Dirty Bill’s Girl: A Dealer’s Revenge and a Shotgun Showdown

Originally Aired: October 28, 1956

In Gunsmoke #238, “Dirty Bill’s Girl,” a new face in Dodge turns more than a few heads. Rose, a striking blackjack dealer, runs a table so hot it draws in both gamblers and trouble. When Marshal Dillon starts watching her play, he finds she’s not just a cardsharp—she’s a woman with a mission. Rose has been tracking one man across the frontier for four years, and now she’s found him: Elko Dean, the gunman who killed her father, the notorious gambler “Dirty Bill” Prawley. With a sawed-off shotgun hidden beneath the table, she means to settle the score. But when Matt steps between vengeance and justice, the final hand is played at point-blank range—and it’s the Marshal who has to cheat to save three lives.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Virginia Christine, Vic Perron, John Daner

Tags:
western, frontier, DodgeCity, vengeance, gambling, justice, revenge, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, HowardMcNear, GeorgiaEllis, VirginiaChristine, VicPerron, JohnDaner, oldtimeradio, classicradio, 1950sradio, radioDrama, lawandorder, cardsharp, DirtyBill, femmevengeance

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.