User Reviews

**SPOILERS** Yup, anytime a bully and his cowardly cohorts get taught a lesson, I like it. Especially, when they demonstrate that gift from the Almighty: Stupidity. See, it's a really bad idea to make an enemy out of the local Blacksmith.

Unless you can shoe your own horses, fix any kind of ironwork, repair virtually anything made of metal, and handle the work as a craftsman, you're gonna be plumb outta luck if you have to have it done. THAT'S why nobody with any brains picks a fight with this indispensable individual. Since everyone else in town also relies on his skills, you'd be making enemies of them, too.

In this case, Emil, a generally nice guy is threatened by a trio of idiots that results in the burning down of his nice house and home to his new bride. He then knocks the stuffing outta them about which Matt tells several bystanders "Just take 'em and stack 'em up somewhere 'till they get their health back"; one of his best ending lines, in my opinion. Seems like I saw a Rifleman episode with a similar theme; danged if I can recall more than that.

An average episode, by Gunsmoke standards, which makes it quite good by general TV western standards. A young George Kennedy plays the town blacksmith (this is before Quint... and we never see Kennedy in this role again) who's a German immigrant and he orders a German mail order bride. She arrives in Dodge and, of course, some of the racist town riff-raff decide to hassle the newly married couple. The story goes on somewhat predictably with the harassment escalating to their home being burned down (nobody's hurt, though, as this episode is somewhat lighthearted) and Kennedy takes his revenge upon the ignorant cowboys involved.

In my mind the best part of the episode is when Matt and Chester arrive at the wedding party only to find their old pal Doc has already been partaking of the "adult beverages." Here's the unforgettable exchange: Chester, approaching Doc who's near the beer barrel: "So, I see you've got a headstart on everybody here." Doc: "You betcha I did. I know how you and MATT (said with emphasis, for some reason) feel about free refreshments. So I wasn't gonna take any chances, I tell you that!" Chester, passing a beer to Matt: "Here y'are, Mr. Dillon." Matt: "Ah, thank you."

Eyeing Doc who's looking a wee bit inebriated, Matt cocks his verbal firearm: "Sure hope nobody gets shot tonight..." Doc, wiping his mouth with his hand, as is his habit, plus he's got a beer mustache to deal with, asks suspiciously: "Why?" Matt, smirk on his face: "I'd hate to see the hole you'd put in him trying to find the bullet", as he walks away to avoid Doc's inevitable comeback.

Chester: giggles Doc, said to Matt's back as he walks away: "Well, just because you can't keep the peace around here is no reason why I can't enjoy myself." They don't write dialogue like this anymore!! ;)