Kitty Love

Originally Aired: February 19, 1961

Gunsmoke #463, "Kitty Love," begins with Matt Dillon disappointing Kitty Russell by canceling their plans to attend a town social together. He must ride to Springfield to pick up a prisoner, leaving Kitty hurt and frustrated with the unpredictable life of depending on a marshal. The next morning, while riding with Doc Adams, Kitty discovers a wounded man on the prairie. The stranger, Dean Murdoch, claims he's a former Texas Ranger carrying his trail herd pay money to California when someone tried to rob him. Doc removes the bullet at a nearby homestead, and Kitty volunteers to stay and nurse the injured cowboy while Doc returns to Dodge.

As Kitty tends to Dean through the day, a connection develops between them. He even suggests she sell the Long Branch and join him in California with their combined money. But when a rider approaches the homestead on a pinto horse, Dean recognizes him as the man who shot him the night before. With Dean too weak to defend himself and danger at the door, Kitty finds herself in a perilous situation far from Matt's protection.

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.