Marshal Proudfoot

Originally Aired: July 20, 1958 In Gunsmoke #328, "Marshal Proudfoot," Marshal Matt Dillon finds himself in an awkward predicament when Chester's elderly father, Wesley Proudfoot, arrives in Dodge City under a significant misapprehension. The old man, hard of hearing and nearly blind, believes his son Chester is the town marshal, apparently based on some creative letter-writing by his deputy. Chester had written home claiming to be marshal with an assistant named Dillon working under him. When Wesley arrives expecting to see his son as the law in Dodge, Chester panics and flees to the Dodge House, leaving Matt to deal with the confused situation. Doc Adams and Kitty Russell urge Matt to play along with the deception to spare the old man's feelings during his short visit. Doc even concocts an elaborate scheme involving a fake holdup staged by Moss Grimmick, which would allow Chester to play hero in front of his father. Matt resists the idea of staging such an elaborate charade, but pressure mounts from his friends to protect both Chester's dignity and his father's pride. The situation grows increasingly complicated as Wesley settles into town, proud of the son he believes has finally made something of himself.