The Stallion

Originally Aired: May 18, 1958

In Gunsmoke #319, "The Stallion," a debt collection turns violent when Oak Harker arrives at Dan Stokes' ranch demanding payment for money owed to his father. When Stokes can't pay, Harker seizes his prized stud horse—a beautiful groan with a blaze that Stokes raised from a foal and refuses to sell because he knows Harker mistreats animals. Stokes warns that if the horse is harmed, he'll take him back, even if it means killing Harker.

Marshal Matt Dillon soon encounters a runaway horse that's been savagely beaten with a bull whip, its hide torn and bloody. With Doc Adams' help, he stables the horse and waits to see who will claim it. When Dan Stokes appears at the Long Branch asking about the legality of Harker's seizure, Matt realizes the connection but holds back from telling Stokes about the brutalized animal. As Harker himself arrives at the marshal's office demanding his saddle and bridle, a dangerous confrontation looms. Matt must navigate the fine line between legal debt collection and outright cruelty while preventing violence between two determined men.

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.