Reviews

Episode proves the value of good writing. First scene shows Paladin in an imaginary chess match. After his study of battle tactics of Hannibal and Napoleon, he recreates the chess games these two unseen opponents may have played against each other.

Fast forward to a different unseen opponent, a puma that attacks Paladin. He survives only because he shot it, fed on its meat and warmed himself with it's pelt. This information isn't disclosed until much later.

Then a 3rd encounter with unseen opponents happens. As he lay near death, he is robbed by two faceless men. They take his horse, gun, cash and food while making excuses why they cannot help this dying man.

But Paladin does survive and he struggles his way on foot into a western town. He uses his own chess tactics in an attempt to regain his possessions. The ending explains all and is well scripted.

I was so impressed by the care taken in presenting just another 1950s-60s western series show. Don't miss this chess match!

This is about as deep a plot as the series has. Almost 'High Noon esque' as one volunteer deputy asks to be excused from the inevitable gunfight due to family. Another deputy boozes at the saloon between news.

Also, Micah is mentally broken down after days of Gordo's verbal poundings. He shows anguish and is sweating. he is scared and shows it. Lon Chaney as Gordo, lays it on thick from behind bars.

Of course Lucas saves the day feigning death in the dirty night street.

And the episode lives up to its title 'gunfire'. A dervish of blistering ammo fire rings out at climax.

This average plot certainly is viewable if you want more more than simple 'western gun justice' in your 30 minute diet of 50's western morality. Actually makes you think.

The viewers can see and hear what a superb storyteller Andy Griffith was here. His story about Paul Revere and his horse Nellie is dramatic and gripping. I had to give this episode a rating of 10 simply from that tale alone.

And his using of reverse psychology to set up that story so he could make up for his earlier goof-up, very well written and performed. Barney added his usual naive flare in the backgound and his "emancipation proclamation" skit in the first scene of the show. Fine comedy it was!

Thanks Andy for telling us all about the "shot heard around the world". I think I even learned something from this episode - and it wasn't entirely about history. Life lessons count also.

Ok, ok, I will give away a tad bit of the ending here, but not much. This movie builds decently towards the eventual climactic ending. But wow, what an ending!

Rewind and check the camera shot of Burt giving the go-ahead to begin the escape, and see Jeff Corey (the fink) tied to the front of the tram (and thus first to take the machine gun bullets).

Also don't miss the smoke that comes out the back of Jeff Corey's shirt as he is riddled with those bullets. And it takes a quick eye to catch the guard's shotgun blast actually pierce part of the iron cell bar as he kills Duff from above. How about the bleeding bullet hole in Burt's back as he fights with his new warden? And the strength he shows when tossing him off the tower. The small stuff helps the realism of this oldie!

Burt, you were so cool! I wish you had accepted the Ben Hur and Patton role you were offered!