Crack-Up

Newsmaam

Originally Aired: October 23, 1960 Gunsmoke #446, "Newsmaam," a headstrong female journalist causes considerable consternation when she arrives in Dodge City. Phoebe Appleby has attached herself to trail boss Finn's cattle drive all the way from the Cimarron, refusing to leave despite his repeated demands. When Finn drags the stubborn woman to Matt Dillon's office demanding she be locked up for disturbing the peace, the marshal finds himself in an uncomfortable position. Phoebe insists she's merely observing the cattle drive to write a true picture of the West, but her scandalous attire—men's clothing—and contrary attitude make her unwelcome everywhere she goes. Matt locks her up for her own protection, fearing what might happen if the rowdies on Front Street get a look at her unusual appearance. He enlists Kitty Russell's help in getting Phoebe proper women's clothing and arranging accommodations, but the imperious journalist proves difficult, demanding pale yellow dresses and a suitable hotel room rather than accepting the simpler arrangements offered. As Doc and Chester look on with amusement at Matt's predicament, the marshal discovers that dealing with one contrary woman may be harder than facing down gunmen.

Crack-Up

Originally Aired: October 16, 1960 Gunsmoke #445, "Crack-Up," Matt Dillon returns from a week in Abilene to find trouble brewing in Dodge City. While getting a haircut at Peters' barbershop, a stranger pulls a gun and demands immediate service, ordering the unarmed Marshal out of the chair. Dillon refuses to back down, calling the gunman's bluff and forcing him to leave. Chester later identifies the man as Nate Springer, a notorious paid killer known as the most nerveless gunman alive—a man of ice who never shows fear. Springer's presence in Dodge puts everyone on edge, including Doc Adams, who finds himself confronted by the paranoid killer at Delmonico's restaurant. When Springer threatens Doc for simply looking at him, Matt intervenes and warns the gunman that he'll jail both Springer and whoever hired him once he discovers the target. But something seems to be happening to the infamous killer—his legendary composure appears to be cracking, and Doc notices the man of ice is starting to melt. Matt knows whatever is happening to Springer isn't good, setting the stage for a dangerous confrontation.

Born to Hang

Originally Aired: October 9, 1960 Gunsmoke #444, "Born to Hang," finds Matt Dillon racing against time to prevent a double murder. Joe Digger, a drifter, barely survives a lynching when ranchers Glick and Pate string him up for horse theft based on nothing more than finding their horses near his camp. Robert, the third rancher, refuses to participate in the hanging and secretly cuts Digger down after the others ride off, saving his life but earning himself dangerous enemies. When Robert brings the rope-scarred Digger into Dodge City, Matt learns the full story and recognizes the burning rage behind the survivor's calm demeanor. Despite Digger's claims that he harbors no ill will toward his would-be killers, Matt knows better. The marshal gives himself until midnight the following day to bring Glick and Pate to justice before Digger takes matters into his own hands. When Matt and Chester ride out to arrest the ranchers, they discover that Glick appears genuinely unaware that Digger survived the lynching, complicating Matt's efforts to prevent further bloodshed. The marshal must navigate between serving justice and stopping vigilante revenge before Dodge City sees more violence.

The Big Itch

Originally Aired: October 2, 1960 Gunsmoke #443, "The Big Itch," brings Marshal Matt Dillon into a troubling mystery when Samantha Church arrives in his office seeking help. Her husband George left their ranch two days earlier to pay off their bank note with money from their first big cattle sale, but he never made it to the bank and hasn't been seen since. The only lead is that rancher Hobie Price was spotted riding off with George that Monday morning, and Hobie was later seen at the Long Branch that night, spending money freely and buying drinks for everyone. When Matt questions Kitty about Hobie's behavior, she confirms he was drinking heavily and throwing cash around like there was no tomorrow. Matt and Chester search the countryside between the Church ranch and Dodge City, looking for any sign of what might have happened to George. They question Ben Stanley, the young man the Churches raised after his parents were killed in a raid, but he has no helpful information beyond confirming George's eagerness to pay off the debt. As the investigation stalls with no trace of either George or Hobie Price, Chester begins developing a mysterious rash that demands Doc's attention.

Doc Judge

Originally Aired: September 25, 1960 Gunsmoke #442, "Doc Judge," finds Doc Adams in a dangerous case of mistaken identity. When a bitter ex-convict named Bryce Hart arrives in Dodge City, he immediately confronts Doc at Delmonico's restaurant, insisting that Doc is actually Judge Kennebre from Wyoming—the man who sentenced him to seven years in prison. Despite Doc and Chester's protests that he's a physician, not a judge, Hart refuses to believe them and vows to kill Doc for revenge. Initially, Doc dismisses Hart as harmless, especially since the man isn't even wearing a gun. However, Chester grows increasingly concerned about the threat. The situation takes a deadly turn when Chester witnesses Hart in action at the Long Branch Saloon. Armed now with a gun and demonstrating professional skill with it, Hart violently runs Bob Forrest out of the establishment, proving he's far more dangerous than Doc believed. With Marshal Matt Dillon out of town on business and not expected back for another day, Chester races to Doc's office to warn him of the escalating danger. The deputy must now find a way to protect Doc from a vengeful killer who won't listen to reason.