How to Kill a Woman: The Weight of Vengeance

This haunting episode of Gunsmoke reveals the chilling aftermath of a murder born of betrayal and revenge. When a stagecoach is held up and a female passenger is coldly executed, Marshal Matt Dillon discovers that the crime is rooted in the bitter feud between Jesse Daggett and the cold-blooded Nat Pilcher.

Daggett confesses to a dark past: he once shot his unfaithful wife when he caught her running away with Pilcher, a man who has sought revenge ever since. Pilcher’s calculated violence—including the murder of an innocent woman—pushes Daggett to the breaking point, forcing a deadly confrontation between the two men.

The episode climaxes in a tense showdown at the stage station, where Matt faces Pilcher in a final standoff. Justice is served, but not without heavy costs for all involved, as Daggett succumbs to his injuries, haunted by the ghosts of his choices.

Keywords: "Gunsmoke How to Kill a Woman episode," "November 1954 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon Jesse Daggett story," "Nat Pilcher revenge drama," "Western justice and betrayal," "classic Western radio series," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts."

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Joseph Kearns, Harry Bartell, Vic Perrin.

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.