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. Marshall and the smell of “Gunsmoke”! “Gunsmoke” 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 Marshall -- 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.
Without Conrad as the lead in Gunsmoke, it’s doubtful if the “adult radio” program would have flourished during its nine-year run on radio. Not only did Conrad bring a sense of doleful gravitas to the role of Marshall Matt Dillon; but he helped Macdonnell and Meston flesh out the supporting characters of Chester Proudfoot, Miss Kitty, and Doc Adams. Still, in order for Gunsmoke to successfully work as radio’s first truly “adult” Western, it needed far more than just a talented cast, great writers, and a terrific sound crew. It needed CBS’s willingness to forego sponsorship until the program either flourished or floundered. And with CBS Chairman George Paley riding shotgun, Gunsmoke was given the time it needed to thrive.
CBS Radio knew it had a winner with the Gunsmoke radio show, but, because network radio entertainment was in slow a decline, the CBS Radio sales department was unable to secure a sponsor for it. On July 5, 1954, Liggett and Myers, manufacturers of L & M Cigarettes, came on board. Prior to this time, CBS was sustaining the program at its own expense. With the addition of a sponsor, Gunsmoke had a much needed financial shot in the arm.
Listen to the Sparkling Audio Quality in Radio Archives restoration of Gunsmoke, Volume 7.
#106 Cara
Saturday, May 1, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#108 The Indian Horse
Saturday, May 15, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#109 Monopoly
Saturday, May 22, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#110 Feud
Saturday, May 29, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#111 Blacksmith
Saturday, June 5, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#112 The Cover-Up
Saturday, June 12, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#113 Going Bad
Saturday, June 19, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#115 Word of Honor
Saturday, July 3, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
#116 Hack Prine
Monday, July 5, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Chesterfield, L&M cigarettes
#117 Texas Cowboys
Monday, July 12, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Chesterfield, L&M cigarettes
#118 The Queue
Monday, July 19, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Chesterfield, L&M cigarettes
#119 Matt for Murder
Monday, July 26, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sponsored by Chesterfield, L&M cigarettes
Matt Dillon's best friend...."Hack Prine" 
