The Roundup: A Deadly Reunion in Dodge City

In "The Roundup," an intense episode of "Gunsmoke" that aired on February 13, 1953, Marshal Matt Dillon faces a tragic showdown during Dodge City's annual roundup, where old friends become unexpected enemies.

The annual cattle roundup has brought a surge of rough-and-tumble men into Dodge City—buffalo hunters, saddle bums, and spoilers—all converging at the end of the track. Among the chaos, Matt Dillon reconnects with his old friend, Zell Matlock, a man he hasn't seen in years. Zell offers to lend a hand during the busy roundup, but their reunion takes a deadly turn when Zell is unexpectedly shot...by Matt himself.

What led to this shocking moment? As the dust settles, questions swirl around the circumstances that forced Dillon to pull the trigger. Was it a tragic mistake, or did Matt see something in Zell that no one else did?

Written by John Meston, "The Roundup" is a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life in the West. With a powerful narrative that captures the rugged spirit of Dodge City, this episode keeps listeners riveted until the very last second.

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Click to listen and experience the emotional turmoil and dangerous confrontations that define "The Roundup," a classic episode of "Gunsmoke"