The Virginian (1962)

S4E3 A Little Learning

After serving time in prison, Bert Kramer (Bruce Dern) returns to Medicine Bow in search of his estranged wife, Martha Perry (Susan Oliver), who has taken on the role of the new schoolteacher. Meanwhile, Rafe Simmons (Albert Salmi), a hand at Shiloh, decides to leave his job and finds work at a harness shop, asking Martha to help him learn to read. When Bert arrives, he catches the attention of Emmett Ryker, who remembers him as a notorious hired gun. Rumors begin to swirl about an affair between Rafe and Martha. Local barber Cal Beeson (Harry Townes), who has had a confrontation with Rafe, teams up with Bert to ambush him. However, Rafe outmaneuvers them in a scuffle, resulting in Bert's death. Ultimately, Rafe is exonerated thanks to the Virginian and Martha, who prompt Beeson’s young son to confess to their scheme.