Xmas Story: Gunsmoke (December 20, 1952)

“Xmas Story” is an episode of Gunsmoke, the old-time radio show, first broadcast December 20, 1952. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marshal Matt Dillon is traveling back to Dodge City on Christmas Eve after delivering a prisoner. He encounters a drifting stranger named Cowley whose horse has gone lame, and the two share a ride together. As they journey toward town, Matt reflects on the Christmas spirit in Dodge and encounters the kindhearted John Bumbie, who is planning to propose to Mrs. McNish that evening.

The Kansas Territory and the town of Dodge City on Christmas Eve

Characters: Matt Dillon, Cowley, Chester, Doc, Kitty, John Bumbie, Mrs. McNish

Listen for: The contrast between Matt's solitary, weary journey and the warmth of Christmas celebration awaiting him in Dodge; the stranger Cowley's mysterious interest in learning about the town and its people; John Bumbie's joyful announcement of his engagement plans.

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.