Cale

This episode was from 1962 and it would have worked perfectly in the same way as Route 66 did. The lead character, Cale, is essentially a drifter. Not much back story about him, but as the series progresses that might have been a great way to develope one story line. Carl Reindel really did the character some justice. It would still work in that old fashioned setting with a new actor.

Chester gets to fool around with a rope trick. Kitty, "babysitting" a wounded Cale becomes a passing object of his affection, and Doc... well, he did not wipe his hand over his moustache before surgery.

I gave this a 10 and hope you get the chance to see it.

I can hardly believe that the IMDb user comments from 2012 are in reaction to the same episode that I just watched. I would encourage anyone interested in "Gunsmoke" to pull up chair, turn off the phone, and experience a first-rate drama that defies the challenges of grinding out a weekly hour-long TV series on a limited budget.

The actor Carl Reindel perfectly portrays the young, headstrong, arrogant, free-spirited title character with great energy and conviction. Cale manages to offend yet endear himself to everyone he meets-- a tall order for any actor and director-- yet Mr. Reindel's assured performance brings Cale to life in a totally believable way.

The real "quality assurance" of this episode is the combo of writer Kathleen Hite and director Harry Harris, Jr., who were responsible for the superb "Apprentice Doc" from earlier in season 7. They do not disappoint here. The interaction between Cale and the Dodge City regulars is fascinating to watch; I was literally hanging on every word of the script, as Hite and Harris carefully, expertly weave a practically-flawless tale of a young man who lives his life and solves his problem his own way, and everyone else--Matt Dillon included--- might just as well stay out of his way!

Again, first-rate performances all around, and a script and director who brilliantly draw the viewer into the story. The final encounter in the barn between Cale and old Nick Archer (finally a chance for actor Joseph Hamilton to show his acting chops without being blown away in the opening reel) brings the episode to a close in a truly sincere, touching scene...leaving only a final, philosophical observation from Matt and Chester.

Add to it all another full-blown original orchestral score (featuring winds and brass, guitar and harmonica) by the great Fred Steiner, and you have another high point in Gunsmoke's Season No. 7.

I'll be watching this one again--- and you should see it, too.

LR

This episode was made worse from the poor acting by Carl Reindel, that played Cale, or we could say it was poor directing. Whatever the reason the person playing the main character was so poorly played that it made the entire episode seem dull. Someone else cast as the lonely Cale could have made this show much more entertaining.

Cale happens to stop by a farm house and takes a nap in barn. He is awaken by gunshots as the owner, Nick Archer, is in a gunfight with a former cowhand named Sterret. Nick gets shot and falls into the barn door. He sees Cale thinking he is with Sterret and shoots him before passing out (Cale thinks Nick Archer is dead). Cale sees Sterret riding off and gives chase but gets shot again by the fleeing Sterret.

Matt happens to be hunting and comes across the ungrateful Cale. He takes Cale back to Dodge where his mouth and poor attitude ticks off nearly the entire town of Dodge.

In the meantime Cale, working at the Dodge stable, happens to see Sterret and forces him to ride back with him to the Archer's farm. There they find Nick Archer still alive holding a rifle on both of them. Cale tries to explain when Sterret knock the rifle out of Nick's hands. From then on it will be everyone for himself.

It was easy to see that the writer wanted the viewer to feel uncomfortable with the character Cale. But even in supposedly friendly scenes the viewer could see that Carl Reindel was uncomfortable playing the character. This is one episode where one wrong cast member can make the entire episode suffer.

Cale is one of Gunsmoke's best episode he was able to convey the attitude of a young person trying to do things on their own but also a reliable and nice guy his acting showed that. Great casting.

This is one of my favorite episodes! Cale is not only super cute but a great actor. I loved the way he portrayed Cale. When he kissed Miss Kitty I thought that was hilarious. I would have kissed him back he is so sexy. I have DVD's of Gunsmoke up to season 12; working on the rest. It is a shame he didn't become a regular like the other reviewer said. Just love the show.