Man Hunter: The Price of a Name, the Worth of a Life

Originally Aired: May 27, 1956

In Gunsmoke #216, “Man Hunter,” a stranger comes to Dodge on the trail of a quiet ranch hand—revealing him as Ike Abbott, wanted for a murder committed twelve years earlier in Arizona. As Marshal Dillon weighs friendship, law, and the specter of bounty hunting, he confronts Ben Quillen, a deputy with a badge for hire and no qualms about killing for reward money. When Quillen’s tactics put Dodge on the brink of bloodshed, Dillon must choose between justice and the letter of the law. A tense showdown reveals the true nature of manhunting—and the line that separates a marshal from a mercenary.

Cast:
William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Lawrence Dobkin, John Dehner, Ken Lynch

Tags:
western, bountyhunter, justice, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, manhunter, oldtimeradio, lawman, 1950sradio, classicdrama, reward, DodgeCity, pastcrimes, suspensepodcast

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.