Tail to the Wind: A Mild Man’s Justice

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

Tail to the Wind: A Mild Man’s Justice

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Published on Oct 12, 2025, 12:00:00 AM
Total time: 00:19:13

Episode Description

Originally Aired: November 25, 1956

In Gunsmoke #242, “Tail to the Wind,” mild-mannered homesteader Pessy Neller refuses to be bullied, even when the ruthless Burke Reese and his son Spike escalate their campaign of intimidation—burning property, sabotaging wagons, and terrorizing his wife. Marshal Matt Dillon steps in to confront the cowards in public, determined to shame them into retreat. But when the Reeses end up mysteriously hanged in Neller’s chicken yard—victims of a conveniently taut clothesline—the line between justice and accident grows humorously thin. A darkly comic tale of frontier comeuppance and quiet revenge.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, John Dehner, Helen Kleeb

Tags:
western, justice, retribution, darkcomedy, accidentalhanging, homesteader, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, Gunsmoke, 1950sradio, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, lescrutchfield, marshalldillon, vengeance, frontierdrama, suspensepodcast

 
More about Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

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.