Hanging Man: Gunsmoke (March 25, 1956)

“Hanging Man” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast March 25, 1956. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Dillon investigates the death of a local businessman found hanging in his office. Although it appears to be suicide, Doc discovers a bump on the back of the man's head and notices his cash box is missing, suggesting foul play. Suspicion falls on Mel Tucker, a desperate drifter recently taken up with a woman named Cora Bell.

Dodge City and surrounding territory in the Old West

Characters: Matt Dillon, Chester, Doc, Cora Bell, Mel Tucker, Kitty

Listen for: The investigation into whether a hanging was suicide or murder, and Matt's suspicions about Mel Tucker's involvement based on evidence of theft and violence.

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.