The Mistake: A Costly Error

Originally Aired: March 19, 1955

The Mistake: A Costly Error:

In this tense episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon makes a critical misjudgment that leads to tragic consequences. When a saloon dealer named Earl Haney is found brutally beaten and robbed in an alley, he manages to identify his attacker before succumbing to his injuries. The culprit, he claims, is a tall man with red hair—a description that immediately points to gambler Jim Bostick.

Matt wastes no time in arresting Bostick, despite the man’s protests and claims of an alibi. But before Doc Adams can confirm Bostick’s whereabouts, the accused man escapes jail, riding hard for Coldwater. Determined to bring him back, Matt and Chester pursue him across the prairie, certain they’ve got their man.

But just as they catch up to Bostick and haul him back to Dodge, a second murder takes place under eerily similar circumstances. This time, the real killer unknowingly exposes himself, bragging about how easy it was to strike again while Matt was out chasing the wrong man.

Realizing his error too late, Matt is forced to let Bostick go, grappling with the weight of his mistake. The episode ends on a somber note, with Matt acknowledging that even lawmen aren’t infallible—and that justice, once delayed, can sometimes come at a terrible price.

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Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, James Nusser.

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.