Saddle Sore Sal: A Panhandle Girl’s Reckoning

Originally Aired: March 24, 1957

In Gunsmoke #259, “Saddle Sore Sal,” a fiery young woman named Sally Burkoff rides into Dodge from the panhandle with vengeance in her sights. After being swindled out of her family’s savings by a slick cattle trader, Sally attempts frontier justice with a single-shot rifle. But Marshal Dillon intervenes, and with a bit of creative con-artistry from Doc and a local shopkeeper, they turn the tables on her swindler, getting Sally her money back—and then some. A gritty tale of frontier justice, deception, and redemption in the Old West.

Cast: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear

Tags:
Western, frontierjustice, swindle, panhandle, revenge, WilliamConrad, classicradio, SallyBurkoff, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, Gunsmoke, cattletrade, radiofiction, redemption, docadams, mattdillon

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.