Doc's Showdown

Originally Aired: October 12, 1958

Gunsmoke #340, "Doc's Showdown," begins with tragedy when young Lemmy Woods is brought home to his mother Sarah, shot in the back and tied to his horse like a butchered animal. Doc Adams arrives to treat the mortally wounded boy, learning from Sarah that Lemmy had decided to quit riding with some dangerous companions that very morning. Despite Doc's efforts, Lemmy dies before he can reveal who shot him, leaving Sarah grief-stricken and Doc determined to see justice done. When Matt Dillon cautions Doc to stay out of the investigation, the stubborn physician hatches a dangerous plan of his own.

Doc begins spreading word around Dodge City that Lemmy talked before dying and revealed his killer's identity. Despite warnings from both Matt and Kitty that he's making himself a target, Doc persists in his reckless scheme to flush out the murderer. When a young boy arrives to fetch Doc to the Woods place, claiming Sarah is sick, the trap appears to be set. Doc heads out alone, knowing full well he may be riding into an ambush, while back in town Chester worries about the doctor's uncharacteristic and perilous behavior.

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.