Episode Details

Originally Aired: February 7, 1960

Gunsmoke #409, "Delias Father,"

Marshal Matt Dillon seeks shelter at a remote ranch during a storm while transporting prisoner Keel and dealing with a lame horse. He's surprised to find the ranch now occupied by Delia Robbins, daughter of his old friend Ben. Delia welcomes Matt warmly, remembering how highly her father spoke of him. When she offers to guide Deputy Chester Festus to town so he can telegraph the judge about their delay, telegraph operator Mr. Weems drops a bombshell: the whole town knows that Matt Dillon killed Ben Robbins. Delia is stunned by this revelation about the man she just welcomed into her home.

The storm has trapped Matt at the ranch with the shocked young woman and his dangerous prisoner. As the truth about Ben Robbins' death begins to surface, Matt must confront a painful chapter from his past while maintaining control of a volatile situation. The marshal's friendship with Ben and the circumstances of his death promise to create an explosive confrontation.