Land Deal: Deception, Betrayal, and Free Land on the Prairie

Originally Aired: December 11, 1955

In Gunsmoke #192, “Land Deal,” a smooth-talking conman named Trumbull arrives in Dodge, promising a group of hopeful immigrants prime railroad land at a bargain—if they’ll only trust him with their life savings. When Marshal Matt Dillon discovers that Trumbull’s map is a fraud and the land is not for sale, he races to stop a tragedy. The settlers’ dreams unravel amid jealousy, a near-fatal knife fight, and a wife’s secret betrayal. As Trumbull attempts to escape with a stolen fortune—and another man’s wife—the law closes in for a final reckoning. A story of greed, broken trust, and hard-won second chances.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Vivi Janis, Vic Perron, John Dehner

Tags:
western, drama, land scam, conman, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, MattDillon, betrayal, homesteaders, frontier, justice, robbery, 1950sradio, oldtimeradio, greed, prairie, landgrab, classicradio, deception, foundfamily, vintagepodcast

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.