Wrong Man: Murder and Manipulation

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

In this gripping episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon unravels a sinister tale of deceit and murder surrounding Sam Rickers, a seemingly unassuming homesteader. When Sam brings the body of a man he claims is the notorious outlaw Bob Hobart to Dodge City, Matt quickly discovers that the victim is someone else entirely. As Matt digs deeper, he finds that Sam’s story doesn’t add up, and the truth is far more chilling.

Sam’s wife, Lettie, initially supports his claims, but under Matt’s relentless questioning, she reveals the horrifying truth: Sam coldly murdered both the unidentified man and a vengeful partner, Jake Haney, in cold blood. Driven by greed and a twisted sense of power, Sam manipulates those around him until his lies unravel in a dramatic confrontation.

This episode explores themes of justice, betrayal, and the corrosive effects of greed, culminating in a powerful and tragic conclusion that forces Lettie to confront the true nature of her husband.

Keywords: "Gunsmoke Wrong Man episode," "November 1954 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon investigates Sam Rickers," "Bob Hobart murder mix-up," "Dodge City homesteader drama," "classic Western radio series," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts."

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, Lawrence Dobkin.