The Bobbsey Twins

Originally Aired: February 1, 1959

Gunsmoke #356, "The Bobbsey Twins," introduces Harvey and Merle Finney, a pair of twin drifters who casually murder a westbound settler named Joe after he refuses to share his meager food supplies. When Joe reaches for his rifle in self-defense, the twins gun him down without remorse, then sit down to enjoy his stew while his widow Lavinda flees into the prairie in shock, where she later dies of thirst. The brothers show no real guilt over the killings, only expressing annoyance at the woman's grief and justifying their actions because it happened on a Sunday, when their father taught them not to fight or kill.

Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester discover both bodies and begin investigating the senseless crime. Meanwhile, the Finney twins continue their journey toward Dodge City, and when a cowboy named Bud Grant stumbles upon their camp seeking hospitality, he innocently mentions the murdered settlers. The twins, paranoid that Grant knows too much about their crime, quickly turn their violence on him as well, revealing themselves to be cold-blooded killers who murder with disturbing ease and little provocation.

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.