The Old Lady: Gunsmoke (January 24, 1953)

“The Old Lady” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast January 24, 1953. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Dillon and Chester stop to water their horses at Ellen's homestead and are shot at by the widow, who has grown bitter and suspicious since her husband Ethan's death five years ago. When Dillon encounters Ellen's son Luther at the saloon, he confronts the young man about his failure to help his struggling mother, but Luther is indifferent to her plight. Later, Cassie mentions rumors connecting Luther to cattle rustling.

Dodge City and the surrounding frontier homestead, with scenes at Ellen's ranch, the saloon, and the Marshal's office.

Characters: Marshal Matt Dillon, Chester, Ellen, Luther, Mitch, Cassie

Listen for: The tension between duty and compassion as Dillon tries to reach Luther about his mother's deteriorating condition, and hints of trouble brewing with cattle rustling accusations.

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.