Crowbait Bob: The Final Confession of a Forgotten Hero

Originally Aired: November 10, 1956

In Gunsmoke #239, “Crowbait Bob,” Dodge City’s Marshal Matt Dillon receives a strange request from a dying drunk—make a will and protect a mysterious box until after his death. As the ailing Crowbait Bob drifts toward his final breath in a jail cell, the motives of estranged relatives and the quiet compassion of saloon owner Kitty Russell converge around his last possessions. What’s in the box isn’t gold or silver, but something far more revealing: the story of a forgotten war hero and a life steeped in sorrow, regret, and quiet dignity. A poignant tale of legacy, memory, and unseen kindness.

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

Tags:
Western, drama, legacy, emotional, redemption, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, CrowbaitBob, oldtimeradio, mystery, dignity, U.S.Marshal, familydrama, confederatecurrency, vintageamerica, 1950sradio, classicwestern, podcasthistory

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.