Cooter

Originally Aired: April 16, 1961

Gunsmoke #471, "Cooter," Matt Dillon returns to Dodge City to find that a cowboy has been killed by a gunman named Pate, who claims self-defense. However, Kitty reveals the truth: the cowboy was drawing on Ben Sissel, a crooked gambler new to Dodge, when Pate shot him down. Pate is Sissel's hired gun, protecting the cardsharp when angry victims catch him cheating. Dillon confronts both men at Pate's hotel room, forcing the gunman to strap on his weapon. When Pate realizes the marshal is calling him out, he backs down and leaves town rather than face Dillon in a gunfight. With his protection gone, Sissel appears to reform, dealing cards honestly for a week while the whole town watches him closely.

Just when things seem settled, Chester spots something strange on the street: Cooter Smith, a harmless simpleton who's never carried a weapon, is now wearing a six-gun. Dillon sends Chester to bring Cooter in for questioning, sensing that trouble is brewing again in Dodge.

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.