Old Time Radio Westerns – Kitty Love | Gunsmoke (02-19-61)
Host: Andrew Rhynes
Original Air Date: October 5, 2025 (podcast release)
Restored Episode: Gunsmoke “Kitty Love” (Aired: Feb 19, 1961)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, listeners are transported to the heart of Dodge City with a classic Gunsmoke Western–the restored radio drama “Kitty Love.” The story explores loyalty, longing, and moral ambiguity, primarily through the character of Miss Kitty as she faces heartbreak, duty, and danger in Marshal Matt Dillon’s absence. The episode is enhanced with rich soundscapes, making the frontier come alive.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. A Missed Social and Emotional Fallout (03:11–06:37)

• Matt Dillon has to cancel his plans with Kitty for the annual town social due to urgent lawman duties.
• Kitty hides her disappointment but hints at deeper loneliness.
  • “There’ll be another social next year. Besides, I’m not too sure I like this new dress I bought anyway.” – Kitty (04:57)
• Conversation with Doc and Chester reveals Kitty’s struggle with the constancy of disappointment and her questioning her future in Dodge.
  • “Sometimes I think I’d be better off if I got out of this town. Maybe went to San Francisco.” – Kitty (06:14)

2. Finding a Wounded Stranger (06:37–10:48)

• On the way back from the river, Kitty, Doc, and Chester discover a man (Dean Murdoch) shot and bleeding.
• They transport him to Rudd Stewart’s nearby farm for emergency surgery and shelter.
  • “That’s one thing I don’t think I could ever do. Take a bullet out of a man. Well, I’m just thankful we got it out in time.” – Rudd Stewart (07:48)
• Murdoch is secretive about his belongings and story, making others suspicious but also sympathetic.

3. Kitty's Compassion—and Temptation of Escape (13:46–16:27)

• Kitty nurses Dean Murdoch back to health, building rapport as they discuss escapism, pasts, and new beginnings.
• Murdoch invites Kitty to sell the Long Branch and head to California together.
  • “No, with your money and my money, buy us a whole stack of long branches in San Francisco.” – Dean Murdoch (15:42)
  • “Don’t tempt me.” – Kitty (15:40)

4. Danger at Rudd Stewart’s and Kitty’s Defense (16:28–18:53)

• The man who shot Murdoch (Blade Grant) arrives at the farm, threatening violence.
• Tension peaks as the invader is confronted; Kitty, showing grit, ends the standoff.
  • “Drop the gun, mister. … Now you get out of here, mister, or I’ll kill you.” – Kitty (18:08, 18:12)
• Grant is shot and killed protecting Murdoch and the household.

5. The Aftermath and Matt’s Return (19:55–22:25)

• Matt Dillon returns, learns of the incident and investigates Murdoch’s background.
• Doc and Chester praise Kitty’s nursing and character, unaware of all the facts.
  • “She’s been watching over him like a school girl with a lame kitten.” – Doc Adams (20:15)
• Matt connects Murdoch and the dead man to a bank robbery and murder in Springville.
  • “This description fits the man I was supposed to pick up in Springville.” – Matt Dillon (21:13)

6. Truth Revealed and Finality (22:27–24:38)

• Evidence (marked bank money, confession) proves Murdoch was an accomplice and killer.
• Matt confronts Murdoch; a shootout ensues. Murdoch is killed.
• Kitty grapples with betrayal and sorrow.
  • “But he wasn’t that kind of a man.” – Kitty (24:10)
  • “Because he drew first, Kitty. When he knew I had him dead to rights. I’m sorry it happened the way it did. I understand how you felt about him.” – Matt Dillon (24:24)
• Kitty regains her composure, returning to her duties at the Long Branch, her vulnerability masked by the routine.
  • “There’s no reason for you to be sorry, Matt. Your job, I guess. Part of your rotten job.” – Kitty (24:37)

7. Epilogue: Endurance and Moving Forward (25:05–25:21)

• Chester and Matt reflect on Kitty’s resilience.
• They plan to visit her at the Long Branch, hinting at the enduring cycles of loss and camaraderie in Dodge.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kitty’s Resignation:
  “Everything will always be the same.” – Kitty (06:28)
• Kitty’s Grit Under Fire:
  “Don’t try me, mister.” – Kitty (18:24)
• Matt’s Lonesome Job:
  “It’s a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful, and a little lonely.” – Matt Dillon (03:11)
• Doc’s Tenderness:
  “If you ever need a good nurse, you know where to get one.” – Doc to Matt (21:12)
• Kitty’s Bittersweet Farewell:
  “If you’ll excuse me, I think I better get back to the Long Branch. Kitty being Saturday, you know.” – Kitty (24:38)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:11] – Marshal Dillon cancels Kitty’s date & sets up emotional context
• [06:37] – Kitty, Doc, and Chester discover Dean Murdoch wounded
• [13:46] – Kitty nurses Murdoch; they bond and discuss running away
• [16:28] – Blade Grant, the real threat, arrives; Kitty’s stand-off
• [19:55] – Matt returns and starts connecting pieces
• [21:13] – The truth about Murdoch and the bank heist surfaces
• [23:19] – Showdown; Matt shoots Murdoch
• [24:10] – Kitty confronts the truth and chooses stoic return to routine

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode maintains a compassionate, tense, and bittersweet tone throughout, blending Kitty’s longing and kindness with the harsh realities of Western justice. The cast delivers this with subtlety and warmth, and the dialogue teems with the quiet dignity and emotional depth fans love in Gunsmoke.

This classic episode weaves suspense, romance, betrayal, and the steadfast spirit of Dodge City together—reminding listeners why Gunsmoke still endures as an icon of radio storytelling.