Ex-Urbanites

Originally Aired: April 30, 1961

Gunsmoke #473, "Ex-Urbanites," finds Doc Adams and Chester returning to Dodge from Hays City when they discover a wounded wolfer named Nage Gillard near a remote water hole. Doc immediately sets to work to save the dying man, but Nage's partners—his brother Pitt and Jesse Turnbull—arrive with shocking orders: leave Nage to die. When Doc refuses, the confrontation turns violent. Chester manages to hold off the hostile partners, but not before Pitt stabs Doc in the side. Despite his own serious wound, Doc must perform surgery on Nage, only to have the man die anyway.

Now stranded on the prairie miles from Dodge, Chester faces the daunting task of saving Doc's life. With Nage's vengeful brother likely to return and no medical training to guide him, Chester must extract the bullet from Doc himself while defending their makeshift camp. As Doc's fever rises and his condition deteriorates, Chester struggles to keep them both alive long enough to make it home, all while watching for Pitt Gillard's inevitable return.

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.