The Rooks: Gunsmoke (October 6, 1957)

“The Rooks” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast October 6, 1957. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Two troublemakers known as the Rook Brothers are terrorizing Dodge City, smashing saloons and causing destruction throughout town. When Marshal Dillon returns to find the town in chaos, the saloon keeper demands he take action, but Dillon is ill with fever and determined to rest rather than pursue the brothers.

Dodge City and surrounding territory in the American West

Characters: Matt Dillon, Chester, Doc, Dobby, Jess, The Rook Brothers

Listen for: The Rook Brothers' rampage through the saloons and Matt Dillon's reluctant response while recovering from illness

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.