Speak to Me Fair: The Boy Who Couldn’t

Originally Aired: December 2, 1956

In Gunsmoke #243, “Speak to Me Fair,” a young Kiowa boy stumbles into Dodge, gravely wounded and unable to speak—his tongue brutally cut out. Marshal Matt Dillon, outraged by the boy’s mutilation, begins a tense investigation that points toward a ruthless cattleman, Silas Trach, whose own livestock has been disappearing. As Matt unravels the twisted motives behind the attack, he uncovers not only cattle rustlers exploiting the nearby Kiowa tribe, but a violent hatred lurking under Trach’s calm frontier veneer. A harrowing story of cruelty, justice, and the cost of silence.

Cast: William Conrad, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Vic Perrin, John Dehner

Tags:
western, injustice, nativeamerican, childabuse, cattletheft, WilliamConrad, GeorgiaEllis, Gunsmoke, 1950sradio, oldtimeradio, classicwestern, marshalldillon, frontiercrime, lescrutchfield, suspensepodcast, silence, mutilation, kiowa

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.