The props and set were only part of what brought the world of Gunsmoke to life. The cast had a natural chemistry that allowed their characters to pop off the screen in brilliant ways. They were further brought together when a part of Dodge City left the set and went all of the way to space during the Apollo 8 mission. However, the most special part was that they each got to keep a part of history in the process.
‘Gunsmoke’ was the top-rated show on television L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Gunsmoke originally started as a radio show in 1952, which was adapted into a television show in 1955. Fortunately, it allowed the show to get off on the right foot, as there was already an established fan base that...
‘Gunsmoke’ was the top-rated show on television L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
Gunsmoke originally started as a radio show in 1952, which was adapted into a television show in 1955. Fortunately, it allowed the show to get off on the right foot, as there was already an established fan base that...
- 4/14/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke actor Burt Reynolds went from television to a major movie star and sex symbol. However, his successful career in feature films would have never happened without the wins that he got on projects, such as Gunsmoke. There, Reynolds worked hard on Gunsmoke along with the Western television show cast to make their performances look as “effortless” as possible for the longtime fans.
Burt Reynolds appeared in 50 ‘Gunsmoke’ episodes L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon, Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Reynolds first appeared on Gunsmoke as Quint Asper in season 8 episode 3, “Quint Asper Comes Home.” The 1962 episode follows the half-Native American character, who vows to take vengeance against all white men after a pair of them kill his father and threaten his mother. However, U.S. Marshal Matt...
Burt Reynolds appeared in 50 ‘Gunsmoke’ episodes L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon, Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Reynolds first appeared on Gunsmoke as Quint Asper in season 8 episode 3, “Quint Asper Comes Home.” The 1962 episode follows the half-Native American character, who vows to take vengeance against all white men after a pair of them kill his father and threaten his mother. However, U.S. Marshal Matt...
- 4/14/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke actor James Arness brought joy to audiences around the world with his portrayal of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. However, he was also a bright beam of light for the cast and crew that worked with him for many hours. In fact, many of them became like a family away from home. Arness made a point of making the same familiar faces feel special while filming the made-for-tv Gunsmoke movies.
James Arness returned for 5 ‘Gunsmoke’ movies L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amy Stoch as Beth Readon | CBS via Getty Images
Arness was one of the original Gunsmoke cast members, which also included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. They started working together from the very first episode that aired in 1955 based on the radio show until its final episode hit television screens in 1975. CBS suddenly canceled the show,...
James Arness returned for 5 ‘Gunsmoke’ movies L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amy Stoch as Beth Readon | CBS via Getty Images
Arness was one of the original Gunsmoke cast members, which also included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. They started working together from the very first episode that aired in 1955 based on the radio show until its final episode hit television screens in 1975. CBS suddenly canceled the show,...
- 4/8/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Actor James Arness played U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke for many years. However, he once admitted that it took some time for him to settle into the role, seeking out an acting coach to get over his anxiety. Arness still managed to make the role his own, putting a spin on the character that delighted Western television fans. Arness had a simple way of transforming into Matt on the set.
‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness evolved Matt Dillon James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke originally started as a radio show that started in 1952 and ran until 1961. The adult Western made its way to television in 1955, employing a different set of actors to fit the new medium. Arness, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode were the original cast members to kick it off.
Arness evolved...
‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness evolved Matt Dillon James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke originally started as a radio show that started in 1952 and ran until 1961. The adult Western made its way to television in 1955, employing a different set of actors to fit the new medium. Arness, Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode were the original cast members to kick it off.
Arness evolved...
- 4/7/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke set a record as the longest-running scripted television show on primetime with 20 seasons under its belt between 1955 and 1975. It went down in history as one of the greatest Western dramas ever to hit the screen, but some fans would argue that the awards season didn’t give it the attention that it deserved. Gunsmoke won five Emmy Awards over its 20 seasons, although none of them went to lead actor James Arness.
‘Gunsmoke’ had a terrific ensemble cast L-R: Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode, and Milburn Stone as Dr. Galen ‘Doc’ Adams | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke initially started as a radio show in 1952 before it made its way to television. Diehard fans of the radio show were upset to hear that the voice cast wouldn’t return to play the iconic characters on television. Nevertheless, Gunsmoke...
‘Gunsmoke’ had a terrific ensemble cast L-R: Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode, and Milburn Stone as Dr. Galen ‘Doc’ Adams | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke initially started as a radio show in 1952 before it made its way to television. Diehard fans of the radio show were upset to hear that the voice cast wouldn’t return to play the iconic characters on television. Nevertheless, Gunsmoke...
- 4/2/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Actor James Arness became the face of Gunsmoke and the Western genre on television. The show ran for an incredible 20 seasons, cementing the show in the medium’s history forever as one of the longest-running series out there. Arness carried a commanding presence on the screen, and it wasn’t only because of his height. In one specific episode, the production made him look smaller in order to make a villain appear bigger.
‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness was 6’7″ tall James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke featured Arness in the leading role of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. His real-life height certainly made him stand out from the pack, as he stood at 6’7″ tall. Arness started out in theater before moving over into feature films and television, but he had some difficulty making it work in Hollywood. No leading men wanted to work alongside him because his...
‘Gunsmoke’ actor James Arness was 6’7″ tall James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke featured Arness in the leading role of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. His real-life height certainly made him stand out from the pack, as he stood at 6’7″ tall. Arness started out in theater before moving over into feature films and television, but he had some difficulty making it work in Hollywood. No leading men wanted to work alongside him because his...
- 4/1/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Lone Ranger is an American Western drama that aired on television from 1949 until 1957. It starred Clayton Moore in the starring role, who was temporarily replaced by John Hart, as well as Jay Silverheels starring in the supporting role of Tonto. Here’s a list of five other television shows to watch if The Lone Ranger had you hooked to your screen.
L-r: Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto | Getty Images ‘The Rifleman’ (1958-1963) L-r: Chuck Connors as Lucas and Johnny Crawford as Mark McCain | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
The Rifleman follows the various adventures of a Wild West rancher Lucas McCain played by Chuck Connors, who travels with his son, Mark McCain, and a rapid-fire Winchester file in hand. Johnny Crawford starred as his son in what became one of the first primetime television shows to display a single parent raising a child.
L-r: Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels as Tonto | Getty Images ‘The Rifleman’ (1958-1963) L-r: Chuck Connors as Lucas and Johnny Crawford as Mark McCain | ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
The Rifleman follows the various adventures of a Wild West rancher Lucas McCain played by Chuck Connors, who travels with his son, Mark McCain, and a rapid-fire Winchester file in hand. Johnny Crawford starred as his son in what became one of the first primetime television shows to display a single parent raising a child.
- 3/28/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke Season 3 was the first to hit the top rank in the ratings from 1957 to 1958, landing it the most coveted spot in all of television. This is a feat that CBS would achieve consecutively over the next few years, marking the most successful years in the show’s history. Here’s a look at the 5 best-rated Gunsmoke episodes from season 3, according to IMDb.
‘Crack-Up’ L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell | CBS
IMDb Rating: 8.2
“Crack-Up” aired on Sept. 14, 1957, as the first episode of Gunsmoke Season 3.
A gunman named Nate Springer (John Dehner) spells out trouble for Dodge City when he arrives with the intention of killing somebody. However, he has a certain hesitance that tips U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) off that there’s more to the story. He decides to get to the bottom of who hired him and what is making the professional so nervous.
‘Crack-Up’ L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell | CBS
IMDb Rating: 8.2
“Crack-Up” aired on Sept. 14, 1957, as the first episode of Gunsmoke Season 3.
A gunman named Nate Springer (John Dehner) spells out trouble for Dodge City when he arrives with the intention of killing somebody. However, he has a certain hesitance that tips U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) off that there’s more to the story. He decides to get to the bottom of who hired him and what is making the professional so nervous.
- 3/22/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke ran on CBS for 20 seasons between the years 1955 and 1975. The show remained consistent in the ensemble cast’s charm that pulled audiences in over time, but there were several changes that occurred over the series’ long run. Gunsmoke lead U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) used the same gun in every episode, except a major one in season 1.
‘Gunsmoke’ lead Matt Dillon didn’t enjoy killing with his gun L-r: Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen and James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
The difference between the Gunsmoke radio and television shows was initially quite negligible in the early days. As the adaptation moved along, it started to find its own footing and made some notable changes, some of which involved the medium itself. The radio series included more of a narration, while the television show put greater focus on the way that Matt handles the violence unfolding around him.
‘Gunsmoke’ lead Matt Dillon didn’t enjoy killing with his gun L-r: Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen and James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
The difference between the Gunsmoke radio and television shows was initially quite negligible in the early days. As the adaptation moved along, it started to find its own footing and made some notable changes, some of which involved the medium itself. The radio series included more of a narration, while the television show put greater focus on the way that Matt handles the violence unfolding around him.
- 3/16/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke is the longest-running Western television show of all time, but its legacy continues to live on in contemporary media. It ran for 20 seasons, starting in 1955 until 1975, which is largely thanks to the early seasons that put it on the map. Here’s a look at the five best episodes from Gunsmoke Season 2, according to IMDb users.
5. ‘Bloody Hands’ James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Gunsmoke Season 2 Episode 21, “Bloody Hands,” aired on CBS on Feb. 16, 1957. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) shot and killed several members of an outlaw gang in self-defense, but the impact of such violence weighs heavy on him. He reflects on whether the job is worth it, while a gunman named Stanger (Russell Johnson) appears seeking revenge for his friends.
“Bloody Hands” was one of the Gunsmoke episodes that truly demonstrated the show’s more adult approach to the Western television genre. It...
5. ‘Bloody Hands’ James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS
IMDb Rating: 8.2
Gunsmoke Season 2 Episode 21, “Bloody Hands,” aired on CBS on Feb. 16, 1957. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) shot and killed several members of an outlaw gang in self-defense, but the impact of such violence weighs heavy on him. He reflects on whether the job is worth it, while a gunman named Stanger (Russell Johnson) appears seeking revenge for his friends.
“Bloody Hands” was one of the Gunsmoke episodes that truly demonstrated the show’s more adult approach to the Western television genre. It...
- 3/15/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The first season of Gunsmoke brought the popular radio show to television screens across the country on CBS. It initially remained fairly close to its original iteration before it started to move in its own direction. Nevertheless, Gunsmoke became the most popular show on television, initially starting with episodes from season 1 in 1955. Here are the top 5 best-rated episodes, according to users on IMDb.
Episode 1: ‘Matt Gets It’ James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
The first Gunsmoke episodes performed rather well with audiences who became longtime fans. “Matt Gets It” was the first to ever air on Sept. 10, 1955, earning an impressive 8.2 score.
“Matt Gets It” follows U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) after taking what appears to be a potentially fatal wound while attempting to arrest a talented gunfighter named Dan Grat (Paul Richards). The antagonist continues to cause havoc around Dodge City, but Doc Adams...
Episode 1: ‘Matt Gets It’ James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images
The first Gunsmoke episodes performed rather well with audiences who became longtime fans. “Matt Gets It” was the first to ever air on Sept. 10, 1955, earning an impressive 8.2 score.
“Matt Gets It” follows U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) after taking what appears to be a potentially fatal wound while attempting to arrest a talented gunfighter named Dan Grat (Paul Richards). The antagonist continues to cause havoc around Dodge City, but Doc Adams...
- 3/12/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Each Gunsmoke episode aimed to transport its audience into Dodge City along with its vibrant, likable cast of adult Western characters. However, it wasn’t always the same set that viewers became familiar with that established the territory that U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon sought to maintain justice in. Gunsmoke Season 1 Episode 26 looked quite different due to a history that placed it ahead of the pilot.
‘Gunsmoke’ Season 1 Episode 26 was the real pilot James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
According to IMDb, Gunsmoke Season 1 Episode 26 was actually the first episode ever shot, intended to be the pilot. It was shown as the 26th segment of the first season, but “Matt Gets It” aired as the pilot on Sept. 10, 1955.
The Charles Marquis Warren-directed Gunsmoke pilot followed James Arness’ Matt after taking a nearly-fatal wound in pursuit of a skillful gunman named Dan Grat (Paul Richards). Doc Adams...
‘Gunsmoke’ Season 1 Episode 26 was the real pilot James Arness as Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
According to IMDb, Gunsmoke Season 1 Episode 26 was actually the first episode ever shot, intended to be the pilot. It was shown as the 26th segment of the first season, but “Matt Gets It” aired as the pilot on Sept. 10, 1955.
The Charles Marquis Warren-directed Gunsmoke pilot followed James Arness’ Matt after taking a nearly-fatal wound in pursuit of a skillful gunman named Dan Grat (Paul Richards). Doc Adams...
- 3/10/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke actor James Arness had quite the journey playing U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon over the course of the Western television series. It embraced adult themes, but it didn’t necessarily alienate younger audiences, either. The Western show developed a loyal fan base that continue to watch it long after it left the air. In the early days, Matt slapped another character in the face for the first time in a truly memorable scene involving an intense confrontation.
‘Gunsmoke’ lead Matt Dillon turned to violence when necessary James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Unlike some later additions to Gunsmoke, Matt originated from the classic 1952 radio show. Arness was brought on board to play the iconic character from the first episode. Other original characters included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. However, the television...
‘Gunsmoke’ lead Matt Dillon turned to violence when necessary James Arness as U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon | CBS via Getty Images
Unlike some later additions to Gunsmoke, Matt originated from the classic 1952 radio show. Arness was brought on board to play the iconic character from the first episode. Other original characters included Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell, Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode. However, the television...
- 3/8/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke became one of the most popular television shows of all time. The adult Western captured the hearts of people around the world thanks to its endearing cast of vibrant characters, as well as the world it built with Dodge City. However, the production didn’t forget its roots. The Gunsmoke series premiere had an Easter egg seen in the background that tipped its hat back at the original radio show.
‘Gunsmoke’ Season 1 Episode 1 pits Matt Dillon against Dan Grat L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Ben Cooper as Breck Taylor | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Matt Gets It,” first aired on CBS on Sept. 10, 1955. Charles Marquis Warren developed the show for television, but his involvement didn’t end there. He also directed and wrote the screenplay for the pilot.
U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) gets badly wounded when he’s trying to arrest...
‘Gunsmoke’ Season 1 Episode 1 pits Matt Dillon against Dan Grat L-r: James Arness as Matt Dillon and Ben Cooper as Breck Taylor | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke Season 1 Episode 1, titled “Matt Gets It,” first aired on CBS on Sept. 10, 1955. Charles Marquis Warren developed the show for television, but his involvement didn’t end there. He also directed and wrote the screenplay for the pilot.
U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) gets badly wounded when he’s trying to arrest...
- 2/26/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke actor James Arness made his big break into fame thanks to the Western television show playing U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. However, he gained more than a stable job with joining the cast; he joined a family. The Gunsmoke cast grew incredibly close, but they were shocked to discover a major surprise on the premiere episode that shocked them all when they watched it together.
‘Gunsmoke’ first premiered in 1955 L-r: Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode and Milburn Stone as Dr. Galen ‘Doc’ Adams | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke originated on the radio, first airing on April 26, 1952, but it was destined to find another medium. The Western story in Dodge City moved from radio to television on Sept. 10, 1955, although it required the decision-makers to recast the vibrant characters. The original cast perfectly portrayed their roles, but there was an...
‘Gunsmoke’ first premiered in 1955 L-r: Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon, Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode and Milburn Stone as Dr. Galen ‘Doc’ Adams | CBS via Getty Images
Gunsmoke originated on the radio, first airing on April 26, 1952, but it was destined to find another medium. The Western story in Dodge City moved from radio to television on Sept. 10, 1955, although it required the decision-makers to recast the vibrant characters. The original cast perfectly portrayed their roles, but there was an...
- 2/24/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.