
Marshal Matt Dillon (then-newcomer James Arness) tries to prevent lawlessness from overtaking Dodge City, Kan. Helping to keep him grounded are saloon proprietor Miss Kitty Russell and Doc Adams. The television series grew out of the long-running radio serial of the same name, although for a short time they were both on the airwaves.
A cattle baron and a legendary frontiersman involve Matt in their life-and-death dispute over a hat.
"Hard-Luck" Henry Haggen (John Astin) wants advice from his "smart" cousin Festus.
Two recaptured Army deserters frame Festus in an attempted murder of their sergeant.
Kitty and a young gunsmith from the East are abducted from a stagecoach on the road to Dodge City.