Tag You're It

Originally Aired: October 5, 1958

Gunsmoke #339, "Tag You're It," begins when Matt Dillon encounters an old acquaintance on the streets of Dodge City. Carl Killian, a man Dillon once worked cattle with years ago, has arrived in town, and the marshal immediately recognizes the danger. Killian has become a notorious hired gun, goading his victims into drawing first so he can claim self-defense. Though Killian denies the accusations with cold detachment, his reputation precedes him, and Dillon knows his presence means someone in Dodge is marked for death. The tension escalates when a young man named Tex Barto comes to Dillon's office, convinced that Killian followed him from Pueblo to carry out a contract killing. As paranoia grips the town and citizens begin locking themselves indoors, Dillon faces an impossible situation: he has no legal grounds to arrest Killian, who hasn't committed any crime in Dodge. The marshal must navigate the dangerous game between his duty to uphold the law and his knowledge that his old friend has become a killer for hire, all while the question looms over who Killian's real target might be.

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.