Gentlemens Disagreement

Originally Aired: September 20, 1959

Gunsmoke #389, "Gentlemens Disagreement," opens with a desperate Jeannie Wells bursting into Matt Dillon's office with alarming news: Ed Baudre has arrived in Dodge City on the morning train, and she's certain he's come to kill her husband Bert. Four years earlier, Jeannie had been involved with Baudre back in Louisville before choosing to marry Bert instead, and Baudre swore revenge. Despite Jeannie's pleas for help based on their old friendship, Matt explains he can't interfere in personal quarrels, though he reluctantly agrees to talk to Baudre. When Matt confronts the vengeful man at the Long Branch Saloon, tensions escalate into a physical altercation, and Baudre issues an ultimatum to Bert: face him in a gunfight by sundown.

Bert Wells, now a peaceful blacksmith who hasn't worn a gun in two years, refuses Matt's suggestion to hide out on the prairie while the marshal finds a way to run Baudre out of town. Citing honor and manhood, Bert insists on facing his adversary despite having little chance against the experienced gunfighter. However, before sundown arrives, someone strikes Baudre from behind in an alley with a hammer. When Matt and Chester arrive at the Wells home to investigate, they find Bert armed and waiting in the darkness, and Matt must make an arrest for murder.

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.