Yorky: A Boy Torn Between Two Worlds

In this compelling episode of Gunsmoke, Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester encounter a young boy caught between two worlds. A white child raised by Arapaho Indians, Yorky Kelly finds himself abandoned after a failed raid. Found by Mr. Brandt and his son, Yorky is brought to Marshal Dillon, but his time among the Arapaho has left him wild and distrustful of the white man’s ways.

As Marshal Dillon nurses Yorky back to health, he quickly realizes the boy’s heart still belongs to the Arapaho, even though he is a white boy by birth. Yorky feels his only way to regain his standing among the Arapaho is to make a “big coup,” a dangerous act of bravery. But as Matt Dillon and Kitty get closer to Yorky, they must convince him that he belongs in the white man’s world, trying to stop him from taking desperate, deadly actions to prove himself.

This powerful story of identity, survival, and loyalty explores the difficulties Yorky faces as a young boy torn between two cultures, unable to fully belong to either. Can Marshal Dillon help Yorky find a new path before it’s too late?

Keywords: Yorky Kelly Gunsmoke episode, October 17, 1953 broadcast, Marshal Dillon Arapaho boy, Gunsmoke classic radio, Western drama Yorky Kelly, Matt Dillon helps Yorky, Western radio show 1950s.

Join us for this riveting episode of Gunsmoke, where Marshal Dillon grapples with the challenge of saving a boy torn by two identities.

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.