Hinka-Do

Originally Aired: October 4, 1959

Gunsmoke #391, "Hinka-Do," begins when Matt Dillon discovers that the Lady Gay Saloon has suddenly come under new management. A formidable woman named Mamie, lately of Kansas City and St. Louis, announces she's taking over the establishment with a new policy. The peculiar part is that former owner Herman Bleaker, a vain little man known for showing off his fancy vests around town, has vanished without a word to anyone. Mamie claims he sold her the saloon and left for St. Louis, but Matt grows suspicious when he learns Bleeker's horse remains at the livery stable and no one saw him leave on the train or stage.

At the Lady Gay's grand opening, Mamie proves herself a force to be reckoned with, laying down strict rules for her patrons and demonstrating her lightning-fast draw by shooting an ace of spades off the back wall. While Doc Adams, Chester, and the townspeople marvel at this imposing newcomer, Matt quietly investigates Bleeker's disappearance. When Manuel reports seeing Mamie in the arroyo behind the saloon before dawn carrying a shovel, Matt and his companions head out with a lantern to investigate what might be buried there.

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.