Maw Hawkins

Originally Aired: March 8, 1959

Gunsmoke #361, "Maw Hawkins," presents a peculiar predicament for Chester Proudfoot when he boards the Hayes City stage back to Dodge. The journey turns dangerous when a nervous young outlaw named Raz Hawkins attempts to rob the coach, forcing Chester and the other passengers to surrender their valuables along with twenty thousand dollars in bank money. The reluctant holdup man takes Chester hostage to help carry the heavy loot, leading him to a ramshackle cabin that serves as the Hawkins home.

There Chester discovers the truth behind this unlikely robbery: Maw Hawkins, the family matriarch, has been pushing her sixteen-year-old son into a life of crime. With her husband and older sons all serving prison sentences, Maw sees the stagecoach holdup as young Raz's necessary initiation into the family business. Chester finds himself caught between a domineering criminal mother determined to corrupt her son and a boy who clearly lacks the heart for outlawry, creating an unusual hostage situation where the real danger may not be who it appears to be.

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.