Kite’s Reward: Justice Denied

In this tragic episode of Gunsmoke, a drifter named Andy Travis finds himself at the mercy of Dodge City’s justice system after a self-defense killing in a saloon. Marshal Matt Dillon sees something in Andy—a young man who doesn’t want to live by the gun—and offers him a fresh start. Andy gives up his weapon and finds work at the stable, determined to leave his violent past behind.

But trouble soon arrives in the form of Joe Kite, a bounty hunter who claims that Andy isn’t just a drifting cowboy—he’s Andy Haycox, a wanted outlaw from Wyoming. When Kite guns Andy down in cold blood, he smugly demands his reward, believing himself to be justified in the killing.

As Andy lies dying, he reveals to Matt that he had indeed been part of an outlaw gang—but had left before they committed murder. He wanted to start over, but his past caught up with him too soon. In a final act of frontier justice, Matt ensures Kite never sees a dime of the bounty money, branding him as nothing more than a thief with blood on his hands.

This episode explores themes of redemption, fate, and the cruel consequences of a man trying to escape his past.

Keywords: "Gunsmoke Kite’s Reward episode," "March 1955 Gunsmoke radio," "Matt Dillon Andy Travis story," "Joe Kite bounty hunter injustice," "Western redemption and tragedy," "Dodge City outlaw bounty drama," "John Meston Gunsmoke scripts."

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Sam Edwards, Joe Duvall, John Dehner, Vic Perrin.

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.