The Hunter: Longarm’s Last Stand

Originally Aired: March 4, 1956

In Gunsmoke #204, “The Hunter,” legendary frontiersman Jace Murdock—known as “Longarm”—returns to Dodge City, a relic of the buffalo-hunting days, hardened and reckless as ever. Ignoring warnings and driven by pride, Murdock sets out for a forbidden buffalo hunt in Indian territory, taking a young Blackfoot skinner called Golden Calf with him. Marshal Matt Dillon, haunted by an old grudge, must follow Murdock into the snowy wilds—where a deadly, long-range game unfolds. Trapped and outgunned, Matt’s fate turns on the courage and conscience of Golden Calf, who faces a final, tragic choice between his people and the violent legacy of the man he calls father. A tense, wintry tale of the old frontier’s passing and the price of living by the gun.

Cast:
William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Nestor Paiva, Sam Edwards, Harry Bartell

Tags:
Western, buffalo, DodgeCity, Indianterritory, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, NestorPaiva, SamEdwards, HarryBartell, oldtimeradio, classicradio, 1950sdrama, suspense, fatherandson, legacy, redemption, frontier, Gunsmoke, longarm, vintagewestern

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.