Tried It - Didn't Like It

Originally Aired: September 7, 1958

Gunsmoke #335, "Tried It - Didn't Like It,"

Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester ride out to the Cates ranch on a blistering hot day to investigate a complaint from turkey farmer Hank Jurgen. Hank claims that twelve-year-old Eddie Cates has been shooting his prized turkeys with a Winchester rifle, and this isn't the first time. When they arrive, Eddie's father Grover becomes immediately defensive and hostile, particularly toward Hank. The tension runs deeper than a simple property dispute - Hank and Grover's wife Alma were once close before she suddenly married Grover, and old resentments clearly simmer beneath the surface.

When Matt questions young Eddie, the boy vehemently denies shooting any turkeys and counters with an explosive accusation of his own: he's seen Hank visiting his stepmother Alma when Grover is away from the ranch. Eddie, who has never accepted Alma as a replacement for his deceased mother, insists this is why Hank is lying about him. As Alma desperately denies the allegations and Grover sits at home drinking in brooding silence, Matt must untangle the web of accusations, jealousy, and family dysfunction to determine who is telling the truth.

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.