What do you think of in the 19th century when you see "Custer"? Boston? Thomas? Libbie? Or, how many viewers don't first think of "George Armstrong"? Maybe the episode title "Custer" was just a convenient reminder about the story for the radio producers. But with the title "Custer" on IMDb and on the DVD, the story did little to spark my curiosity, because I guessed very early on -- surprise? -- where Joe Trimble was headed. Also Major Banker mentioning the 7th Cavalry halfway through the episode killed even more suspense. Why not instead have an episode title like "When Grant was President" or "A Date in June" or "Money? What Money?". "Rhymes with Bluster"? Title guy, I'm ready to take over.
As dougdoepke mentioned, the episode would have at least started out better without "Say it ain't so" Joe trying to break open the metal box. (And also without the too much information in the episode's synopsis.) Only the TV audience saw the prologue, not the Marshal or the jury. No wonder how the jury voted. The radio version of 3 years earlier (November 21, 1953) starts out with Matt and Chester meeting Joe and the horses, so there is more ambiguity about what, actually, Joe did if more than just round up the stray horses.
Joe was right, technically, that the evidence against him was just circumstantial and not enough to convict him. But he was also lucky in having the the US Marshal find him before someone else would would have enjoyed lynching him for horse rustling. And why would you give your real name to the Marshal? Especially considering your past offense. All in all, Brian G. Hutton looked well cast as the smug bumbler.
As dougdoepke mentioned, the episode would have at least started out better without "Say it ain't so" Joe trying to break open the metal box. (And also without the too much information in the episode's synopsis.) Only the TV audience saw the prologue, not the Marshal or the jury. No wonder how the jury voted. The radio version of 3 years earlier (November 21, 1953) starts out with Matt and Chester meeting Joe and the horses, so there is more ambiguity about what, actually, Joe did if more than just round up the stray horses.
Joe was right, technically, that the evidence against him was just circumstantial and not enough to convict him. But he was also lucky in having the the US Marshal find him before someone else would would have enjoyed lynching him for horse rustling. And why would you give your real name to the Marshal? Especially considering your past offense. All in all, Brian G. Hutton looked well cast as the smug bumbler.