Jealousy: A Wound Deeper Than Bullets

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

Originally Aired: June 4, 1955

Jealousy: A Wound Deeper Than Bullets

In this emotionally charged episode of Gunsmoke, a dangerous spiral of suspicion, betrayal, and violence grips Dodge City as jealousy tears a young couple apart—and nearly costs more than one life.

Cam Durbin, a reformed gambler and old friend of Matt Dillon, arrives in Dodge with his beautiful new wife, Tilda. But beneath Cam’s calm surface simmers an uncontrollable jealousy, easily fanned into flames by the conniving dealer Lonnie Pike. When Pike begins feeding Cam malicious lies about Tilda and Matt, Cam’s growing distrust threatens not only his marriage but Matt’s life.

Matters escalate when Cam, poisoned by jealousy, vows to face Matt in a gunfight. Desperate to save her husband from his own worst instincts, Tilda takes justice into her own hands—shooting Lonnie Pike in a crowded saloon.

As Tilda faces arrest and prison, and Cam faces the wreckage of his own pride and mistrust, both realize the true cost of suspicion. Only the truth—and forgiveness—can save them now.

A powerful exploration of loyalty, manipulation, and the destructive power of jealousy, Jealousy is a poignant standout in the Gunsmoke canon.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke Jealousy episode,” “Cam and Tilda Durbin story,” “Matt Dillon Lonnie Pike conflict,” “June 1955 Gunsmoke radio,” “marshal defends his honor,” “John Meston jealousy drama,” “tragic love story Dodge City.”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Vic Perrin (Cam Durbin), Virginia Gregg (Tilda Durbin), Harry Bartell (Lonnie Pike), Don Diamond.