Aunt Thede

I rather enjoyed this episode, and I liked more insight into Festus' amusing family - I, like other reviewers, don't mind the Festus character too much, and I like to see the Haggen clan show up every once in awhile. This aunt especially - Jeanette Nolan, a wonderful actress in anything she's in, does a great job of down home quirky and is fun to watch, at least to me. It was also nice to see a young Dyan Cannon, so lovely and good on her role.

Another commenter mentioned how tragic James Stacy's life turned out, and though that was certainly true, I cant help but think how much of that he brought on himself (read up on Google his list of self-caused legal issues), and it's a shame such a talent went so south.

Overall, I found this episode a pleasant change from such baddies and really awful people that populated so many of the episodes surrounding this one. Silly in parts maybe but, rather a relief from all the dark ones.

The man credited as townsman is actually HapGlaudi, then sports director of WWL TV in New Orleans. He probably earned this cameo appearance because WWL is one of the highest rated cbs stations in the country. Another actor making a very brief appearance is Jenny Arness, daughter of James Arness and neice of Peter Graves. Dyan Canon went on to marry Carey Grant just a few short months after this episode aired. Howard Macnear played a storekeeper named Howard. He is most known as Floyd the barber on the Andy Griffith Show. And then there is Frank Cady who played the part of Sam Drucker on Green Acres.

The above review quite adequately describes the episode. However, I find the humor of the rather broad Western fashion of humor (numerous fights without any lasting damage, faux authentic rustics uttering humorous regional observations) that wears thin quickly.

Festus plays such a character but he remains Matt's foil rather than the primary thematic thrust of an entire episode. It runs a bit thin for an entire episode, however.

For some reason the music was particularly irritating. Perhaps because it complimented the humorous rustic theme.

There remains underneath the humor is the often-used trope of abused women. Gunsmoke was one of the first series to highlight powerless women abused by men whose only source of power was their gender.

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.

Doc and townsperson just have met Aunt Thede Hagen. The townsperson says: "Who was that?" Doc replies: "She;'s a Hagen, can't you tell? You know they all look alike.".... Too funny.