Ugly

Originally Aired: December 15, 1957

In Gunsmoke #297, “Ugly,” a horribly disfigured stranger named Bruno Thayer rides into Dodge City, and his appearance alone is enough to spark fear and cruelty among the townsfolk. Scarred years earlier in a buffalo stampede, Bruno keeps mostly to himself, hoping to make a quiet life on an abandoned farm. But in a town quick to judge what it doesn’t understand, rumors begin to spread—whispers of evil, violence, and unnatural behavior.

When a young woman claims Bruno attacked her, hysteria boils over. Led by a vengeful mob, Dodge threatens to turn on the man they barely know. Marshal Matt Dillon must stand between fear and justice, determined to uncover the truth before prejudice turns deadly.

In the end, what emerges is not a monster—but a lonely man scarred by fate and rejected by society. A powerful and unsettling story about appearance, superstition, and the courage it takes to stand against mob rule.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis

Tags:

western, frontierjustice, MattDillon, Chester, DocAdams, KittyRussell, mobjustice, prejudice, rumor, DodgeCity, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, radioDrama, 1950sradio, tragedy, isolation, frontierlife, 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.