Absalom: Gunsmoke (March 7, 1953)

“Absalom” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast March 7, 1953. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshall Dillon arrests Billy Mallard, a drunk and reckless young Texan, after he shoots up the Long Branch Saloon and threatens to cause more trouble in Dodge City. When Billy's father King Mallard arrives at the jail demanding his son's release, the Marshall must stand firm against the powerful rancher's intimidation and threats.

Dodge City, Kansas, at the Long Branch Saloon and jail

Characters: Matt Dillon, Chester, Kitty, Billy Mallard, King Mallard, Tom Wayne, Mr. Kelly

Listen for: The tension between Matt Dillon's duty to the law and the pressure from powerful Texas cattlemen who bring valuable herds to the town; King Mallard's menacing confrontation at the jail.

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.