Til Death Do Us: A Righteous Man, a Terrible Marriage, and Four Shots in a Barn

Originally Aired: October 21, 1956

In Gunsmoke #237, “Til Death Do Us,” a sanctimonious farmer, Jezreel Cobb, and his cowed wife, Minerva, drift into Dodge—and into danger. After shots are fired at their buggy, Matt Dillon follows a rumor to a braggart gunman who claims he was offered $300 to kill Cobb. When the gunman forces a showdown at the Long Branch, Matt drops him—but the truth is darker than hired vengeance. Back at the Cobb place, Matt learns Minerva paid for the killing after decades of beatings “for her transgressions.” When Jezreel suspects the plot and reaches for his hickory stave, Minerva meets him in the barn and calmly empties her gun. In a chilling, matter-of-fact confession served with warm plum pie, she tells the Marshal: Jezreel won’t be beating her anymore.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Virginia Gregg, Ralph Moody, Don Diamond, John Daner

Tags:
western, frontier, DodgeCity, MarshalDillon, domesticabuse, selfdefense, moralhypocrisy, saloon, LongBranch, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, HowardMcNear, GeorgiaEllis, VirginiaGregg, RalphMoody, DonDiamond, JohnDaner, oldtimeradio, classicradio, 1950sradio, radioDrama, justice, grimtwist

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.