Skip to main content
Gunsmoke: Old West Stories artwork

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

Rock Bottom: A Man Haunted by Violence

Posted December 2, 2025 · 20 min

About this episode

Originally Aired: April 7, 1957 In Gunsmoke #261, “Rock Bottom,” Van Tover’s quiet ranch life is shattered when a deadly figure from his past returns to Dodge after twelve years. Once a quick-tempered gunman, Van gave up his weapons to raise a family—until Largo Greeland, a vengeful gunslinger with a grudge, tracks him down. Torn between protecting his loved ones and confronting an old enemy, Van reclaims his pistol for one last showdown. Marshal Matt Dillon must intervene before vengeance claims more lives, in a taut drama of fear, pride, and deadly resolve. Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Harry Bartell, Gene Faith, Barney Phillips, Ben Wright Tags: Western, drama, revenge, redemption, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, gunfighter, oldtimeradio, frontierjustice, showdown, DodgeCity, classicradio, 1950sradio, westernpodcast, audiotheater, suspense

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

More from Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

All episodes