Gunsmoke – “The Nightriders”

by Ted Davis

Original Air Date: February 24, 1969

Directed by: Irving J. Moore

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

Synopsis: The Civil War is not over for hate-crazed and vengeful Judge Proctor (Jeff Corey), who leads his ragtag company of men from Missouri into Kansas, blazing a cruel swath of death and destruction, which just might encompass Dodge City, considering that uber-lawman Marshal Matt Dillion (James Arness) is away on business and unaware of the imminent danger to his town.

Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): After the passing of a spell of torrential rains, good-hearted Deputy Festus Hagen (Ken Curtis) carries a white and black kitten from the muddy street and into the marshal’s office to warm up a tasty dish of milk for him, remarking that the kitty’s mama must be out gallivanting somewhere in town.

Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - white kitten with black markings on muddy road
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis holding white kitten with black markings
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis picking up white kitten with black markings from muddy road animated gif
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis carrying white kitten with black markings
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis carrying white kitten with black markings

A moment later, he brings the kitty outside so he can enjoy the heated milk in the fresh air.

Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis carrying white kitten with black markings
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis holding white kitten with black markings and bowl
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis setting white kitten with black markings and bowl on walk
Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis with white kitten with black markings and bowl animated gif

Still later, after commenting that the kitten has drunk two belly-fulls of milk, Festus kindly steers him back to his mama cat.

Gunsmoke - The Nightriders - Festus Ken Curtis picking up white kitten with black markings

Final Mewsings: Once again, Festus proves his bonafides as a good soul by doting on a wet and hungry kitty cat.

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