False Witness

Originally Aired: September 14, 1958

Gunsmoke #336, "False Witness," finds Marshal Matt Dillon in a difficult position as he prepares to transport young Tom Moray to Hayes City for his hanging. The convicted killer has been desperately ill with fever while in Dodge City's jail, and Doc Adams has only just pronounced him well enough to travel. Tom maintains his innocence, insisting he wasn't even present at the murder scene, but the key witness against him, a weasel-like man named Romy Hawkins, swore in court that he saw Tom pull the trigger. Matt finds himself troubled by the case, particularly by Hawkins, who keeps appearing to check on the prisoner and remind everyone of his important role as a witness. The situation becomes more suspicious when Doc suddenly remembers seeing Hawkins before, testifying as a witness in another murder trial a year earlier in Meade.

As Matt reluctantly carries out his duty to deliver the condemned young man to the gallows, doubts begin to surface about the testimony that sealed Tom's fate. With Hawkins proving increasingly eager to see justice carried out quickly, the question emerges whether this "important witness" might have more sinister motives than civic responsibility.

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.