8 reviews
Dennis Weaver makes Chester a more solid character.
An episode showing an unusual side of Chester
Chester sees a guy come to town that he knew back in Missouri and tells Marshal Dillon that he knows the guy is there to kill him, but won't say why. Matt goes over to the Long Branch to talk to the fellow, and the stranger claims he never heard of Chester, and that he is riding around looking for a job. Chester is on edge just the same and carries a short gun around with him all of the time.
One night when some drunk cowboys shoot up main street, Chester ducks back in the alley and is shot in the arm. Chester claims that the fellow from Missouri did it, but Matt mentions that it could just be a stray bullet from the cowpokes, which Chester cannot deny. Matt again goes and talks to the stranger. And then a tell - I'll let you watch and see how Marshal Dillon comes to think that maybe Chester is telling the truth.
In the end, Dillon has a clever way of solving things, and you find out about a side of Chester - a chivalrous side that could be riled to anger and action under the right circumstances - that you've never seen before.
It's funny, but for the famous opening credits of Gunsmoke always showing Matt Dillon involved in some dual on main street, solving a problem with his gun, Dillon used his head to solve so many problems in Dodge City. He really shared a lot in likability and style with Andy Taylor of the Andy Griffith show, except in the Dodge City of the wild west Marshal Dillon at least had to wear a gun, whether he used it or not.
One night when some drunk cowboys shoot up main street, Chester ducks back in the alley and is shot in the arm. Chester claims that the fellow from Missouri did it, but Matt mentions that it could just be a stray bullet from the cowpokes, which Chester cannot deny. Matt again goes and talks to the stranger. And then a tell - I'll let you watch and see how Marshal Dillon comes to think that maybe Chester is telling the truth.
In the end, Dillon has a clever way of solving things, and you find out about a side of Chester - a chivalrous side that could be riled to anger and action under the right circumstances - that you've never seen before.
It's funny, but for the famous opening credits of Gunsmoke always showing Matt Dillon involved in some dual on main street, solving a problem with his gun, Dillon used his head to solve so many problems in Dodge City. He really shared a lot in likability and style with Andy Taylor of the Andy Griffith show, except in the Dodge City of the wild west Marshal Dillon at least had to wear a gun, whether he used it or not.
Who's Telling the Truth?
Chester Gets Angry
It's Chester as we rarely see him, all combative and het-up. He's convinced a new guy in town, Ledbetter, has come to kill him, but won't say why. Matt investigates, yet the stranger seems like a harmless enough guy, (good turn by actor Coley). Then Chester gets shot in the arm—is it the roistering cowboys on Front Street or Ledbetter who still seems like a nice fellow. Now Matt doesn't know what to make of things.
Weaver gets to show an unusual side of the generally easy-going deputy. We wonder along with Matt since both men seem so convincing. The usual gruffly humorous by-play between Doc and Chester is on good display here, showing the excellent chemistry between them. In my view, writer Meston was better at setting up conflict than in resolving it, as I believe happens here. Still, he has to accomplish both within a tight half-hour framework that requires expedients of some sort. And, of course, some work better than others. All in all, the entry remains a Weaver showcase.
Weaver gets to show an unusual side of the generally easy-going deputy. We wonder along with Matt since both men seem so convincing. The usual gruffly humorous by-play between Doc and Chester is on good display here, showing the excellent chemistry between them. In my view, writer Meston was better at setting up conflict than in resolving it, as I believe happens here. Still, he has to accomplish both within a tight half-hour framework that requires expedients of some sort. And, of course, some work better than others. All in all, the entry remains a Weaver showcase.
- dougdoepke
- Aug 1, 2011
- Permalink
Chester well aimed.
Chester's Fury
A stranger rides into Moss Grimmack's livery stable and asks Moss to board his horse. Chester Goode happens to be in the stable. Chester hides in fear and as soon as he can, retreats to the U. S. Marshal's office and begins loading a shotgun. When Matt Dillon comes in and finds Chester, he starts asking questions.
Chester eventually reveals the man in the stable is named Asa Ledbetter. Chester is convinced Ledbetter intends to kill him. There is no evidence Ledbetter intends any harm to Chester, but Chester never waivers in his assertion. Matt, Doc Adams, and Kitty Russell are all understandably skeptical of Chester's claims.
Matt questions Ledbetter, but the man insists he has never heard of anyone named Chester Goode.
When Chester is wounded during an incident in the town, he is sure Ledbetter is responsible. Still, Chester's friends remain skeptical.
Actor Thomas Coley makes the first of two appearances in the Gunsmoke series in this story. Coley portrays Asa Ledbetter. Coley was better known as a stage actor and writer. He was gay, and actor William Roerick was his longtime partner. Coley is excellent in the Asa Ledbetter role.
Dennis Weaver was probably the most talented Gunsmoke regular cast member. It is nice to see him in a role that allows him to show so much range.
While this story provides a small look into Chester's mysterious past before arriving in Dodge City, it provides few details. Unfortunately, the viewer never even learns much about the circumstances that lead to the story's conclusion.
Chester eventually reveals the man in the stable is named Asa Ledbetter. Chester is convinced Ledbetter intends to kill him. There is no evidence Ledbetter intends any harm to Chester, but Chester never waivers in his assertion. Matt, Doc Adams, and Kitty Russell are all understandably skeptical of Chester's claims.
Matt questions Ledbetter, but the man insists he has never heard of anyone named Chester Goode.
When Chester is wounded during an incident in the town, he is sure Ledbetter is responsible. Still, Chester's friends remain skeptical.
Actor Thomas Coley makes the first of two appearances in the Gunsmoke series in this story. Coley portrays Asa Ledbetter. Coley was better known as a stage actor and writer. He was gay, and actor William Roerick was his longtime partner. Coley is excellent in the Asa Ledbetter role.
Dennis Weaver was probably the most talented Gunsmoke regular cast member. It is nice to see him in a role that allows him to show so much range.
While this story provides a small look into Chester's mysterious past before arriving in Dodge City, it provides few details. Unfortunately, the viewer never even learns much about the circumstances that lead to the story's conclusion.
- wdavidreynolds
- Jan 6, 2022
- Permalink
Matt acts out of character.
- LukeCoolHand
- Apr 1, 2021
- Permalink
Terrible "suspense"