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Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

Doubtful Zone: The Girl Who Wore Boots

Posted October 24, 2025 · 20 min

About this episode

Originally Aired: February 17, 1957 In Gunsmoke #254, “Doubtful Zone,” Marshal Matt Dillon is drawn into a case that's more heartache than crime when a store break-in leads him to a runaway girl named Willie Beeper. Fleeing a brutal home life and dry farm drudgery, Willie wants only a fresh start—with a stolen pistol, a stolen shirt, and a bottle of Paris perfume she couldn’t resist. As her reckless choices close in around her, the law catches up—but so does tragedy. A poignant story of youth, desperation, and the quiet cruelties that drive a child too far. Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear Tags: western, comingofage, tragedy, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, HowardMcNear, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, 1950sradio, runaway, hardship, dryfarm, girlpower, bittersweet, suspensepodcast

From Gunsmoke: Old West Stories by OTR.FM Network. Visit the show’s website.

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