Wanted: GUNSMOKE (CBS/1955-1975) (1 Viewer)

[JohnHopper]

____________________​

Actor Eric Braeden on Gunsmoke.​

​

​

 

[Dan McW]

I watched a good season-19 episode, "A Family of Killers," with Anthony Caruso heading up a group of gutter-trash relatives (good gutter trash make for a good western, I say). Glenn Corbett plays a fellow marshal who joins Matt in pursuit of the killers. Zina Bethune is the woman passed from one bad guy to another. Corbett's fixation on one of the killers makes for a very tense climactic scene.

In the next episode, "Like Old Times," poor Ma Smalley again has her name transcribed as "Moss Molly" by the subtitle person. In another recent episode, the subtitles in the episode preview have Newly calling a man "an old fart" whereas it was correctly rendered as "an old feller" in the episode itself. I give the subtitle folks a hard time, but they really do a great job overall on Gunsmoke. They get 99.5 percent of the dialogue correct and even do a decent job on Festus' crazy countrified words.

 

[The Obsolete Man]

I watched a good season-19 episode, "A Family of Killers," with Anthony Caruso heading up a group of gutter-trash relatives (good gutter trash make for a good western, I say). Glenn Corbett plays a fellow marshal who joins Matt in pursuit of the killers. Zina Bethune is the woman passed from one bad guy to another. Corbett's fixation on one of the killers makes for a very tense climactic scene.

In the next episode, "Like Old Times," poor Ma Smalley again has her name transcribed as "Moss Molly" by the subtitle person. In another recent episode, the subtitles in the episode preview have Newly calling a man "an old fart" whereas it was correctly rendered as "an old feller" in the episode itself. I give the subtitle folks a hard time, but they really do a great job overall on Gunsmoke. They get 99.5 percent of the dialogue correct and even do a decent job on Festus' crazy countrified words.

And let's not even get into what they transcribed when Miss Kitty was discussing guest character Michael Hunt...

 

[Dan McW]

Look closely at the wanted poster Festus is holding in "Like Old Times," and you might chuckle.

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #14
“The Bullet, Part III”
written by Jim Byrnes
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Johnny Parker
guests: same cast as Part I except Norman Alden

The episode starts with a trailer from Part I & II entitled Conclusion and The Story Thus Far that lasts 8 minutes 25 secondes used a prologue. Dillon doesn’t feel his legs anymore. The male passengers remove the ambush trees and cut some wood to fuel the locomotive. Desperate Miss Kitty tries to convince Doc to operate Dillon but it fails. Padre Sanchez succeeds in convincing Doc to do his moral and medical duty. Orely runs back to the train. Captain Darnell (actor Robert Hogan) gives a two hours deadline to Doc before the train starts. Newly and Festus decide to resume to the train without the gold in order to escape from Sinclair’s gang. Orely bumps into the Sinclair’s gang and warns them about the train …

It’s as exciting as the second part because of the spectacular turn of events: it’s the surgery part. This three parter is as good as the season 4 “The Falcon” from Mission: Impossible.

 

[Mr. Handley]

Wouldn't you know it! I post about how the first 3 episodes of Season 16 weren't so hot, then last night I watched Sam McTavish M.D. and it turns out to be one of my favorite episodes of the entire series so far! It's a love story for ol' Doc Adams. And talk about timely! What with some of the folks coming down with the plague, no less. I'm once again looking forward to my weekly dose of Gunsmoke.

 

[Flashgear]

Look closely at the wanted poster Festus is holding in "Like Old Times," and you might chuckle.

Dan, after seeing your post I pulled out my copy of season 19 and took these screen caps from this very enjoyable episode...

Festus: "If that ain't an ornery lookin' polecat...Look at them beady eyes, you can tell right off the bat that that's a desperate yahoo!"

As Ben Rando (the great Nehemiah Persoff) describes to Festus his safe-cracking technique...how he listen's to the "whisper" of a safe's worn tumblers telling him it's secret combination... he holds out his rock-steady hand reliving the thrill of cracking a gold-laden safe...love this scene! (and this episode)...

Nehemiah Persoff is still with us, having turned 100 last August!

Two Hollywood veterans...Nehemiah Persoff with Gloria DeHaven...

Two future co-stars of the 1980s TV mega-hit Hill Street Blues coincidentally work together for the first time in Like Old Times...Daniel J. Travanti and Charles Haid...both still working today...

While many a Gunsmoke episode features a very dramatic, if not downbeat ending, befitting it's status as one of TV's greatest dramas...Like Old Times sports a feel-good and happy ending that is very satisfying!

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #15
“P.S. Murry Christmas”
written by William Kelley
directed by Herb Wallerstein
music by Richard Shores
guests: Jeanette Nolan, Patti Cohoon, Jodie Foster, Erin Moran, Josh Albee, Brian Morrison, Willie Aames, Todd Lookinland, Jack Elam, Jack Collins, Herb Vigran, Sarah Selby, Maudie Prickett

During a snowy night and in the poor Pawnee County orphanage in Wyatt (Kansas), rigid headmistress Emma Grundy (actress Jeanette Nolan) plays the organ helped by Titus Spangler (acror Jack Elam) while her children perform a Christmas song and guest donators working for the Governor’s committee listen to it. The representative gives an envelop of $17 and Emma Grundy orders her children to perform another song. Titus Spangler teases a woman donator so Emma Grundy fires him. The children adore Titus Spangler and refuse he goes. To please the children, Spangler brings them with him and writes a note to Emma Grundy. Inside a horse railroad car, Spangler recites a passage from the Bible around a fire when the train leaves without the car. Spangler suddenly takes a look at Dodge City and goes stealing at Lathrop’s general store when Festus catches him in the act and puts in jail. Spangler unlocks the cell like a con man and goes joining the kids with a bag of presents. Meanwhile, Emma Grundy travels by train to join Dodge City. Little Patricia (actress Jodie Foster) coughs and her friend Mary (actress Patti Cohoon) brings her to the office of Doc who later sends them to the boarding house of Ma Smalley. Spangler waits for in the street and Festus books him again while Mary escapes from the office. While one kid helps the escape of Spangler, Emma Grundy pops-up and stops him and orders Dillon not to celebrate a fancy Christmas with the children in order to protect them from later frustrations. Miss Kitty wishes to do the celebration and asks Spangler private informations about Emma Grundy’s weakness: the brandy. Miss Kitty has a master plan to trap Emma Grundy …

It’s a minor and light, but sympathetic, children-oriented episode designed to be watched during Christmas that is served by the performance of actor Jack Elam acting as an escape artist at the marshal’s office. The street set of the Dodge City covered with snow is splendid. Beyond that gentle entry, you find a bitter sweet criticism about puritanism which stands against materialism. The meaning of the episode title lies during the prologue when Spangler signs that in a coffin cover. As in “The Bullet”, one guest actor has his hair tinted in blonde: child actress Erin Moran. Matt Dillon wears his light grey tweed jacket.

Actors Patti Cohoon (“Trafton”), Erin Moran (“Lijah”) and Herb Vigran (“Lijah”) return from this season 17.

Actors Jack Elam (“Murdoch”) and Jeanette Nolan (“Pike”) return from season 16, Jodie Foster from the season 15 “Roots of Fear”, Maudie Prickett from the season 11 “By Line”.

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #16
“No Tomorrow”
written by Richard Fielder
directed by Irving J. Moore
music by Johnny Parker
guests: Sam Groom, Pamela McMyler, H.M. Wynant, Steve Brodie, Henry Jones, Richard Hale, Herb Vigran, Liam Dunn, Robert Nichols, Joe Haworth, Leo Gordon, Dan Flynn, Alan Fudge

A trial takes place at the Dodge House and the accused farmer Benjamin Justin (actor Sam Groom) is found guilty of stealing the horses of farmer Garth Brantley (actor Steve Brodie) and is sentenced to be imprisoned forever at the state penitentiary at Rock Haven. Benjamin Justin looks at his sad wife Elizabeth (actress Pamela McMyler) who kisses him goodbye. Dillon has a hunch and thinks Justin is innocent. Days later and at the Long Branch, Garth Brantley has a severe talk with Dillon and threatens him. Doc pays a visit to Elizabeth who is on her way to have a baby. At the pen, Ben receives a letter from his wife, attacks the sadistic guard (actor Leo Gordon), escapes from and resumes to his farm. A wanted poster for the murder of the guard is given to Dillon by lawyer Morris Cragin. Elizabeth learns the new charge against her husband and is then bothered by small-time peddler J. Luther Gross (actor Henry Jones) at her home who spots her husband. Dillon is informed by Gross about Ben and goes pick him up. At night, Ben and Liz infiltrate the livery stable to steal a getaway buggy. Back at the pen, old convict Corbin (actor Richard Hale) confesses the murder of the guard.

It’s a decent social Film Noir about a man falsely-accused of two deeds and a farmer marital drama and it reminds the basic theme of Fritz Lang’s 1937 You only Live Once and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1937 Young and Innocent and Nicholas Ray’s 1948 They Live by Night. Find the rare ending in which Dillon doesn’t go after the accused. It’s the second trial episode after “Lijah”. Find the return of wino Louie who serves a lunch to Festus. Matt Dillon wears his light grey tweed jacket. Actress Pamela McMyler sings a tune: “Hush, little baby, don’t say a word”. I remember actor Sam Groom as technician Jerry in The Time Tunnel.

Actor H.M. Wynant returns from the season 13 “A Hat”, Steve Brodie from the season 7 “Old Yellow Boots”, Leo Gordon from the season 6 “No Chip”, Dan Flynn from this season 17 “Lijah”.

Actors Richard Hale (“The War Priest”), Joe Haworth (“The Devil’s Outpost”), Henry Jones (“The Badge”) all return from season 15.

 

[ponset]

Jack Elam, one my favorite western supporting actors.
Elam also appeared with Arness on "How The West Was Won".

 

[JohnHopper]

​

¶​

¶ Next on Gunsmoke season 17, the reviews of the fifth disc and starting on Monday 4!​

¶ Load your guns and be ready!​

¶​

​

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #17
“Hidalgo”
written by Colley Cibber
directed by Paul Stanley
music by Johnny Parker
guests: Thomas Gomez, Linda Marsh, Fabian Gregory, David Renard, Edward Colmans, Stella Garcia, Julio Medina, Alfonso Arau

Traveling in the wilderness of Mexico, Matt Dillon faces the criminal he is after: Mando (actor Alfonso Arau) and his gang. Unfortunately, Dillon is gunned down first, falls and rolls down at the bottom of the cliff when Mando and his second Gorio (actor David Renard) enjoy and laugh at the sight of Dillon’s body. Later on, religious teen shepherd Lucho (actor Fabian Gregory) trips on the leg of Dillon and rushes to his house to warn his grandfather Augustin (actor Thomas Gomez) about it. They transport Dillon in a cart back to the house but can’t cure him. At night, Lucho heads to Merced to see his sister Lucero (actress Linda Marsh), working as a saloon girl, to beg for medecine. She eventually gives him some money to buy medecine. The day after, Lucero rides to the house of Augustin and warn them about Dillon’s lawman status. At Merced, Gorio informs his boss Mando about the disappearance of Dillon’s body. Lucero warns Dillon about Mando looking for him and orders him to leave with her family and will bring him a horse and a handgun. Mando searches the house of Augustin and later catches Lucero in the act and beats her. Lucho succeeds in getting the getaway horse and Dillon rides to Merced to face Mando …

It’s a rather good solo Dillon outside of the US territory entry paired with a Mexican bandit and family drama that play like a variation of the season 14 “Zavala” because of the poor kid character and Dillon’s predicament. Find the third episode this season in which Dillon is wounded after “Lynott” and “The Bullet”. The episode title refers to the grandfather character. Director Paul Stanley highlights the scenery during the violent prologue. The music editor recycles old scores by Johnny Parker including the season 14 “Zavala”. Guest actor Alfonso Arau is known as a rough Mexican figure in many features films from The Wild Bunch to Three Amigos.

Actors Julio Medina (“The Noonsday Devil”) and David Renard (“Sergeant Holly”) return from season 16.

 

[Dan McW]

I noticed something interesting in the penultimate season-19 episode, "To Ride a Yeller Horse." Louise Latham's character clearly said originally that her son's lover opened up a brothel in a nearby town, but they dubbed over the word "brothel" with "saloon."

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #18
“Tara”
written by William Kelley
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Johnny Parker
guests: Michele Carey, L.Q. Jones, Laurence Delaney, Ken Swofford, James McCallion, Ken Mayer, Harry Hickox, John Dullaghan, Sarah Selby, Natalie Masters, Gene Tyburn, Don Pulford, Denny Arnold

At night and around a camp fire, two ex-convicts talk about a railroad robbery. Roy Hutson (actor Laurence Delaney) mentions his wife Tara (actress Michele Carey) and shows a picture to fast draw Gecko Ridley (actor L.Q. Jones) who guns him down. At the Long Branch, Dillon asks Festus to follow him on a prisoners escort errand to Mankato. At the barn party located in the livery stable, Newly dances with dressmaker Tara Hutson while Ridley stares at her at the sound of singing Sam and leaves. Tara attracts men and Newly keeps a close eye on her but she tends to stay aloof from him for some obscure reasons when Festus warns him to keep the law. Tara resumes to her home when she faces Ridley who tells her that her husband is dead because of Indians. Ridley mentions the $5,000 her husband stole from the railway but she denies to own it so Ridley sends a confirmation telegram. The day after, Ridley finds out that the money is still missing and threatens Tara about it. Newly pops-up and saves Tara at the last minute and books Ridley. At the marshal’s office, Burke mentions a gold shipment. Ridley is released and threatens again Tara but with a knife. She confesses spending the loot. Ridley forces her to trap Newly in her room while he steals the gold …

It’s a good solo Newly entry and a criminal case about a greedy, blackmailer, manipulator ex-convict paired with a marital backdrop and an impossible love story featuring a cynical living doll that is well-played by the lovely Michele Carey. Don’t miss the twist ending! Find a barn party in which barkeep Sam sings. The two gold load guards are played by actors Ken Swofford and Ken Mayer. Actress Michele Carey previously appears three times in another CBS western series: The Wild Wild West: see the season 2 “The Night of the Feathered Fury” and the season 4 two-parter “The Night of the Winged Terror”.

Actors Denny Arnold (“The Bullet”), John Dullaghan (“Trafton”), Ken Mayer (“The Legend”), Ken Swofford (“Waste”) all return from this season 17.

Actors L.Q. Jones returns from the season 16 “The Gun”, James McCallion from the season 14 “Railroad”, Natalie Masters from the season 15 “Albert”, Gene Tyburn from the season 11 “Outlaw’s Woman”.

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #18
“Tara”
written by William Kelley
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Johnny Parker
guests: Michele Carey, L.Q. Jones, Laurence Delaney, Ken Swofford, James McCallion, Ken Mayer, Harry Hickox, John Dullaghan, Sarah Selby, Natalie Masters, Gene Tyburn, Don Pulford, Denny Arnold

At night and around a camp fire, two ex-convicts talk about a railroad robbery. Roy Hutson (actor Laurence Delaney) mentions his wife Tara (actress Michele Carey) and shows a picture to fast draw Gecko Ridley (actor L.Q. Jones) who guns him down. At the Long Branch, Dillon asks Festus to follow him on a prisoners escort errand to Mankato. At the barn party located in the livery stable, Newly dances with dressmaker Tara Hutson while Ridley stares at her at the sound of singing Sam and leaves. Tara attracts men and Newly keeps a close eye on her but she tends to stay aloof from him for some obscure reasons when Festus warns him to keep the law. Tara resumes to her home when she faces Ridley who tells her that her husband is dead because of Indians. Ridley mentions the $5,000 her husband stole from the railway but she denies to own it so Ridley sends a confirmation telegram. The day after, Ridley finds out that the money is still missing and threatens Tara about it. Newly pops-up and saves Tara at the last minute and books Ridley. At the marshal’s office, Burke mentions a gold shipment. Ridley is released and threatens again Tara but with a knife. She confesses spending the loot. Ridley forces her to trap Newly in her room while he steals the gold …

It’s a good solo Newly entry and a criminal case about a greedy, blackmailer, manipulator ex-convict paired with a marital backdrop and an impossible love story featuring a cynical living doll that is well-played by the lovely Michele Carey. Don’t miss the twist ending! Find a barn party in which barkeep Sam sings. The two gold load guards are played by actors Ken Swofford and Ken Mayer. Actress Michele Carey previously appears three times in another CBS western series: The Wild Wild West: see the season 2 “The Night of the Feathered Fury” and the season 4 two-parter “The Night of the Winged Terror”.

Actors Denny Arnold (“The Bullet”), John Dullaghan (“Trafton”), Ken Mayer (“The Legend”), Ken Swofford (“Waste”) all return from this season 17.

Actors L.Q. Jones returns from the season 16 “The Gun”, James McCallion from the season 14 “Railroad”, Natalie Masters from the season 15 “Albert”, Gene Tyburn from the season 11 “Outlaw’s Woman”.

Pictures of the lovely but lethal Tara (actress Michele Carey).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 17

Episode #18
“Tara”
written by William Kelley
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Johnny Parker
guests: Michele Carey, L.Q. Jones, Laurence Delaney, Ken Swofford, James McCallion, Ken Mayer, Harry Hickox, John Dullaghan, Sarah Selby, Natalie Masters, Gene Tyburn, Don Pulford, Denny Arnold

At night and around a camp fire, two ex-convicts talk about a railroad robbery. Roy Hutson (actor Laurence Delaney) mentions his wife Tara (actress Michele Carey) and shows a picture to fast draw Gecko Ridley (actor L.Q. Jones) who guns him down. At the Long Branch, Dillon asks Festus to follow him on a prisoners escort errand to Mankato. At the barn party located in the livery stable, Newly dances with dressmaker Tara Hutson while Ridley stares at her at the sound of singing Sam and leaves. Tara attracts men and Newly keeps a close eye on her but she tends to stay aloof from him for some obscure reasons when Festus warns him to keep the law. Tara resumes to her home when she faces Ridley who tells her that her husband is dead because of Indians. Ridley mentions the $5,000 her husband stole from the railway but she denies to own it so Ridley sends a confirmation telegram. The day after, Ridley finds out that the money is still missing and threatens Tara about it. Newly pops-up and saves Tara at the last minute and books Ridley. At the marshal’s office, Burke mentions a gold shipment. Ridley is released and threatens again Tara but with a knife. She confesses spending the loot. Ridley forces her to trap Newly in her room while he steals the gold …

It’s a good solo Newly entry and a criminal case about a greedy, blackmailer, manipulator ex-convict paired with a marital backdrop and an impossible love story featuring a cynical living doll that is well-played by the lovely Michele Carey. Don’t miss the twist ending! Find a barn party in which barkeep Sam sings. The two gold load guards are played by actors Ken Swofford and Ken Mayer. Actress Michele Carey previously appears three times in another CBS western series: The Wild Wild West: see the season 2 “The Night of the Feathered Fury” and the season 4 two-parter “The Night of the Winged Terror”.

Actors Denny Arnold (“The Bullet”), John Dullaghan (“Trafton”), Ken Mayer (“The Legend”), Ken Swofford (“Waste”) all return from this season 17.

Actors L.Q. Jones returns from the season 16 “The Gun”, James McCallion from the season 14 “Railroad”, Natalie Masters from the season 15 “Albert”, Gene Tyburn from the season 11 “Outlaw’s Woman”.

Pictures of the odd couple.

 

[DBF]

Seeing these screencaps from "Tara" reminded me of one thing I don't particularly like about some of the 1960s-1970s episodes -- the makeup and hair are often much more indicative of the time in which the show was filmed instead of the time in which the show was set.

I like when the women appeared with a more "weathered" look and/or with only some or no makeup in the black and white episodes. They actually resemble frontier women in photographs from the late 1800s. Also, the music was more folk-inspired and "timeless" in the earlier episodes. To me, these things really provided a sense of realism and and authenticity that was lost later on.

 

[Flashgear]

It’s a good solo Newly entry and a criminal case about a greedy, blackmailer, manipulator ex-convict paired with a marital backdrop and an impossible love story featuring a cynical living doll that is well-played by the lovely Michele Carey. Don’t miss the twist ending! Find a barn party in which barkeep Sam sings. The two gold load guards are played by actors Ken Swofford and Ken Mayer. Actress Michele Carey previously appears three times in another CBS western series: The Wild Wild West: see the season 2 “The Night of the Feathered Fury” and the season 4 two-parter “The Night of the Winged Terror”.

Thanks for another fine review of this memorable episode, John! In addition to the lovely Michelle Carey who delivers a fine performance, this has to be one of the best Newly episodes with a strong performance by Buck Taylor, along the well-worn lines of many a Dennis Weaver outing of season's past.

Pictures of the lovely but lethal Tara (actress Michele Carey).

Thanks for those lovely screen caps of this exquisite beauty! God help me, but I do like the pretty women of television's bygone era.

 

[Flashgear]

Seeing these screencaps from "Tara" reminded me of one thing I don't particularly like about some of the 1960s-1970s episodes -- the makeup and hair are often much more indicative of the time in which the show was filmed instead of the time in which the show was set.

I like when the women appeared with a more "weathered" look and/or with only some or no makeup in the black and white episodes. They actually resemble frontier women in photographs from the late 1800s. Also, the music was more folk-inspired and "timeless" in the earlier episodes. To me, these things really provided a sense of realism and and authenticity that was lost later on.


View attachment 72197 View attachment 72198 View attachment 72199

Ashley, you are certainly correct in your observations. But as with many fans, I choose to suspend my disbelief on this and many other observable incongruities when watching shows set in the 19th century old west or earlier. I of course agree that the ostentatious '60s era ladies make-up, wigs, hair extensions, and above all, the false eyelashes are all so much more obvious in the remastered color TV age than they were in the monochrome era. But I love both eras, although I do have a special love for great B+W cinematography.

When it comes to mascara and false eyelashes, you certainly have to laugh when some dolled-up actress falls into river rapids, and after tumbling downstream in the wild water, she emerges with her false eyelashes intact! Ha, ha...

By the way, I think that picture you posted of Mariette Hartley is from that wonderful season 8 episode Cotter's Girl, featuring a touching and genuine performance by her. A great episode, and reportedly one of James Arness' favorite episodes in the whole series.

 

[DBF]

Ashley, you are certainly correct in your observations. But as with many fans, I choose to suspend my disbelief on this and many other observable incongruities when watching shows set in the 19th century old west or earlier. I of course agree that the ostentatious '60s era ladies make-up, wigs, hair extensions, and above all, the false eyelashes are all so much more obvious in the remastered color TV age than they were in the monochrome era. But I love both eras, although I do have a special love for great B+W cinematography.

Absolutely! I just have to focus more on the story and the characters themselves and not let how they look take away from that.

It just really struck me though, seeing the first couple screencaps showing that photograph in the hand. I was seriously confused for a moment as to what discussion thread I had just clicked on -- the eye makeup and hair were so "modern."

By the way, I think that picture you posted of Mariette Hartley is from that wonderful season 8 episode Cotter's Girl, featuring a touching and genuine performance by her. A great episode, and reportedly one of James Arness' favorite episodes in the whole series.

That is correct. It's one of my favorites, too!