The Choice: A Gunman’s Redemption on the Open Plains

Originally Aired: October 30, 1955

In Gunsmoke #186, “The Choice,” a mysterious young drifter named Andy Hill arrives in Dodge looking for honest work—but a deadly confrontation and a quick draw soon reveal he’s more than he seems. Marshal Matt Dillon offers him a second chance as a stagecoach guard, but suspicion lingers. When a stage is held up and Andy refuses to fire, questions arise: is he a coward, or complicit? As truths about Andy’s outlaw past emerge—tied to a cold-blooded killer named Carrick—Matt must decide whether to trust the young man’s bid for redemption. In the end, Andy’s courage and conscience are tested in a final, fateful showdown on the prairie.

Cast: William Conrad, Sam Edwards, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Lawrence Topkin

Tags:
Western, redemption, outlaw, moralchoice, secondchances, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, 1950sradio, oaterdrama, classicwestern, justice, frontierlaw, suspense, psychologicaldrama, radiohistory, gunfighter

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.