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Reviews
Gunsmoke: There Was Never a Horse (1959)
Scary Squint-Eyed Gunman
Lambert was famous for playing sinister Hollywood villains in television shows like Wagon Train and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. And he earned his reputation for good reason. In every role the actor played, he had moviegoers scared out of their minds. This episode of Gunsmoke is no exception - Lambert is scary as hell.
His craggy face and intimidating physique made Lambert a tough guy walking. His interaction with Matt is confrontational and intimidating. Matt doesn't backdown but Arness plays is coy and smart - not rushing into a fight with Creed. The viewer can tell Matt knows Creed can probably outdraw him after witnessing his amazing cross draw and killing of the barfly that actually had a cocked gun on Creed.
Matt replies when Chester voices doubt that Creed could beat Matt. Matt tells Chester. "You know the old saying, there never has been a horse that can't be rode, or man that couldn't be throwed". Scene cuts to Chester with a seriously concerned look on his face.
Jack Lambert has 57 other television credits according to the IMDb. These include Jane Wyman Theatre, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Burke's Law and, as you might expect, Have Gun Will Travel, Bonanza, Wagon Train, Death Valley Days, Bat Masterson, Daniel Boone, and a recurring role on Riverboat.
All in-all Lambert as Creed dominates this episode with his looks, acting chops and just general villainous presence. A great example of writing, directing and acting by everyone.
Gunsmoke: Cotter's Girl (1963)
Matt and Clarey
Clarey totally disarms Matt in this episode and Arness shows his acting skills in playing against Clarey's obvious developing crush on the big man. He is at a total loss on how to handle Clarey.
The scene at the dressmaker's store is really out of character for this 'shoot 'em up' genre and series.lll
Fortunately, the other main characters in Dodge take Clarey under thieir wings, including Chester teaching Clarey to read. The scene with Doc is sensitive and touching, too. Kitty brings the clothes to fix her up, too.
Hartley's performance for such a young actress is stellar and completely in character.
The next to final scene with Clarey on Ma Smalley's porch is touching. Arness plays it so well... sort of an inward reflection as to what it could have been between him and Clarey if he was 20 years younger.
All in all, a great episode and a change up to the usual fare served up by the wild west series.
Gunsmoke: New Doctor in Town (1971)
Doc's Hiatus
While the storyline is predictable, the real story is about Festus and his confusion and response to the new doctor in town. It is apparent that Festus' world is somewhat contained and limited to his understanding of the world about him. His inability of not being able to read adds to Festus' fear of change and how he reacts to the new Doc in town. Dr, John Chapman appears to respect Marshal Dillion and his communications and demeanor with Matt are totally different that his interactions with Festus and other townspeople. Dr. Chapman steps right up when the explosion critically injures Newley. From that moment on he has gained new respect from the citizens of Dodge. All in all, a good episode, but could have been better detailed on the introduction of the New Doc in Town.
Gunsmoke: Us Haggens (1962)
Hello Festus
What a great episode, introducing the viewing audiences and public to one of the all-time memorable Western characters - Festus Haggen. Matt finds him hiding in a barn and the long-time relationship is established. Curtis was a skilled actor with the ability to play clean cut, all the way to the rough hill country man that we all got to know and love. Festus' use of his unique vernacular is consistent and colorful - as we all grew to expect over the years.
Uncle Jack plays a wonderful character as well. He could always be counted on to deliver a top notch performance, as he does in this memorable episode.
All in all one of the best episodes in the long run of Gunsmoke.
Gunsmoke: The Hunger (1962)
Milburn Stone Shows His Acting Skills
A real sweep of emotions from the brutality of a cruel Father, his frightened Son, tortured Mother and Daughter all the way to the tender emotions of Althea towards Doc. Milburn Stone shines in this episode, showing his softer side and emotions. The scene of his consultation with Kitty showcases the deep trust and feeling she and Doc share. The writers wisely kept Matt on the sidelines, dealing with the onery Father and Son. The scene with Althea and Kitty shows off Althea's wonder and gentleness of her spirit - knowing the terrible conditions under which she was raised. The final scene with Doc, Kitty, Matt and Sam at the bar iced the cake for this outstanding reveal of Doc's character. All in all, one of Gunsmoke's best ever.
Gunsmoke: Lover Boy (1963)
Ken Curtis In A Wonderful Pre-Festus Role
Wonderful pre-Festus episode which permitted Ken Curtis to show off his acting skills. Playing the ner'do well playboy drifter is Curtis at his best. Backed up by a great supporting cast this is one of Gunsmoke's best. The play between the wife and the older husband is very good. Loved the husband's style. Marshal Dillon's advice to the outraged husband.: 'You can't kill a man for free!" Quint sends Curtis to the Long Branch. Does he know the husband will be there, too? It all plays out as expected.
Curtis plays the camera with his classic facial expressions, as always, and makes it works. Final action in the Long Branch with his old flame Terry brings it all together at the end.
Gunsmoke: Pike: Part 1 (1971)
What A Gem
While you could not call Dirty Sally (Jeanette Nolan) a regular on Gunsmoke, but she was in several episodes over the years of the show. She was always a gem of a character. Her acting skills always brought a realness and sincerity to every role she played. This 2-part episode fit her to a 'T". Worth the watch, for sure.
Gunsmoke: Thoroughbreds (1958)
Great Balanced Script
A nice light script that flows well between light banter and an underlying, more ominous, storyline. Loved seeing the bigger than life Dan Blocker, too - just before he started his long run on the competing Bonanza series. Chester is his usual comedic self. The restaurant scene of him fighting his overcooked steak is classic Chester - I laughed out loud. Great episode.
Gunsmoke: Matt for Murder (1958)
Sheriff Hickock
Will Bill to the rescue of this plodding episode. Elisha Coo's part should have been written more into the story. The story really picks up after Hickok's arrival and discovery of the false witness hiding in the stables. Questionable "interviewing' techniques and ploys by the Marshal and Doc make for interesting confession. A mediocre episode made good in the end.
Gunsmoke: Poor Pearl (1956)
Top Notch Writer and Screeplay
Gunsmoke never ceased to draw quality actor, many Acadamy Award Winners, as well as writers. This episode by Sam Peckinpah is one of the fine examples. Peckinpah did write a few other for Gunsmoke, too. Constance Ford and the character actor Pyle adds their skills to bringing the episode to life.
Gunsmoke: Murdoch (1971)
Outstanding Performances By Arness and Elam
This is one of the better episodes in the late Gunsmoke series. Elam and Arness obviously played off each other's acting chops - dominating each scene and the plots. The young Robert Random does a great job, too - probably inspired by his scenes with Elam. Outstanding script and dialogue.
Gunsmoke: Long, Long Trail (1961)
Great Episode
Maat almost finds the love of his life, a stront, passionate woman who cares deeply for him - as well as saving his life. Only to be taken from him in a ironic twist by the man who came back with her to save Matt. She dies in his arms. A real tear jerker at the end.
Gunsmoke: Aunt Thede (1964)
Doc's Great Quote
Doc and townsperson just have met Aunt Thede Hagen. The townsperson says: "Who was that?" Doc replies: "She;'s a Hagen, can't you tell? You know they all look alike.".... Too funny.
Gunsmoke: Cows and Cribs (1957)
Marshall With A Heart
A wonderful heartwarming episode, even with the death of the lawless homesteader Nadler. Matt's kindly nature comes through as he shows his caring for the orphaned baby and even poor Mrs. Nadler and her situation. The episode also introduces the wonderful Ma Smalley, the local boardinghouse operator. Matt's respect for Ma is also evident. Bottomline, a great episode.
Gunsmoke: Vengeance!: Part I (1967)
Buck Taylor
Interesting to see Buck Taylor playing a bad guy character. Unfortunately, not that well. He is much better as the amiable gunsmith Newly later on in the series.
Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994)
One Last Ride...
Watching a retired Matt Dillon in his final adventure was exciting, yet nostalgic. James Arness was 70 years old for this last movie, but, the camera still loved him - age lines and all. James Arness was the true personification of the Old West cowboy on his last ride.
Best Quote in movie. After Matt and his young partner have a shootout and kill one of the stagecoach robbers, His young partner saves Matt's life. Matt looks him up and down and says: "What did you say you did before you started selling?" Replies with a grin: "I didn't..." and walks off, leaving Matt with a better opinion of this new partner.
Gunsmoke: Chester's Mail Order Bride (1956)
A Well Read Doc Adams
It is evident during the entire series that Doc is well read. In this segment Doc calls Chester a 'Tin Horn Lochinvar'...Lochinvar, fictional romantic hero of the ballad "Marmion" (1808) by Sir Walter Scott.
Lochinvar is a brave knight who arrives unannounced at the bridal feast of Ellen, his beloved, who is about to be married to "a laggard in love and a dastard in war." Lochinvar claims one dance with the bride and dances her out the door, swooping her up onto his horse, and they ride off together into the unknown.
Thoroughly enjoyed this segment and story - giving Chester some deserved limelight in the script. Very entertaining.
Gunsmoke: Abe Blocker (1962)
Performance by Chill Wills
A deeply moving and convincing performance by Chlll Wills. It was captivating. His relating of the 'good old days' and all his memories of his wife and son were as though the actor actually lived it. Gunsmoke scripts and directing brought out the best in many of the character actors that came on the show over the years. The final scene almost had a mystical quality about it. Leaving him in death over his wife and son's graves. A fine showcase for Chill Wills.