Gunsmoke
started life as a CBS radio series in 1952, starring William Conrad. The show
was created by the director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Metson. Macdonnell
was not involved with the television version, although Metson was the main writer
for the series and the show's success can be attributed not least to Metson's
skillful writing.
When
the show's producer was looking for an actor to cast as Matt Dillon for
the television version, Conrad was the obvious choice, but because of his increasing
obesity, Conrad was sidelined and more photogenic actors were considered for the
part. After Conrad was rejected for the television series, he became embittered
that he had lost the role he had created. Before James Arness got the part, other
actors were considered, including Raymond Burr; although he was considered to
be too heavy-set for the part. Rumours also abounded that John Wayne was offered
the role of Dillon, but this cannot be verified. James Arness was then
approached by the producer, an audition took place and James Arness proved to
be perfect for the part.
Gunmoke
is set in Dodge City, Kansas in the 1870s and Marshal Matt Dillon has a
tough job keeping law and order in the thriving cattle days of the latter part
of the 19th century. Matt Dillon always tries to capture villians and bring
them to justice, rather than kill them. Dennis Weaver is Chester Goode,
Dillon's deputy, a role Weaver played until 1964. After Dennis Weaver left
the series, the role of deputy was taken by Ken Curtis, playing a character called
Festus Haggen.
Two
other notable characters in the series are Dr. Galen 'Doc' Addams (Milburn
Stone), although in the radio version Doc seems to be a rather embittered
man. By the time Doc reaches television, this Jack-of-all-trades is
now a much more endearing character. There is also Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake),
initially a saloon girl, but later in the series a saloon proprietor. She and
Matt Dillon share a close personal relationship, although this is not explored
to any great degree.
Gunsmoke
holds the record of being the longest running entertainment series with continuing
characters on primetime television in the United States. Many well known faces
guest star in the series over its long run, including - Burt Reynolds, John Carradine,
Chuck Connors, Aaron Spelling, Dan Blocker and Warren Oates.
Gunsmoke,
which originally aired on CBS Television from 1955 until 1975, can be split into
three distinct segments: From 1955 until 1961: black & white 30 minute episodes
/ 1961 until 1966: black & white 60 minute episodes / 1966 until 1975 colour
60 minute episodes. When some of the early episodes were repeated in the early
1960s, they were re-titled as Marshal Dillon. When the show was cancelled
in 1975, James Arness and Milburn Stone were the only actors to have been with
the series over its entire run of 20 years, and 635 episodes.
Several
TV movies were made based on the original television series: Gunsmoke: Return
to Dodge City (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), Gunsmoke:
To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke:
One Man's Justice (1994).
Listen
to the theme tune
Visit
the Official James Arness Website
