Lauries Suitor

Originally Aired: March 29, 1959 Gunsmoke #364, "Lauries Suitor," tensions flare in Dodge City when young Laurie Benson finds herself caught between two very different men. Andy Scott, a well-mannered Easterner on a graduation trip from Philadelphia, has been courting Laurie and even discusses marriage with Miss Kitty. But ranch hand Rad Dawson has other ideas. After seeing Andy with Laurie at the Long Branch, Rad warns the young man to stay away, threatening violence if Andy doesn't back off. Despite his partner Bone's teasing about his sudden concern for personal grooming, Rad makes his intentions clear: Laurie's evenings now belong to him alone. Frightened that Andy's stubborn refusal to be intimidated will lead to bloodshed, Laurie turns to Marshal Matt Dillon for help. She pleads with him to intervene and prevent a confrontation between the two men. Matt sympathizes but warns Laurie that matters of the heart aren't exactly his department, and he can't guarantee either man will listen to reason. As Rad continues his nightly visits to town with the loyal but bemused Bone in tow, the stage is set for a dangerous showdown.