All episodes Season 16 S16E01 1970-09-14 60 min 1950s

Gunsmoke

Chato

Season 16, Episode 1 · Aired 1970-09-14

Gunsmoke — Chato (S16E01)

Synopsis

Chato is a mixed-race Native American with a serious grudge against lawmen. He also has a remarkable athletic ability: he can run and jump over mountain ledges while keeping up a steady fire with his rifle. After an exciting duel, he kills a friend of Matt Dillon's who was tracking him. Matt comes to New Mexico and engages him in a duel of wits with Chato to catch him. Chato's one soft spot is his common-law wife. She is shot and severely injured by a group of renegade tribesmen who were also gunning for Chato. Chato calls a truce with Matt so the group can escape and get her to a doctor - but it's only a truce.

In the series

This episode is part of Gunsmoke (1955–1975) on CBS.

The long-running western that turned Dodge City into a weekly moral court.

Key cast

Also in season 16

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