The Sutler: A Marshal’s Pursuit of Justice

In the exciting kickoff to “Gunsmoke’s” second season, Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself up against a cunning group of thieves plotting to steal rifles from the Army, despite skepticism from the Commanding Officer. When news arrives that four wagonloads of rifles are en route to Dodge, Cy and Jim make plans to hijack the shipment. The twist comes when Will Jonas, a sutler who follows the army to sell goods to the soldiers, hires Chester to help unload the valuable cargo, unknowingly involving him in a dangerous scheme.

As Matt Dillon gets wind of the illegal operation, he steps in to investigate, determined to prevent the rifles from falling into the wrong hands. But with resistance from the Army’s Commanding Officer and the well-organized ring of thieves working against him, Dillon’s resolve and resourcefulness will be tested to the limit.

Written by John Meston, “The Sutler” captures the high-stakes tension and rugged justice that “Gunsmoke” fans have come to love, blending action, suspense, and classic Western grit.

Keywords: “The Sutler Gunsmoke episode,” “September 5, 1953 Gunsmoke,” “Gunsmoke season 2 premiere,” “Matt Dillon versus rifle thieves,” “classic Western drama,” “John Meston writer,” “Dodge City crime,” “Army rifle theft.”

Tune in to this thrilling episode as Marshal Dillon takes on a dangerous mission to safeguard the Army’s weapons and uphold the law in Dodge City.

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.