Gunsmoke Episode 8 - Jailbait Janet
In the Gunsmoke radio episode "Jailbait Janet" (originally aired June 14, 1952), Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester chase down a family—a father and his two children, Jerry and Janet—who robbed a train and killed a baggage clerk after the railroad ruined their crops. Matt captures them, dealing with a manipulative teenaged Janet, and faces a cynical railroad agent.
Key Plot Points:
The Crime: After a railroad sparks a fire ruining their crops, a family seeks revenge by robbing $50,000 from a train, during which a baggage clerk is killed.
The Chase: Matt and Chester track the suspects—Dan Everly and his children Jerry and Janet—who are camped in the wilderness.
The Conflict: An arrogant railroad agent pressures Matt and suspects him of being naive about the teenager, Janet, whom he accuses of being manipulative.