User Reviews

A good solid episode of a Western, and family-friendly at that. Old Henry Squires (Andy Clyde) and his young grandson (Ricky Kelman) are passing through Dodge City on a mission to purchase some expensive cattle and take them back to Texas to improve their herd. A particularly vicious outlaw leader, Lou Silva (John Kellogg) has his eye on the valuable livestock, but as part of a bigger robbery plot that involves murder and some cold-blooded double-crossing of his own henchmen...but his victims may not be as defenseless as they appear. Clyde is particularly good as the kindly old man whose good-natured manner may hide more wit and nerve than even Marshal Dillon gives him credit for, and so is Kelman as his very cute and equally plucky grandson. The Gunsmoke regulars have fairly little to do, but of course get in on the action at the well-wrapped-up conclusion.

This is Andy Clyde's 2nd appearance on Gunsmoke, as he first appeared in Season 4 episode Snakebite, and he delivers great effortless performances in both Snikebite and Durham Bull at age 70 proving he was a great talent until the end.

Just a heart warming enjoyable episode.

Perhaps this is not the best script nor is the acting top notch- but the one thing this episode does possess is high entertainment value. Thus it makes for a good family watch.

Grandfather Henry Squire and his 9 year old grandson called Little Bit are on their way from Texas to St Louis to pick up some Hereford cattle for breeding. They made the trip to Dodge on horse back but will be taking the train the rest of the way before making the same return trip.

On the train ride back to Dodge, Mr Squire is approached by two men that want to steal the expensive cattle. Someone had tip the bandits off about the cattle and thought it would make for a quick outlaw buck. But Papa Squire get the draw on the two shooting and killing one and wounding the other that fell from the train.

The bandits are members of a larger group that is going to break into the Dodge House safe and steal the money. So the night of the safe robbery, they again are going to try for the cattle. (Why they are so obsessed with the traceable cattle is strange) It will be up to Marshal Dillon, Mr Squire and even Little Bit to avoid the loss of money and cattle.

A nice story that held the viewers interest throughout the show. A good story for the entire family.