The Trial

Originally Aired: March 22, 1959

Gunsmoke #363, "The Trial," presents a compelling case of circumstantial evidence and witness testimony against an unlikely suspect. When Homer Tisdale, a starved-out homesteader, is caught stealing a handful of potatoes from Van Walcott's store, Matt Dillon refuses to jail him for such a desperate act, instead arranging for him to work at the Long Branch. Days later, while Matt and Chester are away at Fort Leonard, the stage office is robbed of ten thousand dollars and Charlie Reynolds is murdered in cold blood. Both witnesses, Walcott and stage manager Jay Buford, identify the masked gunman as Homer Tisdale.

Upon his return, Matt finds Homer still in Dodge, with no alibi except his claim that he was sleeping in a shed behind the Long Branch at the time of the crime. Despite Homer's gentle nature and Matt's doubts, two witnesses are prepared to swear under oath that he's the killer. When Circuit Judge Stokes arrives in town, showing more interest in corn liquor than justice, a jury trial begins in an old dance hall to determine Homer's fate.

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.