Cows and Cribs: Starvation, Stealing, and the Making of a Mother

Originally Aired: May 13, 1956

In Gunsmoke #214, “Cows and Cribs,” Marshal Dillon confronts the harsh choices faced by desperate settlers on the edge of Dodge. When the Thorpe family is struck by spotted fever, their orphaned baby’s fate hangs in the balance—and a neighbor, Mrs. Nadler, wishes to adopt the child despite her own family’s poverty. As Marshal Dillon investigates a string of cattle thefts, he’s forced to weigh compassion against the law, especially when Mrs. Nadler’s husband, Joe, is caught butchering stolen calves and, in a tragic spiral, kills a man and meets his own end in Dodge. Ultimately, the community must decide whether forgiveness or judgment will determine who is fit to raise an orphan. A moving portrait of survival, sacrifice, and the fragile hopes that endure on the frontier.

Cast:
William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Vic Perrin, John Dehner, Jeanette Nolan, Virginia Christine, Frank Cady

Tags:
western, poverty, adoption, WilliamConrad, ParleyBaer, GeorgiaEllis, HowardMcNear, cowsandcribs, oldtimeradio, frontierlife, tragedy, spottedfever, cattle, 1950sradio, classicdrama, community, compassion, suspensepodcast

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.