Fans of Gunsmoke may be surprised to learn that one of the most iconic characters, Miss Kitty, was portrayed quite differently in the original radio series compared to the popular TV adaptation. While the television version presented a more sanitized, family-friendly narrative, the radio program explicitly identified Miss Kitty as the madam of the saloon—a key aspect of her character that was left out on screen.
In the TV series, Miss Kitty, played by Amanda Blake, was a beloved figure who ran the Long Branch Saloon, but the deeper implications of her role were never directly addressed. This decision was likely made to maintain the show’s appeal to a wider audience during an era when television was expected to uphold certain moral standards. However, the video suggests that, even with these omissions, Miss Kitty’s true role was still subtly apparent to many viewers who could read between the lines.
The contrast between her radio and TV personas highlights the changing norms of the time and offers an interesting glimpse into how Gunsmoke adapted its characters for different mediums. Despite the network’s decision to tone down her backstory, Miss Kitty remained an essential and intriguing character whose presence was felt throughout the series.
