Thick 'n Thin: Grits, Guns, and a Friendship on the Brink

Originally Aired: September 16, 1956

In Gunsmoke #232, “Thick 'n Thin,” long-time partners Odie Perkins and Brace McCoy are at war—over sour grits. What starts as a spat over cooking spirals into a full-blown feud, with bullets flying between barn and house on their shared homestead. Marshal Matt Dillon steps in to restore order, but it’ll take more than jail time and lectures to mend this stubborn friendship. Enter Summer Dove, a wise and capable Kiowa woman with culinary skills that could bring even the most bullheaded cowboys back to the table. A witty and warm episode exploring pride, reconciliation, and the small things that matter most.

Cast: William Conrad, Vic Perron, Barney Phillips, Peggy Rea

Tags:
Western, friendship, feud, reconciliation, comedy, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, Kiowa, SummerDove, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, classicwestern, ruraldrama, foodfight, suspensepodcast, barnlife

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.