Crack-Up: Gunsmoke (October 16, 1960)

“Crack-Up” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast October 16, 1960. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Matt Dillon encounters a tense and dangerous gunman named Nate Springer in the barbershop, where Springer violently demands a haircut ahead of waiting customers. Doc reveals that Springer is a notorious paid killer with a reputation for nervousness and unpredictability, raising questions about why such a dangerous man has come to Dodge.

Dodge City - a barber shop and the street

Characters: Matt Dillon, Moshe the barber, Nate Springer, Doc

Listen for: A confrontation in the barbershop that introduces a mysterious and dangerous gunman; discussion of Springer's sinister reputation and past killings.

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.