How to Die for Nothing

Originally Aired: May 10, 1958

In Gunsmoke #317, "How to Die for Nothing," Marshal Matt Dillon faces a deadly standoff when he's forced to shoot a drunken Texas cowboy in self-defense. The young man and his friend ride into Dodge firing their guns and declaring their intention to tear the town apart. When one of them draws on Matt after his companion is disarmed, the Marshal has no choice but to kill him. The dead man's brother, Howard Beulow, arrives in town bent on revenge, threatening to bushwhack Matt from an alley or shoot him in the back. Matt jails Beulow to protect himself and give the man time to cool off.

The situation escalates when Will Jacqueline, trail boss of the Drag Red outfit, demands Beulow's release. Jacqueline arrives with eight armed men and threatens to return with his full crew of eighteen to break Beulow out of jail and destroy Dodge City. As frightened townspeople like Mr. Riesling plead with Matt to surrender his prisoner, the Marshal and Chester take their positions on the street with shotguns ready. When Jacqueline and his Texas cowboys ride into town, Matt must stand firm against overwhelming odds while an angry mob of trail hands threatens to turn Dodge into a battlefield.

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.