Sunny Afternoon: A Winter’s Murder and a Father’s Guilt

Originally Aired: December 4, 1955

In Gunsmoke #191, “Sunny Afternoon,” Dodge City is gripped by its worst winter in memory, leaving the townsfolk desperate and tempers frayed. When young Jabil Siderow is found murdered in the snow outside his father’s barn, Marshal Matt Dillon faces a grim puzzle. Was it a rival rancher desperate for hay—or does the truth lie closer to home, buried under pride and old resentments? As Matt and Chester ride through blinding blizzards and confront men pushed to the brink, the chilling reality of a father’s ruthless judgment emerges. A story of survival, sacrifice, and the high cost of hard-heartedness.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Ralph Moody, John Dehner, Virginia Christine

Tags:

western, drama, murder, father-son, blizzard, desperation, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, MattDillon, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, prairie, justice, morality, classicradio, coldcase, survival, familytragedy, guilt, winter, vintagepodcast

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.