Professor Lute Bone: The Snake Oil Crisis

In this compelling episode of Gunsmoke, a traveling salesman named Professor Lute Bone comes to Dodge City, offering his "Wormseed Tonic," which claims to cure everything from rheumatism to indigestion. However, Marshal Matt Dillon soon discovers that the tonic contains opium, causing chaos as citizens begin to rely on the dangerous substance. Things escalate when a local man accuses the professor of killing his father after he took the tonic, leading Dillon and Doc Adams to confront the fraudulent healer before his dubious product causes any more harm.

The episode delves into themes of deceit, the exploitation of vulnerable people, and the consequences of quackery in the Old West. The tension rises as Dillon must determine how to handle the smooth-talking professor before the entire town falls victim to his false promises.

This script was reused in the television version of Gunsmoke on January 7, 1956, and again on the radio series on November 14, 1953.

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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.