Twelfth Night

Originally Aired: December 28, 1957

In Gunsmoke #298, “Twelfth Night,” an old mountain feud follows two stubborn Ozark men all the way to Dodge City. When Eben Hakes arrives on foot—long rifle in hand—looking for his lifelong enemy Joth Monger, Marshal Matt Dillon braces for bloodshed. The bitter rivalry between the Hakes and Monger families stretches back generations, rooted in pride, stubbornness, and a long-forgotten slight.

But fate—and a quirk of mountain custom—intervene. When midnight strikes and Sunday begins, Eben refuses to fire a shot, honoring his lifelong rule never to kill on the Sabbath. What follows is an unexpected truce fueled by corn liquor, old memories, and a surprising revelation about how closely intertwined their family histories truly are.

As Dillon prepares to jail them both to prevent further violence, the feud dissolves into something far different: shared heritage, hard laughter, and plans for a Twelfth Night celebration twelve days after Christmas. A warm and gently humorous tale about tradition, pride, and the strange ways peace can sometimes find its footing.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, John Daner, Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin

Tags:

western, frontierjustice, MattDillon, Chester, DocAdams, KittyRussell, feud, Ozarks, tradition, TwelfthNight, DodgeCity, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, radioDrama, 1950sradio, reconciliation, frontierlife, holidayepisode, Gunsmoke

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.