Thanks for the post. This time I bookmarked WAMU Listen Live URL.
I definitely want to check out Gunsmoke. Best TV western series ever, and by far. I understand William Conrad was Dillon on radio, but didn’t get the TV series because of his appearance. CBS made the right move in casting James Arness as the Marshal. I see this radio episode was made in 1954. Gunsmoke, the tv series began in 1955. If I’m not mistaken the radio version was aired for a while even after the TV series began.
I’ve watched every episode of Gunsmoke that’s available on INSP, MeTV and TV land. I’m guessing that’s roughly half of all the episodes made. I see a boxed set with all the TV episodes are available for purchase, but it costs more than $300. I haven’t ruled out buying it, but I’m in no hurry to spend that much money.
I’d also like to check out Duffy’s Tavern. I heard about it, but no very little. My first thought was maybe it was a precursor to Cheers.
Interesting, I’ve never seen the TV Gunsmoke but wonder if it’s as complex as the radio show. The radio show is an icon of the genre.
Duffy’s Tavern is generally overrated/is a B show IMO and has average writing- even though a few of its writers were highly accomplished. Which I don’t understand. Duffy is never heard from, it’s the stories of his employees/customers and their stereotypical lives. The best DT IMO is the Christmas one that is famous. That’s good enough to live forever.