The Partners

Originally Aired: April 20, 1958

In Gunsmoke #315, "The Partners," a dangerous carnival act comes to Dodge City when two performers named Grover Cranston and Little Maury arrive with a deadly exhibition. The partners shoot tin cans off each other's heads for money, drawing crowds eager to witness what could be a fatal mistake. Marshal Matt Dillon shuts down their first performance in the streets, but the duo moves just outside town limits to continue their risky shows. While their poker game prospers and the crowds grow larger, tensions begin to rise between the partners when the widow Effie Gans enters the picture.

As the situation develops, both Doc Adams and Chester find themselves drawn to watch the dangerous act, while Kitty observes the growing complications. The marshal becomes concerned that the partners might be scheming to fleece the widow, who has suddenly sold her house for cash. However, Doc suggests the situation might be more complicated, comparing Effie Gans to a pretty rattlesnake. When Little Maury confronts the widow about his feelings and hints at darker possibilities, Matt Dillon realizes something dangerous is brewing beyond just the deadly shooting exhibition.

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.