Doc Quits: Gunsmoke (August 27, 1955)

“Doc Quits” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast August 27, 1955. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

Listen to Gunsmoke free, live around the clock: every episode, in the order it first aired. No sign-up.

What happens

Doc Adams returns to Dodge troubled after failing to save a patient's life despite his best efforts. Meanwhile, a new doctor named Bethel arrives in town and introduces himself to Marshal Dillon, claiming to be a professional man and hoping to establish himself in the community.

Dodge City and the surrounding territory in Kansas, including Doc's buggy on a remote road and the saloon in town

Characters: Matt Dillon, Doc Adams, Chester, Mrs. Crumbly, Dr. Bethel, Kitty

Listen for: Doc's despair and self-doubt about his abilities as a physician after losing a patient, and the introduction of a mysterious new doctor to Dodge

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.