PODCAST · arts

Gunsmoke - Single Episodes

by Old Time Radio

GUNSMOKE First Show: Jun 26, 1952 Last Show: Jun 18, 1961 Number Shows: 480 shows, 2 auditions, 5 hour tribute Audition Shows: Jun 11, 1949, Jul 13, 1949 Series Description: Gunsmoke is one of those long-running classic Old-Time Radio shows that everyone knows and remembers. It's also one that is still respected for its high values, in all aspects. Gunsmoke first aired on the CBS network on April 26, 1952, billed as the first adult western. It was set in Dodge City , Kansas in the 1870's. The main character, Matt Dillon , was played by William Conrad . On August 6, 1951, William Conrad played the lead in a show entitled "Pagosa" in the series Romance , where he played the part of a reluctant sheriff in a tough Western town. Although not a true audition, Conrad's character role is very close the that of Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke . It was one of the "stepping stones" toward the production of Gunsmoke . Other regular characters were Chester Proudfoot, played by Parley Baer ; Kitty, played b