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← All Gunsmoke episodes

Around Dodge City and in the territory on West, there is 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 Smoke starring William Conrad, the story of the violence that moved West with young America, and the story of a man who moved with it. 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 chancey job, and it makes a man watchful, and a little…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In the Gunsmoke episode 'Distant Drummer', we meet Raffy, a simple drummer boy from the Civil War, who struggles to fit into the harsh realities of post-war Dodge City. Raffy, despite his innocence and good nature, becomes a target for the town's bullies, who mock him for wearing his drum—a symbol of his past pride and service. As he navigates this unkind environment, he finds solace in the company of Miss Kitty, who offers him kindness and support.

Host

G

George Walsh

Cast›

Georgia Ellis

Howard McNear

Joseph Kearns

Parley Baer

Vic Perrin

Featured in playlists›

Goldie Originals that include this night

Western Hour

Silver bullets and open range.

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Gunsmoke Nights

Dodge City after dark.

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Ep 86 · Sunday, July 10, 1960 · 24:29

Fort Laramie

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The Quiring family arrives at Fort Laramie, bringing their eccentric interests in Indian culture and nature. As Captain Quince tries to escort them, he discovers their adventurous spirit leads to unexpected complications.

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Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar

The Redrock Matter

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Ep 690 · Sunday, May 29, 1960 · 23:59

Lux Radio Theatre

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Ep 915 · Tuesday, March 22, 1955 · 47:40

Broadway Is My Beat

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Marshal Dillon faces a difficult task as he must evict a reformed gunfighter, Brandon Teak, from his land due to a legal oversight. The stakes rise as Teak's wife is about to give birth, complicating the eviction process.

Ep 223 · Sunday, July 15, 1956 · 25:03

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Gunsmoke

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In Gunsmoke: Moo Moo Raid, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon investigates the disappearance of Oney Hager and his prized cow, which are crucial for a cattle drive. Tensions rise as rival cattlemen threaten to outpace Oney's herd.

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Gunsmoke

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← PreviousDelia's FatherNext →Mr and Mrs Amber

Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Gunsmoke_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.
  • Cast and sponsor data from RadioGold Index (J. David Goldin / UMKC Libraries).
  • Historical context from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

Gunsmoke 60-02-14 (410) Distant Drummer.mp3

Gunsmoke, Episode 410

Distant Drummer

Sunday, February 14, 1960 · 27:20

Gunsmoke, Episode 410

Distant Drummer

Sunday, February 14, 1960 · 27:20

Summary

A simple drummer boy from the Civil War, Raffy, is framed for murder by a town bully, leading to a tense confrontation in Dodge City. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon must navigate the town's prejudices to protect him.

Chapters

William Conrad

Network›

CBS

Network

Fifties Fade

When TV took the living room (1950 and after).

24 episodes

Latest Air Dates

The newest broadcast dates in the archive.

24 episodes

Let George Do It

Drop Dead

George Valentine investigates a mysterious story involving a parrot that ominously repeats the phrase 'Drop Dead' and a series of strange events surrounding its former owner.

Ep 254 · Monday, July 23, 1951 · 27:11

The Lone Ranger

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The Lone Ranger and Tonto prepare to defend Cold Spring against a band of outlaws led by Red Eagle, who are intent on stealing a chest of gold. Tensions rise as the outlaws launch their attack on the stagecoach station.

Ep 3377 · Friday, September 3, 1954 · 23:25

Gunsmoke

Letter of the Law

Marshal Dillon confronts a reformed gunfighter, Brandon Teak, who faces eviction from his land due to a legal oversight. The stakes rise as Teak's past and his impending fatherhood complicate the situation.

Ep 480 · Sunday, June 18, 1961 · 23:47

Gunsmoke

Snakebite

In Dodge City, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon confronts two men who have just arrived and killed a local man's dog. Tensions rise when one of the men is later found murdered, leading to a deeper investigation into the events that unfold.

Ep 227 · Sunday, August 12, 1956 · 24:56

That night in history

Headlines

  • 1960 — Black college students stage the first of the Nashville sit-ins at three lunch counters in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • 1960 — With the success of a nuclear test codenamed "Gerboise Bleue", France becomes the fourth country to possess nuclear weapons.
  • 1960 — The U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton begins Operation Sandblast, setting sail from New London, Connecticut, to begin the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe.

On the air that night›

  1. GunsmokeDistant DrummerCurrently listeningEpisode 410
  2. Have Gun — Will TravelBring Him Back AliveEpisode 65
  3. SuspenseSorry, Wrong NumberEpisode 840
  4. Yours Truly, Johnny DollarThe P.O. MatterEpisode 676