Old Flame

Originally Aired: June 15, 1958

In Gunsmoke #323, "Old Flame," Marshal Matt Dillon receives an unexpected visitor from his past when Dolly Milton arrives in Dodge City. The attractive woman from Texas claims to be fleeing from a brutal husband, seeking refuge near someone she can trust. Matt welcomes his old friend and promises to protect her, though both Kitty Russell and Doc Adams seem to have reservations about the newcomer. Kitty, demonstrating her keen judge of character, warns Matt that Dolly isn't what she appears to be, but the Marshal remains committed to helping someone he once knew.

The situation grows more complicated when Doc treats a badly injured woman at the nearby Meadows place, where a couple has recently settled. The woman suffered terrible injuries supposedly from falling off a ladder, losing her baby in the process. As Dolly anxiously questions Matt about his knowledge of newcomers to the area and presses him for protection against her husband, the pieces of a troubling puzzle begin emerging. Matt finds himself caught between loyalty to an old friend and growing suspicions about what's really happening.

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.