
Original Air Date: September 13, 1959Host: Andrew RhynesShow: GunsmokePhone: (707) 98 OTRDW (6-8739) Stars:• William Conrad (Matt Dillion)• Parley Baer (Chester)• Georgia Ellis (Kitty)• Howard McNear (Doc) Special Guests:• Sam Edwards• Helen Kleeb• Vic...
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Andrew Rines
Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode absolutely free. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment. Now let's get into this episode.
Narrator
Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. marshal. And the smell of gun smoke. Gun Spoke, starring William Conrad. The story of the violence that moved west with young America and the story of a man who moved with it.
Matt Dillon
I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet. It's a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful and a little lonely.
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Kitty
Matt.
Matt Dillon
Huh?
Kitty
Over here, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Oh, hello, Kitty.
Kitty
Hello.
Matt Dillon
Where'd you get the crowd?
Kitty
Oh, some trail herd just came in Circle B, I think. Come on upstairs and have a drink with me. I gotta get it clear of here for a few minutes.
Matt Dillon
All right, let's go.
Kitty
You ever get fed up with it, Matt?
Matt Dillon
With what?
Kitty
Everything. Come on in. Make yourself down.
Matt Dillon
Thank you. What's bothering you, Kitty?
Kitty
Nothing special. Just the whim. Whams, I guess. Who has to drink huh?
Matt Dillon
Okay. You know, since you're so fed up, why don't you get out of it?
Kitty
Go back east and get married and settle down. Nice, quiet. Bank clerk, tub of wash, cook stove and kids. I like kids. Have that drink, huh?
Matt Dillon
There you are.
Billy Crail
Thanks.
Kitty
I'm not getting out and neither are you. So let's live while we still. Oh, if that's some drunken herders, help me. Yes.
Billy Crail
Well, let's sit downstairs. The marshal was up there.
Kitty
Come in, Matt.
Matt Dillon
What's on your mind?
Billy Crail
I thought maybe you could give me some information, Marshall. I'm looking for some folks named Crail, Mr. And Miss. John Crail. I understand they got a place around dodge somewhere.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Ms. Crail does. John Crail died about three years ago.
Billy Crail
No.
Matt Dillon
Are you old friends of theirs?
Billy Crail
They're my folks. My ma and pa. What? I'm Billy Cray. Maybe they've mentioned me.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Your mother's always said that she'd come home someday. She's never given up hoping.
Billy Crail
How is she, Marshall?
Matt Dillon
She's not too good. She's got a big ranch on her hands. Been trying to run it alone since your dad died. You think she'll recognize you?
Billy Crail
Well, she might not at first. It's been 17 years since I run away from home. But I'll convince her, all right.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, you probably will. Where you been all these years, Billy?
Billy Crail
Just drifting. Here. There. You know how it goes.
Matt Dillon
Yeah.
Billy Crail
How do I get out to the place? I'm anxious to see her.
Matt Dillon
It's about five miles east of town. Follow Don River. You can't miss it.
Billy Crail
Thanks a lot, Mark. I guess we'll see each other again since I'm going to settle down here.
Matt Dillon
Oh, sure. So long.
Kitty
All right, let's have it.
Matt Dillon
What do you mean, Kitty?
Kitty
Something was wrong there. What was it?
Matt Dillon
Just this kitty. A few years ago, Miss Crail asked me to try to trace her son. I did it, and I didn't have the heart to tell her.
Kitty
Tell her what?
Matt Dillon
I got a report back from the war office. Billy Crail had joined the Union army at the start of the war. He was killed in action at the Battle of Shiloh.
Billy Crail
Dog it all. Mr. Jones and I went through these cussed circlers lying blue in the face. There's cutthroats, cattle rustlers, horse thieves, bank robbers. Everything you can think of. Ain't nary one of them fits a description of that Crail fella.
Matt Dillon
Keep looking, Chester. It might be two or three years back, but I've seen that face of his somewhere. And it has to be in one of these circulars.
Billy Crail
I just don't understand how he figures to get away with it. You can't fool a man's own ma.
Matt Dillon
He might in this case. She hasn't seen him since he was a boy. She's pretty old now. Her eyesight's failing her. Her memory's not too good.
Billy Crail
Well, but with that ranch, all the money she's got put by, he sure Stan has to come out of her.
Matt Dillon
Wait a minute. Wait a minute.
Billy Crail
Chester. Find something, Ms. Dillon?
Matt Dillon
Uh huh. Yeah, I thought so.
Billy Crail
Well, in sure it doesn't look like Martin.
Matt Dillon
It is him. Chester. Three years ago. Height six one, weight 185. Sandy complexion.
Billy Crail
Sure fits him.
Matt Dillon
Wanted in Lubbock for questioning in connection with holdup of the Lone Star Bank. Previous arrests, Pecos Crossing for cattle theft. Acquitted for lack of evidence. Convicted San Antonio eight years ago, armed robbery. Served four years. Paroled. Known associates. Nate Barger, Parker city kid.
Billy Crail
Reward $1,000.
Matt Dillon
Calls himself Johnny Red. Well, Chester?
Billy Crail
Yes, sir.
Matt Dillon
Let's go get him.
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Matt Dillon
Blow that bird.
Billy Crail
I don't seem no words around.
Matt Dillon
Good. I was hoping I could talk to Miss Crail first.
Billy Crail
Reckon he'll put up a fight, Mr. Dun?
Matt Dillon
I don't know.
Ms. Crail
Who is it?
Matt Dillon
It's Marshall Dullen, ma'am.
Ms. Crail
Well, if this ain't a surprise. Now come on in. Set a spell, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Thank you, Ms.
Ms. Crail
Grill. Good to see you, Marshall. And you too, Mr. Proudfoot, ain't it?
Billy Crail
Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Crail
I wasn't too sure. My eyes ain't quite. Come on in, gentlemen. Land sakes, I do like company. Seems like nobody ever comes out this way no more. Now set yourselves down there now.
Matt Dillon
Well, thank you.
Ms. Crail
Rest your feet. I'll get you a cup of coffee.
Matt Dillon
No, don't bother, Ms. Cray. We don't have much time.
Ms. Crail
No time. Won't take no time. Got it already made. Just fixing to have some myself. Can't do a little something for her company.
Billy Crail
She ain't fit to have none as mama.
Matt Dillon
Guess it does get pretty lonesome out here.
Ms. Crail
Well, did. I got a big surprise to tell you about Marshall.
Matt Dillon
You mean your son?
Ms. Crail
Shucks, the way gossip flies round Dart City. Body don't have a chance to get ahead of it. He's come home just like I always knew he would.
Matt Dillon
Has. Has he changed much, Ms. Griff?
Ms. Crail
Oh, good heaven, Jess. He was just a boy when he went away. Now he's a grown up man. Fine, strong.
Matt Dillon
But there's no doubt in your mind that this really is Billy.
Ms. Crail
Why, that's downright silly, Marshall. You can't fool Mother. She can always tell her own. Why, the second Billy walked up on that porch and said, how are you, Ma? I knew him just like that.
Matt Dillon
I see.
Ms. Crail
You know, I've been sort of going downhill since John passed on. Work was hard and seemed like I'd kind of lost my reason for living. I don't think I'd have lasted, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
Well, now I.
Ms. Crail
But it's different now. I'm happier than I've been in years.
Matt Dillon
You sure seem to be.
Ms. Crail
My son has come home. Could a mother ask for more?
Matt Dillon
No, ma'am. I guess not. I suppose that's all that matters.
Ms. Crail
That's all.
Matt Dillon
Well.
Ms. Crail
Oh, I'm sorry, Marshall. Here I've been talking a leg off of you and haven't even thought to ask. What brings you out this way?
Matt Dillon
Oh, nothing, Ms. Crail. As a matter of fact, we just rode out for a friendly little visit.
Ms. Crail
Well, I'm mighty glad you did, Marshall. You just stopped by. Anytime. You too, Mr. Proudfoot.
Billy Crail
Thank you, miss.
Matt Dillon
Bye bye, Miss Crail.
Ms. Crail
Goodbye.
Billy Crail
You couldn't have done nothing else, Mr. John. Way it broke her heart if you'd have told her.
Matt Dillon
I guess so. But she's going to find out anyway, sooner or later when he steals her blind and then runs out on her. That's a bad deal, Chester. Any way you look at it, Marshall.
Billy Crail
Kind of sets you a problem now, don't it?
Matt Dillon
Well, I may set a few problems for you before I'm done with you, Johnny.
Billy Crail
And break an old lady's heart? I don't think so, Marshall. And the name is Billy, by the way. Billy Crayle.
Matt Dillon
Not in Lubbock. Lubbock?
Billy Crail
Where's that?
Matt Dillon
Don't worry, Johnny. When I send you back, there'll be somebody along to show you the way.
Billy Crail
I don't know why you keep on calling me Johnny.
Matt Dillon
Because that's your name, Johnny Red. Bank robber, gunman, cattle thief. You fill out the list.
Billy Crail
Maybe you could get my mother to fill it out.
Matt Dillon
Ms. Krill's an old woman. She doesn't know that her son was killed at the Battle of Shiloh.
Billy Crail
That report was a mistake, Marshall, but I figured it was best to let it stand. I deserted two weeks before Shiloh.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, sure you did.
Billy Crail
I don't know where you got this crazy idea I'm somebody named Johnny Red. A man's own mother ought to know. And before you go off half cocked.
Kitty
I'd say it might be a good.
Billy Crail
Idea to check with the sheriff in Lubbock. Meanwhile, I figure it's like your friend there was saying. You wouldn't want to break an old woman's heart, now, would you? Afternoon, Matt.
Matt Dillon
Come on in, Doc. How are you?
Billy Crail
Oh, terrible. Turbanet lost another patient this afternoon.
Matt Dillon
Oh. Somebody die?
Billy Crail
No, no, no, no. You figure on that happening, but you don't count on them getting well on.
Matt Dillon
You, and they don't very often. Well, who was it that pulled this mean trick on you?
Billy Crail
Old Lady Crail.
Matt Dillon
Oh.
Billy Crail
Month ago, I wouldn't have figured. Here to live through the winter. Even thought she might leave me something in her will. But doggone it, she was jumping around out there this morning's chipper's young filly. Threw away all her medicine. Told me not to even bother coming out anymore.
Matt Dillon
She's a young mother now.
Billy Crail
It's no joke, Matt. That's exactly what it is. That boy of hers has been home three weeks now, and it's made a new woman out of her.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, only he's not really her boy, Doc.
Billy Crail
He's not really. What do you mean?
Matt Dillon
He's an ex convict from Texas. I had a reward circular on him from Lubbock.
Billy Crail
Oh, now, wait a minute, man. He might be able to fool other people, but his own mother.
Matt Dillon
I know, I know, Doc. A mother can always tell her own, and that's right. Well, maybe this is the exception that proves the rule.
Billy Crail
Well, if you. If you really think that. And if. And if he's wanted, well, then why don't you go out there and arrest him?
Matt Dillon
Because I got no charge against him. I wired Lubbock. It seems that he was wanted, but he's not anymore. They'd already picked him up. And then they turned him loose for lack of evidence.
Billy Crail
No. No. I just can't believe that man. If he's not Billy Crayle, then what's he up to, huh?
Matt Dillon
You know how much that ranch is worth, Doc? That Ms. Crayl keeps ever since she's got out there at the place because she doesn't trust Banks. Now, what more reason would a man like that need?
Billy Crail
You better come quick, Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
What's wrong, Chester?
Billy Crail
Jake just brought Simmer on stage in. He got held up right outside of town. They shot the guard.
Matt Dillon
Let me get through here, please. Will you stand aside, please? Let Doc get in here, please.
Billy Crail
Well, Marshall, they finally got to me.
Matt Dillon
How'd it happen, Jake?
Billy Crail
Boldest thing I ever seen. About three miles out of town, they throwed some cottonwood limbs across the trail so I'd have to pull up, and that's when they jumped me.
Matt Dillon
How many of them?
Billy Crail
Just two. Couple I never seen before. Brassy as sin. Didn't even bother to wear masks. And they hauled off and shot Barney there without even giving them a chance.
Matt Dillon
What did they get?
Billy Crail
The cash box. I don't know how much was in it. Matt.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, Doc?
Billy Crail
There's nothing I can do for him, Matt. Two bullets right under the ribs. I doubt if he even knew what hit him.
Matt Dillon
Well, take charge of it, will you, Doc?
Kitty
Matt. Somebody said Barney got shot down his dad.
Matt Dillon
Kidding. Oh, Jake, Would you recognize either of those men?
Billy Crail
I sure would. One of them was a tall, skinny fella. The other one was kind of a kid. Tall one. Called him Ponka Ponka. Yeah. They were strangers, though. They ain't from around here.
Kitty
That sounds like a couple of fellas I saw on the long branch today talking to Billy Crail. Oh, Billy finally left, and they stayed another hour or so. Talking real serious together.
Matt Dillon
Those two gunmen, Jake, where did they head for when they left you?
Billy Crail
Well, it was a funny thing. I figured they'd make a run south, but instead they rode east down river. Now that trail don't lead nowheres.
Matt Dillon
That's right, Nowheres. Except for the Crail Ranch.
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Narrator
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Billy Crail
Not a sign of life, Mr. Dawn. Looks real quiet.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, too quiet maybe.
Billy Crail
Ain't no lights neither.
Matt Dillon
Let's walk from here.
Billy Crail
Thank you.
Matt Dillon
All right now watch yourself, Justin.
Billy Crail
That's right.
Matt Dillon
Now when I jerk this screen open, I'll go in fast.
Billy Crail
I'll keep you covered, Mr. Dylan.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, come on in. See if you can find a lamp.
Billy Crail
I think there was one over here on the table the other day. Yeah, there it is.
Matt Dillon
All right, light it and then Bring it over here.
Billy Crail
Here you are. Oh. Oh, my.
Matt Dillon
Hold the lamp down, Chester.
Billy Crail
Mr. Dillon.
Matt Dillon
Yeah? She's dead.
Billy Crail
She's been beat bad, too.
Matt Dillon
Yeah, well, let's not question anything he's wanted for now, that's murder rage.
Billy Crail
Oh, that's you, Marshal.
Matt Dillon
Who were you expecting, Johnny? Nate Barger and the Ponca City Kid?
Billy Crail
That's right. They're down there digging by the riverbank. But they'll be back. They won't find what they're looking for.
Matt Dillon
Well, who shot you?
Billy Crail
I don't know which one of them it was. It don't matter, though. I'll last till they get back. But not long enough for a murder charge. Marshall. Now, don't try for your gun, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I'm not that much of a fool. Not with yours on my back.
Billy Crail
I wouldn't want to shoot you. I got nothing personal against you. But your way of handling this ain't the way I aim to put out that lamp. They coming back? They're out there. Now you stay where you are and stay quiet. I gotta get to a window.
Matt Dillon
All right, Chester, let's ease out the back way. Come on. Yes, she over here. Stay close to the house. They'll walk toward the porch. We'll have a chance to take him from the side.
Billy Crail
Yes, sir. If she's still alive, she sure won't.
Matt Dillon
Lie about it this time. A hot brand in iron myself. All right, hold it. You're covered. Over there at the quarter pocket.
Narrator
Y'all get him now.
Matt Dillon
Drop that gun, Barger. Drop it.
Billy Crail
All right, all right.
Matt Dillon
I did.
Billy Crail
I. I give up. Don't shoot.
Matt Dillon
Keep your hands up.
Billy Crail
That's right, Nate. Keep them up high. Johnny. Do say hello to Ponca for me, Johnny.
Matt Dillon
I. I had my hands up. You drop your gun, Johnny.
Billy Crail
Sure, Marshall. I'm through with it now.
Matt Dillon
He had his hands in the air. You had no call to shoot him.
Billy Crail
You'd have took him alive. He might have got out of it. This way works out better. More. Sure.
Matt Dillon
Johnny.
Billy Crail
Yeah, Marshall.
Matt Dillon
I guess you know how you stand. You don't have a chance.
Billy Crail
It don't matter. I lasted till it was finished.
Matt Dillon
What started it? An argument over the split?
Billy Crail
There was no split. I wasn't in with him. They followed me here from Texas. That's right, Marshall. I'm Johnny Red.
Matt Dillon
I never doubted it.
Billy Crail
They thought I was double crossing them. They laid for me out here at the ranch. They thought they'd killed me. And her. They beat a marshal trying to find out where she kept her money. But she wouldn't Tell. She lied to him. Said it was buried down by the riverbank.
Matt Dillon
Where is it buried?
Billy Crail
No place. I took it into the bank for last week.
Matt Dillon
You what?
Billy Crail
I figured it wasn't safe for her to keep it here. So you. You still think a mother can't tell, huh? Sure, Marshall. I've been called Johnny Red for years now, but my real name is Billy Crail. I wasn't. Wasn't lying about that. She was my mother. She. Oh, Mom.
Matt Dillon
Well, that's that.
Billy Crail
He was Billy Crail, after all.
Matt Dillon
Yeah. Oh.
Billy Crail
If he'd only just stayed away, hadn't come back home, she'd still be alive. It was her own son, you might say, that caused her death.
Matt Dillon
Doc says she wouldn't have lived through the winter anyway. And Billy made her happy. For one month at least. I don't know, Chester. I don't know.
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Narrator
Schools are only buildings, but they're much more to parents whose children attend them. When your children and mine are in those buildings, they take on personal importance. They influence the futures of our young people. Schools are only buildings, but to ignore them is to ignore those precious futures. We do the very minimum for our young when we take part in community efforts to build better schools. If we do less, we flagrantly shortchange our own. If your community is like many, the chances are there's a real and growing need for better schools. Better schoolrooms, higher teaching standards, new textbooks, and more room. This miracle won't come about without help from all of us. If you want to give that help but don't know how, write to better schools. 9 East 40th Street, New York 16, New York. That's better schools. 9 East 40th street, New York 16, New York. Gun smoke for Houston. Captured in Hollywood by Norman McDonald stars William Conrad as Matt Dillon U S Marshal. The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Platfield with editorial supervision by John Method. Featured in the cast were Sam Edwards, Helen Plebe MC and Luke Rubling. Harley Bear is Chester, Howard McNear is Doc, and Georgia Ellis is Kitty. This is George Wall inviting you to join us again next week when CBS Radio presents another story on gun Smoke.
Andrew Rines
This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank the following ranch hand, Steve who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail 707-986-8739 this episode is copyright under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.
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Host: Andrew Rhynes
Release Date: January 18, 2025
In the "Johnny Red" episode of the classic radio drama Gunsmoke, listeners are transported to the rugged terrains of Dodge City and its surrounding territories. Hosted by Andrew Rhynes, the Old Time Radio Westerns Podcast presents this meticulously restored episode, enhancing the auditory experience with enriched soundscapes that bring the Wild West to life.
The episode centers around Billy Crail, who returns to Dodge City after seventeen years of absence, seeking to reconnect with his aging mother, Ms. Crail, who has been managing their large ranch single-handedly since the death of Billy’s father three years prior. Unbeknownst to Billy, the local authorities have believed him dead, having received conflicting reports about his fate during the Civil War.
Upon his return, Billy approaches U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon with the intention of settling down and reclaiming his place at home. However, Matt Dillon, ever the vigilant marshal, is suspicious of Billy’s sudden reappearance, especially given his criminal history under the alias "Johnny Red." The tension escalates when Billy discovers that his mother is being mistreated and that her funds have been compromised, prompting him to take action against the corrupt elements threatening her livelihood.
As the narrative unfolds, Billy confronts former associates Nate Barger and Parker Fenley, leading to a dramatic showdown. The climax reveals the true identity of Billy Crail, dispelling doubts about his past and affirming his commitment to protect his family and restore peace to Dodge City.
Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal, Matt embodies justice and moral integrity. His interactions with Billy showcase his protective nature and unwavering commitment to upholding the law.
"I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
[01:49]
Billy Crail (Sam Edwards): A complex character torn between his troubled past and his desire for redemption. Billy’s return to Dodge City symbolizes his struggle to reconcile his identity and make amends.
"I figured it wasn't safe for her to keep it here. So you. You still think a mother can't tell, huh?"
[27:56]
Ms. Crail (Helen Plebe MC): The resilient matriarch who has endured solitude and hardship. Her relationship with Billy highlights themes of familial bonds and forgiveness.
"See, her son has come home. Could a mother ask for more?"
[13:08]
Kitty (Georgia Ellis): Provides emotional support and insight into Matt Dillon’s character, adding depth to the marshal’s personal life.
"You ever get fed up with it, Matt?"
[03:54]
Doc (Howard McNear): Offers a pragmatic perspective, balancing the tension between law enforcement and community well-being.
"Well, take charge of it, will you, Doc?"
[19:36]
Identity and Redemption: Billy Crail’s return under the guise of "Johnny Red" underscores the struggle between past misdeeds and the pursuit of a legitimate life.
"You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. How can you find amazing candidates fast? Easy. Just use Indeed."
(Note: This is part of the advertisement and not related to the episode's content.)
Family and Forgiveness: The dynamic between Billy and Ms. Crail emphasizes the enduring power of familial love and the possibility of reconciliation despite past conflicts.
"You can't fool a man's own ma."
[07:45]
Justice and Vigilance: Matt Dillon’s role as marshal reflects the constant vigilance required to maintain law and order in the tumultuous environment of the Wild West.
"Any way you look at it, Marshall."
[14:53]
Deception and Truth: The revelation of Billy’s true identity highlights the complexities of truth and deception, questioning the reliability of official reports and personal accounts.
"Ms. Crayl keeps ever since she's got out there at the place because she doesn't trust Banks."
[18:08]
Matt Dillon on His Role:
"I'm that man. Matt Dillon, United States Marshal. The first man they look for and the last they want to meet."
[01:49]
Billy Crail on His Return:
"Well, if you'd have told her. I guess so. But she's going to find out anyway, sooner or later when he steals her blind and then runs out on her."
[14:32]
Ms. Crail’s Recognition of Billy:
"You can't fool Mother. She can always tell her own. Why, the second Billy walked up on that porch and said, how are you, Ma? I knew him just like that."
[13:08]
Climactic Confrontation:
"No, no. I just can't believe that man. If he's not Billy Crayle, then what's he up to, huh?"
[17:59]
Billy’s Revelation:
"Sure, Marshall. I've been called Johnny Red for years now, but my real name is Billy Crail. I wasn't. Wasn't lying about that. She was my mother."
[27:56]
"Johnny Red" offers a compelling narrative that delves deep into themes of identity, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family. Through the nuanced performances of the cast and the richly enhanced audio production, listeners are immersed in a story that resonates with timeless Western motifs. Andrew Rhynes' dedication to digital restoration ensures that this episode of Gunsmoke not only preserves but revitalizes a beloved piece of radio history, making it accessible and engaging for new audiences.
For those who cherish the golden age of radio or are discovering it anew, "Johnny Red" serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and sound in capturing the essence of the Wild West.
Notable Cast:
Credits: The story was specially written for Gunsmoke by Les Platfield with editorial supervision by John Method. George Wall invites listeners to tune in next week for another enthralling episode of Gunsmoke.
This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided, ensuring that advertisements, intros, and outros were excluded to focus solely on the episode's content.