How to Kill a Friend: The Return of an Old Enemy

In this riveting episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon faces a moral and physical challenge when two crooked gamblers, Ben Quarter and Harry Duggan, hire an old friend of Dillon’s, Toque Morlan, to kill him. Dillon and Morlan once rode together, and this unexpected confrontation brings up old memories and questions of loyalty.

Dillon has had enough of the gamblers’ crooked schemes and runs them out of Dodge. However, they return with a hired gun, and it’s none other than Dillon’s old comrade, Toque Morlan. A twisted combination of loyalty and bitterness puts Morlan in Dillon’s path as an adversary, creating a tense showdown between former allies.

As Dillon grapples with the prospect of killing his friend or being killed, the suspense rises, and the inevitable conflict leads to a tragic but gripping conclusion. Will Marshal Dillon survive this encounter, or will old loyalties cost him his life?

Featuring standout performances by William Conrad as Matt Dillon, and Rex Koury’s evocative musical score, this episode is a powerful exploration of friendship, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in the Old West.

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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.