle out of ammunition, the threat of an all-out war is narrowly avoided, but Matt is left reflecting on the fragile peace in the West, where one bad deal can mean the difference between survival and destruction.

Keywords: "Gunsmoke Cheyennes episode," "February 1955 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon and Chief Long Robe," "Stone Eagle Cheyenne uprising," "gunrunners selling rifles to Indians," "Dodge City cavalry conflict," "classic Western radio series."

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, Ralph Moody, Florence Dobkin, Barney Phillips, Vic Perrin.

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.