Jim Hardie is sent to Medicine River to look into a new Wells Fargo branch office and start up a new stage line to Cameron City. Upon his arrival Hardie encounters a young Cheyenne brave working at the office who knew him years back. The young brave is Running Horse, the son of the Cheyenne Chief, Black Antelope, one of Hardie's old friends. Running Horse attended a mission school and is trying to live in the white man's world, by his laws. When Running Horse tells Hardie he is only allowed to do jobs others shun, Hardie hires him to drive the Wells Fargo stage with a load of gold. But some townspeople are dead set against it, including one brave from the Cheyenne.
Season 3 continues to set a high bar with yet another excellent episode, this one penned by long-time Gunsmoke writer Paul Savage. In an interview, regular Gunsmoke cast member Roger Ewing referred to Paul Savage as "the heart and soul of Gunsmoke", and this episode provides an example of Ewing's sentiment. The script is most excellent, with plenty of action and intrigue, not to mention a critical reveal at episode's end. Running Horse keeps some things to himself, and he has good reasons. Earl Bellamy's direction is competent as usual.
The Jim Hardie cool factor was pretty high is this episode as well. It's not uncommon for viewers to see it in episodes that contain prejudiced townspeople, and it's on display here. Hardie takes no gruff in these situations.
The cast is relatively small and its participants aren't well-known in this era, but it's interesting nonetheless. Mark Damon appeared as Running Horse. His acting career was somewhat successful in a modest way, but as a producer (and executive producer) he has an impressive resume, including pictures such as Das Boat, The Choirboys, The Lost Boys, 9 1/2 Weeks, The Clan of the Cave Bear, Wild Orchid, Short Circuit, and a lot more. Peter Coe appears as Eagle Wing, and he appeared in a lot of TV, and pictures such as Sands of Iwo Jima, The Mummy's Curse, House of Frankenstein, and Rocky Mountain with Errol Flynn. Joseph Vitale and King Calder had modest careers with a lot of bit roles.
A good script with a high level of the Jim Hardie cool factor. Not to be missed!
Season 3 continues to set a high bar with yet another excellent episode, this one penned by long-time Gunsmoke writer Paul Savage. In an interview, regular Gunsmoke cast member Roger Ewing referred to Paul Savage as "the heart and soul of Gunsmoke", and this episode provides an example of Ewing's sentiment. The script is most excellent, with plenty of action and intrigue, not to mention a critical reveal at episode's end. Running Horse keeps some things to himself, and he has good reasons. Earl Bellamy's direction is competent as usual.
The Jim Hardie cool factor was pretty high is this episode as well. It's not uncommon for viewers to see it in episodes that contain prejudiced townspeople, and it's on display here. Hardie takes no gruff in these situations.
The cast is relatively small and its participants aren't well-known in this era, but it's interesting nonetheless. Mark Damon appeared as Running Horse. His acting career was somewhat successful in a modest way, but as a producer (and executive producer) he has an impressive resume, including pictures such as Das Boat, The Choirboys, The Lost Boys, 9 1/2 Weeks, The Clan of the Cave Bear, Wild Orchid, Short Circuit, and a lot more. Peter Coe appears as Eagle Wing, and he appeared in a lot of TV, and pictures such as Sands of Iwo Jima, The Mummy's Curse, House of Frankenstein, and Rocky Mountain with Errol Flynn. Joseph Vitale and King Calder had modest careers with a lot of bit roles.
A good script with a high level of the Jim Hardie cool factor. Not to be missed!
