Cows and Cribs - Gunsmoke | 06/04/1961 (Ep478)
Summary
In this Gunsmoke episode, Marshal Matt Dillon and Chester Proudfoot respond to a spotted fever outbreak at the Thorpe ranch, where they discover Ed Thorpe and his wife have died, leaving an infant behind. The baby is temporarily placed with Ma Smalley, but Mrs. Nadler, a struggling farmer whose husband Joe has been secretly rustling Emmett Bower’s cattle, petitions to adopt the child. When Joe is found dead after shooting one of Bower’s riders, Matt confronts the widow, who reveals her husband’s crimes. Ma Smalley ultimately decides to take the baby herself, ensuring the child is not raised…
Topics discussed
Opening theme and introduction to Matt Dillon
Marshal Dillon learns of the Thorpe family's spotted fever
Dillon and Chester visit the Nadler homestead
Confrontation with Joe Nadler over rustled cattle
Discovery of Ed Thorpe's death and Mrs. Thorpe's condition
Mrs. Thorpe dies and the baby is entrusted to Ma Smalley
Ma Smalley discusses the baby's future with Dillon
Mrs. Nadler requests to adopt the baby
Dillon confronts Joe Nadler in the store about his finances
Emmett Bowers reveals Nadler has been selling his beef
Ma Smalley refuses to give the baby to the Nadlers
Dillon informs Mrs. Nadler of the adoption denial
Bowers reports a rider was murdered by Nadler
Dillon tracks Joe Nadler to the saloon
Shooting incident: Nadler kills himself and wounds Dillon
Ma Smalley offers Mrs. Nadler a place to stay
Closing credits and cast list
Sponsor segment for Just Food For Dogs
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