Gunsmoke: Old West Stories

Distant Drummer

Originally Aired: February 14, 1960 Gunsmoke #410, "Distant Drummer," features Raffi, a simple-minded Civil War veteran who wears his drum proudly around his neck, a gift from his captain at Antietam. When Raffi seeks refuge in the Long Branch from taunting townspeople, Miss Kitty shows him compassion and kindness, offering him work chopping wood while she watches over his precious drum. Doc Adams suggests that perhaps the drum is the last thing Raffi was ever proud of, though it makes him a constant target for the town's cruelty. When a concerned citizen named Dobie urges Marshal Dillon to take action against Raffi as a potential troublemaker, Matt refuses, pointing out that any trouble would come from those tormenting the harmless veteran. The situation escalates when Chester alerts Matt that some men have treed Raffi at the livery stable, dangling his beloved drum from a branch and forcing him to crawl out for it. Raffi falls and is injured, prompting Doc to treat him while Matt confronts the tormentors. As Raffi recovers, he speaks ominously about folks needing to learn different, leaving Matt concerned about what the traumatized drummer might do next.

Delias Father

Originally Aired: February 7, 1960 Gunsmoke #409, "Delias Father," Marshal Matt Dillon seeks shelter at a remote ranch during a storm while transporting prisoner Keel and dealing with a lame horse. He's surprised to find the ranch now occupied by Delia Robbins, daughter of his old friend Ben. Delia welcomes Matt warmly, remembering how highly her father spoke of him. When she offers to guide Deputy Chester Festus to town so he can telegraph the judge about their delay, telegraph operator Mr. Weems drops a bombshell: the whole town knows that Matt Dillon killed Ben Robbins. Delia is stunned by this revelation about the man she just welcomed into her home. The storm has trapped Matt at the ranch with the shocked young woman and his dangerous prisoner. As the truth about Ben Robbins' death begins to surface, Matt must confront a painful chapter from his past while maintaining control of a volatile situation. The marshal's friendship with Ben and the circumstances of his death promise to create an explosive confrontation.

Chester's Dilemma

Originally Aired: January 31, 1960 Gunsmoke #408, "Chester's Dilemma," Chester finds himself the object of affection from Edna, a young store clerk working for Mr. Jonas who transforms from a wilted shopgirl into a radiant companion each afternoon at closing time. The pretty but mysterious woman, who Jonas suspects is hiding something about her farm upbringing in Ohio, begins accompanying Chester on his daily mail runs from the depot. She clings to his arm, flatters his bravery, and shows unusual interest in the marshal's correspondence, particularly the wanted circulars and official letters. Meanwhile, Doc McGee diagnoses Chester with a different ailment: he's become listless and distracted, neglecting his duties at the marshal's office. Doc suggests to Matt Dillon that Chester feels unappreciated, but the real cause of Chester's preoccupation becomes clear when Edna kisses him on Front Street and takes a particular interest in a letter from Ohio. As Chester struggles between his duties and this new romance, Edna's secretive behavior and her focus on the marshal's mail hint at complications ahead for Dodge City's lovesick deputy.

Bless MeTill I Die

Originally Aired: January 24, 1960 Gunsmoke #407, "Bless Me Till I Die," Matt Dillon and Chester encounter Cole and Beth Ann Treadwell on the trail to Dodge City when the couple's wagon breaks down. Cole is a traveling preacher—though not ordained or properly schooled—and the Treadwells are wandering from town to town looking for the right place to settle. Matt suggests Dodge could use a parson, and soon the couple is holding prayer meetings in the town schoolhouse, quickly becoming beloved members of the community. Chester grows particularly attached to the Treadwells, escorting Beth Ann to services and losing checker games to Cole. However, trouble arrives in the form of Nate Bush, a troublemaker with a grudge against Chester for getting him thrown in jail. When Nate confronts Chester while he's escorting Beth Ann to a prayer meeting, the situation grows tense. Beth Ann tries to defuse the conflict, urging Chester not to fight, but Nate's drunken bullying continues. The confrontation escalates when Nate corners Beth Ann alone at the general store, creating a dangerous situation that threatens the peaceful atmosphere the Treadwells have brought to Dodge.

Fiery Arrest

Originally Aired: January 17, 1960 Gunsmoke #406, "Fiery Arrest," finds Matt Dillon and Chester caught in a violent rainstorm and taking shelter in an abandoned shack. Their refuge turns dangerous when two armed men, Hod Mueller and Mosley, get the drop on them. The suspicious Hod is convinced that someone tipped off the law about his whereabouts, and when a woman named Millie arrives with supplies, he's certain she's the one who betrayed him. Despite her desperate denials, Hod viciously beats her while a helpless Matt can only watch. The outlaws tie up Matt, Chester, and Millie before riding out to rob a stagecoach, leaving their captives to struggle free. Once loose, Matt sends Chester back to Dodge with the badly injured Millie while he pursues the outlaws alone through the storm. The confrontation in the rocks plays out with deadly consequences, and Matt returns to town to check on Millie's recovery. Under Doc Adams and Kitty's care, the battered woman begins a long healing process, but the physical wounds may prove easier to mend than the deeper scars left by Hod Mueller's brutal treatment.