Jobe’s Son: A Father’s Name and a Son’s Shame

Originally Aired: September 1, 1957

In Gunsmoke #282, “Jobe’s Son,” a broken old rancher named Jobe Harley finally sees his prayers answered when his estranged son Tad returns after four years. But the reunion is not what Jobe had hoped. Tad is bitter, brash, and proud of a life of violence and crime. As Marshal Dillon watches the young man stir up trouble around Dodge, Jobe grapples with the hardest choice of all—protecting his only child or preserving the family name. When Tad plots a reckless bank robbery, Jobe’s quiet but devastating response reshapes the meaning of justice and legacy on the frontier. A deeply emotional episode about hard choices, moral lines, and the price of fatherhood.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear

Tags:
Western, drama, family, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, redemption, legacy, fathersandsons, crime, bankrobbery, frontierjustice, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, morality, tragedy, loyalty, classicwestern, namesake

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.