Categorical Imperative: Gunsmoke (January 20, 1957)

“Categorical Imperative” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast January 20, 1957. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Matt Dillon pursues escaped prisoner Clay Maclin into a raging storm. Despite warnings from Doc and Judge Bent that Maclin will likely be released anyway when tried, Matt tracks him toward the Chick-Paw cattle company where Maclin once worked, accompanied by a reluctant deputy.

Dodge City and the surrounding territory during a severe winter storm; a cattle ranch cabin

Characters: Matt Dillon, Doc, Judge Bent, Clay Maclin, Chester

Listen for: The marshal's determination to do his duty even when it seems futile, and the tension between law enforcement and the courts over a prisoner's fate.

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.