Scared Boy

Originally Aired: May 17, 1959

Gunsmoke #371, "Scared Boy," begins when a violent confrontation erupts in the kitchen of Cora Meadows and her young son Tad. A desperate man bursts into their home seeking refuge, only to be shot down in cold blood by his pursuer. The killer warns both Cora and the boy to forget what they witnessed, threatening that young Tad will get his throat cut if he talks. The terrified widow promises their silence, but when she comes to Marshal Matt Dillon's office, she reveals that her son has gone missing and she fears he may have gone after the murderer.

Matt and Chester investigate the scene, finding the victim's body carelessly discarded in the bushes and identifying him as a gambler named Rourke. Meanwhile, Doc Adams sends an urgent message to Matt about a young boy he found beaten on the road. The child has been brutally attacked and, strangely, refuses to speak at all despite being conscious. As Matt examines the injured boy, the pieces of this dangerous puzzle begin coming together, with a cold-blooded killer still at large and a frightened child caught in the crossfire.

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.