The Jokes on Us

Originally Aired: February 9, 1958

Gunsmoke #305, "The Jokes on Us," opens with a grim prairie scene as ranchers Jake Kaiser, Benson, and Duvall prepare to hang their neighbor Tillman for horse theft. Despite Tillman's calm insistence that he was rounding up their stolen horses, not stealing them, the men refuse to wait for witness Jennings to confirm his story. After the hanging, Jennings arrives with the truth: Tillman was innocent, simply returning the animals he'd found running wild. Jake Kaiser delivers the news to Tillman's widow with cold detachment, dismissing the tragedy as a joke gone wrong.

Three weeks later, Marshal Matt Dillon remains haunted by the lynching he couldn't prevent. When Benson and then Duvall are shot dead through their windows with a fifty-caliber rifle, suspicion falls on Tillman's son Claive, who has openly accused the men of murdering his father. Jake Kaiser, now the only surviving lyncher, demands Claive's arrest and threatens vigilante justice. With little evidence beyond Jake's accusations and mounting tension, Matt rides out to the Tillman place to find the truth before more blood is shed.

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.