The Gallows (3 Mar. 1962)

While returning suspected killer Pruit Dover to Dodge to stand trial, Matt is shot and badly wounded, and yet Dover stays with him and nurses him back to health.

Director:

Andrew V. McLaglen

Writer:

John Meston

Stars:

James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone

Cast

Episode cast overview:
James Arness	...	Matt Dillon
Dennis Weaver	...	Chester
Milburn Stone	...	Doc
Amanda Blake	...	Kitty
Jeremy Slate	...	Pruit
Joseph Ruskin	...	Judge
Robert Stevenson	...	Ax (as Robert J. Stevenson)
Richard Shannon	...	Gamer
James Nusser	...	Louie Pheeters
Orville Sherman	...	Sheriff
William Challee	...	Feist
Nancy Walters	...	Gal
Ollie O'Toole	...	Milt
Bob Gravage	...	Hangman (as Robert Gravage)

Storyline

Footloose but honest Pruit Dover saves Matt's life while being returned to Dodge to stand trial for killing a man during a drunken argument. Matt's faith in the law and even his devotion to duty are severely shaken when vindictive Judge Henry disregards the lack of credible witnesses or hard evidence against Dover and sentences him to hang.

---

Genres:

Drama | Western

---

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 March 1962 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arness Production Company, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When Pruitt Dover fights the older man next to the pond, it is obvious that there is a stunt double standing in for him. Pruit's hair is much lighter in color than the double's, whose hair is black.

User Reviews

A powerful episode that haunts you well after watching

This is one of those episodes where you kind of hate yourself for enjoying. With the powerful script and the great acting there is no other choice but to claim this as one of the better shows of the series.

Pruitt Dover (Jeremy Slate) drifts from town to town. He thinks he gets a job for $100 to deliver some good to Ax Parson's business. After the delivery Pruitt still has not been paid. While both men are in a drunken state, Ax pulls a knife on Pruitt. The lamp goes out and all the viewer can hear is a struggle.

The next morning, Pruitt awakes to find Ax stab to death. Pruitt jumps on his horse and get the heck out of town. He only makes it to a town not far from Dodge when he is arrested. So Matt goes after the prisoner to stand trial for the murder.

On the way back to Dodge some wild hillbilly, with a hatred for law enforcement, shoots Matt. Pruitt could have gotten away but stays and overpowers the hillbilly and helps Matt with his wounds.

During the trial, Matt speaks for Pruitt and ask the court to grant a lesser sentence. However the visiting judge orders Pruitt hanged. Matt now has to deliver Pruitt to another town for the hanging.

Matt is so upset with the ruling that he makes it available for Pruitt to escape. However Pruitt does not desire to be a wanted man nor does he want Matt to lose his badge- so he refuses to escape.

The last scenes of the episode are heartbreaking and powerful. This is a gem of a show that will stay with you long after the credit roll.