Johnny Red: A Son’s Return, A Mother’s Tragedy

A stranger rides into Dodge claiming to be Billy Crail, the long-lost son of an aging ranch owner. But Marshal Dillon recognizes him from a wanted poster as Johnny Red, a notorious outlaw. When “Billy” convinces his mother of his identity, Matt faces a moral dilemma: expose the truth and break her heart, or let the charade continue. But everything changes when a stagecoach robbery leads Matt to the Crail ranch—only to find a brutal murder, a deadly shootout, and a revelation that Billy may not have been lying after all. In the end, the truth costs a woman her life and a man his chance at redemption.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke Johnny Red episode,” “Billy Crail Dodge City,” “Matt Dillon family deception,” “Johnny Red outlaw return,” “Crail ranch murder,” “1955 Gunsmoke radio drama,” “Stagecoach robbery western,” “Marshal Dillon identity crisis”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Virginia Gregg (Mrs. Crail), Sam Edwards (Johnny Red/Billy Crail), Vic Perrin (Ponca), Paul DuBois (Nate Barger), Lawrence Dobkin (Jake)

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.