DiscoverGunsmoke: Old West StoriesCategorical Imperative: A Storm, a Prisoner, and the Lawman’s Code
Categorical Imperative: A Storm, a Prisoner, and the Lawman’s Code

Categorical Imperative: A Storm, a Prisoner, and the Lawman’s Code

Update: 2025-10-20
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Originally Aired: January 20, 1957


In Gunsmoke #250, “Categorical Imperative,” Marshal Dillon defies a raging snowstorm to recapture Clay Macklin, an unrepentant cattle rustler who’s almost certain to walk free due to lack of evidence. As the elements test their endurance, a near-fatal accident on the ice forces Dillon to rescue the very man he pursued—sparking an unexpected shift in Macklin’s hardened perspective. A philosophical tale of duty and principle, this episode reflects on the essence of justice and why a man upholds the law even when the outcome is all but predetermined.


Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, John Dehner, Ben Wright


Tags:
drama, justice, escape, snowstorm, duty, philosophy, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, redemption, cattlerustling, oldtimeradio, classicdrama, 1950sradio, prisonerescape, LesCrutchfield, suspensepodcast

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Categorical Imperative: A Storm, a Prisoner, and the Lawman’s Code

Categorical Imperative: A Storm, a Prisoner, and the Lawman’s Code