Indian White: A Boy Between Two Worlds

Originally Aired: September 24, 1955

In Gunsmoke #180, “Indian White,” a white boy raised by the Cheyenne struggles to find his place after being returned to Dodge City. Taken in by a grieving woman named Mrs. Cullen—who believes he may be her long-lost son—the boy, now called Vigo Khan, clashes with townspeople who view him as an enemy. As tensions rise following a Cheyenne escape from Fort Dodge, Marshal Dillon must keep Vigo safe from growing threats.

But the pull of the only life he’s known proves too strong. When the boy vanishes, Matt and Chester ride into dangerous territory and encounter a band of armed Cheyenne warriors. There, Vigo Khan makes a fateful decision to return to his people—unaware that a single phrase, “Medicine River,” might reveal his true identity after all. A poignant episode exploring identity, belonging, and the painful legacies of war.

Keywords: “Gunsmoke Indian White episode,” “Vigo Khan Cheyenne boy story,” “Matt Dillon adoption conflict,” “Mrs. Cullen lost son Medicine River,” “Gunsmoke identity mystery,” “Cheyenne breakout Fort Dodge,” “John Meston script,” “1955 Gunsmoke western drama”

Cast: William Conrad (Matt Dillon), Parley Baer (Chester), Howard McNear (Doc), Georgia Ellis (Kitty), Virginia Gregg (Mrs. Cullen), Sammy Ogg (Vigo Khan), John Dehner (Little Wolf), Joseph Kearns, Harry Bartell, Ralph Moody, with special appearances by the Gunsmoke radio company.

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.