Kangaroo: Gunsmoke (January 18, 1959)

“Kangaroo” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast January 18, 1959. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Dillon and Chester encounter an old man named Skirlock brutally whipping a young cowboy in the territory. When Chester cuts the victim down, Skirlock vows vengeance and gathers his followers to hold a night trial, determined to punish Dillon and Chester for interfering with what he believes is the Lord's work. Dillon must navigate the dangerous situation as Skirlock's fanatical son Paul prepares to carry out a brutal sentence.

Dodge City and the surrounding Kansas territory, primarily at night in a remote camp where Skirlock holds his trial

Characters: Matt Dillon, US Marshal, Chester, Skirlock, Paul, Dale, Doc, Kitty, Bride

Listen for: Skirlock's fanatical religious rants as he pursues vengeance, the tension as his followers drag Dillon and Chester to their makeshift courtroom, and the climactic confrontation over whether Skirlock will carry out his promised punishment.

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.