Gunsmoke – “The Thieves”

by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: March 9, 1970

Directed by: Phillip Leacock

Cat Out of the Bag Alert! This review contains spoilers for this episode!

Synopsis: Solid and dependable Sam the bartender (Glenn Strange) takes a hand to steer wayward young probationer Eric Tabray (Michael Burns) away from a life of crime, imparting valuable life lessons gained during his own experiences as a youth. At the same time, rabid lawman Burt Tilden (John Schuck) is doing his utmost to badger Eric into committing just the smallest transgression so that he can revoke the probation and throw him back into jail to complete the full term of his sentence. Even with Sam’s invaluable assistance, straight-shooting Marshal Matt Dillion (James Arness) is needed to balance the scales of justice.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): Confirmed town drunk Louie Pheeters (James Nusser) finds a white kitten and feeds it in the hope that he’s found a kindred soul to accompany him throughout his struggle to quit the booze. (Spoiler alert: Louie falls off the wagon scant moments later.)

Gunsmoke - The Thieves - white cat drinking milk from saucer
Gunsmoke - The Thieves - Louie Pheeters James Nusser sitting with white cat drinking milk from saucer
Gunsmoke - The Thieves - Louie Pheeters James Nusser sitting with white cat drinking milk from saucer animated gif
Gunsmoke - The Thieves - Louie Pheeters James Nusser sitting with white cat drinking milk from saucer with Eric Tabray Michael Burns

Final Mewsings: Milk may not be good for cats but it’s better than liquor!

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