Old Pal: A Marshal’s Hunt for a Friend Turned Fugitive

Originally Aired: September 2, 1956

In Gunsmoke #230, “Old Pal,” Marshal Matt Dillon is stunned when fresh clues suggest that his close friend Jim Rankin—believed murdered during a robbery in El Paso—may actually be alive and involved in the very crime that supposedly killed him. As Dillon follows the trail, he uncovers a tangled web involving stolen banknotes, a calculating saloon girl named Lily, and a gambler with secrets of his own. With emotions running high and loyalties tested, Dillon must confront the painful truth about a man he once rode beside—and decide whether justice or friendship comes first. A suspenseful tale of betrayal, deception, and the heavy burden of memory.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis

Tags:
Western, betrayal, friendship, marshal, fugitives, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, deception, saloon, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, classicwestern, lawandorder, bankrobbery, shootout, suspensepodcast, drama

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.