Scared Kid: A Young Man’s Flight from Fear

Originally Aired: December 18, 1955

In Gunsmoke #193, “Scared Kid,” a young cowboy named Gil Barden is pushed to the brink after a public run-in with a notorious bully, Henry Gant. When Gant is found shot in the back, all eyes turn to Gil, who flees Dodge in terror—triggering a desperate manhunt across the prairie. As Marshal Matt Dillon tracks the frightened boy, a trail of unintended tragedy follows. But the shocking truth behind Gant’s killing reveals a desperate act of self-defense by another, and the terrible price of panic. A somber tale of fear, rumor, and consequences on the frontier.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Sam Edwards, Eleanor Tanin, John Dehner, Ann Morrison

Tags:
western, drama, tragedy, Gunsmoke, WilliamConrad, MattDillon, comingofage, wrongfulaccusation, selfdefense, oldtimeradio, 1950sradio, prairie, chase, morality, youth, fear, classicradio, loss, innocence, justice, vintagepodcast

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.