The Constable: Gunsmoke (May 8, 1954)

“The Constable” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast May 8, 1954. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

A cattle drive led by Rance arrives in Dodge City and his men cause trouble at the saloon and on the streets. Marshal Dillon arrests five of them to prevent violence, but this prompts the town's businessmen to pressure him into backing off, fearing the loss of cattle trade. Dillon refuses and tells them he will make no more arrests in Dodge, leaving the town to manage its own consequences.

Dodge City in the Old West, including the Marshal's office, a saloon, and a business meeting room.

Characters: Matt Dillon, US Marshal, Chester, Rance, trail boss, Mr. Grain, Mr. Pepper, Mr. Howe, Willard Bayon, new constable

Listen for: The tension between law enforcement and commerce as the townspeople prioritize cattle trade profits over maintaining order, and Dillon's uncompromising stance on keeping the peace even when it costs the town business.

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.