Gunsmoke | "The Hunter" (Original Air Date: March 4, 1956)

Hosted by Andrew Rhynes for OTRWesterns.com

Introduction

In the "The Hunter," an episode of the classic Western drama Gunsmoke, U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon confronts an old adversary whose actions threaten the fragile peace of Dodge City and the surrounding territories. This episode delves into themes of law enforcement, the changing American West, and the complex relationships between settlers and Native Americans.

Main Characters

• Matt Dillon (William Conrad): The steadfast U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, committed to upholding the law in a rapidly changing West.

• Kitty Russell (Georgia Ellis): The proprietor of Miss Kitty’s Bar, a central figure in Dodge City who interacts closely with Matt.

• Jace Murdoch (Antagonist): A legendary buffalo hunter and former associate of Matt Dillon, now returning with dubious intentions.

• Golden Calf (Nestor Piva): A young Blackfoot warrior accompanying Murdoch, embodying the Native American perspective.

Plot Summary

1. _The Unexpected Return of Jace Murdoch_**

The episode opens with Matt Dillon greeting Kitty at Miss Kitty’s Bar. Kitty notices Matt appears troubled:

• Kitty (00:46): “You look a little blue.”
• Matt Dillon (00:48): “Oh, it's cold outside.”

Their conversation is interrupted by the entrance of Jace Murdoch, whose aggressive demeanor immediately raises tension.

• Jace Murdoch (03:02): “Man, you've got a knife.”

Matt recognizes Murdoch as a formidable buffalo hunter known for his ruthless methods.

2. _Rising Tensions and Old Grudges_**

Matt warns Murdoch against hunting in Indian territory, highlighting the enforcement of federal regulations:

• Matt Dillon (04:12): “When Dodge was full of you buffalo hunters, you could throw your weight around. Well, not anymore.”

Murdoch dismisses Matt’s authority, signaling an impending conflict:

• Jace Murdoch (04:23): “I'll do as I want.”

3. _Investigating the Threat_**

Determined to prevent Murdoch from violating the treaty, Matt investigates his supplies and discovers that Murdoch is accompanied by Golden Calf, a young Blackfoot warrior.

• Matt Dillon (08:40): “My name's Matt Dillon. I'm a U.S. marshal. How are you called? What does Murdoch call you?”

Golden Calf reveals his presence is to monitor Murdoch’s actions, indicating deeper connections.

4. _Confrontation and Ambush_**

As Matt tracks Murdoch south towards the Indian Nations, an ambush orchestrated by Murdoch's superior marksmanship pins Matt and his companion, Chester (Golden Calf), in a deadly trap:

• Chester (Golden Calf) (16:21): “Maybe he didn't leave you.”

Matt realizes they have walked into a meticulously planned setup.

5. _The Climactic Showdown_**

In a tense standoff, Matt challenges Murdoch’s shooting prowess, testing his ability to reload his powerful buffalo gun:

• Matt Dillon (18:36): “Well, whoever he is, I could be moving.”

After a brief exchange, Matt narrowly survives the ambush. However, Golden Calf intervenes, killing Murdoch in the process.

• Matt Dillon (20:00): “Why did you do it, Golden Calf?”

6. _Revelations and Resolution_**

Golden Calf reveals a personal motive behind his actions:

• Golden Calf (22:18): “He was my father. I am Golden Calf, the son of Longo.”

This revelation underscores the tragic costs of the relentless expansion into Native lands. Matt acknowledges the complex emotions and the shifting dynamics of the West.

• Matt Dillon (22:27): “Oh, well. All right, Golden Calf, let's get started.”

Key Themes and Insights

• Law vs. Lawlessness: Matt Dillon embodies the rule of law in a region historically dominated by rugged individualism and frontier justice. His confrontation with Murdoch highlights the tension between sanctioned authority and personal vendettas.

• Changing West: The episode illustrates the transformation of the American West from a wild frontier to a regulated society. The dwindling buffalo herds symbolize the ecological and cultural shifts occurring during this period.

• Native American Perspectives: Through Golden Calf’s character, the narrative provides a window into the Native American experience, emphasizing the loss and disruption caused by relentless expansion and broken treaties.

• Personal Vendettas: The deep-seated grudge between Matt and Murdoch introduces a personal dimension to the broader themes of law and order, illustrating how personal histories can complicate justice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Matt Dillon (04:12): “When Dodge was full of you buffalo hunters, you could throw your weight around. Well, not anymore.”

• Jace Murdoch (04:23): “I'll do as I want.”

• Golden Calf (22:18): “He was my father. I am Golden Calf, the son of Longo.”

• Matt Dillon (22:27): “Oh, well. All right, Golden Calf, let's get started.”

Conclusion

"The Hunter" is a compelling episode that weaves action, drama, and poignant character revelations. It showcases Matt Dillon’s unwavering commitment to justice amidst personal and societal upheaval. The tragic end of Jace Murdoch at the hands of Golden Calf serves as a powerful commentary on the irreversible changes sweeping the American West and the personal losses entangled within these transformations.

For listeners new to Gunsmoke, "The Hunter" offers a quintessential Western narrative rich with moral dilemmas, intense confrontations, and heartfelt revelations that epitomize the enduring legacy of this iconic series.

Produced by Norman MacDonald

Featured Cast:

• William Conrad as Matt Dillon
• Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell
• Nestor Piva as Golden Calf
• Sam Edwards as Chester
• Harry Bartel as Jace Murdoch

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