Indian Ford (2 Dec. 1961)
"Gunsmoke" Indian Ford (original title)

Matt escorts a captain and his troops to an Indian village, to make an exchange for a white woman captured over a year ago.

Director:

Andrew V. McLaglen

Writer:

John Dunkel

Stars:

James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone

Cast

Episode cast overview:
James Arness	...	Matt Dillon
Dennis Weaver	...	Chester
Milburn Stone	...	Doc
Amanda Blake	...	Kitty
Pippa Scott	...	Mary Tabor
R.G. Armstrong	...	Capt. Benter
Roy Roberts	...	Henry Tabor
Anthony Caruso	...	Nay-Isna - Lone Eagle
Robert Dix	...	Spotted Wolf
John Newton	...	Sgt. Cromwell
Lane Chandler	...	Gabe Trumbull
Dawn Little Sky	...	Indian Woman

Storyline

A man's daughter, taken over a year ago by some Indians, is spotted by a trapper. Matt and the Army pursue her to trade for her safe return. The situation gets more complicated when it's learned she has feelings for her captor and he for her.

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Plot Keywords:

sergeant

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Genres:

Drama | Western

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 1961 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arness Production Company, CBS Television Network, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

The rush ending spoiled this show.

This was one of those episode that was difficult to get you head around. Not withstanding the fact that they had Marshal Dillon talking in an almost staccato English language to Indians that understood English rather well- they also had him making silly hand gestures like saying the word eye and then pointing to his eye. It was like watching an almost comical sign language.

The episode centers around the daughter of Henry Tabor. Over a year ago his daughter Mary Tabor had been captured by Indians. Her whereabouts were unknown until a hunter spotted a white woman with some Indians about two day ride from Dodge.

As is the custom, in order to get the woman returned there has to be ransom of goods. Plus with it being in the Indian Nation the US Cavalry has to be involved. Much to the displeasure of Henry Tabor, the Cavalry sends the Indian hater Capt Benter. After objections from Henry, Matt agrees to ride with the Cavalry to make the exchange.

At first the Indian Brave Lone Eagle refuses to return Mary. But the Chief of the tribe makes sure that Mary is present for the ransom exchange.

One the way back to Dodge it is believe that the Cavalry is being followed. Capt Benter puts then entire troop on full alert as he believes an ambush may take place. And while Matt and Mary talk we find out there is more to the relationship between Mary and Lone Eagle than meets the eye (point to the eye).

This was not the most interesting script but the way the characters were played made you care about the people. With a mildly long middle part of the show- when the ending came it felt rushed. Too much time was spend exchanging the goods and too little was spent on the ending climax. It was over in a flash.