The Queue: Gunsmoke (July 19, 1954)

“The Queue” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast July 19, 1954. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

Listen to Gunsmoke free, live around the clock: every episode, in the order it first aired. No sign-up.

What happens

A Chinese cook named Chen Wong arrives in Dodge City and finds work at the Dodge House after Marshal Dillon intervenes when local men harass him. When Chen injures his hand and visits Doc Adams, his manner of speech changes noticeably, raising questions about his true background and intentions.

Dodge City, Kansas - the town's streets, the Dodge House restaurant, and Doc Adams' office

Characters: Matt Dillon, Chester, Doc Adams, Chen Wong, Rob Braden, Reb Braden, Mr. Green

Listen for: The mystery of why Chen Wong initially speaks in broken English but later demonstrates fluent, educated speech; the prejudice he faces from local men upon arrival; his injury and visit to the doctor.

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.