Festus's ornery aunt arrives, squats on a piece of land, sets up a still, and comes to the rescue of a pair of star-crossed lovers.Festus's ornery aunt arrives, squats on a piece of land, sets up a still, and comes to the rescue of a pair of star-crossed lovers.Festus's ornery aunt arrives, squats on a piece of land, sets up a still, and comes to the rescue of a pair of star-crossed lovers.
Jenny Lee Arness
- Laurie
- (as Jenny Lee Aurness)
Chuck Hamilton
- Townsman
- (uncredited)
Bert Madrid
- Townsman on Wagon
- (uncredited)
Fred McDougall
- Townsman
- (uncredited)
Jimmy Noel
- Townsman
- (uncredited)
Fred Rapport
- Townsman
- (uncredited)
Arnold Roberts
- Townsman
- (uncredited)
Robert Robinson
- Townsman
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Kathleen Hite
- Norman MacDonnell(uncredited)
- John Meston(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThree of the cast members in this episode also appeared in the radio version of "Gunsmoke" as regulars: Howard McNear (as Doc), Jeanette Nolan, and Frank Cady.
- GoofsWhen Festus and Aunt Thede enter the general store Festus puts his hand in the area where glass should be to stop the door.
Featured review
Excellent balance of Backwoods Comedy and Lyrical Beauty
About midway through this show, Aunt Thede and Festus buy materials to build a still, and I thought "Oh no; here we go with the tired old "comic" routine of crazy backwoods folk crankin' out moonshine..."
Well....watch this very unusual Gunsmoke, and see how the moonshine figures in the plot....at the very end..and you'll get an idea of how unique and touching this show is.
You never quite know if you're going to plop down in the middle of a knock-about backwoods farce...or find yourself caught up in a magical, lyrical tale of two troubled young lovers and the wise, bible-totin' woman who comes to town and helps them, while surrounded by the beauties of nature.
Sutton Roley's inventive and captivating direction keeps us almost "circulating" among the characters...especially Festus and Aunt Thede in their a.) initial cautious, "dance"-like encounter, b.) their rockin' chair conversation and c.) their hushed, late-night talk about the "Good Book", which is really enchanting.
Anyone who knows Jeanette Nolan from her '60's TV work might roll their eyes at yet ANOTHER portrayal of an old crone, hag, granny, witch..etc ..for which she always received first call from studios and directors. But bear in mind that Ms. Nolan was one of America's most distinguished stage actresses, and had, in fact, been cast by Orson Welles as Lady MacBeth in his 1948 film. And she's fabulous here.
The weasel-y, rat-like Frank Cady shows remarkable physical prowess in this episode, even though Festus could have broken his neck at any given point. Howard McNear clearly channels "Floyd, the Barber" here...which is the only reason they would have hired him for this role...and which tilts the show's balance perilously close to farce. But, don't worry, it doesn't happen.
TWO PROBLEMS..one small, one big. 1.) How is it that Aunt Thede is suddenly all packed up and ready to roll within a few minutes at the end?
2.) DEDUCT ONE FULL RATING STAR for Dyan Cannon's mid-60's tart/babe make-up and "do"; God, why did these people ruin the authenticity of their series with this nonsense? It really pulls me right "out of the moment" every time she's on screen. Too bad, since there's much sensitivity and winsome beauty in her scenes.
Also, check Aunt Thede's APRON at 34:30; it looks like the clearly-visible lettering (on the reverse side) says "LONGHORN". At least it doesn't say "Captain Crunch" or something similar.
IN ANY CASE, "Aunt Thede" walks the very fine line between outright, low-brow "country" comedy and whimsical, sensitive love story with just the right amount of old-world charm, wisdom and magic...thanks to Kathleen Hite, Sutton Roley, and their very talented cast (INCLUDING, of course, big Jim Arness, who as always must use his solid moral judgement to navigate whatever craziness comes his way, week-after-week).
The library music cues (mostly Steiner & Goldsmith, I think), featuring string orchestra and guitar, contribute greatly to the gentle, fantasy-like romantic scenes. Well-chosen. LR.
Well....watch this very unusual Gunsmoke, and see how the moonshine figures in the plot....at the very end..and you'll get an idea of how unique and touching this show is.
You never quite know if you're going to plop down in the middle of a knock-about backwoods farce...or find yourself caught up in a magical, lyrical tale of two troubled young lovers and the wise, bible-totin' woman who comes to town and helps them, while surrounded by the beauties of nature.
Sutton Roley's inventive and captivating direction keeps us almost "circulating" among the characters...especially Festus and Aunt Thede in their a.) initial cautious, "dance"-like encounter, b.) their rockin' chair conversation and c.) their hushed, late-night talk about the "Good Book", which is really enchanting.
Anyone who knows Jeanette Nolan from her '60's TV work might roll their eyes at yet ANOTHER portrayal of an old crone, hag, granny, witch..etc ..for which she always received first call from studios and directors. But bear in mind that Ms. Nolan was one of America's most distinguished stage actresses, and had, in fact, been cast by Orson Welles as Lady MacBeth in his 1948 film. And she's fabulous here.
The weasel-y, rat-like Frank Cady shows remarkable physical prowess in this episode, even though Festus could have broken his neck at any given point. Howard McNear clearly channels "Floyd, the Barber" here...which is the only reason they would have hired him for this role...and which tilts the show's balance perilously close to farce. But, don't worry, it doesn't happen.
TWO PROBLEMS..one small, one big. 1.) How is it that Aunt Thede is suddenly all packed up and ready to roll within a few minutes at the end?
2.) DEDUCT ONE FULL RATING STAR for Dyan Cannon's mid-60's tart/babe make-up and "do"; God, why did these people ruin the authenticity of their series with this nonsense? It really pulls me right "out of the moment" every time she's on screen. Too bad, since there's much sensitivity and winsome beauty in her scenes.
Also, check Aunt Thede's APRON at 34:30; it looks like the clearly-visible lettering (on the reverse side) says "LONGHORN". At least it doesn't say "Captain Crunch" or something similar.
IN ANY CASE, "Aunt Thede" walks the very fine line between outright, low-brow "country" comedy and whimsical, sensitive love story with just the right amount of old-world charm, wisdom and magic...thanks to Kathleen Hite, Sutton Roley, and their very talented cast (INCLUDING, of course, big Jim Arness, who as always must use his solid moral judgement to navigate whatever craziness comes his way, week-after-week).
The library music cues (mostly Steiner & Goldsmith, I think), featuring string orchestra and guitar, contribute greatly to the gentle, fantasy-like romantic scenes. Well-chosen. LR.
helpful•182
- lrrap
- Jun 13, 2021
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Filming locations
- Stage 3, CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA(Dodge City Western Street)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
- 4:3
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