The Coward

Originally Aired: January 4, 1959

In Gunsmoke #352, "The Coward," Marshal Matt Dillon faces a deadly threat when a young cowboy named Jack Massey is shot in the back while sitting in Dillon's chair at the marshal's office. The victim, wearing a hat similar to Matt's and matching his build, was clearly mistaken for the lawman himself. Doc Adams and Chester quickly realize someone is hunting Matt the coward's way, shooting from behind rather than facing him in a fair fight. As word spreads through Dodge City that someone wants the marshal dead, the situation grows more dangerous and unpredictable.

The tension escalates when gambler Said Evie, a man Matt once publicly humiliated in Santa Fe for being a coward, approaches with information about overhearing a murder plot. Soon Matt encounters Matt Swan, a drunk and desperate man hoping to make a name for himself by killing the marshal. As glory hunters and would-be assassins emerge from the shadows, Dillon must navigate a deadly game where any dark alley or deserted building could conceal his killer, and where the real assassin hides among the opportunists seeking fame through murder.

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.