Originally Aired: May 14, 1955

Robber Bridegroom: The Man Who Took Her Twice

In this sweeping tale of abduction, deception, and unexpected love, Gunsmoke delivers one of its most memorable emotional rollercoasters. When Marshal Matt Dillon learns that a stagecoach carrying $50,000 in gold has been held up—and a young woman taken along with it—he wastes no time tracking the outlaw across the vast Kansas plains.

The woman is Laura, the reluctant fiancée of wealthy and arrogant businessman Franklin J. Reeves. Though Reeves plays the part of the desperate groom-to-be, Matt quickly senses something off about him. As the trail grows cold, it becomes clear that Laura’s disappearance may not just be about stolen gold—but about freedom stolen long before.

Eventually, Matt catches up to the outlaw: Jack Fitch, a rough-edged but principled man who surprises everyone by returning both Laura and the gold. And when the truth comes out—that Reeves blackmailed Laura’s father into promising her hand—Matt begins to understand why Laura may not have fought too hard to get away.

In a final twist, Fitch agrees to stand trial for the robbery—but not before he and Laura marry, ensuring she can’t be forced to testify. Whether born from outlaw boldness or genuine love, it’s a union that leaves Matt Dillon unsure whether he’s helped deliver justice—or simply made room for a second chance.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke Robber Bridegroom episode,” “Matt Dillon stagecoach robbery,” “Franklin Reeves and Laura,” “Jack Fitch and forced marriage,” “May 1955 Gunsmoke radio,” “John Meston Western drama,” “marshal helps outlaw romance.”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Lawrence Dobkin (Franklin Reeves), Gene Bates (Laura), Frank Gerstle (Jim Buck), Harry Bartell (Jack Fitch), Clayton Post.