Old Beller: Gunsmoke (July 26, 1959)

“Old Beller” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast July 26, 1959. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Dillon and Doc Adams ride out to a cattle drive where the trail boss Waddell has summoned the doctor to treat a sick animal—Old Beller, the lead steer who remarkably guides the entire herd across difficult terrain. When they arrive, Doc discovers the valuable steer has mysteriously recovered on its own, though Waddell hints that the animal may have been poisoned, and suspicion falls on someone in the outfit.

A cattle drive trail with a herd moving toward Texas, including cook wagons and camp facilities.

Characters: Marshal Matt Dillon, Doc Adams, Waddell, Hobo Adel, Charlie, Old Beller

Listen for: Discussion of Old Beller's unusual intelligence and leadership abilities within the herd, the mystery of his illness, and hints of sabotage or poisoning that threaten the success of the cattle drive.

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.