Passive Resistance: Sheep, Violence, and the Strength Not to Fight

Originally Aired: July 8, 1956

In Gunsmoke #222, “Passive Resistance,” Dodge City is divided when Gideon Seek, a gentle, gunless sheep herder, becomes the target of cattlemen determined to drive him out by violence. Refusing to fight back or even name his attackers, Gideon stands by his pacifist beliefs—even as his sheep are slaughtered, his home is burned, and his own life is put in danger. Marshal Matt Dillon struggles with Gideon’s refusal to seek justice and must wrestle with the limits of law, vengeance, and the courage it takes to resist violence in a violent land. A thought-provoking episode that questions the meaning of strength and justice on the frontier.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Ralph Moody, John Dehner, Harry Bartell, Jack Moyles

Tags:
Western, drama, pacifism, sheep, cattlemen, nonviolence, GideonSeek, WilliamConrad, 1950sradio, oldtimeradio, DodgeCity, MattDillon, frontierjustice, classicwestern, lawandorder, vintagepodcast, Gunsmoke, moralconflict, passiveResistance

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.