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Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

How to Sell a Ranch: Bluff, Hustle, and a Kansas Pony Express

Posted July 30, 2025 · 21 min

About this episode

Originally Aired: April 1, 1956 In Gunsmoke #208, “How to Sell a Ranch,” Matt Dillon tries to protect an eccentric old rancher, Tup Claver, from being swindled out of his land by a slick city buyer. When a too-generous offer is made, the deal spins into a battle of wits, bluff, and frontier ingenuity. As money, deeds, and tempers fly, Tup proves he’s no easy mark—thanks to a clever scheme involving a relay of borrowed horses. In the end, the city slicker learns just how sharp a so-called simple countryman can be, and Dodge gets a party to remember. A lighthearted episode of double-cross, hustle, and western justice. Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Ralph Moody, Harry Bartell, Joe Duval, Kathy Marlowe Tags: Western, DodgeCity, ranch, scam, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, HowardMcNear, GeorgiaEllis, RalphMoody, HarryBartell, JoeDuval, KathyMarlowe, oldtimeradio, classicradio, 1950sdrama, hustle, comedy, landdeal, Gunsmoke, frontier, vintagewestern

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

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