Cows and Cribs

Originally Aired: June 4, 1961

Gunsmoke #478, "Cows and Cribs," Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot set out to bring Ed Thorpe, his wife, and their baby to Dodge City after Doc Adams reports the family has spotted fever. On the way, they encounter Joe and Mrs. Nadler, struggling homesteaders on the verge of starvation. Joe has been forced to butcher a branded calf, and his wife desperately hoes barren ground with no seed to plant. Matt notices Joe's callous attitude toward his childless wife and their sick neighbors, but Mrs. Nadler's gentle nature and concern for the Thorpe baby moves him.

The situation turns tragic when the Thorpes both die during the journey, leaving their infant orphaned. Ma Smalley takes charge of the baby, and Mrs. Nadler hopes to adopt the child, but she and Joe need help establishing their homestead first. When Matt discovers Joe spending money on expensive boots instead of seed for his wife's garden, he gives the self-centered husband an ultimatum that will determine whether the Nadlers deserve custody of the orphaned child.

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.