Medicine Man: Tonic, Territory, and a Showdown

Originally Aired: April 28, 1957

In Gunsmoke #264, “Medicine Man,” Hart Finney rolls into Dodge City with his wife and a wagon full of “muscle, bone, blood, and nerve tonic,” hoping to make a few sales before heading out. But when saloon-owner Grant Medford suddenly claims the land Finney’s using, Marshal Dillon finds himself caught in a legal tangle—and a moral one. As Medford pushes harder, tension builds, leading to a public showdown that puts law, pride, and fists to the test. An episode that questions justice, dignity, and what it means to stand your ground.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin

Tags:
Western, drama, oldtimeradio, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, 1950sradio, medicine show, DodgeCity, frontierjustice, classicwestern, legaldrama, GrantMedford, HartFinney, snakeoil, vintageaudio, landdispute, 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.