How to Kill a Friend: A Gunman’s Ultimatum and a Marshal’s Resolve

In Gunsmoke #076, “How to Kill a Friend,” two crooked gamblers—Ben Corder and Harry Duggan—try to buy Marshal Matt Dillon’s favor, then send a rifle shot through his office window when he won’t bend. Run out of Dodge, they slink back with hired gun Tolk Marlin—an old trail partner of Matt’s, twisted by a past mob beating in Silver City. Tolk gives Matt 24 hours to quit or die, but a crooked card deal and a killing force the final showdown. In the street, friend faces friend; Matt is faster, and the gamblers are driven out for good. 

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.