Chicken Smith: Jealousy, Floods, and a Shotgun’s Justice

Originally Aired: March 31, 1957

In Gunsmoke #260, “Chicken Smith,” a quiet, unassuming hen farmer becomes the unlikely center of a deadly love triangle. When Chicken Smith's young, restless wife Ellie begins sneaking into town for secret meetings with the menacing saloon owner Pragg Looner, tensions boil over. A brutal street fight and rising suspicions set the stage for a midnight confrontation in the midst of a torrential flood. But in Dodge City, justice doesn’t always wait for the law. With cold calculation, Chicken takes up the same shotgun he uses to fend off hawks—and brings his own brand of frontier justice. A grim tale of dignity, betrayal, and the raw edges of frontier manhood.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis

Tags:
Western, frontierjustice, betrayal, suspense, storm, shotgun, jealousy, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, classicradio, 1950sradio, crime, vigilante, oldtimeradio, drama, noirwestern, Chickensmith, PraggLooner, flood

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.