
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.

Festus, left in charge of Matt's office, gets into trouble with two hunters.

A widow (Kathleen Nolan) falls in love with Matt's wounded prisoner at a remote way station.

A professional gunfighter is hired to kill a businessman who is also courting the gunman's former wife.

Fear pervades Dodge City when a private railroad coach containing a victim of spotted fever is quarantined.