The Wake

Originally Aired: January 15, 1961

Gunsmoke #458, "The Wake," a stranger named Gus Mather arrives in Dodge City with a coffin in his wagon, claiming it contains his best friend Orson Boggs, who died of a fever. Mather buries Boggs on Boot Hill without a preacher or ceremony, then throws an elaborate wake with free food and liquor for anyone who'll attend. Chester and Doc Adams are invited and find the whole affair suspicious, especially when Mather keeps the drinks flowing night after night, spending money far too freely for a drifter.

Marshal Matt Dillon shares Chester's suspicions when he learns about Mather's extravagant spending and evasive answers. When questioned about Boggs, Mather nervously lets slip that his dead friend came from the Red Bank country near the Pawnee Reservation, then quickly tries to cover his mistake. Dillon suspects the elaborate wake might be a scheme to convince everyone that Orson Boggs is dead when he isn't, possibly to help someone escape the law. With only this slim lead to follow, Matt and Chester prepare to ride for Red Bank country to uncover the truth behind the mysterious burial.

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.