Discover the captivating world of the legendary TV series Gunsmoke in our latest article! Immerse yourself in the wild tales of Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by the unforgettable James Arness, and join Amanda Blake as the indomitable Miss Kitty.
Dive into the show's incredible success that spanned 20 thrilling seasons! Don't miss out.
Gunsmoke Started As A Radio Show
Gunsmoke, the iconic Western series, originated as a radio program before making the transition to television.
Starting in 1952 on the radio waves, it captivated audiences with its tales of Marshal Matt Dillon and the Old West. Gunsmoke's successful transition to TV cemented its place in entertainment history. CBS aired the series from 1955-1975.
When The Dust Settled Gunsmoke Stood Alone
Gunsmoke was a pioneering Western series that planned on its longevity. It outlasted its counterparts and endured a dramatic genre decline, airing for an impressive two decades.
Renowned as the finest in its genre, Gunsmoke garnered critical acclaim, winning numerous awards, including an astounding 15 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards.
Gunsmoke Changed With The Times And Technology
Gunsmoke, a Western series, evolved with the times. It started on radio in 1952, then moved to black-and-white TV for a 30-minute format in 1955.
In 1961, it transitioned to an hour-long show, still in black and white. Finally, in 1966, Gunsmoke CBS started airing the show in color, continuing as an hour-long series.
Doc's Name Was Unknown For Almost The Show's Entirety
Gunsmoke's beloved character Doc Adams kept his true first name hidden for 16 seasons straight. Viewers were left guessing until the final season when it was revealed that the doctor's name was Galen.
This stunning revelation added another intriguing layer to Doc Adams' character, captivating fans throughout the show's run.
John Wayne Was Asked To Be The Lead And Said No
The producers of Gunsmoke initially pursued John Wayne to play the iconic role of Marshal Matt Dillon, but Wayne declined due to the rigorous nature and long hours of filming.
CBS higher-ups then considered other actors but ultimately cast James Arness, who brought the character to life for the long-running television series.
James Arness Won A Purple Heart And Was In WWII
James Arness, known for his role as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, was a decorated soldier. He served in World War II and was wounded during the Battle of Anzio, earning him the Purple Heart.
His military experience brought a unique depth and authenticity to his portrayal of the courageous lawman on screen.
Arness' War Injuries Delayed Filming
The filming of Gunsmoke faced significant delays due to James Arness's war wounds. The actor's injuries, particularly his leg, required extra time for recovery and medical treatment.
These setbacks in the shooting schedule were unavoidable, highlighting the lasting impact of Arness's wartime sacrifice on the production of the beloved television series.
Gunsmoke Toppled Gilligan's Island In The Ratings
In 1967, Gunsmoke struggled with poor ratings. CBS made a bold move for the era in television, replacing Gilligan's Island's time slot with Gunsmoke.
The decision was unpopular with Gilligan's Island fans but paid off as Gunsmoke's ratings rose, ultimately leading to Gilligan's Island's untimely cancellation. Gilligan's Island had aired for three seasons before its unfortunate end.
Ms. Kitty Was Not First Offered To Amanda Blake
Actress Polly Bond was the initial choice for the role of Ms. Kitty in Gunsmoke. However, she declined the offer as she had recently been married and desired to focus on settling into her new life.
Bond also shared a rare sentiment in that she did not want to earn more money than her husband, leading to the selection of Amanda Blake for the iconic character.
James Arness Replaced William Conrad Because He Looked Better
William Conrad portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon on the radio before the role transitioned to William Arness for the TV adaptation. Arness was chosen partly because the show's producers and CBS deemed him more physically appealing than Conrad.
This factor contributed to the decision to replace Conrad, leading to Arness becoming the iconic face of the character on television.
Gary Busey Was The Last One Standing
Gary Busey portrayed the final Gunsmoke character to meet their tragic demise in the long-running series.
Despite this role, Busey's career thrived, and he later became known for his memorable performances in movies such as Lethal Weapon, Point Break, and The Buddy Holly Story, earning him a reputation as a versatile and talented actor.
Kitty's Name Was Changed To Reflect Family Values
During the era when television was aggressively promoting family values, the character of Kitty Russell underwent a name change from Madame Kitty in the radio show to Miss Kitty in the televised adaptation.
This alteration occurred to distance her from her previous role as a professional madame in the radio version.
Politics Censored Gunsmoke's Intro
The opening credits of each episode of Gunsmoke until the early 70s featured a consistent scene, a dramatic gun duel pitting Marshall Dillon against another marksman.
However, these credits were eventually abandoned due to pressure from anti-violence groups and politicians who advocated for a change, reflecting a growing sensitivity towards on-screen violence during that era.
Arness Was A Prankster On Set
James Arness, the talented actor, was known for his mischievous pranks on the crew and cast members. While his infectious giggles caused occasional filming delays, his playful nature brought joy to the set. One such practical joke was while filming a scene where Arness is supposed to win a duel but lets the opponent win when the cameras start rolling.
Arness's ability to lighten the atmosphere made him a cherished presence both on and off the screen.
The Simpsons Are The New The Sheriffs In Town
Gunsmoke held the record as the longest-running scripted TV series, boasting an impressive 635 episodes across 20 seasons.
However, in April 2018, The Simpsons surpassed Gunsmoke's milestone, becoming the new reigning champion in terms of longevity, a testament to the enduring popularity of the animated sitcom. A record that stood for over 40 years.
Gunsmoke Ended Without A Bang
Gunsmoke bucked the trend of providing a series finale, leaving fans without closure. The decision not to continue beyond its 20th season caught executives, the crew, the cast, and fans by surprise.
With no planned finale, the last episode served as an ending by circumstance, catching everyone off guard and leaving the story unresolved.
Arness Starred In All 635 Episodes Of Gunsmoke
James Arness, the beloved Gunsmoke star, remarkably appeared in all 635 episodes of the iconic series. Even with war injuries and other afflictions, he never missed an episode in two decades, showcasing his dedication and resilience.
His commitment to the show remains an enduring testament to his talent, incredible physical and mental toughness, and professionalism.
Arthritis Had A Firm Grip Of Arness
Despite never missing a show, Gunsmoke star James Arness faced a constant battle with arthritis. The condition occasionally hindered him enough to cause filming delays.
In the last decade on set, his struggles became so severe that producers filmed all his scenes for the week in one day, allowing him the rest of the week to recover.
Burt Reynolds Was A Blacksmith For Three Seasons
Not many Burt Reynolds fans know or remember his time on Gunsmoke. Reynolds portrayed the character of Quint Asper, a blacksmith who became a part-time deputy.
He appeared in the role for three seasons from 1962-1965, leaving his mark on the long-running Western series before his successful film career took off.
Dennis Weaver Was The First Gunsmoke Actor Cast
Dennis Weaver made his mark on television when he was cast as Chester Goode, a loyal and lovable deputy, in the legendary Western show Gunsmoke.
Weaver's portrayal of Chester became an integral part of the series. He mesmerized audiences with his endearing quirks and distinctive limp. His memorable performance contributed to the enduring success of Gunsmoke.
Gunsmoke Topped The Ratings For Four Straight Seasons
Gunsmoke reigned supreme on the TV ratings charts for an impressive streak of four consecutive years.
However, when the executive decision was made to transition the show from a half-hour format to a full 60 minutes, there was a temporary dip in ratings. Nevertheless, Gunsmoke quickly regained its dominance in the late '60s until the early '70s.
Five Gunsmoke Movies Were Made
The Gunsmoke series achieved immense success and popularity, leading to the release of five movies.
James Arness, the show's leading actor, starred in all of the televised episodes as well as the big-screen adaptations of the series. The movies received mixed to highly critical reviews from audiences and critics. The five cinematic releases are Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994).
Getting Out Of Dodge Was Done By Gunsmoke First
An unknown fact about Gunsmoke is that the expression "Get out of Dodge" originated from the show itself. The line was frequently uttered by the character Marshal Matt Dillon, portrayed by James Arness, and directed at the villain to get out of Dodge City, where the show is set.
This iconic phrase became popularized in American vernacular, referring to leaving a dangerous or unpleasant situation.
Matt Dillon Had One Kiss In The Show's 20 Seasons
James Arness was chosen for the character of Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke partly due to his appearance. Surprisingly, despite the show's long run of 20 seasons, his character had only one on-screen kiss.
Contrary to fans' assumptions, it was not with Miss Kitty but with Michael Learned's character, May Lassiter, in the show's 18th season.
Dennis Weaver Created Chester's Limp
Gunsmoke producers advised Dennis Weaver to create a characteristic for his character on the show. Weaver devised the limp. The distinct gait became the defining feature of his role as Chester Goode.
His unique portrayal added depth to the character and made Chester memorable to audiences, contributing to Weaver's success in the classic TV Western series.
Chester Limped Through 290 Shows
Although Dennis Weaver initially second-guessed his idea to give his character a limp, he remained committed to the quirk. In all 290 episodes of Gunsmoke that he appeared in, Weaver stayed true to the limping portrayal of Chester Goode.
Despite the doubts and possible regret, his dedication to the character's distinctiveness made Chester's limp a staple of the show and a memorable trait in the series.
Ken Curtis Played Multiple Characters In The Series
Actor Ken Curtis played multiple characters in the series Gunsmoke alongside his original role as Festus Haggen.
Some of the additional characters he portrayed include the roles of Kyle Kelly, Buck Henry, and Tuck Frye. Curtis showcased his versatility by bringing distinct personalities to each of the many characters throughout the show.
Star Trek Stars Appeared In Separate Episodes
Four principal Star Trek actors made separate cameo appearances on Gunsmoke before attaining stardom on Star Trek.
William Shatner appeared in "Quaker Girl" (1957), Leonard Nimoy in "The Preacher" (1959), DeForest Kelley in "The Queue" (1959), and James Doohan in "Cattle Empire" (1963). Gunsmoke provided a platform for their future success.
Weaver Almost Was Never Cast As Chester
During his audition for the part of Chester in Gunsmoke, Dennis Weaver initially fell short with a lackluster performance.
Even so, after pleading for another chance, he seized the opportunity. Weaver's brilliant portrayal came to life when he tapped into his renowned country accent, ultimately winning over the show's higher-ups and securing the part.
Dillions' Horse Was Named Once In 20 Seasons
In Gunsmoke's 20-season run, Dillon's horse received only one name. Known as "Buck," the loyal steed stood by Marshal Matt Dillon's side throughout the iconic Western series.
Buck, a trusted companion, galloped through countless adventures, leaving an indelible hoofprint on the hearts of Gunsmoke fans who followed the show's thrilling escapades on horseback. Buck was also used in the Western Bonanza.
