Matt's Decision: Gunsmoke (September 6, 1959)

“Matt's Decision” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast September 6, 1959. 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

Marshal Matt Dillon faces mounting pressure from townspeople upset with the rowdy behavior of drovers in Dodge City, while an old friend named Luke tempts him to abandon his marshal duties and head west to seek his fortune. Meanwhile, Matt discovers a wagon carrying guns intended for Indians and must confront the smugglers responsible.

Dodge City and the surrounding frontier

Characters: Matt Dillon, Chester, Doc, Kitty, Luke Gilmore, Long Robe

Listen for: Matt's internal conflict about whether to continue as marshal or pursue a new life out west; the confrontation over the illegal gun shipment to the Indians

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.