The New Hotel: Rivalries, Arson, and a Cattleman’s Lesson

Originally Aired: February 19, 1956 In Gunsmoke #202, “The New Hotel,” Enoch Mills, a proud cattle rancher, sets out to challenge the Dodge City status quo by building a first-class hotel—much to the ire of his longtime rival, hotel owner Jim Dobey. When sabotage and arson strike, suspicion and tempers flare, and Marshal Matt Dillon is drawn into a bitter feud that escalates beyond business. As hired gunmen, mistaken accusations, and a stolen cattle plot threaten to consume the town, Matt must untangle the truth before violence boils over. In the end, a lesson in pride, trust, and forgiveness gives Dodge a new hotel—and perhaps a new start for two stubborn old enemies. Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis Tags: Western, rivalry, arson, DodgeCity, cattle, hotel, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, HowardMcNear, GeorgiaEllis, oldtimeradio, classicradio, 1950sdrama, suspense, redemption, marshal, Gunsmoke, newhotel, vintagewestern