Arsolom: A Town Divided

Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

In "Arsolom," an intense episode of "Gunsmoke" that aired on March 7, 1953, Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself caught between upholding the law and maintaining peace in a town torn apart by conflicting interests.

Billy Mallor, his father, and their Texas gang ride into Dodge City and quickly turn the town upside down, shooting up the streets and causing chaos. The townspeople are scared, but there's more at stake than just the damage done. Dodge City relies on the cattle trade, and some influential local businessmen are eager to overlook the gang's crimes to keep the cattle—and the money—flowing into town.

Marshal Dillon, however, stands firm in his belief that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their power or influence. As tensions rise, Matt faces pressure from all sides to let the Mallors off with a warning. But when the safety of the town is at stake, Dillon must decide whether to stand alone against the gang and their supporters or find a way to bring justice without losing the support of Dodge's citizens.

Written by Les Crutchfield and directed by Norman Macdonnell, "Arsolom" is a powerful exploration of law, order, and the compromises that sometimes have to be made in the name of peace.

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Click to listen and follow Marshal Dillon as he navigates the difficult choices in a divided town in the gripping episode "Arsolom" from the classic series "Gunsmoke."