Spring Freshet: A Hostage, a Bluff, and the Powder That Wasn’t

Originally Aired: March 17, 1957

In Gunsmoke #258, “Spring Freshet,” Marshal Matt Dillon walks into a saloon hold-up and finds himself unarmed and outnumbered, with Kitty taken hostage by a pair of wanted outlaws. As Dodge City reels under the tension, Matt plays a high-stakes bluff involving sacks of what might—or might not—be gunpowder. With lives hanging in the balance and tempers ready to ignite, it’s a deadly waiting game in the loft above Miles' store. A gritty psychological standoff that questions courage, cunning, and control.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Parley Baer, Lawrence Dobkin, Ben Wright, John Dehner

Tags:
Western, standoff, bluff, hostage, DodgeCity, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, 1950sradio, classicwestern, gunpowderbluff, outlaws, oldtimeradio, suspense, MarshalMattDillon, vintageaudio, drama

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.