A young rascal meets the outlaw idol of his youth, but the aging gunman, newly released from prison, wants only to go straight.A young rascal meets the outlaw idol of his youth, but the aging gunman, newly released from prison, wants only to go straight.A young rascal meets the outlaw idol of his youth, but the aging gunman, newly released from prison, wants only to go straight.
Photos
Kenneth Konopka
- Barkeep
- (as Ken Kenopka)
Chet Brandenburg
- Barfly
- (uncredited)
Stephen Burnette
- Barfly
- (uncredited)
Rudy Doucette
- Barfly
- (uncredited)
Pete Kellett
- Deputy
- (uncredited)
Mike Lally
- Barfly
- (uncredited)
Mathew McCue
- Barfly
- (uncredited)
Fred McDougall
- Freddy
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Kathleen Hite
- Norman MacDonnell(uncredited)
- John Meston(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe sign for Doc Adams' office appears above the steps instead of in its usual position on the wall beside the staircase.
- GoofsWhen Fallon punches Filler and the armchair is upended, the studio property tag is visible on the chair's bottom.
Featured review
An Underrated Episode
This is one of those episodes of Gunsmoke that I never see listed among the best episodes, but I find it unforgettable. It definitely isn't the same old formula we often see in television westerns that were produced during this time.
Race Fallon is a notorious outlaw who has just been released from prison. Fallon is tired of living the life of an outlaw. He just wants to settle down with his Aunt Jen on her farm.
Unfortunately, Fallon finds it impossible to escape his past. Although he thinks he has paid his debt to society by fulfilling his prison term, law enforcement doesn't necessarily agree. No one wants him in their territory, and his old gang still seeks his involvement.
A young man named Britt seeks excitement in his life. He is well aware of Fallon's past, and he admires Fallon. What's more, he wants Fallon to essentially mentor him.
This outstanding story bucks a few western stereotypes. Fallon has finally learned there is no real hope for an outlaw. Aunt Jen loves her nephew unconditionally. She isn't blind to his criminal past, but she sees some measure of decency at his core.
Britt, on the other hand, is a petulant fool. When Fallon sends him into Olathe to pick up some supplies, he warns Britt not to mention his name, but Britt can't resist. Britt thinks his friendship with Fallon allows him to bully others and throw his weight around. This brings Fallon's past crashing down around him and leads to a drastic decision on Fallon's part. Another interesting aspect to this story is the contrast between Britt's compliant, meek attitude when he is with Fallon versus his angry, mean demeanor when he is around others.
A key scene takes place between Fallon and Marshal Dillon well into the episode. The scene is surprising, and Dillon's response to Fallon is not what might be expected. It is interesting that Kathleen Hite's script treats the Race Fallon character in a sympathetic light, but Dillon definitely does not treat him with any measure of sympathy.
William Talman, who was best known as Hamilton Burger on Perry Mason, is especially good in this episode as Race Fallon. His weathered features and raspy voice from years of smoking are perfect in conveying the fatigue of the Fallon character. Hope Summers, a very recognizable actress who appeared in several Gunsmoke episodes, was best known for roles on The Andy Griffith Show and The Rifleman. She is excellent here as Aunt Jen. Scott Marlowe as the troubled young Britt is playing a role that was familiar to him.
While part of this episode takes place in Dodge City, we don't see very much of the Dodge regulars, other than Matt. Kitty and Doc appear briefly. There is no sign of Chester or Quint. (As a matter of fact, Chester has yet to appear in any episode of Season 9. He returns in the next episode, however.)
Race Fallon is a notorious outlaw who has just been released from prison. Fallon is tired of living the life of an outlaw. He just wants to settle down with his Aunt Jen on her farm.
Unfortunately, Fallon finds it impossible to escape his past. Although he thinks he has paid his debt to society by fulfilling his prison term, law enforcement doesn't necessarily agree. No one wants him in their territory, and his old gang still seeks his involvement.
A young man named Britt seeks excitement in his life. He is well aware of Fallon's past, and he admires Fallon. What's more, he wants Fallon to essentially mentor him.
This outstanding story bucks a few western stereotypes. Fallon has finally learned there is no real hope for an outlaw. Aunt Jen loves her nephew unconditionally. She isn't blind to his criminal past, but she sees some measure of decency at his core.
Britt, on the other hand, is a petulant fool. When Fallon sends him into Olathe to pick up some supplies, he warns Britt not to mention his name, but Britt can't resist. Britt thinks his friendship with Fallon allows him to bully others and throw his weight around. This brings Fallon's past crashing down around him and leads to a drastic decision on Fallon's part. Another interesting aspect to this story is the contrast between Britt's compliant, meek attitude when he is with Fallon versus his angry, mean demeanor when he is around others.
A key scene takes place between Fallon and Marshal Dillon well into the episode. The scene is surprising, and Dillon's response to Fallon is not what might be expected. It is interesting that Kathleen Hite's script treats the Race Fallon character in a sympathetic light, but Dillon definitely does not treat him with any measure of sympathy.
William Talman, who was best known as Hamilton Burger on Perry Mason, is especially good in this episode as Race Fallon. His weathered features and raspy voice from years of smoking are perfect in conveying the fatigue of the Fallon character. Hope Summers, a very recognizable actress who appeared in several Gunsmoke episodes, was best known for roles on The Andy Griffith Show and The Rifleman. She is excellent here as Aunt Jen. Scott Marlowe as the troubled young Britt is playing a role that was familiar to him.
While part of this episode takes place in Dodge City, we don't see very much of the Dodge regulars, other than Matt. Kitty and Doc appear briefly. There is no sign of Chester or Quint. (As a matter of fact, Chester has yet to appear in any episode of Season 9. He returns in the next episode, however.)
helpful•160
- wdavidreynolds
- Nov 3, 2020
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Filming locations
- Stage 3, CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA(Dodge City Western Street)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
- 4:3
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