Kitty's Quandary

Originally Aired: October 11, 1959

In Gunsmoke #392, "Kitty's Quandary," a drifter named Shave Murdoch has been spending considerable time at the Long Branch, and he's set his sights on Kitty Russell. While Shave smoothly courts Kitty with compliments and attention, he shows particular interest in Marshal Dillon's whereabouts and routines. When Matt arrives to take Kitty to supper, tension crackles between the two men. Shave claims he's in Dodge on business and will be heading to Texas soon, but his questions become more pointed when Kitty mentions that Doc Adams will be pulling Matt's bad tooth that night.

As Doc prepares for the painful procedure, he plans to get Matt heavily liquored up first, which means the marshal will be incapacitated well into the next morning. When Shave learns this detail from Kitty, his reaction suggests more than casual interest. With Chester left in charge of a groggy, whiskey-soaked marshal and a quiet town, the stage is set for trouble. Shave's mysterious "business" in Dodge and his careful timing raise questions about his true intentions.

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.