Gone Straight: A Former Outlaw's Final Stand

In this tense episode of "Gunsmoke," Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot head south to Tascosa to bring back Dane Shaw, a man with a history of riding with Billy the Kid. Shaw has left his outlaw days behind, but the New Mexico Stock Raisers Association fears he may return to his criminal ways and form his own gang.

As Dillon arrives in Tascosa, he finds the town trying to clean up its image, even building a schoolhouse, thanks to the efforts of Matt Trimple—a leading citizen and the owner of the Red Deer Saloon. As Dillon digs deeper, he discovers that Trimple is actually Dane Shaw, trying to leave his past behind and start anew. With trouble brewing in the form of cattle rustler Harry Gunter and his gang, Trimple's resolve is put to the test.

The episode climaxes in a confrontation that will force Matt Trimple to prove whether he can truly leave his past behind—or if it will catch up with him once and for all.

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Click to listen to this gripping tale of redemption and the fight against one's past in "Gone Straight," where Marshal Dillon faces a former outlaw's struggle to stay on the right path.

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.