Shooting Stopover

Originally Aired: August 30, 1959

Gunsmoke #386, "Shooting Stopover," finds Marshal Matt Dillon transporting a dangerous prisoner named Gurney to Wichita to face murder charges. Accompanied by his deputy Chester, Dillon boards the afternoon stage carrying not only the shackled killer but also a strongbox of gold, a schoolmarm passenger, and a reverend. When they stop at Hat Creek Station to change horses, tensions run high. The schoolmarm protests Dillon's treatment of Gurney, insisting he be shown human dignity despite his crimes, while Chester remains convinced the prisoner deserves no such consideration.

The routine stopover turns deadly when the station keeper mysteriously disappears and the replacement horses are nowhere to be found. Suddenly gunfire erupts as outlaws launch an attack, targeting the gold shipment and scattering the stage horses. As bullets fly and the stage driver Jim rushes into danger, Dillon must protect his passengers, secure the gold, and prevent Gurney from escaping—all while pinned down by hidden gunmen in the rocks. The marshal faces a difficult choice about whether to leave the murderer chained helplessly to the stagecoach wheel or risk freeing him in the chaos.

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.