Kitty's Injury

Originally Aired: December 14, 1958

Gunsmoke #349, "Kitty's Injury," finds Marshal Matt Dillon making what should be a routine ride to escort Kitty Russell back from the town of Larnard. Despite good-natured teasing from Doc and Chester about the romantic nature of the journey, the trip turns dangerous when Kitty's horse is spooked by a rattlesnake. Thrown from her mount, Kitty suffers a serious head injury that leaves her feverish, disoriented, and unable to see clearly. With darkness falling and Kitty's condition worsening, Matt desperately seeks shelter at the nearest homestead, occupied by a poor family.

What begins as a simple request for help quickly turns into a tense standoff when the family's simple-minded son Ludie becomes fixated on the beautiful, helpless woman brought into their home. As Matt struggles to get Doc Adams out to treat Kitty's injuries, Ludie hatches a dangerous plan of his own. With Kitty's life hanging in the balance and an unpredictable young man holding a gun, Matt must find a way to protect his injured friend before it's too late.

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.