The Big Itch

Originally Aired: October 2, 1960

Gunsmoke #443, "The Big Itch," brings Marshal Matt Dillon into a troubling mystery when Samantha Church arrives in his office seeking help. Her husband George left their ranch two days earlier to pay off their bank note with money from their first big cattle sale, but he never made it to the bank and hasn't been seen since. The only lead is that rancher Hobie Price was spotted riding off with George that Monday morning, and Hobie was later seen at the Long Branch that night, spending money freely and buying drinks for everyone. When Matt questions Kitty about Hobie's behavior, she confirms he was drinking heavily and throwing cash around like there was no tomorrow.

Matt and Chester search the countryside between the Church ranch and Dodge City, looking for any sign of what might have happened to George. They question Ben Stanley, the young man the Churches raised after his parents were killed in a raid, but he has no helpful information beyond confirming George's eagerness to pay off the debt. As the investigation stalls with no trace of either George or Hobie Price, Chester begins developing a mysterious rash that demands Doc's attention.

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.