The Photographer: Blood for a Picture and the Price of “Art”

Originally Aired: May 6, 1956

In Gunsmoke #213, “The Photographer,” Dodge City is unsettled by the arrival of Professor Jacobi, an ambitious eastern photographer determined to capture the “real” violence of the West—no matter the cost. When a harmless town character known as Old Toad is found scalped and murdered, suspicion falls on the local tribes, but Matt Dillon soon uncovers the truth: Jacobi paid a desperate man to stage a killing for the sake of a gruesome photograph. Obsessed with sensational images and dismissive of consequence, Jacobi’s quest leads him onto sacred Cheyenne land, where his final “picture” is paid for in blood. A haunting tale about exploitation, reputation, and the dark side of the stories people sell.

Cast:
William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, James Nusser

Tags:
western, morality, exploitation, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, HowardMcNear, thephotographer, oldtimeradio, crime, Cheyenne, 1950sradio, classicdrama, violence, justice, mediaethics, suspensepodcast

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.