General Parsley Smith: The Lies That Saved a Town

Episode Title: General Parsley Smith: The Lies That Saved a Town
Originally Aired: July 2, 1955

General Parsley Smith: The Lies That Saved a Town
An eccentric Civil War “general” arrives in Dodge, loudly accusing the town’s new banker of being a crook. Though dismissed as a harmless liar, Parsley Smith’s warnings grow louder—and more disruptive. Marshal Dillon tries to keep the peace, but suspicions mount as the banker’s shady associates come to light. When the general takes justice into his own hands and exposes a plot to rob the town blind, his lies reveal an unexpected truth—and end in a final, tragic twist.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke General Parsley Smith,” “Drew Holt Gunsmoke bank plot,” “July 1955 Gunsmoke radio,” “John Meston Gunsmoke script,” “Marshal Matt Dillon classic western,” “Chester Proudfoot and Doc Adams,” “old general western radio drama”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Vic Perrin (General Parsley Smith), John Dehner (Drew Holt), Joe Duval (Ed Nash), Harry Bartell (Mr. Botkin)

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.