Second Arrest

Originally Aired: July 19, 1959

Gunsmoke #380, "Second Arrest," Marshal Matt Dillon faces a frustrating legal setback when his key witness, Will Hunter, fails to appear in court to testify against Mort Seely, a man accused of horse theft. Without Hunter's testimony, Judge Brooker has no choice but to dismiss the case and release Seely, despite everyone's certainty of his guilt. Dillon suspects foul play, especially after visiting Hunter's uncooperative wife, who refuses to answer questions about her husband's whereabouts. Chester searches Dodge City thoroughly but finds no trace of the missing witness.

The situation takes a grim turn when Doc Adams discovers Will Hunter barely alive in the bushes near his fishing spot, severely beaten and left for dead. When Dillon and Chester ride out to the Hunter place to investigate, they're met with unexpected hostility. Mrs. Hunter, standing on her porch with a loaded squirrel gun, warns them to stay away. Traumatized and protective, she insists that Will has only been hurt by those who've tried to help him, setting up a tense confrontation as Dillon tries to get to the bottom of what happened and who's responsible.

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.