Cheap Labor: The Price of Freedom and the Weight of a Gun

Originally Aired: June 17, 1956 In Gunsmoke #219, “Cheap Labor,” Dodge City witnesses a quiet, powerful drama when gentle giant Foss Capper befriends Carrie Stansel, a hardworking woman held back by her controlling brother Ben. As Foss and Carrie dream of a life together, Ben’s jealousy explodes—leading to violence, threats, and a town forced to choose sides. When Ben brutally punishes Carrie for defying him, Foss faces a terrible choice: return to the gunfighter’s life he tried to escape, or let her suffer. The story builds to a tense confrontation that exposes the true meaning of courage, sacrifice, and self-worth—on both sides of the law. Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Lawrence Dobkin, Vic Perrin, Jean Bates, Barney Phillips, Harry Bartell Tags: western, family, gunfighter, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, cheaplabor, oldtimeradio, courage, 1950sradio, classicdrama, romance, abuse, redemption, suspensepodcast