How to Cure a Friend: When Loyalty Meets the Law

Originally Aired: January 15, 1956

In Gunsmoke #197, “How to Cure a Friend,” Marshal Matt Dillon faces one of his hardest tests when his old friend Nick Search—a smooth-talking gambler with a quick draw and a shadowy past—arrives in Dodge. As rumors swirl and suspicions mount, Matt is forced to confront the truth about Nick’s crooked ways. When a high-stakes poker game with cattleman Enoch Mills turns sour, Matt must act to save both his friend and the town’s reputation, even if it means shattering the bond they once shared. A story about trust, tough choices, and finding redemption at the card table.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, John Dehner, Ralph Moody

Tags:
western, drama, friendship, gambling, betrayal, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, MattDillon, crookedcards, loyalty, justice, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, classicradio, redemption, poker, law, vintagepodcast

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.