Mr. Sam'l

Warmed over Bonanza crap is exactly what this is. Ed Begley's performance is fine, but the extended and totally predictable final sequence is so boring it's hard to keep watching. The obvious indoor desert set is distracting and, as it does so often in the series, gives proceedings the feel of an amateur dramatics show. The same can be said of many of the old Rawhide episodes, but Rawhide went out on location enough to balance out the stuffiness of the phony sequences.

I've asked this before and will ask it again. WHY did Ken Curtis always have his right ear folded awkwardly under his hat? It must have been uncomfortable for the actor and makes the character seem a little, er, slow. Perhaps that's exactly the point. Maybe I missed an explanation way back when Curtis joined the cast.

Can anyone explain? Anyone?

Ed Begley makes an exceptional performance in this episodes. Begely has a rare quality whereby he says more when he is not speaking with his expressions then he does when he delivers a line. The rest of the cast also fills in admirably.

To really appreciate this episode, you need to know a little history. During the time period, few believed that a Waterwhich was little more than a superstition. Very few, including those who were gifted with the talent, had any understanding of the scientific principles behind the method. Today we know that underground streams cause magnetic currents, and those currents can influence a loosely held rod to move, if only slightly. In the 1870's an unsuccessful witch could be run out of town and easily dismissed as a fraud if unsuccessful. They also could be raised as a hero when they're right, given the importance of finding water in the day, it all makes for an excellent topic that few others dared to explore..

I wouldn't argue with anyone who finds this episode weak in the Gunsmoke cannon. The climax is unrewarding and hokey after initially building an intriguing premise.

I will say that Donald. W Ernst was a master editor. Watch the cutting between reaction shots. It's brilliant and easy to take for granted. His pacing really saves this episode. Editors never get their due and I am basing my review strictly on the editing of this episode.

Any show that makes the viewer care for the characters of the episode has accomplished things that are difficult. In this episode of 'Gunsmoke', the writers have interesting characters, an outstanding plot and actors that were perfectly cast. This episode is one of the best from the thirteenth season.

A drought has hit Dodge city and along comes a city slicker, Norm Trainer, that plans on cashing in on the farmers misfortune. He will buy all the dry land for a small fee and then sell the land, for a profit, when the rain comes.

But a wrench is thrown into his plans when a 'water witch' named Mr Sam'l (a person that finds water) comes to Dodge to help the farmers. This does not set to well with Mr Trainer and a plan is conceived to get rid of Mr Sam'l.

But what is even more interesting is the sub-plot that occurs between Mr Sam'l and a bar-maid named Marcie. The story between the two is actually more interesting than the conflict between the main characters of the episode.

Ed Begley, who plays Mr Sam'l, is perfectly cast as the old man looking for respect and even forgiveness. His acting makes the viewer want to see Mr Sam'l prevail when all the odds are against him. He is the key to this entire episode.

Sandra Smith, that plays bar-maid Marcie and Larry Pennell, who plays Ben Akins, are also casted with perfection. Both provide the story with passion and interest. The acting makes the story flow so well- that the ending comes quicker than expected.

This is one of the better 'Gunsmoke' episodes. A must see for any fan of the series.

I have seen this episode many times. Ed Begley, Sr.'s performance is fantastic. I think it is one of the best guest acting turns on the series. He gives a very multi-layered, heart-felt performance. There is a LOT of plot and back story to be covered. The director does a great job of keeping the story moving forward and not getting bogged down. All of the guests and regulars deliver solid performances. One of the things I like best about this episode is that it is a story of redemption, forgiveness. A story where characters realize the past is a part of the present. A story of shame for one's family turns into pride and where truth overcomes lies.