Lost Rifle: A Boy’s Secret and a Marshal’s Gamble

Originally Aired: July 29, 1956 In Gunsmoke #225, “Lost Rifle,” a man is shot dead while fishing, and Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself under pressure to arrest Ben Tipple—a hot-tempered man with motive, but no evidence against him. As Dodge buzzes with speculation, the truth lies in the hands of a scared young boy, Andy Spangler, who knows more than he’s letting on. When justice teeters on a child’s conscience, Matt must navigate a web of fear, abuse, and accidental tragedy to prevent another killing. A gripping tale of moral courage and unexpected redemption. Cast: William Conrad, John Dehner, Vic Perrin, Richard Beals, Jack Kruschen, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis Tags: Western, mystery, justice, child hero, accidental shooting, WilliamConrad, frontierlife, abuse, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, classicwestern, mattdillon, redemption, comingofage, suspensepodcast