Sat, Sep 27, 1958 30 mins. In the end, CBS simply took it away from Macdonnell and began preparing for the television version. So he takes it out of Dillon's money. [63] George Walsh, the announcer for Gunsmoke, began in 1952 on the radio series and continued until the television series was canceled in 1975. "[2] The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. An article from Wide Open Country recalls actor Roger Ewing, who played Thad Greenwood on the classic TV Western. The Gunsmoke radio theme song and later TV theme is titled "Old Trails", also known as "Boothill". Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell Guest starring Marilyn Maxwell as Dolly Winters Lee Van Cleef as Rad Meadows Peggy Stewart as Mary Hal Smith as Dobie Clem Fuller as Clem Rest of cast listed alphabetically: Fred McDougall as Cowboy Getting Loan (uncredited) Chick Sheridan as Barfly (uncredited) Categories The series also appears intermittently on MeTV's themed sister network Decades, which CBS holds a partial interest in; it appears on the schedule depending on the theme and year a particular day has. In 2006, as part of Gunsmoke's 50th anniversary on TV, selected episodes were released on DVD in three different box sets. The Hartland toy company included an 8" (1/9th scale) plastic Matt Dillion figure and his horse Old Faithful Buck in their line of famous TV cowboys and horses during the 1950s. Many episodes end on a somber note, and villains often get away with their crimes. The program was funded by CBS in the first two years. A complication arose when Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the episode, which was written by John Meston, was originally broadcast on CBS-TV on March 21, 1959. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. Additionally, Paramount Home Entertainment and CBS DVD have released the series in its entirety on DVD for 13 years between 2007 and 2020 in Region 1 (all of the seasons except for season one and seasons sixteen through twenty were split into two volumes). The film, shot in Alberta, features a now-retired Marshal Dillon being attacked and a vengeful former rival returning to Dodge City to entrap him. It is the second Western television series written for adults,[18] premiering on September 10, 1955, four days after The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. How she contracted HIV remains a mystery, but listed on her death certificate as a. The 60th anniversary reunion of Gunsmoke is Friday night, Sept. 18 at the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City . Login to create it. Where did the original hundred come from? [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. However, Meston was kept as the main writer. This became the go-to place for some of Hollywood's biggest western stars to film movies, including John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and Roy Rogers. 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. "[14] Some listeners, such as Dunning, argue the radio version was more realistic. West with forewords by. Was this review helpful? 822. [66], German-American political philosopher and Plato scholar Leo Strauss was a fervent fan of Gunsmoke. During its second season in 1956, the program joined the list of the top-10 television programs broadcast in the United States. Carter's filmography isn't limited to Gunsmoke, Grand Ole Opry broadcasts and episodes of Cash's variety TV series. When he stood up, his chair stood with him. The episode was based on "Matt's Love Story". As originally pitched to CBS executives, this was to be an adult Western, not a grown-up Hopalong Cassidy. Matt is caught between the Army and the townspeople after an apparent Indian raid wipes out a family. Now "Gunsmoke" had its general store, a saloon run by Miss Kitty played by Amanda Blake, and . Gunsmoke has one spin-off series, Dirty Sally, a semicomedy starring Jeanette Nolan as an old woman and Dack Rambo as a young gunfighter, leaving Dodge City for California to pan for gold. Brave gunslinger Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) presides over Dodge City, a Wild West town often overrun with the lawlessness of the frontier. Episodes were aimed at adults with some of the most explicit content of their time, including violent crimes, scalpings, massacres, and opium addicts. 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. Stone (1 Episode), Bud Grant (1 Episode), Andy (1 Episode), John (1 Episode), Abihu Howell (1 Episode), Bill Lee (1 Episode), Malachi Harper (1 Episode), Tobe (1 Episode), Ivy (1 Episode), Hale Parker (1 Episode), Pezzy (1 Episode), Jess (1 Episode), Ezra Thorpe (1 Episode), Jake Spence (1 Episode), Eben Hakes (1 Episode), Judge Ray Cordelius (1 Episode), Alben Peavy (1 Episode), Capt. 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. Jim Buck (stage driver; 19571962) and Floyd (bartender; 197475): Deputy Marshal Clayton Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood (19651967): Newly O'Brian (gunsmith/Deputy Marshal; 19671975): Bill Pence (Long Branch owner/co-owner 1955?56? She was 60. Roberts and Cheyenne Autumn. He also had roles in TVs Rawhide, Perry Mason and Have Gun, Will Travel.. Sign in to vote. You need to be logged in to continue. It seems that Paris wins but when one of the cowboys has Dolly next to them, they win. I am taking a few liberties with the dialogue but you know that is exactly what she implies. GUNSMOKE, Burt Reynolds, 'Quint Asper Comes Home' (Season 8, aired September 29, 1962), 1955-75 Credit: Everett Collection Legendary actor Burt Reynolds died in 2018 at the age of 82 following a . 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. The series consisted of 14 half-hour episodes that aired on CBS Fridays, 8:00 to 8:30 p.m., from January 11, 1974, to July 19, 1974. Sam Noonan (181 Episodes), Sam (uncredited) (11 Episodes), Man (1 Episode), Howie (17 Episodes), Hotel Clerk (8 Episodes), Howard (6 Episodes), Clerk (5 Episodes), Mr. Hannah (1 Episode), Citizen (1 Episode), Jim Uzzell (1 Episode), Mr. Uzzel (1 Episode), Howie Uzzell (1 Episode), Dobie (1 Episode), Jonas (30 Episodes), Uncle Wesley (1 Episode), Joe Bean (1 Episode), Hank (18 Episodes), Hank Miller (3 Episodes), Carl (2 Episodes), Jake (1 Episode), Livery Man (1 Episode), Judge (1 Episode), Carl Miller (1 Episode), Hank Miller (uncredited) (1 Episode), Cowboy (1 Episode), Crowbait (1 Episode), Harry Obie (5 Episodes), Mule Skinner (1) (2 Episodes), Emery (2 Episodes), Mule Skinner (2 Episodes), Jed Rascoe (2 Episodes), Dobie Price (1 Episode), Harry (1 Episode), Dobie Crimps (1 Episode), Orly Grimes (1 Episode), Uncle Titus (1 Episode), Silas Shute (1 Episode), Chengra (1 Episode), Jim Graham (1 Episode), Hank Cooters (1 Episode), Barkeep (1 Episode), Franks (1 Episode), Titus (1 Episode), Harry (2 Episodes), Hulett (1 Episode), Sheriff Jackson (1 Episode), Benson (1 Episode), Blacksmith (1 Episode), Jake (1 Episode), Doak (1 Episode), Joe Guthrie (1 Episode), Clete Davis (1 Episode), Fry (1 Episode), Wells (1 Episode), Fletcher (1 Episode), Bartender (1 Episode), Wales (1 Episode), Jake Craig (1 Episode), Deputy Reed (1 Episode), Nicols (1 Episode), Simeon Reed (1 Episode), Bodine (1 Episode), Zack Johnson (2 Episodes), Bear Sanderson (2 Episodes), Grant Lyle (1 Episode), Abraham Wakefield (1 Episode), Deeks (1 Episode), Walt Clayton (1 Episode), Luke Brazo (1 Episode), Beaumont (1 Episode), Sholo (1 Episode), Harl Townsend (1 Episode), Calhoun (1 Episode), Earl Miller (1 Episode), Lamoor Underwood (1 Episode), Quentin Sargent (1 Episode), Luke Dangerfield (1 Episode), Josh Stryker (1 Episode), Ben Rucker (1 Episode), Eben Luken (2 Episodes), Roland (1 Episode), Joe Smith (1 Episode), Daniel Shay (1 Episode), Clay Tynan (1 Episode), Sgt. Meston was head writer. Some of his songs included Love Sends a Little Gift of Roses, This Is Worth Fighting For and Breathless., After serving in the Army during World War II, Curtis resumed a singing career on Johnny Mercers radio show and recorded the popular Tumbling Tumbleweeds.. 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. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. Miss Blake, whose name originally was Beverly Louise Neill, was born Feb. 20, 1929, in Buffalo, her CBS biography prepared during ''Gunsmoke'' states.She was educated in Buffalo, Dunning wrote, "That radio fans considered the TV show a sham and its players impostors should surprise no one. Series producers said that if the show were sponsored, they would have to "clean the show up". Two versions were recorded. 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. Doc Adams and Festus Haggen were not featured in the film. His real name was Dr. Calvin Moore. Dillon, as portrayed by Conrad, was a lonely, isolated man, toughened by a hard life. Melody Ranch actually was purchased by one of the greatest on-screen cowboys ever, Gene Autry, in 1952. Curtis is survived by his wife and two children. He then joined the group Sons of the Pioneers, of which celebrity Roy Rogers was a member. Wind Gunsmoke Season 4. The actor got to hang out with Matt Dillion and the gang in the 1966 episode "My Father's . When aired in the United Kingdom, the television series was . Weaver worried he'd never get away from the character. Gunsmoke was TV's number-one-ranked show from 1957 to 1961, then expanded to one hour, and slipped into a decline. Though Meston championed him, Macdonnell thought Conrad might be overexposed. 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. 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