Pretty Mama: A Boy’s Burden and a Widow’s Secrets

Originally Aired: November 11, 1956

In Gunsmoke #240, “Pretty Mama,” Marshal Matt Dillon is called to a remote ranch where Hank Marvel has been mysteriously shot dead. His young son, Beanie, claims to have seen a suspect—but Matt’s instincts tell him there’s more beneath the surface. As the investigation leads to a volatile cowhand, Jack Teague, and the alluring young widow, June Marvel, Matt must untangle a web of lies, suppressed emotions, and tragic misunderstandings. What begins as a straightforward murder inquiry becomes a haunting portrait of misplaced love, maternal desperation, and a child's misguided sense of justice.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Parley Baer, Gene Bates, Butch Bernard, John Dehner

Tags:
western, drama, tragedy, familysecrets, childcrime, moralconflict, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, Gunsmoke, 1950sradio, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, frontierjustice, suspensepodcast, lescrutchfield, psychologicaldrama, mattdillon

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.