Reviews

A reminder of another Gunsmoke episode. When Kitty and the wild child arrives.at the Roniger farm where is Mr Roniger played by Harry Carey, Jr. In Baker's Dozen which aired December 25, 1967. It would have blended in with that episode.

While the main two roles are Kitty and the Wild Child in the wild and how they interact. Laurie Prange as the Wild Child is quite believable for someone growing up in the wild. It was interesting to see those two share the story.

Royal Dano. Had a small role which was almost not necessary. Do not know why Harry Carey was not here, had he been there I would have given a 10 instead of a 9.

As a Marine stationed there in the late 60's I looked for sites I knew. Some of the places such as Shuri Castle, (rebuilt now) and where the US landed during WW ll.

Fort Buckner, was named in honor of Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr., who was killed in action while commanding the Tenth Army during the Battle of Okinawa during World War II. Some of the military bases have had their names changed since I was there..

Over the years since WW ll there have been many changes and I am sure many more since I was there.

At that time an Okinawan did not like being called Japanese.

There are places marked for certain battles spots. The Military Museum had on display many items and pictures from that time period.

Training in the NTA was like going back in time. You had to walk in in after a certain point. Some of the green areas on here remind me of NTA.

As a Marine that served in Vietnam I did not watch Mash until I read that is was a type of a comedy and the reviews were not what I expected. After watching a few times I always watched when I was able. Some of the cast members I had seen on other shows. I became a fan of Mash. I like others have my favorite ones to watch over again. Many of the cast I enjoyed in their roles and always thought they could have done more with some of them.

This is the first time for me to watch this episode.. I have been afraid what memories it would bring back and it has reminded me when I left Vietnam in 1969. The friends made, those that left before me and those left behind and those that died. It show how tight you become with those you served with. A nice ending for the series but I can not watch again, Too many memories that came to mind.

Lynn Loring as Laurie Ferguson plays her part very well. After she accuses Little Joe of taking liberties, causing trouble between the Fergusons and the Cartwrights. Later she has a hired hand, Brett to leave. There are a few face to face incidents with the Ferguson families causing more troubles. It is a story worth watching once even if you feel uncomfortable watching at times. I felt sorry for her father played by Lyle Bettger an actor that I am not fond of in most of his acting career.

It is interesting to learn why she is this way and see her father's reaction when he learns the full story.

Lynn plays her part all too well, her eyes are a turnoff and takes away from her looks. If you see someone that has eyes like hers, run away. The eyes are the windows to their soul. This is a great example of that saying.

This is my third time to watch this film. First, it is interesting to see a few of the actors who played in other movies and shows. Some of the scenes showing the hardships while traveling was likely closer to the way it was traveling westward. The later westerns showing wagon trains do not have the same feeling about how harsh it actually was. The rain storm, crossing the river how dangerous that was, the snow scenes and across the desert area.

The people interactions, good and bad times especially after deaths of a few on their way west. After the burials, two things stand out, one woman had to be removed from a grave site and on another. A dog lays down ta a grave site to stay as people leave toward their wagons to leave.

Anyone that likes westerns will enjoy Gunsmoke. The introduction by John Wayne is a great lead in to introduce James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon as well for Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, Dennis Weaver as Chester and Amanda Blake as Kitty, later Miss Kitty Russell.

When you watch Gunsmoke in other episodes you will see many actors from the older B Westerns and other TV series. Thru the years some of the cast had different repeat roles and many went on to other TV shows and movies. That is a long list of both men and women.

This episode I rated an 8 which is a good start. The page story line is hard to add to. This show has proven John Wayne's introduction at the beginning of the show, Growing up, Gunsmoke was one show we watched on TV,. Late 50's and on and I still watch every chance I can, Gunsmoke in my opinion is the best western show to watch many tines over.

A fair story line with some great actors and actresses. Times were changing, westerns were slowly disappearing off TV. Growing up with many of the westerns in the late 50's and in the 60's, they were watched almost every night. I still today watch many of the TV shows from those times. Gunsmoke is still my favorite to watch.

It is interesting to see how many on Gunsmoke later were in other TV shows and in many movies. I can name many of the people that were in Gunsmoke and what other shows and movies they played in. I still wish they would have kept Gunsmoke on the air for a few more years and brought back some of the older members that were still alive as they did in a few later special Gunsmoke shows. I am thankful for the memories.

A few that posted here would have liked to have seen a two part story. If the writers could have written as well for a two part, then I would agree. It could have been easy to do and have shown more between Newly and Patricia

Buck Taylor as Newly and Jess Walton as Patricia was a perfect match. The love story about them was quite believable. Both played their parts well. This episode really shows the acting ability for Buck Taylor.

Milburn Stone when he removes his hat near the end, show his age more than usual. Look at his greying and some lack of hair. Age and his health problems that he had for a time period is likely the reason. This was another episode where Doc has an important role.

This is a must see episode. A Love Story you will not forget.

As a teen this was watched. I always wondered what it would have been like serving in the air during the war. The stories are varied with many stars you will see in movies and other TV shows. It would take pages to list them all.

The one thing that you will not realize just how little room there is inside a B-17. I was able to do so in 2012 at the Lunken Airport, Cincinnati, OH. The take off and landing was amazing. The only place we were not able to go in flight is where the tail gunner would be. If you enjoy this war drama, you should whenever possible, take a tour and ride in the best bomber that served in WW ll. It will give you an insight for what many went thru.

Unless you have served in a wartime situation there is no way you could fully understand and know how Joe, Christoper Lloyd, felt. His performance was very believable. Dementia and Alzheimer's patients do become confused and forget and can get mad at the drop of a hat.

The part when Gibbs gives the divers Joe's ashes to be placed on the USS Arizona is a final salute for Joe.

Gibbs says that maybe the best of him was gone and part of you is still there. I often wonder today why am I a bit different, what did I leave behind. I served in Nam, USMC, 1968-1969 and still now and then have lifelike dreams and thoughts. Anyone that has not served and understand should not even rate. As you really do not have an idea what war does to a person years later.

I was amused and who wouldn't be, watching this show. Jack Elam was a great actor playing good and bad guys. In this show he portrays a "smart" farmer that uses Matt Dillon and Chester to his advantage to do a few chores. While it is not a normal shoot 'em up it is quite enjoyable to watch. It is a great change that actually fits Gunsmoke. It shows a good side to the old west. I doubt any one else could have pulled off the role of Clint Dodie like Jack Elam. Though a limited cast, the writers did well. It is one of my favorite shows to watch when ever it is shown. I gave it a 9, not quite a 10 but it is close.

Growing up with westerns in the 50's and 60's each week westerns were the prime shows to be watched. If there was ever a western to be on; Gunsmoke would have to be my first choice. It would have been great to meet many of the actors. Not only the main cast but many of the other actors played in many of the "B" westerns that I watched. Look at many of the guest actors that you will see on Gunsmoke. Many not only played in other tv series but you will see in many movies and tv shows. I always try to remember what shows/movies they played on before checking their bio. While westerns are not a prime view to make for tv or at the movies, for me it brings back childhood memories. You should watch and see how many you remember and what shows and movies they played in. I rated overall as a 9, looking at an average rate for all the Gunsmoke episodes. Check the bio's for those that were on Gunsmoke. Some will be a surprise I am sure.

This is a have to watch episode.

It show how a town and the people come together for a worthy cause. While I did not see this in 1967 as I was soon to be in Nam. I have seen 3 times this year and I enjoy watching each and every time. Milburn Stone is outstanding in his care and concern about the triplets that he delivered when the mother died and now they are orphans.

Seeing Miss Kiitty, Amanda Blake and Matt Dillon, James Arness holding the babies and the looks they not only give to the babies but to each other. It one of a few that shows a close connection between them. Makes you wonder why they did not do more on Gunsmoke between them.

Mrs. Roniger, Peggy Rea and Judge Blent, Denver Pyle do a great job as well. And Festus is Festus. You have to watch for the story line and how it ends.

I have always enjoyed watching James Nusser in many episodes of Gunsmoke. While usually he plays a minor role, in this episode he is one of the main cast. It makes you really feel sorry for him and seeing how he was in his role as the town drunk. Still a town drunk you see a side of him while in jail that explains why he is well liked. I have always been amazed of the makeup on James Nusser as the town drunk. He always looks and plays the part quite well.

It is an interesting story line that has ring of truth thru out the ages. Clara and Bart are married, she is unhappy with the marriage. A so called friend of Bart, Murph Moody and Clara are having a relationship. Bart thinks it is with a peddler and kills him by drowning. Louie is trying to sleep it off and sees the murder. He thinks he was dreaming but he tells Matt and Doc and swears off drinking. Later he thinks he see the man who killed the peddler and confronts him. From that time on the story gets interesting to the end.

As a history buff I find this series for WW l shows more than what you will learn in history class. You see the faces of those involved in this and how widespread this war really was. The narrator, Francois Arnaud makes the series unforgettable. His voice and tone you will never forget.

You will see battle scenes that show how arrogant and little care about the loss of life by most of those in charge really were by using tactics that were outdated. Not only will you will see scenes of suffering and hardships of the soldiers, you will also see scenes of the civilians dealing with the the war.

The prejudices between nations, religions, cultures and color are pointed out and you still see today. You will see how the arrogance of most of the world leaders and the desire to teach Germany a lesson was a main contribution that led to WW ll with loss of German soil and reparations. The face of Europe changed and would again change after WW ll.

Watching the series multiple times there are still information you will learn and see that one may miss.

I also look to see if I will ever see a face of a relative that served in the US service. It would be interesting how many others do the same and if they find a scene showing a relative, military or civilian.

It is a shame we have learned nothing about the effects of any war. This series shows that quite well.

Her role in this episode of Gunsmoke led to the TV show "Dirty Sally". She should and deserved an Emmy for her role here. This is a 10 review.

Everyone should watch this episode more than once to see how she performs, her talk, facial expressions and body language makes it a pleasure to watch her.

Along with Dack Rambo they both go on to act in "Dirty Sally" a short lived TV series.

The writing of this episode that has Charlie Wooster, played by Frank McGrath as the main character role in this episode did an outstanding job. Along with John Doucette as an old sea captain and Jocelyn Brando as a spinster this is an episode that all should watch.

You see a softer loving side of Wooster trying to help the 4 Hooper boys be adopted together after their parents died after an accident. Many of Wooster's past schemes never seem to work out very well. It is interesting to see how this plays out in the end.

This episode I do not remember watching growing up in the 50s and 60s. Gunsmoke was a regular show watched at the house. This episode explains how Quint enters the Gunsmoke episodes.

I hope to see again as many of the cast are remembered from other Gunsmoke episodes as well as other Western TV shows and movies. Looking at the cast members, there are 3, I did not catch. Hopefully it will air again soon.

If you are a fan of Gunsmoke this a must watch episode as it explains a lot about some comments made by Quint played by Burt Reynolds on Gunsmoke.

I read the book in 1965 and it compares close to the movie in many aspects. Looking at the cast a few played roles in other WW II movies and TV shows.

Some of the hardships that are shown are actual hardships experienced by POW's under the Japanese. The father of a friend of mine growing up was a POW in the Philippines after the fall of Bataan and endured the infamous Death March. Art spoke very little of the time spent as a POW. When I joined the Corps in 1967 and was headed to Viet Nam he told me some of what I could expect if I became a POW.

In Staging we were taught about what we may have to eat in order to survive. The hardships, treatment and lack of food was part of the training.

Art died in 1991 and always suffered mentally from his experience as a POW. Art suffered mentally until his death in 1991.

You should read the book and compare it to the movie. For those POW's still alive and if willing to talk about their experiences you may surprised at what you may hear.

The performance of George C Scott in this episode as a school teacher makes this a watch again episode. Two escape convicts from prison, played by Royal Dano and John Davis Chandler take over the school to get supplies for their plan to go to Canada by holding the children hostage.

The literature recitation between Scott and Dano was interesting. I enjoyed seeing Scott for his speech and movements, it reminded me of his role in Patton. Scott and Dano's roles were top for this episode of a television show.

Julie Adams as Janet Masters gives an outstanding performance. Julie Adams usually plays a strong willed domineering woman.

Harry Townes as Warren her husband a cowardly pathetic greedy male role --- a role that he has played many times. These two worked well together and in this story their performances are at their best.

This episode is quite believable considering the times when there were many Chinese immigrating into California in this time period.

Strother Martin's performance in this two part series of Gunsmoke is quite impressive. Strother and Ken Curtis are the main two actors and both played their parts well. Usually Strother does not have a complete major role as he does in this 2 part episodes. It is well worth watching.

I remember watching Combat as a young teen, it was a regular watched program at the house. Watching this episode again, I have to wonder where did they come up with this script? There are a few funny parts with lines said by Braddock after his capture. I imagine there have been situations that have happened that are a bit odd and somewhat funny during war time. But, it was not something I experienced as a Marine Nam vet. I hope it does not give someone a false expression about any war.

The main cast for this episode, Eddie Albert as Kurt Dravos, Frances Reid as Florence Hastings and a Boston Terrier named Gretchen makes this a must watch story. Included in this episode you will see Amzie Strickland, Arthur Space and Karl Lukas as well as the most of the regular cast, John McIntire, Frank McGrath and Terry Wilson. Their parts are somewhat limited but, play a needed part for the story.

I expected to see a great movie with the cast listed. Most were in other movies, mainly westerns and TV series I enjoyed watching, as a kid in the 50's into the 80's. I was a little surprised to see James Arness in the role he plays. You should watch once and see how many cast members you know and what movies and TV shows they were cast in.