The Big Con: Gunsmoke (May 16, 1953)

“The Big Con” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast May 16, 1953. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Dillon visits the bank early one morning and discovers that bank president Mr. Pat has loaned $20,000 of depositors' money to a man named Hook to cover a gambling debt from a high-stakes poker game at the Texas Trail. When Hook returns with news that he lost the money on a straight flush, Mr. Pat faces financial ruin and fears the bank will collapse if word gets out.

Dodge City, at the bank and surrounding town locations

Characters: Matt Dillon, Chester, Mr. Pat, Hook, Shane Wies, Mr. Warden, Doc

Listen for: A discussion of ethics in banking and gambling, and the Marshal's attempt to manage a crisis that could destroy the town's only financial institution.

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.