If you are looking for a serious drama then this episode is not for you. This is an all out comedy that was actually very well written when you think of all the dialog that was used in this hour show. When going into this show knowing that this is a fun expression of entertainment then this episode is not bad at all.
It begins when three nephews of Festus come into Dodge. At first Festus believes that they are there to settle a score which involves shooting his ear off. Not the entire ear but the hangy-down part. (this refers us back to a season 10 episode called 'Eliab's Aim') However Lambert, Emery and Sweet Billy Haggan are in town to find Sweet Billy a wife. The only qualification for marrying is that the woman must be able to read and write. Something most all men Haggans cannot do.
After a few strike-outs, Sweet Billy meets up with Orabelle Beal. They decide to marry but Orabelle's father, Pony Beal (Slim Pickens), demands a $500 dowry. There is nothing else that the Haggans can do except try to work for the money. With Festus's help they start a freight company that seems to be doing well. Then all of the sudden Pony Beal is accused of steal the Haggen's mules which only leads to more shenanigans by the entire cast. Will Sweet Billy and Orabelle ever be able to marry?
This episode is by no means a classic episode of 'Gunsmoke'. But it gives a chance to let the cast loosen up and have a good time. And really some of the lines in the show are actually very humorous. Listen to the exchange when the Haggans try to hang Pony Beal- it is quite funny. The bad part is the lines go by so fast that it is hard to comprehend. Nice show and a perfect cast on all the parts.