The Correspondent

Originally Aired: November 23, 1958

Gunsmoke #346, "The Correspondent," brings an unwelcome visitor to Dodge City. Reed Norton, a cynical newspaper correspondent from St. Louis, arrives determined to write the "real story" of the West, not the romanticized accounts he believes dominate the press. Having been hazed by cavalrymen at the Rosebud, Norton is convinced that Western lawmen are all swagger and tall tales. He confronts Matt Dillon about a recent stage holdup, criticizing the marshal for not immediately capturing the bandits, one of whom was badly wounded. Despite Matt's explanations about cold trails and prairie winds, Norton spreads word around town that Dillon is sitting idle while criminals go free.

When Joe Porter reports being shot at near the abandoned Hutchinson cabin, Matt and Chester ride out to investigate, with Norton stubbornly tracking along behind them. Though annoyed by the correspondent's interference and sharp tongue, Matt allows him to join the expedition, warning him to stay quiet and out of the way. As darkness falls, the three men approach the cabin on foot, where the wounded holdup men may be holed up. Norton is about to discover whether frontier justice lives up to his cynical expectations or proves more dangerous than any story he's written.

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.