Episode Details

Originally Aired: October 18, 1959

Gunsmoke #393, "The Mortgage," presents Marshal Matt Dillon with a moral dilemma that strikes at the heart of frontier justice. Wealthy landowner Caleb Andrews arrives at the marshal's office demanding that Dillon serve an order of foreclosure and eviction on Ed Blake, a hardworking farmer who owes $420 on his mortgage. The debt came due just three days ago, but Andrews refuses to wait, despite Ed's legitimate hardships—a broken leg from a horse accident and his family's struggle to bring in a crop. When Dillon tries to reason with the callous creditor, pointing out that Andrews already owns half of Ford County and doesn't need the money, Andrews dismisses his concerns and insists the papers be served immediately.

Dillon reluctantly carries out his duty, delivering the devastating news to Ed's wife Martha at their well-tended farm. With only five days to vacate, the Blake family faces complete ruin. The situation weighs heavily on Dillon's conscience, leading him to question the nature of right and wrong in his profession. When Andrews pushes too far with an insult at the Long Branch Saloon, tensions escalate, and Dillon takes desperate action to try to help the Blakes before time runs out.