Westbound

Originally Aired: November 1, 1959

Gunsmoke #395, "Westbound," finds Matt Dillon and Chester traveling to Abilene on what should be a routine prisoner pickup. While Doc grumbles back in Dodge about Chester's easy assignment, the deputy himself feels uneasy about the trip. Their mission is to arrest Jack Daggett, a killer who fled to his hometown after a shooting in Dodge. The arrest goes smoothly at the Last Chance Saloon, but trouble quickly surfaces when the local constable, Roar, proves unhelpful and warns that Daggett's older brothers won't take kindly to the situation. With Wild Bill Hickok away in Topeka, Matt finds himself without local support and denied use of the jail.

With four hours to wait until the westbound train departs for Dodge, Matt and Chester hole up in a hotel room with their handcuffed prisoner. The hotel keeper reluctantly accepts their business but demands payment in advance, fearing the bloody confrontation that may come when the Daggett brothers learn their younger sibling is under arrest. As the minutes crawl by and tension mounts, Chester's earlier hunch about this assignment seems increasingly justified.

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.