Child Labor: A Brother’s Bond and a Bronco’s Revenge

Originally Aired: September 15, 1957

In Gunsmoke #284, “Child Labor,” two orphaned Texas boys arrive in Dodge hoping to find their uncle—but instead fall under the influence of shady rancher Oren Seibert, who hires them to break wild horses. Seibert promises a fair deal, but delivers exploitation and danger, driving the younger brother to his death and the elder to thoughts of revenge. Marshal Dillon must stop a grieving boy from becoming a killer, and reckon with the cost of broken trust. A heartrending story of loss, justice, and the raw pain of growing up too fast in the Old West.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear

Tags:
Western, drama, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, childlabor, family, orphans, horsebreaking, revenge, frontierjustice, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, tragedy, exploitation, classicwestern, brotherhood, abuse

Welcome to Gunsmoke: Old West Stories, a podcast that takes you back to the rugged plains of 1870s Dodge City, Kansas. Rediscover the timeless tales of bravery, justice, and survival in the American frontier with our re-broadcasts of the classic Gunsmoke radio program.

First airing on April 26, 1952, Gunsmoke was celebrated as the first adult western radio show, renowned for its superb storytelling and exceptional production quality. Join Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the incomparable William Conrad, as he faces the challenges of maintaining law and order in a tumultuous town. Alongside him are unforgettable characters like Chester Proudfoot (Parley Baer), the steadfast deputy; Kitty (Georgia Ellis), the resilient saloon owner; and Doc Adams (Howard McNear), the town’s compassionate physician.

What sets Gunsmoke apart is not just its stellar cast and engaging plots but the immersive sound effects that bring each scene to life. Every gunshot, horse gallop, and whisper of the wind transports you directly to the heart of the Old West.

Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, Gunsmoke: Old West Stories promises to deliver gripping adventures and a nostalgic journey through one of radio’s most iconic series. Tune in and let the legends of Dodge City captivate your imagination.