One Night Stand: Gold, Guns, and a Conman's Gamble

Originally Aired: May 19, 1957

In Gunsmoke #267, “One Night Stand,” a smooth-talking stranger named Ben Argo arrives in Dodge City with a heavy pair of saddlebags and a tale of gold struck at the Gold Hill diggings. But Marshal Matt Dillon isn’t convinced. As Argo insists on securing his fortune in the local storekeeper’s safe, two shady men from Gold Hill turn up asking questions—men Argo claims are outlaws on his tail. When one of them ends up dead in the street, it sets off a chain of events that leads Dillon to uncover Argo’s real plan: a bold and deadly con to rob a visiting gold buyer of $25,000 in one night. A tense standoff in a locked store vault brings justice to Dodge once again.

Cast:
William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis

Tags:
Western, crime, deception, heist, conman, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, HowardMcNear, GeorgiaEllis, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, marshal, goldrush, Gunsmoke, 1950sradio, audiotheater, suspense, frontierjustice

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.