The Deserter

Originally Aired: May 31, 1959

Gunsmoke #373, "The Deserter," finds Matt Dillon investigating a brazen army payroll robbery at Fort Dodge. When Doc Adams treats a wounded young man in army clothing who mysteriously flees his office, Matt suspects he's found his fugitive. Following a trail west out of Dodge with Chester, the marshal discovers the injured deserter collapsed near a creek bed. As they attempt to move him to shelter, a rifle shot rings out. The young soldier's father, Jed Morton, has found them first and refuses to let Matt take his son Louray into custody, insisting that army justice means certain death for deserters.

Despite Matt's assurances that the young man will receive proper medical care and a fair trial, Jed holds the lawman at gunpoint and forces him to carry Louray back to the family homestead. The desperate father believes protecting his son from military justice is his only choice, even if it means defying a U.S. Marshal. Meanwhile, Chester lies wounded where Jed shot him, and the Morton family faces an impossible decision between a father's love and the demands of the law.

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.