
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.

Matt confronts the outlaw whose pursuit he had delayed to help a boy (Johnnie Whitaker) find his mother.

A desert hermit (Strother Martin) saves Festus' life, then forces him to be a pack animal.

A convict agrees, upon his release, to kill a man he has never met.

A new doctor faces the suspicion and mistrust of many of the townspeople when he fills in for Doc Adams.