Hack Prine: A Gunfighter's Code

In this emotionally charged episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon faces off against Hack Prine, an old friend turned hired gun. When Hack is hired by Dolph Trumbo to free his brother Lee from jail, the stage is set for a deadly showdown. Prine, bound by his reputation and a peculiar sense of honor, wrestles with the weight of his choices as Matt tries to dissuade him from taking the job.

The tension peaks when a series of events lead to the murder of an innocent man, Ole, used as a pawn in Trumbo's plan. Hack, unwilling to let his name be tarnished or allow Trumbo to frame him, takes justice into his own hands. In a dramatic conclusion, Hack and Matt confront each other, with honor and duty colliding in a tragic gunfight that leaves one man dead and the other mourning the loss of a friend.

This episode explores themes of loyalty, morality, and the complexities of living by a personal code in a lawless land.

Keywords: "Gunsmoke Hack Prine episode," "July 1954 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon and Hack Prine duel," "Western honor and duty tale," "Dodge City law enforcement," "John Meston Gunsmoke stories," "classic Western drama."

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perron, John Dehner, Harry Bartell.

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.