On occasion, "Gunsmoke" would offer up an episode that eschewed the normal "good guys and bad guys" theme and shook things up a bit. This one, titled "With a Smile," involves a cowardly fellow (James Best at his weakest) who has been sentenced to death for killing an innocent bystander played by Sharon Farrell. But Best thinks his formidable father ("the Major"), played by R.G. Armstrong, has enough influence and pull to arrange for him to get a new trial, or a pardon, or a lighter sentence. The old man pulls all the strings he can, but to no avail. Best finally realizes that he's going to swing at the end of a rope and the mere thought of it drives him into hysterics. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) confers with Armstrong who is ashamed of his son's actions in the face of death. He wants him to go out with dignity, if possible, and he's intent on making that happen---even if it means tricking his son. But that's exactly what happens. While squirming in his jail cell, Best is relieved to hear that his old man has made bribes to everyone involved in the execution. Best is told that the gallows will have a covering around the bottom so no one will view the body hanging after it drops. There will be a wagon underneath the gallows to cushion his fall. Without anyone seeing what's going on, the undertaker will declare him dead and all he'll have to do is lay down on the wagon until he's driven out of town. His father then hands him a $1000 so he can get a fresh start in Mexico. What Best doesn't know is that he's still going to hang after all. His father just wants him to think that he's going to live. The ruse works. Best goes to the gallows "with a smile" on his face and scoffs at the hangman when he offers him a hood. Then the lever is pulled and Best goes to his maker. R.G. Armstrong is given the $1000 back after the undertaker rifles through Best's clothing before they ship him off for burial. He turns to Marshal Dillon and says "At least he died with a smile." I wonder if poor Jimmy was still smiling when he felt that rope crack his neck. This episode was directed by the prolific Andrew V. McLaglen, a veteran of many a western TV series. Dennis Weaver co-starred as the limping deputy, Chester. Old time actor Dick Foran was also part of the cast as the sheriff of the town where the execution takes place. Best was an under-rated actor who played lots of weak-willed characters and shifty-eyed villains during his career. He got plenty of steady work on the small screen. I saw this episode as a young kid and it stuck with me. It was recently aired again and it had lost none of its impact.
Review of With a Smile
