Yorky

Originally Aired: April 6, 1958

In Gunsmoke #313, "Yorky," Marshal Matt Dillon faces an unusual challenge when rancher Mr. Brandt arrives in Dodge City with a troubling problem. During an Arapaho horse raid on his ranch, Brandt's son captured a young boy—no more than twelve years old—who turns out to be white, not Indian. The wild child, who calls himself Yorky, has lived with the Arapaho tribe since his parents were killed in a raid years ago. Now wounded in the leg from the skirmish, Yorky thinks and acts like an Indian warrior, believing he must make a "big coup" by taking a scalp or stealing horses to redeem himself for exposing the raiding party. He's attempted to kill Brandt twice already, and the rancher refuses to keep him any longer.

Matt reluctantly brings the boy back to Dodge, where Doc Adams treats his infected wound. As Yorky recovers in Doc's office, he remains defiant and dangerous, understanding only the Arapaho way of kill or be killed. When Doc is called away, Matt enlists Kitty Russell to help care for the boy, hoping a woman's touch might reach him where men have failed. The challenge becomes how to save this young white child from himself and help him understand he's returned to his own people.

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.