Ep 16. Twelfth Night

In this episode of the popular Western TV series Gunsmoke, entitled "Twelfth Night," Marshal Matt Dillon and his deputy Chester accompany Kitty to her hometown of New Orleans for Mardi Gras. The trio is looking forward to enjoying the festivities, but they soon get embroiled in a tense situation when they witness a man being beaten in the streets.

The man they see being attacked turns out to be a former suitor of Kitty's named Daniel Reid. He's in town looking for his fiancée, a woman named Melinda who disappeared without explanation. Daniel has been drinking heavily and stirring up trouble, so Matt and Chester decide to intervene.

Kitty is reluctant to get involved, but she soon realizes that she may know something about Melinda's disappearance. It seems that Melinda is the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, and Kitty knows that Melinda's father was opposed to her marriage to Daniel. Could Melinda's father have had something to do with her disappearance?

As Matt and Chester try to get to the bottom of the mystery, they discover that someone is trying to cover up the truth. They encounter a number of suspicious characters, including a wealthy gambler named Cassius Pride and a sinister gunfighter named Will Temple. All the while, the Mardi Gras celebrations continue around them, adding to the chaotic and dangerous atmosphere.

The investigation takes a number of twists and turns, and the tension only increases when Kitty is taken hostage by one of the suspects. Matt and Chester must use their wits and their guns to rescue Kitty and finally uncover the truth behind Melinda's disappearance.

As always, Gunsmoke delivers a fast-paced and action-packed episode, with plenty of suspense and intrigue. The setting of New Orleans during Mardi Gras adds an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings, and the strong performances from the cast keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

In particular, Amanda Blake shines as Kitty, displaying both vulnerability and strength as she grapples with her complicated past and uncertain future. James Arness is as stoic and reliable as ever as Matt Dillon, while Dennis Weaver brings a welcome touch of humor and humanity to the role of Chester.

Overall, "Twelfth Night" is a standout episode of Gunsmoke, showcasing the series at its best. Fans of Westerns and classic TV are sure to enjoy this gripping and entertaining installment.