Man and Boy

Originally Aired: October 27, 1957

In Gunsmoke #290, “Man and Boy,” a headstrong young deputy from California rides into Dodge determined to prove himself. Cryley Tobin is barely two months into the job, but he’s already hunting a seasoned killer—Jess Ricker—on charges of robbery and murder. Proud, defensive, and eager to show he doesn’t need help, Tobin refuses Marshal Matt Dillon’s offer to serve the warrant together.

When Tobin confronts Ricker alone, he’s brutally outmatched and humiliated. Instead of backing down, the wounded young lawman lets pride push him into a dawn showdown in the street. As Dodge gathers to watch what seems certain to be a fatal mistake, Matt must decide whether to let a stubborn boy learn a deadly lesson—or step in and teach him what being a lawman truly means.

A tense, character-driven episode about pride, responsibility, and the hard line between proving yourself and throwing your life away.

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

Tags:

western, frontierjustice, lawman, showdown, pride, stubbornness, MattDillon, JessRicker, CryleyTobin, DodgeCity, comingofage, gunfight, moraldrama, 1950sradio, classicwestern, radioWestern, oldtimeradio

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.