The Executioner: A Brother’s Trap and a Marshal’s Regret

Originally Aired: April 15, 1956

In Gunsmoke #210, “The Executioner,” Marshal Matt Dillon faces the moral cost of frontier justice when a notorious gunman named Tom Clegg rides into Dodge, bringing a trail of dead men and a reputation built on quick draws and provoked duels. After Clegg kills Abe Curry in a “fair” fight, Abe’s brother Morgan refuses to carry a gun for revenge—choosing instead to shame and unsettle Clegg with relentless, silent pursuit. But when Morgan is finally goaded into a fatal confrontation, unarmed and desperate, it falls to Matt Dillon to end Clegg’s reign of fear with his own gun. In the aftermath, Matt must reckon with being made an unwilling executioner—forced into violence by the very men he’s sworn to protect. A tense meditation on justice, reputation, and the terrible burdens lawmen bear.

Cast:
William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Sam Edwards, Vic Perron, John Dehner

Tags:
western, morality, gunfighter, justice, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, HowardMcNear, theexecutioner, oldtimeradio, vengeance, classicdrama, DodgeCity, 1950sradio, brotherhood, deathwish, lawman, suspensepodcast

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.