The Liar from Blackhawk: Truth Drawn at Gunpoint

Originally Aired: May 21, 1955

The Liar from Blackhawk: Truth Drawn at Gunpoint

In this unforgettable Gunsmoke episode, Dodge City meets a different kind of outlaw—one whose deadliest weapon is a lie. Hank Shin arrives in town with a towering reputation as a feared gunman, claiming he once killed three men at once in a saloon up in Blackhawk. Citizens are quickly cowed by his bravado, but Marshal Matt Dillon remains skeptical.

While Matt is away on business in Abilene, Hank's legend grows unchecked. However, those who look closer, like Kitty and Doc, notice something odd—Shin seems more desperate than dangerous, a man clinging to a reputation he knows he can’t truly defend.

When an armed drunk challenges Hank in the Long Branch, Shin shoots him down, but it leaves the so-called gunman shaken, not emboldened. Hank’s world finally collapses when Al Janes, a real gunfighter from New Mexico, rides into town. Fearing for his life, Shin throws away his gun and begs Matt to tell the town he’s no longer a fighter.

But it’s too late. On a dusty Dodge City street, Al Janes confronts Hank. Mistaking a frightened movement for a draw, Janes guns him down—only to learn too late that Shin was unarmed. In his dying words, Hank confesses that he never killed anyone in Blackhawk—the men killed each other while he hid.

A brutal and tragic tale about false reputations, cowardice, and the devastating consequences of living a lie, The Liar from Blackhawk is Gunsmoke at its most psychologically sharp and emotionally devastating.

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Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Vic Perrin (Hank Shin), Paul Dubov (Al Janes), Barney Phillips (Davey), with special appearances by the Gunsmoke radio company.

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.