Kitty’s Outlaw: The Ghost of a First Love

Originally Aired: February 12, 1956

In Gunsmoke #201, “Kitty’s Outlaw,” a stranger named Cole Yankton rides into Dodge, drawing Marshal Dillon’s suspicion—and stirring up memories for Kitty Russell. While Cole claims to be a simple horse trader, his presence unsettles Kitty, who knows him from her past in New Orleans. When a bank robbery implicates Cole, Matt and Chester set out on a tense manhunt across the prairie. Wounded and dying, Cole’s final moments reveal the complicated bond between him and Kitty—a love that once was, and a parting that leaves questions of loyalty, regret, and what might have been. An episode of lost chances and bittersweet reckonings, set against the unforgiving backdrop of the frontier.

Cast:
William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Parley Baer, Vic Perron, Barney Phillips

Tags:
western, drama, outlaw, lostlove, bankrobbery, marshalldillon, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, HowardMcNear, ParleyBaer, VicPerron, BarneyPhillips, oldtimeradio, gunsmoke, classicwestern, 1950sradio, bittersweet, KittyRussell, redemption, vintageaudio

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.