Johnny Red

Originally Aired: September 13, 1959

In Gunsmoke #388, "Johnny Red," a stranger arrives in Dodge claiming to be Billy Crail, the long-lost son of elderly rancher Mrs. Crail who ran away seventeen years ago. The reunion seems heartwarming at first, as the lonely widow welcomes her boy home with open arms. However, Matt Dillon knows a dark truth: the real Billy Crail died at the Battle of Shiloh during the war. The marshal recognizes the imposter as Johnny Red, a wanted bank robber and cattle thief from Lubbock with a criminal record stretching back years.

Matt faces an impossible dilemma when he visits the Crail ranch with Chester. Mrs. Crail is happier than she's been in years, her failing health miraculously improved by her son's return. She's been going downhill since her husband John died, but now has a reason to live again. When Matt confronts Johnny Red with the truth, the cunning outlaw uses the old woman's joy as a shield, daring the marshal to break her heart by exposing him. Matt must decide whether to arrest the criminal and destroy Mrs. Crail's newfound happiness, or let a dangerous con man prey on a vulnerable widow.

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.