Twelfth Night: Feud and Forgiveness in the Ozarks Tradition

Originally Aired: December 25, 1955

In Gunsmoke #194, “Twelfth Night,” the holiday season brings two mountain men—and a generations-old feud—to the snowy streets of Dodge. Eben Hakes arrives from the Ozarks, determined to settle the last score with his rival Joth Monger, vowing never to kill on a Sunday. As Marshal Dillon tries to prevent bloodshed, a tense standoff is broken only by the stroke of midnight and a forgotten kinship. With the help of Christmas spirit and a bit of corn liquor, the feud thaws, and the men discover their families’ tangled roots—and a reason to celebrate together. A rare festive tale of tradition, reconciliation, and frontier humor.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, John Dehner, Helen Kleeb, Vic Perrin

Tags:
western, holiday, feud, Christmas, reconciliation, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, MattDillon, Ozarks, tradition, comedy, family, kinship, mountainmen, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, peace, classicradio, frontierlife, vintagepodcast

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.