jmarchese

Feminine, maternal, loving, gentle, rational, mentally tough, fiercely protective, moral; we see the full character of Miss Kitty in this fine Gunsmoke  episode.

Kathleen Hite wrote a true gem in "Miss Kitty" about a young orphan Thad Ferrin (well played by Roger Mobley) who is whisked from the hands of evil by his bio-mom, then by his adoptive aunt, Miss Kitty. Miss Hite's goal was to show the viewing audience what Miss Kitty was all about by developing her strong character; and she succeeded. All of the above adjectives are portrayed during the episode from Kitty dealing with Thad to her dealing with Matt, Chester, & Doc, and with the outlaws.

John Lasell plays a strong role as Tucker Ferrin in that the viewing audience will absolutely hate him.

Director Harry Harris used some great closeups to depict a climactic showdown of Good vs. Evil.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Miss Kitty" in that the essence of her whole being comes out; and it's not surprising she owns & runs a saloon. I wished it was shot in color, however.

"The Fastest Gun Alive" is a TCM western released in 1956 about the costs involved in possessing the title, "The Fastest Gun Alive." Glenn Ford plays an excellent role of George Temple, a mild mannered store keeper with a relentless compulsion to be seen and heard. Temple's wife Dora, excellently portrayed by Jeanne Crain, has seen this compulsion before and is worried sick over George.

Academy Award winning actor Broderick Crawford plays an outstanding role as Vinnie Harold, the consummate bad guy exuding evil at every turn. Short tempered & mean, audiences will detest him. Yet, he has a soft spot for kids, dogs, and at least some decent human beings.

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Frank Gilroy co-wrote an excellent screenplay based on his story, " The Last Notch." I thoroughly enjoyed the story line for the many lessons taught: 1) No matter how good you are, there's always someone better, 2) Everybody loves a winner, 3) Evil consumes its own players, 4) Town folks must be ready to collectively defend their town against evil, 5) Pride & status should never be shown off at the expense of other's feelings, 6) How assumptions can be extremely misleading, and finally 7) The reality fear factor of a gun fight.

Character development is excellent between several towns folk and their reaction to George Temple's misunderstood peculiarities. Almost all like and respect George as a mild mannered store keeper; but none are ready for the real George Temple. In addition, the viewing audience is treated to a sequence from talented acrobatic dancer Russ Tamblyn, who gained considerable note in "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers." The story flows and suspense gradually builds to support the ending sequence.

The Fastest Gun Alive received only a 7.1 out of 10 rating which I feel is too low given all of the movie's components, probably because some do not understand the many lessons incorporated into the story. Vinnie Harold's interaction with his own men proves out how evil consumes its own players. The town's reaction to George's actions proves that everybody loves a winner. Their assumptions about him show how wrong they can be.

But you cannot deny this B & W western did achieve Turner Classic Movie status.

"The Partisan" is a dichotomous tale portraying American nerve & bravery and the inner strength of a beautiful woman.

After Caje & Saunders are wounded, Caje is captured by the Germans while The Sarge makes his way to Babette's (excellently played by Claudine Longet) house. She's living with Michel (excellently played by Robert Duvall) who has a past. Claiming to be a French resistance fighter, Michel finally raises eyebrows when Caje comes on the scene.

Ed Waters wrote a fine screenplay which is very realistic and forthright portraying the power of love. Every time Michel fails, the gorgeous Babette nudges him in the right direction. Vic Morrow is vintage Chip Saunders showing the usual nerve, persistence, & bravery we've all come to know. Saunders' dialog with Michel is outstanding at times; 2 great actors having at it!

Michael Caffey directed this excellent episode in which the viewing audience is treated to authentic German 88 millimeter canon fire. Excellent close-up shots throughout bring out the emotional side of the story.

And favorite German Paul Busch is featured as the ranking German officer. Ironically, he's also the German radio man in the beginning of the episode. Although his head is turned from view, the voice is unmistakable.