Trappers Revenge

Originally Aired: April 5, 1959

Gunsmoke #365, "Trappers Revenge,"

When young Tom Carl reports hearing strange moaning sounds in the willows by the river, Marshal Matt Dillon reluctantly investigates what seems like a wild goose chase. Instead, he and Doc Adams discover Tug Marsh, a trapper they met months earlier, barely clinging to life with horrifying wounds. The old mountain man has crawled for miles on his hands and knees, somehow surviving injuries that should have killed him days ago. Tug claims a grizzly bear mauled him down in Indian Territory, but his real fury is directed at his partner Billy Adams, who left him for dead in the wilderness without even the mercy of a quick knife thrust.

As Tug makes a miraculous recovery under Doc's care in Dodge City, his true intentions become clear. He's survived through sheer force of will, driven by one purpose: finding Billy Adams and exacting a slow, brutal revenge. Matt warns Tug that he'll face arrest for murder if Adams shows up in Dodge, but the vengeful trapper seems determined to settle accounts, no matter the cost.

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.