The Joke’s On Us: When Justice Turns to Vengeance

In this intense episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself investigating the lynching of a rancher, Tillman, who was accused of stealing horses from his neighbor Jake. Jake and his men catch Tillman in the act of herding away the horses, and despite Tillman’s insistence that he was only trying to return them, Jake decides to take matters into his own hands. As the story unfolds, two of Jake’s accomplices are shot, and the third man faces a serious threat, leaving Marshal Dillon to piece together the truth amidst a cloud of suspicion and betrayal.

Dillon’s pursuit of justice in Dodge City brings to light the darker sides of frontier life, where neighbors sometimes become enemies, and misunderstandings turn lethal. With John Meston’s compelling writing and Ted Bliss’s direction, The Joke’s On Us explores the complexities of law and vengeance in a town where sometimes even the most well-meaning citizens can turn into judge, jury, and executioner.

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Tune in to The Joke’s On Us for a powerful look at frontier justice gone wrong, and see how Marshal Dillon handles the delicate balance between law and retribution in this gripping Gunsmoke episode.

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.