This was the last time in Victor French's entire career where he played the villain. He did one more "Gunsmoke" as an actor, The Sharecroppers (1975), the last episode to be telecast, and five as a director while simultaneously beginning a 15-year partnership with Michael Landon.
Sheriff Harker's presentation rifle is a Model 1866 Winchester, the famous "Yellow Boy," named for its bright brass frame.
Nick Nolte only appeared on the series one time. This episode aired 1 year and 3 months before the "Rich Man, Poor Man" mini-series, and 8 years before the movie "48 HRS".
Ruth McDevitt appeared only in this episode; and it's a great performance.