User Reviews

Walter Burke gives what may well be the performance of a lifetime in this deeply moving Gunsmoke. As Harry Elko, a small time circus owner and bank robber, Burke has seldom been better nor his talents so wonderfully utilized. The closing scene where he delivers a beautifully written statement of regret is one of the most emotional moments ever captured on television. His face communicates more than a thousand words when he expresses the pain and failure he feels as he looks back at his life. A memorable Gunsmoke episode and a wonderful showcase for Mr. Walter Burke.

Somebody associated with Gunsmoke had the smarts to engage Walter Burke for a significant role that allowed him to display his terrific acting chops--instead of another thankless role as bum, cripple, onlooker, leprechaun, etc etc, all of which made use of his diminutive physique.

Walter was a first-rate dramatic actor with a long stage career (obvious from his impeccable vocal projection and enunciation). If you want to see him at his best, try: 1.) The last 10 minutes of Ben Casey's "The Firemen Who Raised Rabbits" 2.) The final act of Thriller's "Man of Mystery" -- written especially for him by Robert Bloch 3.) His scene as "Ditto" in Peter Gunn's "The Torch". 4.) One Step Beyond's "Front Runner". Even his brief scenes in Twilight Zone's "The Big, Tall Wish" reveal an actor who really understood his craft.

Walter's big monologue at the end of "Circus Trick"--though with rather cliched dialogue and shot almost entirely in dark, moody profile, is nonetheless engrossing from a dramatic standpoint. Beautifully done. My thanks to fellow Burke enthusiast jlthronb51 (probably born the same year as me-- 1951) for tipping me off to this episode, which I'm now glad to own.

"Circus Trick" , an average episode that provides some real visual variety from the usual Gunsmoke setting, is engagingly directed by Wiliiam Claxton, thanks to inventive camera work and prominent close-ups, aided by John Nickolaus' superb, richly-textured cinematography. Interesting to note, though, that this was Claxton's ONLY Gunsmoke as director, and one of only TWO episodes filmed by Nickolaus. Coincidence? Or did the producers hire these two guys specifically because of the demands of this scrpt?

Unfortunately (and this falls back on Claxton's shoulders), the pace suffers during the actual "Big Show" itself; Walter Burke seems to be laboring in vain to keep things moving and upbeat. Background music would have helped. And..again unfortunately.. the plot becomes predictable and cliched, especially with the big, dimwitted brother (Ken Scott), who comes across more like Frankie Laine's dumb brother than any 1870's circus strongman. And the contrived business with his fascination with "pretty things"--girls, diamonds,, etc...is too trite to really be effective.

Elizabeth McRae almost overdoes her usual dumb-blonde caricature, but still maintains her dignity. Warren Oates is fine. Too bad that old-time actress Isabel Jewell's role wasn't bigger; she's very good.

The CBS music library was raided for this one-- with a distinctive Jerome Moross opening cue, and lots of Herrmann ("Walking Distance" (TZ) and "Moat Farm Murder" (radio) and Jeff Alexander (TZ's "Trouble with Templeton'); the delicate, sparkly cues from these scores are used (of course) every time those "pretty things" are discussed. Deduct one full rating Star for this painfully obvious element in the script and score.

However, the somber, Baroque-style processional (Herrmann) from the merry-go-round scene of TZ's "Walking Distance" is very effectively used near the end of Mr. Burke's big monologue.

A so-so show, greatly elevated by Walter Burke's expert performance...for which I'll add BACK that one rating Star. LR.

Everyone in Dodge City is excited when the Harry Elko's Varieties Show arrives. However, Mr. Elko and some of the performers have nefarious plans in mind to use the distraction of the circus show as cover for their criminal activity. Fortunately for the Dodge City citizens, Marshal Dillon quickly catches on to their scheme, as he has heard reports of bank robberies in the same cities where the circus performs.

There are some truly great performances in this episode, which work with a non-conventional plot that offers few surprises. Walter Burke, who seemingly appeared in every television show made during this time period, plays the leader of the circus, Harry Elko. Ken Scott makes his only Gunsmoke appearance in this episode as the circus strong man who develops a crush on Festus's girlfriend, April. Scott appeared in many television shows over the years, often in smaller roles.

Isabel Jewell plays the fortune teller Madame Ahr. In the 1930s and early 1940s, Jewell was a highly-regarded actress. She played the part of Emmy Slattery in Gone With the Wind. As the years went by, she found it more and more difficult to find work. She was arrested for passing bad checks and DUI in the late 1950s. By the time this episode was made, her acting career was almost non-existent.

Warren Oates was great in pretty much everything he did. He plays one of the circus troupe named Speeler here. Oates appeared in a total of 10 different Gunsmoke episodes over the years.

Elizabeth MacRae makes her fourth and final appearance as Festus Haggen's on-again, off-again girlfriend April Clomely. This is the first and only appearance April makes during Season 10, with all of her other appearances coming during the previous season.

Burt Reynolds makes one of his few remaining appearances as Quint Asper in this episode, although he is only present briefly.

A predictable plot becomes a very good watch thanks to some great acting. The regulars are in rare form and once again our Marshal sniffs out the crime before it's committed. Only regret here is that Matt didn't get to tangle with the strong man who was billed as " The strongest man on Earth"

The shopkeeper in Dodge told the guy that the cheapest ring he had in the shop was $500. Ok, I looked up online how much $500 in 1870 would be worth today. It is over $11,000. Now, if you watch Gunsmoke you will notice that we either have cowboys who just got paid from coming off a cattle drive. Or we have poor ranchers who are mostly not running a successful spread. Or assorted town folks such as people working in the livery stable or blacksmith shop. And the CHEAPEST ring the store sells would be equal to $11,000 in our times? Who are his customers?! Haha, I think the writers were thinking mid 1960's not 1870's. But on to the plot. The girl who played "Gomer Pyle's" girlfriend is on here. She is on several episodes playing April who is Festus' girlfriend.

The Harry Elko Variety Show comes to Dodge and has everyone in town talking about catching the circus show. With animals, a fortune-teller, a midget and a strongman this show will prove to be the most exciting night Dodge has seen in sometime. Everyone in town is planning to make sure they see the one night stand of Elko's circus.

When Marshal Dillon hears the name of Harry Elko, he thinks he has heard of that name before. He does some checking and found out that banks have been robbed during Elko's performances. So the night of the performance Matt will be staying at the bank.

But during the one time performance, things do not go as planned. The bank safe will not be harmed but people will die and lives ruined. There is more to this nickle and dime Variety Show than meets the eye.

With so many scripts, this episode stands out as unique. Not the most entertaining show but one that held the viewer's interest to the end. Even though it was very predictable outcome, you still had that desire to watch till the end. Good show.

OK, maybe a little harsh but Bonanza did this one better.