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

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #5
“The Widowmaker”
written by Paul F. Edwards
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Steve Forrest, David Huddleston, Randolph Roberts, Barra Grant, Jerry Gatlin, James Chandler, Don Carter, Rand Bridges, J.R. Clark

At Dodge City, a young woman named Teresa (actress Barra Grant) rushes to ask Burke about the next stagecoach. Three gunslingers come to town and stand still in a back alley when the stagecoach finally arrives and delivers its passengers including Scott Coltrane (actor Steve Forrest) aka the widowmaker. The three gunslingers provoke Coltrane into a duel when Festus intervenes. Coltrane shoots them dead real fast. In a saloon from another town, an old man named Dad Goodpastor (actor David Huddleston) reads the newspaper to illiterate young gunfighter Kid Chama (actor Randolph Roberts) and suggests him to go to Dodge City to test Coltrane. Dillon resumes to his office and pays a visit to Coltrane at his farm to warn him about future trouble. Dad Goodpastor and Kid Chama come to town and go get a drink at the Long Branch and Dillon spots them. The next day, Dad pays a visit to Coltrane and gives him an appointment with death at sun up at Red Oak Springs. Kid Chama dies during the showdown. At his office, Dillon orders Coltrane to leave town but he refuses and a savage brawl occurs. Coltrane threatens Dillon. The big day arrives …

It’s a good fast draw entry dealing with the theme of the second chance—former gunman turned farmer and family man: don’t miss the twist ending with a charade! Assistant story consultant Paul F. Edwards writes this as a tribute to a Golden Age western film entitled The Gunfighter (1950), starring Gregory Peck. For the anecdote, a recurring teenager character played by Don Carter keeps on appearing as an announcer. The cast of the gunslinger characters consist of Deak Towler (actor Rand Bridges), Buck Lennard (actor Jerry Gatlin), Sundog Wheeler (actor J.R. Clark). This is the last part of actor Steve Forrest after three fabulous episodes: “Mannon”, “Morgan”, “The Brothers”.

Returning guest actors: Steve Forrest (the season 18 “The Brothers”), David Huddleston (the season 16 “Lavery”), Jerry Gatlin (the season 18 “The River”), James Chandler (the season 18 “Hostage!”).

Pictures of Scott Coltrane (actor Steve Forrest) aka the widowmaker.

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #6
“Kitty’s Love Affair”
written by Paul Savage
story by Joan E. Gessler and Susan Kotar
directed by Vincent McEveety
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Richard Kiley, Leonard Stone, Christopher Connelly, Paul Picerni, Don Keefer, Jack Perkins, Gerald McRaney, Del Monroe, Virginia Baker, Richard D. Hurst, Ed Long, Rayford Barnes, James Almanzar, Pete Kellett, Ken Konopka, Phil Chambers, Louis Elias, Geoff Parks

Up on his hotel room, gunfighter Will Stambridge (actor Richard Kiley) is called by Lonnie Colby (actor Gerald McRaney) to come out for a duel. Lonnie Colby dies swiftly when her mother (actress Virginia Baker) appears, fires her employee and threatens Stambridge and offers $1,000 to see him dead. A man (actor Jack Perkins) smoking a cigar takes her seriously. Dillon and Kitty talk inside a stagecoach enroute to St. Louis when they stop at the Tribune station where Dillon learns he must go back to Dodge City for an unfinished trial. Miss Kitty refuses to return home and is determined to conclude her planned trip. Stambridge gets inside the stagecoach along with Miss Kitty when two outlaws rob them on the road. Stambridge reacts, kills one bandit and injures the other one but he is hit. They spend the night under a tree and take the next stagecoach. Meanwhile at Dodge City, poor and widower farmer Corley Deems (actor Leonard Stone) is refused a credit by Woodie at the general store and resumes to his wagon in which his son Sheb (actor Christopher Connelly) forces him to sell his property. That night, the stagecoach delivers Miss Kitty and Stambridge who is cured by Doc. The next day, Miss Kitty guides Stambridge into Dodge City and the townspeople talk about it and gossips start to spread. Stambridge buys the farm of widower Corley Deems. Sheb Deems kills his father after a burst of anger and accuses Stambridge of the deed!

It’s a good, intimistic, existential solo Miss Kitty entry that starts as a stagecoach adventure and the second gunfighter entry this season after “The Widowmaker” that includes a cheat-murderer and a lynch mob. The main interest lies in the subtle relationship between Miss Kitty and two men: a lawman (Dillon) and a maverick (Stambridge). Actually, the story calls into question the leading couple and it can be interpreted as the sequel to the season 18 “Quiet Day in Dodge” because Miss Kitty can have a diner in her bedroom with a man. For the anecdote, a recurring drummer with a cigar character played by Jack Perkins keeps on appearing. Dillon wears his light grey tweed jacket. After “Matt’s Love Story”, find now a focus on Miss Kitty! This is the last part of actor Richard Kiley after three good episodes: “Stark”, “Lynott”, “Bohannan”.

Returning guest actors: Richard Kiley (the season 18 “Bohannan”), Leonard Stone (the season 18 “Jesse”), Christopher Connelly (the season 9 “The Warden”), Paul Picerni (the season 13 “The Pillagers”), Don Keefer (the season 17 “Waste, Part I”), Jack Perkins (the season 18 “Talbot”), Gerald McRaney (the season 18 “Wheelan’s Men”), Del Monroe (the season 17 “Drago”), Virginia Baker (the season 3 “The Gentleman”), Ed Long (the season 15 “Morgan”), Rayford Barnes (the season 17 “Alias Festus Haggin”), James Almanzar (the season 16 “The Scavengers”), Pete Kellett (the season 18 “Jesse”), Ken Konopka (the season 9 “Legends Don’t Sleep”), Phil Chambers (the season 18 “The Brothers”), Louis Elias (the season 17 “Alias Festus Haggin”).

 

[Jeff Flugel]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19
Episode #6
“Kitty’s Love Affair”
It’s a good, intimistic, existential solo Miss Kitty entry that starts as a stagecoach adventure and the second gunfighter entry this season after “The Widowmaker” that includes a cheat-murderer and a lynch mob.

Yep, no surprise there...Miss Kitty's on a stagecoach again.

Nice reviews and screencaps as usual, john!

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #7
“The Widow and the Rogue”
written by Paul Savage
story by Harvey Marlowe and Paul Savage
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: James Stacy, Beth Brickell, Clay O’Brien, Helen Page Camp, Monika Svensson, Walker Edmiston, Paul Sorensen, Richard Lundin

Inside a stagecoach, Festus holds charmer J.J. Honegger (actor James Stacy) prisoner who talks to a lady passenger (actress Helen Page Camp) when the driver stops at the Elbow Creek station. They go for a drink at the fountain when Honegger talks and seduces a young woman (actress Monika Svensson) and Festus goes see the sleeping station master (actor Walker Edmiston) and fails to get a ticket to Dodge City because the road is compromised by the flood. On his way to be released from his chains by the station master’s daughter, Festus points a gun at him. Both men ride a horse back to Dodge City. Honegger tries to con Festus who falls down from his horse. Things change: wounded Festus rides a horse and Honegger walks. Honegger tries to escape from and fails again. A nasty storm occurs, the horse flees, Festus chains himself to Honegger as an insurance to achieve his assignment. Later on, they meet an armed kid named Caleb (actor Clay O’Brien) and his mother Martha Cunningham (actress Beth Brickell) who feed them. Honegger encounter his first failure with a woman because Martha slaps him for his rudeness. That night, Honegger finds out a pair of pliers and runs away with the horse of the wagon and a rifle. Festus awakes and informs the family. Meanwhile Honegger faces the dead husband of Martha Cunningham: hunged by the feet. Comancheros attack Festus and the Cunningham’s but Honegger returns and defends them. Later on, Honegger sets a trap to neutralize further Comancheros. They eventually reach Dodge City but without Honegger but not exactly.

It’s a minor solo Festus adventure on a criminal errand and a survival ordeal that turns into a farmer family drama and, oddly enough, the guest character playing a charmer dominates and leads the way. This chained men story reminds many television references: a Rat Patrol episode entitled “The Chain of Death Raid” (Sgt. Troy/Captain Dietrich) and a poor Wild Wild West episode entitled “The Night of the Iron Fist” (James West/Count Draja). As in “Women for Sale: Part II”, a maverick character eventually rejoins the traditional family values. This is the last part of actor James Stacy.

Returning guest actors: James Stacy (the season 17 “Yankton”), Clay O’Brien (the season 18 “The River”), Helen Page Camp (the season 18 “Quiet Day in Dodge”), Walker Edmiston (the season 18 “Quiet Day in Dodge”), Paul Sorensen (the season 18 “The Drummer”), Richard Lundin (the season 19 “Matt’s Love Story”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #8
“A Game of Death... An Act of Love: Part I”
written by Paul F. Edwards
directed by Gunnar Hellström
music by John Parker
guests: Morgan Woodward, Paul Stevens, Whitney Blake, John Pickard, Geoffrey Horne, X Brands, Ivan Naranjo, Peter Canon, Clay Tanner, Donna Mills, Victor Leono, Richard Lundin

At night, three riders stop at a ranch. One of them is the wealthy and crude owner John Uriah “Bear” Sanderson (actor Morgan Woodward) who joins his sophisticated wife Lavinia (actor Whitney Blake) back and informs her about the coming home of her daughter Cora (actress Donna Mills). After an argument about social etiquette, Bear rides out when Indians infiltrate the ranch. Inside a stagecoach, Miss Kitty talks to Cora when attorney-at-law Cicero Wolfe (actor Paul Stevens) intervenes and contradicts Cora about Indians’ nature. The morning after, Festus has opened up an office at the livery stable to sign up men for the militias when Burke warns him about the renegade Comanches raiding all over Western Kansas. The stagecoach arrives and Doc informs Cora about the death of her mother. Meanwhile, a patrol of blue soldiers led by Captain Sykes (actor John Pickard), Lieutenant Briggs (actor Geoffrey Horne) and Newly chase the renegades. At the medical office, Doc tells Cora she has passed out. The cavalry spots and arrests a group of Comanches because they find robbed belongings. Meanwhile Dillon and some men investigate the burnt ranch when Bear stops by and has a bitter talk. Newly pops-up and warns them about the capture of the renegades. At Dodge City and after the arrival of the patrol, Dillon has to threaten and cool off revengeful Bear who converts the townspeople to his cause! At the marshal’s office, the three lawmen realize they’ve got the wrong men. Dillon asks attorney-at-law Cicero Wolfe if he can defend the two Comanches but he refuses. Cora tries to convince Wolfe but in vain. Dillon pays a visit to Bear to make him stop his desire for vengeance. Wolfe eventually agrees to take the case.

It’s a decent trial episode featuring two fancy guest characters: a hot-headed old rancher and an idealistic half-blooded Cherokee lawyer. Notice how director Gunnar Hellström omits and hides the weaknesses of the two sophisticated women: we don’t see the killing of Lavinia at the ranch and the fainting of Cora in the streets of Dodge City. As in “Kitty’s Love Affair”, the marshal’s office is taken over by the townspeople. As in his previous roles (“Trafton”, “This Golden Land”), actor Paul Stevens plays a wise figure—dressed as President Lincoln—and, here, a righteous lawyer with a conscience: see the darkly lit bedroom scene in which he faces his responsibility. Assistant story consultant Paul F. Edwards writes this story.

Returning guest actors: Morgan Woodward (the season 18 “The Sodbusters”), Paul Stevens (the season 18 “This Golden Land”), Whitney Blake (the season 4 “Wind”), John Pickard (the season 18 “Milligan”), X Brands (the season 16 “Snow Train”), Clay Tanner (the season 17 “Trafton”), Richard Lundin (the season 19 “The Widow and the Rogue”).

 

[JohnHopper]

¶​

¶ Next on Gunsmoke season 19, the reviews of the third disc and starting on Monday 17!​

¶ Load your guns and be ready!​

¶​

​

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #9
“A Game of Death... An Act of Love: Part II”
written by Paul F. Edwards
directed by Gunnar Hellström
music by John Parker
guests: same cast as Part I except Michael Learned

The episode starts with a trailer entitled The Story Thus Far from Part I that lasts 5 minutes 48 secondes. Dillon advises Wolfe to stay in his hotel room until the end of the trial to avoid being lynched. Cora pays a visit to Wolfe and has a moral argument with him. Cora pays a visit to Dillon about her father’s reaction. She rides to the shack of her father and has a nasty talk. That night, Sanderson neutralizes Newly who guards the room of Wolfe and then threatens Wolfe to give up the trial but he refuses cold. At the trial, Wolfe calls Bear and saloon girl May Lassiter (actress Michael Learned) who confesses the court that the watch and the jewels found at the Indian tippees are hers and was stolen. Wolfe tells the court that his clients are innocent. Bear apologizes to Wolfe.

The second part is weak by contrast because of the talky nature of a trial drama and it plays like a long confession with series of aggressions and apologies that concludes with an impossible, stoic and platonic love affair. Here’s the first appearance of Judge Brooker. Find a brief barn party at the end of the episode.

Returning guest actress: Michael Learned (the season 19 “Matt’s Love Story”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #10
“Lynch Town”
written by Calvin Clements
story by Anne Snyder and Joann Carlino
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by John Parker
guests: David Wayne, Mitch Vogel, Warren J. Kemmerling, Ken Swofford, Norman Alden, Julie Cobb, Nancy Jeris, Scott Brady

In a saloon at Kingville, a poor man named Jake Fielder (actor Ken Swofford) is thrown out of the place by barkeep Tom Hart (actor Norman Alden) because of a poker game and joins his son Rob (actor Mitch Vogel) when sheriff Ridder (actor Warren J. Kemmerling) fires them. At night, Jake returns to town to get his coat back. He enters the saloon by the back door and takes his coat when he witnesses the dying female owner Kate Geer (actress Nancy Jeris) and decides to steal some cash. Saloon girl Minnie Nolen (actress Julie Cobb) goes down and sees the dead body and screams. Jake runs and is caught up by the sheriff who notices the money. At Dodge City, Dillon is summoned by the sheriff to go at Kingville to get the prisoner out. Rob goes to town and pays a visit to his father at the jail. At Elbow Creek Station, Rob informs drunk Judge Warfield (actor David Wayne) to go to Kingville. Dillon arrives too late, Jake is already hanged by the townspeople. Dillon investigates the case of Kate Geer’s murder. Businessman John King (actor Scott Brady) has all the key people on his payroll and orders sheriff Ridder and Judge Warfield to bury the case quickly …

It’s an average solo Dillon investigation and another talky trial in a corrupted town. The main drawback of this episode is the lack of development of the Jake Fielder character that is quickly erased (off-camera) and replaced by an incongruous town big shot and it could have been engrossing with a Robert Totten treatment. The main interest of this ordinary and laborious drama lies in the performance of actor David Wayne as the shady judge with a conscience trying to redeem himself and acting as a surrogate father.

Returning guest actors: Mitch Vogel (the season 16 “McCabe”), Warren J. Kemmerling (the season 17 “The Bullet”), Ken Swofford (the season 18 “Talbot”), Norman Alden (the season 17 “The Bullet”), Scott Brady (the season 18 “Jubilee”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #11
“The Hanging of Newly O’Brien”
written by Calvin Clements
directed by Alf Kjellin
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Billy Green Bush, James Van Patten, Jessamine Milner, Rusty Lane, Jan Burrell, Debbie Dozier, Walter Scott, Bobby Hall, Donald Elson, Billie Bird, Arthur Malet, Erica Hunton

A stagecoach arrives and Dillon takes it on his way to St. Louis. The wagon of Mr. Buey (actor Donald Elson) stops and delivers old people that Doc must operate on the spot and he asks Newly to replace him in his spring rounds. First stop: Buey’s farm in which Newly treats a series of people when an old drunk (actor Arthur Malet) discredits his reputation and the people leave. A kid on horse named Tim (actor James Van Patten) asks Newly to sell him a Comack tonic for his grandfather but he refuses. Mr. Buey resumes to his place and Newly asks him about the kid that he follows down to his home and finds a suffocating old man (actor Rusty Lane) that he tries to save. The kid and her grandmother (actress Jessamine Milner) are shocked to see a throat operation and warn a militia who holds him prisoner and charges him of murder. Chained to a trunk, Newly meets Kermit (actor Billy Green Bush), the leader of the militia, who informs him about his future trial because he kills his father. A kangaroo court composed of poor farmers judge Newly for the crime of cutting flesh which is against the Bible and is found guilty and sentenced to be hanged the next day. At Dodge City, Burke informs Doc that Newly is reported missing for two days. Festus rides Doc to Buey’s farm when they witness the beginning of the hanging and react but Doc is accidently shot by the rifle of a hill man. Newly must save old Doc against the hill people!

It’s a good Newly episode in which he works as a doctor and is the victim of circumstances and misinterpretation and is falsely-accused of a deed he didn’t commit but surrounded by hill people. To give you an idea, the cultural gap between Newly and the hill people reminds a Fugitive episode entitled: “Corner of Hell”. Before the suspenseful surgical operation, Doc makes reference to the good season 18 “Patricia” to Newly in order to give him a motivation and we can hear the voice of Patricia. Don’t miss the final welcoming committee scene at the Long Branch! For the anecdote, Dillon wears his light grey tweet jacket. Find a good dramatical score by Jerrold Immel.

Returning guest actors: Rusty Lane (the season 17 “Alias Festus Haggin”), Bobby Hall (the season 18 “Whelan’s Men”), Donald Elson (the season 18 “Patricia”), Arthur Malet (the season 10 “Run, Sheep, Run”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #11
“The Hanging of Newly O’Brien”
written by Calvin Clements
directed by Alf Kjellin
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Billy Green Bush, James Van Patten, Jessamine Milner, Rusty Lane, Jan Burrell, Debbie Dozier, Walter Scott, Bobby Hall, Donald Elson, Billie Bird, Arthur Malet, Erica Hunton

A stagecoach arrives and Dillon takes it on his way to St. Louis. The wagon of Mr. Buey (actor Donald Elson) stops and delivers old people that Doc must operate on the spot and he asks Newly to replace him in his spring rounds. First stop: Buey’s farm in which Newly treats a series of people when an old drunk (actor Arthur Malet) discredits his reputation and the people leave. A kid on horse named Tim (actor James Van Patten) asks Newly to sell him a Comack tonic for his grandfather but he refuses. Mr. Buey resumes to his place and Newly asks him about the kid that he follows down to his home and finds a suffocating old man (actor Rusty Lane) that he tries to save. The kid and her grandmother (actress Jessamine Milner) are shocked to see a throat operation and warn a militia who holds him prisoner and charges him of murder. Chained to a trunk, Newly meets Kermit (actor Billy Green Bush), the leader of the militia, who informs him about his future trial because he kills his father. A kangaroo court composed of poor farmers judge Newly for the crime of cutting flesh which is against the Bible and is found guilty and sentenced to be hanged the next day. At Dodge City, Burke informs Doc that Newly is reported missing for two days. Festus rides Doc to Buey’s farm when they witness the beginning of the hanging and react but Doc is accidently shot by the rifle of a hill man. Newly must save old Doc against the hill people!

It’s a good Newly episode in which he works as a doctor and is the victim of circumstances and misinterpretation and is falsely-accused of a deed he didn’t commit but surrounded by hill people. To give you an idea, the cultural gap between Newly and the hill people reminds a Fugitive episode entitled: “Corner of Hell”. Before the suspenseful surgical operation, Doc makes reference to the good season 18 “Patricia” to Newly in order to give him a motivation and we can hear the voice of Patricia. Don’t miss the final welcoming committee scene at the Long Branch! For the anecdote, Dillon wears his light grey tweet jacket. Find a good dramatical score by Jerrold Immel.

Returning guest actors: Rusty Lane (the season 17 “Alias Festus Haggin”), Bobby Hall (the season 18 “Whelan’s Men”), Donald Elson (the season 18 “Patricia”), Arthur Malet (the season 10 “Run, Sheep, Run”).

Pictures of Kermit (actor Billy Green Bush).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #12
“Susan Was Evil”
written by William Keys
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Art Lund, Katherine Cannon, George DiCenzo, Henry Olek, Kathleen Nolan, James Gammon, Robert Brubaker

At night, Dillon stops his horse near a camp fire and encounters wounded bank robber Walter Boswell (actor Art Lund) after a some gunshots. At the Elbow Creek station and on the verge of selling the place, impatient Susan (actress Katherine Cannon) and her widower aunt Nellie Stuart (actress Kathleen Nolan) wait for the next stage to St. Louis. Dillon shows up and Nellie feels the obligation to treat the bullet wound of Boswell and therefore gives up the stage. Later on, two saddle bums named Newt (actor George DiCenzo) and Sam (actor Henry Olek) asks for free food, denied by Susan but offered by her aunt. The same two men try to abuse Susan when Dillon appears and neutralizes them. Slowly but surely, a love affair occurs between Nellie and prisoner Boswell. Susan is eager to go to St. Louis but her aunt prefers taking care of Boswell. Frustrated Susan offers a deal to the two saddle bums: earning $500 to extradite Boswell to Waldron (Arkansas) where he is wanted for horse stealing. Things don’t go according to the plan …

It’s an average solo Dillon adventure on a criminal errand and a family drama. The main interest lies in the character’s study on two women with different goals and an unusual love affair. The character of young Susan seems to have a conflictual relationship with country people: see the two saddle bums and manservant Dudley.

Returning guest actors: Art Lund (the season 8 “False Front”), Kathleen Nolan (the season 9 “Comanches Is Soft”), James Gammon (the season 11 “My Father, My Son”), Robert Brubaker (the season 15 “The Pack Rat”).

 

[ponset]

During the 1/2 hour episodes of GUNSMOKE, some of the seasons were sponsored by L&M Cigarettes.
One of the reasons I like GUNSMOKE is that none of the main character smoked and we rarely saw any smoking at all from supporting characters or guest stars.

 

[JohnHopper]

¶​

¶ Next on Gunsmoke season 19, the reviews of the fourth disc and starting on Monday 24!​

¶ Load your guns and be ready!​

¶​

​

 

[ClassicTVMan1981X]

For those of you who had been keeping up with season 7 (the first season of the 1-hour episodes) on MeTV, some of the 34 episodes have the prior 1960-61 version of the CBS Television Network Presentation jingle, rather than the 1961-62 version (as we heard on the same season's The Twilight Zone, Have Gun - Will Travel, Perry Mason and Rawhide episodes). I know that was the case on "Milly" (episode 9) and "Nina's Revenge" (episode 12).

The 1961 version does differ from the '60 version by saying, simply, "GUNSMOKE: A CBS TELEVISION NETWORK PRESENTATION," whereas in '60 it was "A Film Presentation - GUNSMOKE - Produced by Arness & Company in association with the CBS Television Network." The closing credits before this logo, after the copyright notice, go to "Filmed at Paramount Studios" and then "Produced by The Arness Production Company in association with the CBS Television Network."

In fact, even this S10 (1964-65) episode on MeTV ("Hung High," aired 11/14/64) inexplicitly carries the season 7 version of the CBS Television Network Presentation logo with the '60 jingle...


~Ben

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #13
“The Deadly Innocent”
written by Calvin Clements
directed by Bernard McEveety
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Russell Wiggins, Charles Dierkop, Herb Vigran, Jack Garner, William Shriver, Erica Hunton, Denny Arnold

In the middle of the valley, lonely and family-less simple-minded hill young man Billy (actor Russell Wiggins) finishes the telling of a story to schoolgirl Annie (actor Erica Hunton) who informs him she won’t come back. Billy heads to Dodge City to see his only friend: Festus. Billy asks first for a worker job to Burke but in vain and receives a free coin for his breakfast. Festus meets Billy and offers him a job at the livery stable and a set of clothes. They encounter a first customer: cruel to animal Barnett (actor Charles Dierkop) who hurts his horse. Festus leads him to Doc for a checkup and Doc feels sorry for Billy’s mental health. While waiting for Festus, Billy has again an argument with Barnett but over a cat that bothers one of his drover friend. Barnett ends up in the drinking trough with a back injury and Billy to the marshal’s office. Dillon and Festus talk to Judge Brooker who frees Billy and asks Festus to be his surrogate father and to keep an eye on him. Festus lectures him and teaches him how to ride a horse. A fight between both men occurs when Festus fires at a deer for his meal. Doc warns Festus to place Billy in an asylum for his own sake. On his way to bring Billy to the place, Festus is scared by the gloomy nightly atmosphere, backs off and faces a moral dilemma: what to do with Billy? Festus eventually finds the perfect sanctuary for his poor friend …

It’s an odd and minor but interesting Festus entry, another bitter-sweet good samaritan script after the season 17 “My Brother’s Keeper”, the season 18 “Eleven Dollars” and another simple-minded guest character-oriented story after the season 12 “Moonstone” but the difference lies in his passion for animals that he places above everyting and that leads to trouble: don’t miss the nice twist ending! The Fugitive treats that kind of subject matter of a strong mentally disabled man in the season 4 “Approach with Care”. Find the second appearance of Judge Brooker. For the anecdote, the mental institution house is Lawrence Liston Day’s gothic mansion from the season 2 episode of The Wild Wild West entitled “The Night of the Man-Eating House”.

Returning guest actors: Charles Dierkop (the season 12 “The Newcomers”), Jack Garner (the season 16 “The Gun”), Erica Hunton (the season 19 “The Hanging of Newly O’Brien”), Denny Arnold (the season 17 “Tara”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #14
“The Child Between”
written by Harry Kronman
directed by Irving J. Moore
music by Martin L. Klein
guests: Sam Groom, Alexandra Morgan, John Dierkes, Eddie Little Sky, Pete Kellett, Bill Hart, Alex Sharp

A rider named Lew Harrod (actor Sam Groom) returns home and his Indian wife Makesha (actress Alexandra Morgan) informs him his baby is sick with fever. Harrod fails to go get Doc Adams because of his status as a wanted man and his wife. Harrod eventually heads to Dodge City, faces and forces Newly—working as a repacement physician—to accompany him. Newly diagnoses measles and informs them he must send the baby back to Dodge to get some laudanum but they refuse cold. Out of the blue, three wild drovers terrorize Makesha who is currently washing clothes in the pond when Harrod and Newly stop them. One drover calls Newly “deputy”. Harrod confesses his past deed. Newly convinces him to follow him back to the medical office but Makesha steals the baby and leads him to medecine man Dahoma (actor John Dierkes) not knowing the danger of contamination …

It’s an average solo Newly, a medical case and a family drama paired with a Comanche backdrop. As in “The Hanging of Newly O’Brien”, Newly replaces Doc and faces trouble with strangers. One visual scene to notice: the harassment of Makesha scene shot low angle.

Returning guest actors: Sam Groom (the season 17 “No Tomorrow”), John Dierkes (the season 17 “My Brother’s Keeper”), Eddie Little Sky (the season 16 “The Scavengers”), Pete Kellett (the season 19 “Kitty’s Love Affair”), Bill Hart (the season 17 “Yankton”), Alex Sharp (the season 18 “Jesse”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #15
“A Family of Killers”
written by William Keys
directed by Gunnar Hellström
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Glenn Corbett, Anthony Caruso, Mills Watson, Morgan Paull, Zina Bethune, George Keymas, Frank Corsentino, Stuart Margolin

At night, a rider named Ham Pitchford (actor Morgan Paull) stops at a well-guarded cabin and meets outlaw Elton Sutterfield (actor Anthony Caruso) and his brother Brownie (actor Stuart Margolin) and plan to rob the bank of Dodge City and hang Matt Dillon. The next morning, in a camp, armed with a shotgun US Marshal Bob Hargraves (actor Glenn Corbett) threatens three outlaws and eventually one (Jacob Sutterfield) die, one (Tobin Pitchford: actor George Keymas) is wounded and one (Crazy Charley: actor Mills Watson) runs away. Elton shares his woman Jonnalee Simpson (actress Zina Bethune) with Brownie but she reacts violently and then he orders Ham to go fetch some food at Dodge City but he refuses and receives a beating. Hargraves bring back two men at the marshal’s office and informs Dillon about the killing of his young deputy Benny Lee and he plans to avenge him. Meanwhile Crazy Charley arrives at the cabin and informs Elton about Hargraves’ deed. Ham resumes to the cabin and warns them about the coming of the two US Marshals.

It’s a good and straightforward US Marshals adventure and a mean outlaw leader episode with a good ensemble of bandit characters: violent leader Elton Sutterfield (actor Anthony Caruso) and his brother Brownie (actor Stuart Margolin), Ham Pitchford (actor Morgan Paull), Crazy Charley (actor Mills Watson), Tobin Pitchford (actor George Keymas). It slightly tackles theme of revenge through the character of the guest US Marshal. As in “Women for Sale”, find a woman treated as trash by a criminal. This is the last part of actor Glenn Corbett after the season 10 “Chicken” and the season 17 “Phœnix”.

Returning guest actors: Glenn Corbett (the season 17 “Phœnix”), Anthony Caruso (the season 18 “Sarah”), Mills Watson (the season 18 “Arizona Midnight”), George Keymas (the season 18 “Sarah”), Frank Corsentino (the season 17 “Phœnix”), Stuart Margolin (the season 18 “Homecoming”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #15
“A Family of Killers”
written by William Keys
directed by Gunnar Hellström
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Glenn Corbett, Anthony Caruso, Mills Watson, Morgan Paull, Zina Bethune, George Keymas, Frank Corsentino, Stuart Margolin

At night, a rider named Ham Pitchford (actor Morgan Paull) stops at a well-guarded cabin and meets outlaw Elton Sutterfield (actor Anthony Caruso) and his brother Brownie (actor Stuart Margolin) and plan to rob the bank of Dodge City and hang Matt Dillon. The next morning, in a camp, armed with a shotgun US Marshal Bob Hargraves (actor Glenn Corbett) threatens three outlaws and eventually one (Jacob Sutterfield) die, one (Tobin Pitchford: actor George Keymas) is wounded and one (Crazy Charley: actor Mills Watson) runs away. Elton shares his woman Jonnalee Simpson (actress Zina Bethune) with Brownie but she reacts violently and then he orders Ham to go fetch some food at Dodge City but he refuses and receives a beating. Hargraves bring back two men at the marshal’s office and informs Dillon about the killing of his young deputy Benny Lee and he plans to avenge him. Meanwhile Crazy Charley arrives at the cabin and informs Elton about Hargraves’ deed. Ham resumes to the cabin and warns them about the coming of the two US Marshals.

It’s a good and straightforward US Marshals adventure and a mean outlaw leader episode with a good ensemble of bandit characters: violent leader Elton Sutterfield (actor Anthony Caruso) and his brother Brownie (actor Stuart Margolin), Ham Pitchford (actor Morgan Paull), Crazy Charley (actor Mills Watson), Tobin Pitchford (actor George Keymas). It slightly tackles theme of revenge through the character of the guest US Marshal. As in “Women for Sale”, find a woman treated as trash by a criminal. This is the last part of actor Glenn Corbett after the season 10 “Chicken” and the season 17 “Phœnix”.

Returning guest actors: Glenn Corbett (the season 17 “Phœnix”), Anthony Caruso (the season 18 “Sarah”), Mills Watson (the season 18 “Arizona Midnight”), George Keymas (the season 18 “Sarah”), Frank Corsentino (the season 17 “Phœnix”), Stuart Margolin (the season 18 “Homecoming”).

Pictures of US Marshal Bob Hargraves (actor Glenn Corbett).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 19

Episode #16
“Like Old Times”
written by Richard Fielder
directed by Irving J. Moore
music by Jerrold Immel
guests: Nehemiah Persoff, Daniel J. Travanti, Charles Haid, Gloria DeHaven, Robert Brubaker, Rhodie Cogan, Hal Bokar, Richard Lundin

A stagecoach stops at Dodge City and delivers ex-convict Benjamin Rando (actor Nehemiah Persoff) who stares at the entrance of the Long Branch and has a sudden flash of memory that includes a saloon girl and then asks Burke to bring his trunk and his bag back at his hotel room. Rando enters the Long Branch and asks to see barkeep Sam who is replaced by another employee (actor Robert Brubaker). Rando stares at the piano that triggers another flash of memory when he meets Doc, Dillon and Miss Kitty and asks her about saloon girl Carrie Louise Thompson (actress Gloria DeHaven) who works now at the trash saloon Bull’s Head and sees her. Two outlaws in fancy clothes spot Rando. Carrie accepts to drink with Rando at the Long Branch but she confesses her dry indifference. Rando begs Burke to get a job and later meets again Carrie. Resuming to his room, he encounters the two outlaws posing as businessmen: Aaron Barker (actor Daniel J. Travanti) and Lem Hargis (actor Charles Haid) who offers him a safe cracking job at the freight office. Rando fires them cold. They threaten to bring him back to Texas where he is still wanted. Rando eventually accept to do the scheming of the robbery. Dillon suspects Rando because of the delayed stage and the sabotaged bridge and orders Burke to move the cashbox to the bank. Rando reports back to the two crooks who force him to change his plan and then drugs the coffee of Newly guarding at the bank. The big day arrives but things don’t go as planned …

It’s a very good bitter-sweet existential episode about a former bank robber specialized in the safe cracking craft and an impossible love affair centered around a saloon girl that is compromised by two blackmailing crooks. As in many previous episodes (see the season 18 “The Drummer”, the season 16 “The Noose”, the season 15 “Stryker”, the season 14 “Lyle’s Kid”, the season 13 “The Prodigal”), the guest character undergoes flashbacks of memory. The wanted poster shows a picture of Frank Eaton who died at the end of the season 17 “Alias Festus Haggin”. Find a replacement for barkeep Sam played by actor Robert Brubaker. Notice the drug-induced vision of Newly at the bank scene. Dillon wears his light grey tweed jacket at the end of the episode.

Returning guest actors: Nehemiah Persoff (the season 14 “The Mark of Cain”), Robert Brubaker (the season 19 “Susan Was Evil”), Richard Lundin (the season 19 “A Game of Death... An Act of Love”).

 

[justarandomstan]

Wow, the complete series set must have been a very limited edition or something....

Amazon no longer has it in stock at the moment, and it's no longer available on Deep Discount. The scalpers on Ebay sure are taking advantage of that.

Disappointing tbh. Not everyone had $200 - $300 to shell out on something like that during a pandemic.

After all, the set just came out in May... Back to the season sets, I guess.

EDIT: Also, apparently, the first 3 TV movies are now bundled in a brand new collection for $9.99