The Guitar: A Stranger in Dodge Faces Cruelty

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

In this poignant episode of Gunsmoke, a simple wanderer named Weed Pendle arrives in Dodge City on his mule, carrying only a guitar. Pendle, played with an air of vulnerability, quickly becomes a target for local bullies Tyler and Short, who are eager to make sport of him. When they learn that Pendle fought for the Union Army, they seize on his outsider status, taunting him mercilessly. Their pranks escalate from mockery to outright cruelty, with Pendle’s mule being maimed.

As Pendle struggles to find kindness in the rough town, Marshal Matt Dillon must step in to stop the abuse. But when the town eventually rallies around Pendle after a surprising turn of events, the story leaves a lasting impression on the value of decency and acceptance.

With moving performances by William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon and strong support from the cast, The Guitar explores themes of kindness and resilience against adversity in the Old West.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke The Guitar,” “December 26, 1953 episode,” “Weed Pendle character,” “Marshal Matt Dillon Dodge City,” “classic Western radio show,” “Gunsmoke bullying episode,” “vulnerable stranger in town,” “William Conrad as Matt Dillon”

Tune in to hear The Guitar, where an outsider’s simple arrival in Dodge City stirs both cruelty and compassion in this memorable episode of Gunsmoke.