The Patsy: Gunsmoke (October 30, 1954)

“The Patsy” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast October 30, 1954. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

A man named Dave Thorpe is shot and killed in an alley in Dodge City. Marshal Matt Dillon investigates and learns from a witness named Holly Fanjall that a cowboy called Flyhoyt shot Dave during an argument at a saloon, then fled the scene. Dillon must track down the killer and convince the frightened witness to testify in court.

Dodge City, Kansas - a saloon and surrounding streets

Characters: Matt Dillon, Doc, Dave Thorpe, Joel Thorpe, Chester, Kitty, Holly Fanjall, Flyhoyt

Listen for: The opening theme and Matt Dillon's introduction as US Marshal; the investigation of the shooting and discovery of the witness; discussion of the suspect Flyhoyt.

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.