Old Friend: Betrayal in Dodge City

When an old companion, Toke Morlan, rides into Dodge City under suspicious circumstances, Marshal Matt Dillon is caught between duty and loyalty. Toke, once a trusted ally from Matt’s past, has been hired as a gunman by a scheming gambler, Ben Quarter. Toke’s arrival brings with it the threat of violence, forcing Matt to confront his past and the grim choices of his profession.

As the stakes rise, Matt must decide whether to give Toke a chance to leave Dodge peacefully or to face him in a deadly showdown. The story unfolds with tense encounters at the Long Branch Saloon and on the streets of Dodge, highlighting the weight of honor, betrayal, and justice in the Wild West.

Featuring excellent performances by William Conrad as Marshal Dillon and Harley Bear as Chester, “Old Friend” is a poignant exploration of friendships forged in adversity and the toll of life on the frontier. Written by John Meston and brought to life with Rex Koury’s stirring score, this episode captures the raw emotion and complexity of the human spirit amidst the untamed West.

Keywords: “Old Friend Gunsmoke episode,” “March 20, 1954 Gunsmoke,” “Western radio drama,” “Matt Dillon showdown,” “Ben Quarter Gunsmoke story,” “John Meston Gunsmoke writer,” “1950s Western radio show,” “Gunsmoke Toke Morlan character.”

Experience the tension and drama of Old Friend as the bonds of loyalty and justice are tested to their limits in the rugged streets of Dodge City.

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.