Why all the hate? There's good tension in the movie. And with actors as good as James Arness and Hal Williams, script problems are easily overcome. Williams was never better. And the score is excellent. The importance of music isn't considered enough when evaluating TV Westerns. James Drury said Westerns still have a following because of the triumph of good over evil. And the judge in this oater is an awful guy. It's sad this iconic series came to an end this season. At least the quality didn't suffer. The action is superb in this movie, also. It's also a reminder of the necessity of guns to restore law and order.
5 Reviews
Matt is sentenced to hard labor in a silver mine by a corrupt Judge
kfo949422 February 2013
Matt is after a fugitive and tracks him down to a silver town two days ride from Dodge. When Matt has to kill the fugitive, the man running the town, Judge Flood, puts the Marshal on trial for murder. After a brief ceremony Matt is found guilty and placed in the silver mine, at hard labor, for his guilt.
For the most part, the rest of the show is Matt's interactions between the rest of the prisoners and the guards. There really was no timetable of how long Matt was imprisoned before he plans an escape attempt but it had to be some time. With a little help from the cook, Matt is able to get a few supplies that will help him plan an escape. But he will also need the help of other prisoners to make the escape successful.
The good thing about this show is that James Arness is fully involved in this show. In fact he does more physical activities in the show than nearly any other episode in the season. But the problem was the slow action and the predictable results of each event. There really is no surprises in this show rather a long tale of being falsely accused before springing the coop. There was nothing new for the viewer to get excited about.
For the most part, the rest of the show is Matt's interactions between the rest of the prisoners and the guards. There really was no timetable of how long Matt was imprisoned before he plans an escape attempt but it had to be some time. With a little help from the cook, Matt is able to get a few supplies that will help him plan an escape. But he will also need the help of other prisoners to make the escape successful.
The good thing about this show is that James Arness is fully involved in this show. In fact he does more physical activities in the show than nearly any other episode in the season. But the problem was the slow action and the predictable results of each event. There really is no surprises in this show rather a long tale of being falsely accused before springing the coop. There was nothing new for the viewer to get excited about.
Marshal Dillon Accidentally Stumbles into a Corrupt Judge's Empire
wdavidreynolds16 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
A man from the town of Silverton named Pete Murphy killed someone in Dodge and fled. Silverton is a two-day ride west of Dodge City. Matt Dillon chases Murphy back to the town. Once Murphy is back in Silverton, he appeals to Judge Flood, the authoritarian who rules Silverton and surrounding areas with an iron fist. The Judge chastises Murphy for leaving Silverton in the first place and tells him he is no longer welcome there.
Matt soon finds Murphy in the Silverton Saloon where Judge Flood works and holds his kangaroo court sessions. When the Marshal orders Murphy to drop his gun belt and surrender, the fugitive draws his weapon and spins around to fire, and Matt shoots and kills him.
Of course, Matt's actions were perfectly legal, but Judge Flood orders Marshal Dillon arrested and held pending trial for murder. Matt is quickly tried, convicted, and sentenced to life at hard labor in Flood's silver mine.
As a prisoner, Matt soon learns that any stranger passing through the Silverton area is arrested on some false charge and sentenced to work in the Judge's mine. The prisoners are chained together in pairs and forced to work, eat, and sleep in the mine. If any prisoner causes problems, they and their "partner" are thrown into a covered pit inside the mine known as "the hole."
Actor John Colicos made a career of portraying mostly villainous types in television dramas. His only Gunsmoke role is as the diabolical Judge Flood in this story.
Hal Williams fills the role of Widge Spott, who is the most intriguing character in this story. He is a former slave who now works for Judge Flood because there are no other alternatives for him. Unlike Flood's other minions who enjoy the sadism and the power that comes along with doing Flood's bidding, Widge is willing to consider alternatives. Williams will be recognizable to anyone who watched much television from 1970 on. Although this is the only Gunsmoke appearance for the actor, he was a frequent guest on other series of the time. He also played recurring roles in several series, including the character Officer "Smitty" Smith on Sanford and Son and the later series Sanford, the character Harley Foster on The Waltons, the character Lester Jenkins on the series 227, and the character Rudy Bryan on The Sinbad Show.
In the mine, Matt is chained to a tough prisoner known only as Latch. Apparently when he first arrived, Latch was feisty and rebellious. However, after multiple trips to the hole, Latch is left only a shell of a man who hardly talks and often steals food from other prisoners. Familiar actor William Smith makes his second and final Gunsmoke appearance as the Latch character. He doesn't have much to do here, other than staring ahead and mumbling. Smith's other appearance was in Season 18's "Hostage!" where he played the brutal character Jude Bonner.
Matt quickly befriends a fellow prisoner named Dan Fifer. He was a traveling salesman who was trying to expand his territory when he visited Silverton and was convicted of horse theft. Fifer is convinced there is no hope of escaping the mine. Ben Piazza portrays Fifer in his only Gunsmoke role.
Fifer is chained to the mild-mannered Elton Fine. Fine was traveling through Silverton on a cattle buying trip when he was imprisoned by Judge Flood. Kevin Coughlin portrays Elton Fine in his last acting performance. Coughlin was killed shortly after filming this episode when he was struck by a speeding vehicle. He appeared in five different Gunsmoke episodes.
Gregory Sierra plays one of Judge Flood's willing, sadistic henchmen named Osuna. Sierra previously portrayed the renegade Comanche known as Blue Jacket in the two-part "Women for Sale" episode in Season 19. Sierra would go on to play recurring characters in several television series, including Sanford and Son, Barney Miller, Soap, Hill Street Blues, and Miami Vice. He was a versatile actor equally good at dramas and comedic roles.
Don Megowan appears for the ninth and final time in the series as another of the Judge's gun-wielding flunkies. Megowan was a veteran of the television western and was frequently cast in villain roles.
A young Gerald McRaney portrays Pete Murphy in his third and final Gunsmoke appearance. McRaney often played villains early in his career. Several years would pass before McRaney starred in the series Simon & Simon and Major Dad.
This is an entertaining episode, although it is highly flawed. The theme of one or more main characters being imprisoned unjustly and forced into labor with little hope of escape is a trope that has been used repeatedly in television westerns. Bonanza had already used a similar theme in an episode titled "Kingdom of Fear." The series Cheyenne mined the same territory years earlier in an episode titled "Trouble Street." There are examples in many other westerns series. Viewers looking for originality are not going to find it in this story.
Likewise, there are no surprises here. The events occur as expected. There is no depth to any of the characters, apart from the Widge Spott character.
One of the more incredulous scenes takes place late in the episode when Dillon manages to cause an explosion that seals off a portion of the mine. He and those who agreed to participate in this act of sabotage must dig their way out of the mine or suffocate. Just as the men are about to breathe their last (which we can tell because the flame on the torch is about to die), they break through. (We know this because the torch suddenly revives and bursts into a full flame!)
Perhaps the worst transgression of this episode is the script seems to delight in the sadism portrayed. Judge Flood is so overly confident in his ability to maintain his "empire," he cannot fathom anyone succeeding in opposing him. It is obvious he enjoys the sadistic nature of his dominance over those around him. Everyone in the Judge's sick employ, with the exception of Widge, shares in the "joy" of the cruelty and torture.
The premise of this story is simply not plausible. How has Judge Flood been able to get away with imprisoning so many people without someone becoming suspicious and beginning to investigate? Furthermore, Flood has essentially imprisoned the entire town. The citizens there are terrified of the Judge and participate in his cruel exploits. Is there NO ONE in the entire town with any conscience?
Supposedly Flood is intelligent and shrewd. Why would he invite trouble by arresting a U. S. Marshal and imprisoning him? A drummer and a cattle buyer might not be quickly missed, but the absence of a U. S. Marshal as obviously important as Matt Dillon is going to be noticed and attract attention. Why hasn't ANYONE in Silverton left the town and spread the word about Flood's nefarious activities? The story portrays Silverton as a completely isolated place with no connection to the outside world, which is simply not realistic.
Additionally, why does no one from Dodge City try to discover what has happened to Matt Dillon? The Marshal often spent time away from Dodge, but he would send telegrams to let people know when he had been delayed. It appears he is imprisoned in Silverton for an extended period with no communication back to Dodge.
There are organizational problems with the number of men imprisoned versus the number of guards, too. There are only a couple of guards ever seen, and the prisoners all have access to picks and shovels. It would have been quite easy for the prisoners to overwhelm the guards. Osuna, who is one of the guards, is regularly seen in Silverton, which would make the guard presence at the mine even smaller.
Finally, once the situation is resolved, the entire town appears to be deserted. Where did everyone go?
This is another episode where the regular cast other than James Arness are all absent. The action takes place entirely away from Dodge City. This is the last such episode in the series.
This entry is most notable as the last Gunsmoke episode filmed, although it was not the final original episode aired in the final season. Plans were underway for Season 21 when CBS announced the series was being canceled, and everyone associated with the show was shocked to learn the news. Amanda Blake had even reportedly discussed returning to the show.
Matt soon finds Murphy in the Silverton Saloon where Judge Flood works and holds his kangaroo court sessions. When the Marshal orders Murphy to drop his gun belt and surrender, the fugitive draws his weapon and spins around to fire, and Matt shoots and kills him.
Of course, Matt's actions were perfectly legal, but Judge Flood orders Marshal Dillon arrested and held pending trial for murder. Matt is quickly tried, convicted, and sentenced to life at hard labor in Flood's silver mine.
As a prisoner, Matt soon learns that any stranger passing through the Silverton area is arrested on some false charge and sentenced to work in the Judge's mine. The prisoners are chained together in pairs and forced to work, eat, and sleep in the mine. If any prisoner causes problems, they and their "partner" are thrown into a covered pit inside the mine known as "the hole."
Actor John Colicos made a career of portraying mostly villainous types in television dramas. His only Gunsmoke role is as the diabolical Judge Flood in this story.
Hal Williams fills the role of Widge Spott, who is the most intriguing character in this story. He is a former slave who now works for Judge Flood because there are no other alternatives for him. Unlike Flood's other minions who enjoy the sadism and the power that comes along with doing Flood's bidding, Widge is willing to consider alternatives. Williams will be recognizable to anyone who watched much television from 1970 on. Although this is the only Gunsmoke appearance for the actor, he was a frequent guest on other series of the time. He also played recurring roles in several series, including the character Officer "Smitty" Smith on Sanford and Son and the later series Sanford, the character Harley Foster on The Waltons, the character Lester Jenkins on the series 227, and the character Rudy Bryan on The Sinbad Show.
In the mine, Matt is chained to a tough prisoner known only as Latch. Apparently when he first arrived, Latch was feisty and rebellious. However, after multiple trips to the hole, Latch is left only a shell of a man who hardly talks and often steals food from other prisoners. Familiar actor William Smith makes his second and final Gunsmoke appearance as the Latch character. He doesn't have much to do here, other than staring ahead and mumbling. Smith's other appearance was in Season 18's "Hostage!" where he played the brutal character Jude Bonner.
Matt quickly befriends a fellow prisoner named Dan Fifer. He was a traveling salesman who was trying to expand his territory when he visited Silverton and was convicted of horse theft. Fifer is convinced there is no hope of escaping the mine. Ben Piazza portrays Fifer in his only Gunsmoke role.
Fifer is chained to the mild-mannered Elton Fine. Fine was traveling through Silverton on a cattle buying trip when he was imprisoned by Judge Flood. Kevin Coughlin portrays Elton Fine in his last acting performance. Coughlin was killed shortly after filming this episode when he was struck by a speeding vehicle. He appeared in five different Gunsmoke episodes.
Gregory Sierra plays one of Judge Flood's willing, sadistic henchmen named Osuna. Sierra previously portrayed the renegade Comanche known as Blue Jacket in the two-part "Women for Sale" episode in Season 19. Sierra would go on to play recurring characters in several television series, including Sanford and Son, Barney Miller, Soap, Hill Street Blues, and Miami Vice. He was a versatile actor equally good at dramas and comedic roles.
Don Megowan appears for the ninth and final time in the series as another of the Judge's gun-wielding flunkies. Megowan was a veteran of the television western and was frequently cast in villain roles.
A young Gerald McRaney portrays Pete Murphy in his third and final Gunsmoke appearance. McRaney often played villains early in his career. Several years would pass before McRaney starred in the series Simon & Simon and Major Dad.
This is an entertaining episode, although it is highly flawed. The theme of one or more main characters being imprisoned unjustly and forced into labor with little hope of escape is a trope that has been used repeatedly in television westerns. Bonanza had already used a similar theme in an episode titled "Kingdom of Fear." The series Cheyenne mined the same territory years earlier in an episode titled "Trouble Street." There are examples in many other westerns series. Viewers looking for originality are not going to find it in this story.
Likewise, there are no surprises here. The events occur as expected. There is no depth to any of the characters, apart from the Widge Spott character.
One of the more incredulous scenes takes place late in the episode when Dillon manages to cause an explosion that seals off a portion of the mine. He and those who agreed to participate in this act of sabotage must dig their way out of the mine or suffocate. Just as the men are about to breathe their last (which we can tell because the flame on the torch is about to die), they break through. (We know this because the torch suddenly revives and bursts into a full flame!)
Perhaps the worst transgression of this episode is the script seems to delight in the sadism portrayed. Judge Flood is so overly confident in his ability to maintain his "empire," he cannot fathom anyone succeeding in opposing him. It is obvious he enjoys the sadistic nature of his dominance over those around him. Everyone in the Judge's sick employ, with the exception of Widge, shares in the "joy" of the cruelty and torture.
The premise of this story is simply not plausible. How has Judge Flood been able to get away with imprisoning so many people without someone becoming suspicious and beginning to investigate? Furthermore, Flood has essentially imprisoned the entire town. The citizens there are terrified of the Judge and participate in his cruel exploits. Is there NO ONE in the entire town with any conscience?
Supposedly Flood is intelligent and shrewd. Why would he invite trouble by arresting a U. S. Marshal and imprisoning him? A drummer and a cattle buyer might not be quickly missed, but the absence of a U. S. Marshal as obviously important as Matt Dillon is going to be noticed and attract attention. Why hasn't ANYONE in Silverton left the town and spread the word about Flood's nefarious activities? The story portrays Silverton as a completely isolated place with no connection to the outside world, which is simply not realistic.
Additionally, why does no one from Dodge City try to discover what has happened to Matt Dillon? The Marshal often spent time away from Dodge, but he would send telegrams to let people know when he had been delayed. It appears he is imprisoned in Silverton for an extended period with no communication back to Dodge.
There are organizational problems with the number of men imprisoned versus the number of guards, too. There are only a couple of guards ever seen, and the prisoners all have access to picks and shovels. It would have been quite easy for the prisoners to overwhelm the guards. Osuna, who is one of the guards, is regularly seen in Silverton, which would make the guard presence at the mine even smaller.
Finally, once the situation is resolved, the entire town appears to be deserted. Where did everyone go?
This is another episode where the regular cast other than James Arness are all absent. The action takes place entirely away from Dodge City. This is the last such episode in the series.
This entry is most notable as the last Gunsmoke episode filmed, although it was not the final original episode aired in the final season. Plans were underway for Season 21 when CBS announced the series was being canceled, and everyone associated with the show was shocked to learn the news. Amanda Blake had even reportedly discussed returning to the show.
An overused formula written for Gunsmoke
martinxperry-1486826 June 2018
With all the westerns on TV, you could see this slave labor in a mine formula across most all of the western. Cheyene, Wanted Dead or Alive and other used this story line. Nothing changed from show to show. The story played oit exactly the same. Not much action, very hard to imagine actually happening. I was saddened to see Gunsmoke use this. I hated it the first time I saw it, and each repeat was harder to stomach.
Jumped the shark!
kenstallings-6534628 July 2018
The operable term for this episode is, "Jumping the shark!" The term was coined after the long running series "Happy Days" literally had star character Fonzi ski jump over a shark pen. Since then, the term is applied to a series that thinks it has to explore truly bizarre themes in a desperate effort to work up something new.
Sadly, after 20 outstanding years, even Gunsmoke finally jumped the shark with this turkey!
The theme is well past implausible. In the United States, where people are free to come and go, the notion that an entire town of people wouldn't have one person in several years manage to leave town long enough to alert reputable authorities! No, that's nuts! And this foolish basis ruins the episode immediately.
Fortunately, the series did not end with this episode, as the season ran a full 24 airings in this final twentieth year. And some of those final four episodes were truly outstanding efforts.
The characters are nearly all one dimensional except for one, who is a caretaker who at first is just trying to cynically survive, but eventually comes to recognize an opportunity to escape the hell hole. In the end, his character provided the means by which the seedy enterprise was ended. Hal Williams therefore provided the only real noteworthy performance, even though the way his character spoke one could be forgiven for thinking he was played by a younger version of Scatman Crothers.
This is one of the few Gunsmoke episodes that should have been shelved and started over again.
Sadly, after 20 outstanding years, even Gunsmoke finally jumped the shark with this turkey!
The theme is well past implausible. In the United States, where people are free to come and go, the notion that an entire town of people wouldn't have one person in several years manage to leave town long enough to alert reputable authorities! No, that's nuts! And this foolish basis ruins the episode immediately.
Fortunately, the series did not end with this episode, as the season ran a full 24 airings in this final twentieth year. And some of those final four episodes were truly outstanding efforts.
The characters are nearly all one dimensional except for one, who is a caretaker who at first is just trying to cynically survive, but eventually comes to recognize an opportunity to escape the hell hole. In the end, his character provided the means by which the seedy enterprise was ended. Hal Williams therefore provided the only real noteworthy performance, even though the way his character spoke one could be forgiven for thinking he was played by a younger version of Scatman Crothers.
This is one of the few Gunsmoke episodes that should have been shelved and started over again.
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