The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The screenwriters responded to Curtis's absence by making Newly the new Dodge City marshal. One died during the run of the show, in 1973, at the age of 74 Glenn Strange, a real New Mexico cowboy who played Sam the bartender. During its second season in 1956, the program joined the list of the top-10 television programs broadcast in the United States. A comic strip version of the series ran in British newspapers for several years under the show's UK title. Second, Ewing appeared on "Gunsmoke" between 1965-67. [25] This seemed to have been a habit of CBS. IF you could keep players in the game. In the early years, most of the TV episodes were adapted from the radio scripts, often using identical scenes and dialogue. [60] Some foreign-made programs have been broadcast in the U.S. and contend for the position as the longest-running prime-time series. Wind Gunsmoke Season 4. The first, recorded in June 1949, was very much like a hard core detective series and starred Michael Rye (credited as Rye Billsbury) as Dillon;[5][4] the second, recorded in July 1949, starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. It didnt really ho anywhere. The television series was the longest-running, primetime, live-action television series at 20 seasons, until September 2019 with the 21st-season premiere of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Fred McDougall, a stuntman often appearing as an extra on the show, played the man after the show changed to a new soundstage in season 10. Robinson delegated this to his West Coast CBS vice president, Harry Ackerman, who had developed the Philip Marlowe series.[4]. [8], Macdonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. Ellis first appeared in the radio episode "Billy the Kid" (April 26, 1952) as "Francie Richards" a former girlfriend of Matt Dillon's and the widow of a criminal, but the character of "Miss Kitty" did not appear until the May 10, 1952, episode "Jaliscoe". [6][7] CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. Matt: James Arness. Wherever she stands, the gambler close by wins. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) _ Actress Amanda Blake, who as Miss Kitty reigned for 19 years as the queen of Dodge City's Long Branch Saloon in the TV series Gunsmoke, died after a long battle with cancer. "Wind" was the 28th episode of Season 4 of Gunsmoke, also the 145th overall episode of the series. Evans: Paul Langton. It was Silly fun. [citation needed] The first 12 seasons aired Saturdays at 10 pm, seasons 13 through 16 aired Mondays at 7:30pm, and the last four seasons aired Mondays at 8 pm. It has also been shown on satellite channel CBS Action in the UK, Ireland and Poland. [13] The television show first portrayed Kitty as a saloon dance hall employee, then from season two, episode 36 ("Daddy-O"), as half-owner of the Long Branch Saloon. The program was funded by CBS in the first two years. West with forewords by. [58] The original Law & Order, which was canceled in 2010 after tying Gunsmoke's longevity record for a live-action, primetime television series, began its 21st season in February 2022. His real name was Dr. Calvin Moore. Gunsmoke is often a somber program, particularly in its early years. So he takes it out of Dillon's money. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. In the film, Learned returns as Mike, who reveals to Marshal Dillon that he is the father of their daughter,[48] Beth (played by Amy Stock-Poynton) and asks him for help in saving her from a band on Apaches. (*Dolly Varden quote*) - "I'm not responsible for what men do.". You need to be logged in to continue. "[14] Some listeners, such as Dunning, argue the radio version was more realistic. Wilks (1 Episode), Willard Kerner (1 Episode), Herkimer Crawford (1 Episode), Carl (1 Episode), Aaron Barker (1 Episode), Judge Warfield (1 Episode), Rev. For nine seasons, the opponent was played by Arvo Ojala, who taught Arness to shoot. The project was suspended for three years, when producer Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston discovered it while creating an adult Western series of their own. Kitty was played by actress Georgia Ellis on radio, and by Amanda Blake on TV. Carter's filmography isn't limited to Gunsmoke, Grand Ole Opry broadcasts and episodes of Cash's variety TV series. Dunning wrote, "That radio fans considered the TV show a sham and its players impostors should surprise no one. He was acerbic, somewhat mercenary, and borderline alcoholic, in the program's early years. Although Amanda Blake and . Chester's 1st line is "Underwear sure smells good when its fresh" as he's sniffing away. Two versions were recorded. The Marshal Dillon syndicated reruns of half-hour episodes lasted from 1961 until 1964 on CBS, originally on Tuesday nights within its time in reruns. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) _ Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who starred as Marshal Matt Dillon's sidekick on the long-running television western Gunsmoke, has died at age 74. [11] The magazine observed that she is "obviously not selling chocolate bars". In Meston's view, "Dillon was almost as scarred as the homicidal psychopaths who drifted into Dodge from all directions."[11]. I am taking a few liberties with the dialogue but you know that is exactly what she implies. In the end, the primary roles were all recast, with Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon (on the recommendation of Wayne, who also introduced the pilot), Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode, Milburn Stone as Dr. G. "Doc" Adams (later Galen "Doc" Adams), and Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell. [21], James Arness, Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis, Dennis Weaver, and Amanda Blake are all inductees of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. It seemed like James Arness simply couldn't let go of the character who he had played for so long - Matt Dillon. That role, of course, was to play Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke. He then joined the group Sons of the Pioneers, of which celebrity Roy Rogers was a member. Marshal Dillon has his hands full when a saloon girl, Dolly Varden, is believed to be in a rigged card game with a dealer named Frank Paris. Creators Charles Marquis Warren (developed for television by) Clyde Ware Stars James Arness Milburn Stone Amanda Blake See production, box office & company info Watch on Paramount+ S7-20 with Prime Video Channels More watch options Add to Watchlist 56 User reviews 36 Critic reviews The brother of actor Jeff Bridges, Beau became famous in his own right. Sue Ane Langdon is an American actress. ", "Heldenfels' Mailbag: 'The Little Couple,' Jean Peters, game show prizes", "TV Guide Magazine's 60 Best Series of All Time", "Jay-Z, a speech by Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and 'Schoolhouse Rock!' Mr. Warren told Mr. Wayne about the transition of the show from radio to TV, and Mr. Wayne readily agreed that James Arness would be a terrific choice for the part of Matt Dillon. In 1990, the second telefilm, Gunsmoke: The Last Apache, premiered. For other uses, see, Television series (19551975) and TV movies. 11. Chester and Festus Haggen are Dillon's sidekicks, though others became acting deputies for .mw-parser-output .frac{white-space:nowrap}.mw-parser-output .frac .num,.mw-parser-output .frac .den{font-size:80%;line-height:0;vertical-align:super}.mw-parser-output .frac .den{vertical-align:sub}.mw-parser-output .sr-only{border:0;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);height:1px;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;padding:0;position:absolute;width:1px}2+12- to 7+12-year stints: Quint Asper (Burt Reynolds) (196265), Thad Greenwood (Roger Ewing) (196567), and Newly O'Brien (Buck Taylor) (196775), who served as both back-up deputy and doctor-in-training, having some studies in medicine through his uncle, which then continued under Doc Adams. He then went on to Shep Fields Orchestra. Graves (1 Episode), Kin Talley (1 Episode), Mac (1 Episode), Jen (1 Episode), Della (1 Episode), Ellen Cade (1 Episode), Major Evans (1 Episode), Killion (1 Episode), Rob Curtin (1 Episode), Joe (1 Episode), Sgt. Conrad's weight was rumored to be a deciding factor. Starr (1 Episode), Blackie (1 Episode), Andy Tennis (1 Episode), Henry Troyman (1 Episode), Billy (1 Episode), Mrs. Pitcher (1 Episode), Mrs. Glick (1 Episode), General Parsley Smith (1 Episode), Shaneways (1 Episode), Andy Travis (1 Episode), Bert (1 Episode), Mrs. Nolan (1 Episode), Mrs. Wyatt (1 Episode), Mr. Stoner (1 Episode), Danch (1 Episode), Quick Knife (1 Episode), The Major (1 Episode), Jenny (1 Episode), Jennie Lane (1 Episode), Kelly (1 Episode), George Basset (1 Episode), Harvey Easter (1 Episode), Jeremiah Leech (1 Episode), Lizzie (1 Episode), Letty Rickers (1 Episode), Jimmy McQueen (1 Episode), Budge Grilk (1 Episode), Fred Myers (1 Episode), Ben Pitcher (1 Episode), Flory Tibbs (1 Episode), Boni (1 Episode), Harry Bent (1 Episode), Lou Shippen (1 Episode), Rose Ellen (1 Episode), Elsa Poe (1 Episode), Allie (1 Episode), Mayblossom (1 Episode), Trudy (1 Episode), Helena Dales (1 Episode), Liz Beaumont (1 Episode), Susan (1 Episode), Mary (1 Episode), Clara Wright (1 Episode), Pearl Bender (1 Episode), Florida (1 Episode), Finnegan (1 Episode), Cassidy (1 Episode), Chouteau (1 Episode), Frisbie (1 Episode), Anderson (1 Episode), Mace Gore (1 Episode), Ephraim Hunt (1 Episode), Kader (1 Episode), Curt Hansen (1 Episode), Judge (1 Episode), Colleen (1 Episode), Honey Dare (1 Episode), Chris Thornton (1 Episode), Al Clovis (1 Episode), Eddie (1 Episode), Professor Lute Bone (1 Episode), Aggie (1 Episode), Lacey Parcher (1 Episode), Drummer (1 Episode), Onie Becker (1 Episode), Tom Clegg (1 Episode), Benjamin Ellis (1 Episode), Jeff (1 Episode), Rex Propter (1 Episode), Hostage (1 Episode), Mrs. Davis (1 Episode), Keppert (1 Episode), Dan Clell (1 Episode), Poney Thompson (1 Episode), Henry (1 Episode), Major Vanscoy (1 Episode), Hootie Kyle (1 Episode), Jake Pierce (1 Episode), Wells (1 Episode), Nat Pilcher (1 Episode), Dave Reeves (1 Episode), Aaron Tigue (1 Episode), Will Hayes (1 Episode), Charles 'Buster' Rilla (1 Episode), Tiller Evans (1 Episode), Nate (1 Episode), John-Two-Bears (1 Episode), Sgt. Best Teleplay Writing (Half-Hour or Less): Best Actor in a Leading Role (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series: James Arness nominated (winner: Best Supporting Actor (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series: Dennis Weaver won. Initially on the fringes of Dodge society, Festus Haggen was slowly phased in as a reliable sidekick and part-time deputy to Matt Dillon when Reynolds left in 1965. He was the son of a sheriff and worked on a jail farm as a boy. "[2] The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. Conrad was one of the last actors to audition for the role of Marshal Dillon. This old flame of Matt's shows up trying to get evil accomplished. She is best known for her role as Dodie Douglas during the last three seasons of the sitcom My Three Sons. All DVDs have been released with English audio and close captioning from season 1 to 5 and starting season 6 English SDH. "[21], According to Thomas "Duke" Miller, a TV and movie celebrity expert, this story was told to him by legendary actor James Stewart: "Jimmy said he was in the office with Charles Warren when Mr. Wayne came in. [22][23][24], In 1975, CBS made the decision not to renew Gunsmoke for a 21st season, without making any public announcement or informing the producers or cast members ahead of time. Twelve episodes, from 1955 to 1964, were selected for the Gunsmoke: Volume I box set, and another twelve episodes, from 1964 to 1975, were selected for the Gunsmoke: Volume II box set. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. According to Arness, "We didn't do a final, wrap-up show. Just hilarious as Dillon just stares at him with a straight face. The regulars who are still with us are: Roger Ewing (Thad Greenwood), who is 73; Buck Taylor (Newly O'Brien), who is 77; and Burt Reynolds (Quint Asper), who is 79. Doc wandered throughout the territories until he settled in Dodge City 17 years later under the name of Charles Adams. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. The show continued in its new time slot at 8pm on Mondays. With a resonantly powerful and distinctive voice, Conrad was already one of radio's busiest actors. Apart from the doleful tone, Gunsmoke is distinct from other radio Westerns, as the dialogue is often slow and halting, and the outstanding sound effects give a palpable sense of the prairie setting. **SPOILERS** would this game, that looks like a sweet little racket actually work? Third, the Greenwood character ended its run in 1967 as CBS was taking the show off of their primetime lineup. Both sets are also available as a combined single "Gift Box Set". Keller (1 Episode), Driver (1 Episode), Willy (1 Episode), Bessie (1 Episode), Mavis McCloud (1 Episode), Gus (1 Episode), Andy Wirth (1 Episode), Raffie (1 Episode), Lottie (1 Episode), Belle (1 Episode), Annie (1 Episode), Beard (1 Episode), Jim Branch (1 Episode), Charlie Britton (1 Episode), Viney (1 Episode), Stone (1 Episode), Rodin (1 Episode), Kate (1 Episode), Ma Smalley (1 Episode), Gody Baines (1 Episode), Billy Daunt (1 Episode), Lieutenant (1 Episode), Gabe Rucker (1 Episode), Sippy (1 Episode), Billy Joe (1 Episode), Clay (1 Episode), Hotel Clerk (1 Episode), Judge (1 Episode), Carl (1 Episode), John Hooker (1 Episode), Rad (1 Episode), Ike Jeffords (1 Episode), Ben (1 Episode), Collie (1 Episode), Charlie Ross (1 Episode), Tom (1 Episode), Mackle (1 Episode), Young Man (1 Episode), Ray Pate (1 Episode), Bob Sullins (1 Episode), Chance (1 Episode), Will Helmick (1 Episode), Lon Gorman (1 Episode), Joe Bascome (1 Episode), Hattie Kelly (1 Episode), Rose (1 Episode), Edna (1 Episode), Marcy McCloud (2 Episodes), Maria Callahan (1 Episode), Elena (1 Episode), Lulu (1 Episode), Bonnie Mae Haley (1 Episode), Olie Ridgers (1 Episode), Parson (1 Episode), Judge Fletcher Anderson (1 Episode), Townswoman (1 Episode), Mrs. Blouze (1 Episode), Essie Benlan (1 Episode), Lavinia Sanderson (2 Episodes), Dolly Varden (1 Episode), Lee (1 Episode), Grant (1 Episode), Conway (1 Episode), Dave (1 Episode), Waiter (1 Episode), Feeney (1 Episode), Amy Waters (2 Episodes), Polly (1 Episode), Elihu Gorman (1 Episode), Red Conniston (1 Episode), Abe Blocker (1 Episode), Leonard Parker (2 Episodes), Newly O'Brian (1 Episode), Beulah (1 Episode), Susan (1 Episode), Elizabeth Devon (1 Episode), Marguerita (2 Episodes), Maria (1 Episode), Judge Calvin Strom (1 Episode), Scanlon, Sr. (1 Episode), Wes Martin (1 Episode), Quimby (1 Episode), Hannibal (1 Episode), Drago (1 Episode), Breck Taylor (1 Episode), Breck (1 Episode), Pitt (1 Episode), Farnum (1 Episode), Oldtimer (1 Episode), Cox (1 Episode), Will (1 Episode), Hackett (1 Episode), Boone Shadler (1 Episode), Britt (2 Episodes), Doak Noonan (1 Episode), Dan (1 Episode), Silvee (1 Episode), Barnett (1 Episode), Lee Sharkey (1 Episode), Hill (1 Episode), Ira Spratt (1 Episode), Harvey Cagle (1 Episode), Papa Steiffer (1 Episode), J. Luther Gross (1 Episode), Dolph Timble (1 Episode), Sheriff Dave Henning (1 Episode), Tobin (1 Episode), Dolen (1 Episode), Calvin (1 Episode), Squawman (1 Episode), Hannon (1 Episode), Ben Crown (1 Episode), Vern Morland (1 Episode), Mrs. Cooter (1 Episode), Flora (1 Episode), Pene Lynott (1 Episode), Johnny Cross (1 Episode), Todd (1 Episode), Dirk Mitchell (1 Episode), Coor (1 Episode), Greer (1 Episode), Noah Haimes (1 Episode), Maggie Blaisedell (2 Episodes), Flo Watson (1 Episode), Vince Butler (1 Episode), Mr. Fletcher (1 Episode), Amos Billings (1 Episode), Albert Vail (1 Episode), Moody Fowler (1 Episode), Mitch Hansen (1 Episode), Cory (1 Episode), Petter Karlgren (1 Episode), Steven Downing (1 Episode), Polly Troyman (1 Episode), Madge (1 Episode), Ellie Decker (1 Episode), Tuttle Kincaid (2 Episodes), Caleb Cunningham (1 Episode), Willie Hubbard (2 Episodes), Shem Todd (1 Episode), Holly (1 Episode), Ed Carstairs (1 Episode), Willis Jeeter (1 Episode), Blue Jacket (2 Episodes), Osuna (1 Episode), Mike Jarvis (1 Episode), Billy Madison (1 Episode), Timmy (1 Episode), Susan Hurley (1 Episode), Ada Coleman (1 Episode), Ada (1 Episode), Tate (1 Episode), Hode Embry (1 Episode), Storekeeper (1 Episode), Mae (2 Episodes), Mary Bentley (1 Episode), Dobie McCabe (1 Episode), Rob Fielder (1 Episode), Dink (1 Episode), Tait Cavanaugh (1 Episode), Clay White (1 Episode), Branch Nelson (1 Episode), Pope (1 Episode), Colt Gentry (1 Episode), Cully Haimes (1 Episode), Col. Lucius Shindrow (2 Episodes), Boake (1 Episode), Luke Hockett (2 Episodes), Clarence Carver (1 Episode), Virgil Stanley (1 Episode), Pedro Manez (1 Episode), Gristy Calhoun (1 Episode), Clay Elkins (1 Episode), Johnny (1 Episode), Caleb (1 Episode), Jenny (1 Episode), Sarah Merkle (1 Episode), Iris (1 Episode), Shep Hockett (2 Episodes), Lem Rawlins (1 Episode), (uncredited) (1 Episode), Priest (uncredited) (1 Episode), Bank Teller (1 Episode), Gideon (1 Episode), Arnie Sprague (1 Episode), Kip (1 Episode), Mrs. Preeker (1 Episode), Mrs. Pretch (1 Episode), Aunt Ida (1 Episode), Nick Skouras (1 Episode), Talbot (1 Episode), Heraclio Cantrell and Father Hernando Cantrell (1 Episode), Marieanne (1 Episode), Patricia (1 Episode), Susan Sadler (1 Episode), Brownie (1 Episode), Sheriff (1 Episode), John Mophet (1 Episode), Danny Wilson (1 Episode), Lucius Prince (1 Episode), Moses Darby (1 Episode), Grandpa (1 Episode), Sheriff Buckley (1 Episode), Bo (1 Episode), Hotel Clerk (1 Episode), Bailiff (1 Episode), Jackson Narramore (1 Episode), John King (1 Episode), Heenan (1 Episode), Ed Wells (1 Episode), Lonnie Colby (1 Episode), Pete Murphy (1 Episode), Gentry (1 Episode), Gil Boylan (1 Episode), Brown (1 Episode), Tom Belnap (1 Episode), Joe Bob (1 Episode), Texan Leader (1 Episode), Capps (1 Episode), Lanny (1 Episode), Gamble (1 Episode), Prosecutor (1 Episode), Gossip (1 Episode), Mrs. Bodkin (1 Episode), Woman (1 Episode), John Henry Jordan (1 Episode), Tasker (1 Episode), Bailey (1 Episode), Professor Jacoby (1 Episode), Emmett Egan (1 Episode), Capt. 10 out of 15 found this helpful. Macdonnell later claimed, "Much of Matt Dillon's character grew out of Bill Conrad."[10]. Conrad borrowed the surname from cartoonist Charles Addams as a testament to Doc's initially ghoulish comportment. Dillon should have said why don't you smell mine, they only been on for a week. It seems that Paris wins but when one of the cowboys has Dolly next to them, they win. On the Biography Channel's Behind The Scenes: Gilligan's Island (2002), Gilligan's Island producer Sherwood Schwartz states that Babe pressured her husband not to cancel Gunsmoke in 1967, so the network cut Gilligan's Island, instead. My favorite part of th show is when Kitty approachs Matt and basically says I don't believe her because it takes a prostitute to know a prostitute . The effects are subtle but multilayered, giving the show a spacious feel. All of these box sets are available on Region 1 DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment and CBS DVD. When he stood up, his chair stood with him. Many episodes were based on man's cruelty to man and woman, in as much as the prairie woman's life and the painful treatment of women as chattels were touched on well ahead of the time of most media. Marshal (actually a deputy marshal, because only the senior officer in the district holds the title "marshal") would not be based in Dodge City and would not be involved in local law enforcement. The cast and crew read the news in the trade papers. The popular Western series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975. [citation needed], James Arness and Milburn Stone portrayed their Gunsmoke characters for 20 consecutive years, a feat later matched by Kelsey Grammer as the character Frasier Crane, but over two half-hour sitcoms (Cheers and Frasier). The program was set after the arrival of the railroad in Dodge City (1872) and Kansas had been a state since 1861. In the radio series, Kitty's profession was hinted at, but never explicit; in a 1953 interview with Time, Macdonnell declared, "Kitty is just someone Matt has to visit every once in a while". I have no reason to doubt the story, because Jimmy absolutely knew everybody.". [citation needed], The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961. Matt gets a tiger-by-the-tail in this episode. John Dunning wrote that among radio drama enthusiasts, "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time. Appearing in films like "Norma Rae," "Greased Lightning," and "Jerry Maguire," Bridges actually got his start in sitcoms and westerns. In the episode, Matt loses his memory and his heart during a brief liaison with "Mike" Yardner (played by Michael Learned, better known for playing Olivia in The Waltons). The plot about a card dealer and one of Kitty's saloon-employed gals, named Dolly,is containing a deception. April 29, 1991. [19], When Gunsmoke was adapted for television in 1955, contrary to a campaign to persuade the network, the network was not interested in bringing either Conrad or his radio costars to the television medium. Ackerman and his scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye" based on one of their Michael Shayne radio scripts, "The Case of the Crooked Wheel" from mid-1948. Dillon and Kitty clearly have a close personal relationship. When aired in the United Kingdom, the television series was initially titled Gun Law,[1] later reverting to Gunsmoke. Howard McNear starred as Dr. Charles Adams in the radio series, and Milburn Stone portrayed Dr. Galen Adams in the television version. Mr. Warren asked Wayne if he knew James Arness, and Mr. Wayne said yes. (Dramatic Series with Continuing Characters), Barry Trivers for "The Fault in Our Stars" (1961), Lawrence B. Marcus for "Man Out of Time" (1963), David W. Rintels for "A Continual Roar of Musketry" (1970), Herb Bermann & Thomas Y. Drake & Jerrold Freedman & Bo May for "Par for the Course" (1971), Jim Byrnes for "Thirty a Month and Found" (1974), Georgia Jeffries for "An Unusual Occurrence" /, Georgia Jeffries for "Turn, Turn, Turn" / Debra Frank &, Racelle Rosett Schaefer for "Photo Opportunity" (1991), Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, "James Arness, symbol of power with restraint", "Mark Dillon Goes To Gouge Eye {Rye Billsbury} Gunsmoke (06-11-49) Gunsmoke OTRWesterns.com", "Mark Dillon Goes To Gouge Eye {Howard Culver} Gunsmoke (07-13-49) Gunsmoke OTRWesterns.com", "Matt Dillon's character grew out of Bill Conrad", "Raymond Burr auditioned for the role of television's Matt Dillon", "When Chester Forgot to Limp, and other fond recollections of 20 years of Gunsmoke", "Locally filmed Westerns 'Butch Cassidy,' 'Gunsmoke' part of Conejo film fest", "Q: In the opening credits of 'Gunsmoke,' Matt faces a guy in a gunfight. We finished the 20th year, we all expected to go on for another season, or two or three. This scheduling move led to a spike in ratings that had it once again rally to the top 10 in the Nielsen ratings, which again saved the series when CBS purged most of its rural content in 1971. Whitney Blake, that played Dolly, was a real tiger in this episode as she gave Marshal Dillon grief when she uses her female status as a way of getting around his orders. The Gunsmoke theme was composed by Rex Koury. Even after the original series of Gunsmoke came to an end in 1975, Arness was constantly asked to come back to reprise the role. When aired in the United Kingdom, the television series was . [64], Dodge City's Boot Hill Museum has a tribute to Gunsmoke, including set furniture from the 1960s and an old television tuned to the show. The couple had a son, Matthew Michael Ansara, born August 29, 1965, who died of a drug overdose in 2001 . Milburn Stone had died 7 years earlier in 1980 and the role of Doc was not recast. [12] He came west and changed his name to escape a charge of murder. [57] In September 1975, though still ranking among the top-30 programs in the ratings, Gunsmoke was canceled after a 20-year run; it was replaced by Mary Tyler Moore spin-offs Rhoda and Phyllis (though Rhoda actually debuted while Gunsmoke was still airing first-run). Dolly is played by Whitney Blake, who has a sharp edge and is a vicious cat to Marshal Dillon. Sometime in 1959, Ellis was billed as Georgia Hawkins instead of Georgia Ellis. Conrad directed two television episodes, in 1963 and 1971, and McNear appeared on six, playing characters other than Doc, including three times as storekeeper Howard Rudd. The series follows Dillon as he plays peacekeeper in a locale afflicted by problems such as rustling, gunfights and brawling. Brave gunslinger Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) presides over Dodge City, a Wild West town often overrun with the lawlessness of the frontier. Beau Bridges Played Jason. Amanda Blake (1929-1989) Blake was an American actress, best known for her role as Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke. Meston was head writer. "[3], In the late 1940s, CBS chairman William S. Paley, a fan of the Philip Marlowe radio series, asked his programming chief, Hubell Robinson, to develop a hard core Western series, about a "Philip Marlowe of the Old West". Heraclio Cantrell and Father Hernando Cantrell. Arness stars in all five made-for-television movies. The people upstairs decided it was better to leave the show as it was, which I totally agreed with. From 1955 to 1961, Gunsmoke is a half-hour show, retitled Marshal Dillon in syndication. Melody Ranch actually was purchased by one of the greatest on-screen cowboys ever, Gene Autry, in 1952. Meston relished the upending of cherished Western fiction clichs and said that few Westerns gave any inkling of how brutal the Old West was in reality. Dillon, as portrayed by Conrad, was a lonely, isolated man, toughened by a hard life. Personal Life. In the opening, Marshal Dillon has a shootout with what is described as "a generic bad guy" representing all those which Dillon must deal with. Many episodes end on a somber note, and villains often get away with their crimes. Other films included Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994). Was this review helpful? Lowell Toy Manufacturing Corporation ("It's a Lowell Game") issued Gunsmoke as game No. The program lasted 14 weeks and aired in the first half of 1974, a year before Gunsmoke ended. How is Chester still in Dodge? Dolly is played by Whitney Blake, who has a sharp edge and is a vicious cat to Marshal Dillon. How she contracted HIV remains a mystery, but listed on her death certificate as a. James Arness and Amanda Blake returned in their iconic roles of Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty, with Fran Ryan returning as Kitty's friend and saloon-owner Hannah and Buck Taylor as Newly O'Brian. If there's $100 that the guy winning ends up with, and Dolly gets 20%, that's $20. The TV series ran from September 10, 1955, to March 31, 1975, on CBS, with 635 total episodes. In 1970, Popular Library published the following paperback book written by Chris Stratton: In 1974, Award Books published the following paperback books written by Jackson Flynn based on the TV series: In 1998, Boulevard Books published the following paperbacks written by Gary McCarthy based on the TV series: A series of novels based upon the television series written by Joseph A. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston.