The Guitar: A Stranger in Dodge Faces Cruelty

In this poignant episode of Gunsmoke, a simple wanderer named Weed Pendle arrives in Dodge City on his mule, carrying only a guitar. Pendle, played with an air of vulnerability, quickly becomes a target for local bullies Tyler and Short, who are eager to make sport of him. When they learn that Pendle fought for the Union Army, they seize on his outsider status, taunting him mercilessly. Their pranks escalate from mockery to outright cruelty, with Pendle’s mule being maimed.

As Pendle struggles to find kindness in the rough town, Marshal Matt Dillon must step in to stop the abuse. But when the town eventually rallies around Pendle after a surprising turn of events, the story leaves a lasting impression on the value of decency and acceptance.

With moving performances by William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon and strong support from the cast, The Guitar explores themes of kindness and resilience against adversity in the Old West.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke The Guitar,” “December 26, 1953 episode,” “Weed Pendle character,” “Marshal Matt Dillon Dodge City,” “classic Western radio show,” “Gunsmoke bullying episode,” “vulnerable stranger in town,” “William Conrad as Matt Dillon”

Tune in to hear The Guitar, where an outsider’s simple arrival in Dodge City stirs both cruelty and compassion in this memorable episode of Gunsmoke.

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.