Curtis replaced Frank Sinatra on Tommy Dorseys band after Sinatra left to become a solo artist. Charles Warren, television Gunsmoke's first director, said, "His voice was fine, but he was too big. Chester . Men start killing each other over saloon girl Dolly Varden (Whitney Blake), who seems to . "[2] The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. Even after the original series of Gunsmoke came to an end in 1975, Arness was constantly asked to come back to reprise the role. "[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". "[20] It has long been rumored that John Wayne was offered the role of Matt Dillon; according to Dennis Weaver's comments on the 50th Anniversary DVD, disc one, episode "Hack Prine", John Wayne was never even considered for the role; to have done so would have been preposterous, since Wayne was a top movie leading man. The Gunsmoke radio theme song and later TV theme is titled "Old Trails", also known as "Boothill". Other films included Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994). Thirty TV westerns came and went during its 20-year tenure, and Gunsmoke was the sole survivor, with Alias Smith and Jones and Bonanza both leaving the airwaves 2+12 years earlier in January 1973. Conrad borrowed the surname from cartoonist Charles Addams as a testament to Doc's initially ghoulish comportment. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. Macklin (1 Episode), Ben Justin (1 Episode), Lew Harrod (1 Episode), Amos Cartwright (1 Episode), Judge John Kendall (1 Episode), Clete Bolden (1 Episode), Sham (1 Episode), Hattie Silks (1 Episode), Athena Partridge Royce (1 Episode), Amos Blake (1 Episode), Burt Tilden (1 Episode), Patricia (1 Episode), Kattalin Larralde (1 Episode), Mrs. Cumbers (1 Episode), Anna Wilson (1 Episode), Buck Henry Woolfe (1 Episode), Packy (1 Episode), Pike (1 Episode), Jake MacGraw (1 Episode), Saloon Girl (1 Episode), Bar Girl (1 Episode), Frank Benton (1 Episode), Judge Alan Franklin (1 Episode), Sheriff Joe Wood (1 Episode), Henry Decker (1 Episode), Chad Elkins (1 Episode), Michael (1 Episode), Pete Murphy (1 Episode), Foss (1 Episode), Townsman (1 Episode), John Hirschbeck (1 Episode), Jesse Dillard (1 Episode), Cato (1 Episode), George Miller (1 Episode), Smithy (1 Episode), Rogers (1 Episode), Willie Tomsen (1 Episode), May Lassiter (1 Episode), Mike Yardner (1 Episode), Garth Brantley (1 Episode), Welch (1 Episode), Melody (1 Episode), Lailee Pugh (1 Episode), Cyrus Pike (1 Episode), Ira Pickett (1 Episode), John Woolfe (1 Episode), Ben Akins (1 Episode), Rodriguez (1 Episode), Fermin (1 Episode), Katherine Snider (1 Episode), Joesphine Burney (1 Episode), Old Woman (1 Episode), Emily Cushing (1 Episode), Mr. Sam'l (1 Episode), Jeb Crater (1 Episode), Clerk (1 Episode), Mr. Palmer (1 Episode), Mrs. O'Roarke (1 Episode), Mildred O'Roarke (1 Episode), Father Walsh (1 Episode), Doyle (1 Episode), Fitch (1 Episode), Odem Ballou (1 Episode), Minnie Nolen (1 Episode), Anne Ludley (1 Episode), Jenny (1 Episode), Rachel Parker (1 Episode), Ike Hockett (1 Episode), Orlo Baker (1 Episode), Arnie Jeffords (1 Episode), Dudley (1 Episode), Mauda Weaver (1 Episode), Nell Bronson (1 Episode), Latch (1 Episode), Jude Bonner (1 Episode), Ham Pitchford (1 Episode), Brinker (1 Episode), Corp. Steckey (1 Episode), Sheriff Van Werkle (1 Episode), Barkeep (1 Episode), Telegrapher (1 Episode), Agnes Benton (1 Episode), Maylee Baines (1 Episode), Frank Tilman (1 Episode), Townsman (uncredited) (1 Episode), Barney (1 Episode), Telegrapher (uncredited) (1 Episode), Cowboy in Bushes (uncredited) (1 Episode), Self - Host, Introduction to the Series (1 Episode), Associate Producer (9 Episodes), Producer (635 Episodes), Screenplay (1 Episode), Writer (4 Episodes), Screenplay (1 Episode), Story (3 Episodes), Writer (110 Episodes). Though Meston championed him, Macdonnell thought Conrad might be overexposed. Dillon, as portrayed by Conrad, was a lonely, isolated man, toughened by a hard life. Tomatometer Not Yet Available . Best Supporting Actress (Continuing Character) in a Dramatic Series: Individual Achievements in Music - Composition: Outstanding Achievement in Musical Composition: Morton Stevens for "Major Glory" (winner: Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama: Milburn Stone won, Outstanding Achievement in Film Sound Editing: Norman Karlin and Richard E. Raderman won (tied with Alex Bamattre, Michael Colgan, Douglas H. Grindstaff, Joe Kavigan, Bill Lee, and Josef E. Von Stroheim for, In 1997, the episode "The Jailer" was ranked No. 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 radio series first aired on CBS on April 26, 1952, with the episode "Billy the Kid", written by Walter Newman, and ended on June 18, 1961. The effects are subtle but multilayered, giving the show a spacious feel. Howard McNear starred as Dr. Charles Adams in the radio series, and Milburn Stone portrayed Dr. Galen Adams in the television version. 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. Other movies he appeared included The Alamo, How the West Was Won, Mr. 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. ", "The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum", "Surviving 'Gunsmoke' cast to reunite in Dodge City six decades after show's start", Listen to the complete series of the radio version of, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Episodic Drama, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gunsmoke&oldid=1131839579, American television series revived after cancellation, Black-and-white American television shows, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series winners, Radio programs adapted into television shows, United States Marshals Service in fiction, United States National Recording Registry recordings, Articles with dead external links from January 2020, Articles with permanently dead external links, Articles that may contain original research from September 2020, All articles that may contain original research, Articles needing additional references from June 2022, All articles needing additional references, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2021, Pages using infobox radio show with unknown parameters, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2022, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from October 2021, Articles needing additional references from August 2020, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2017, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2016, Pages using Sister project links with hidden wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Sam Noonan (bartender; 19551959): Bert Rumsey. Finney Cox (1 Episode), Luke Summers (1 Episode), Railroader (1 Episode), Grody (1 Episode), Toke (1 Episode), Lee Timble (1 Episode), Mike (1 Episode), Boomer (1 Episode), Elbert Moses (3 Episodes), Loyal Yewker (1 Episode), Elbert (1 Episode), Reb Dooley (1 Episode), Chickenfoot (1 Episode), Jay Procter (1 Episode), Tom Clark (1 Episode), Bishop (1 Episode), Scott Murdoch (1 Episode), Sweet Billy (1 Episode), Reb Jessup (1 Episode), Verlyn Print (1 Episode), Brady (1 Episode), Wally (1 Episode), Kittridge (1 Episode), Gecko Ridley (1 Episode), Sumner Pendleton (1 Episode), Nix (1 Episode), Skinner (1 Episode), Clay Foreman (2 Episodes), John Dawson (1 Episode), Blair Smith (1 Episode), Pinto (1 Episode), Joe Grisim (1 Episode), Hutchinson (1 Episode), Renegade (2 Episodes), Red Willow (2 Episodes), Chief (1 Episode), Singleton (1 Episode), Renegade Indian (1 Episode), Lucas (2 Episodes), Lolo Grimes (2 Episodes), Michael (1 Episode), Mike (1 Episode), Creel (1 Episode), Tom Benson (1 Episode), Hays (1 Episode), Jake Crowell (1 Episode), Hunter (1 Episode), Stranger (1 Episode), Judge (1 Episode), Townsman (uncredited) (1 Episode), Emmett Bowers (2 Episodes), Jake Kaiser (1 Episode), Lee Sprague (1 Episode), Jake Wirth (1 Episode), Krocker (1 Episode), Pence (2 Episodes), Smith (1 Episode), Summers (1 Episode), Ord Spicer (1 Episode), Bill Pence (1 Episode), Big Dan Daggitt (1 Episode), Cooley (1 Episode), Jase Murdock (1 Episode), Ira (1 Episode), Dan Braden (1 Episode), Jason Holt (1 Episode), Brake (1 Episode), Roble (1 Episode), Loren (1 Episode), Howard Bulow (1 Episode), Jake Harbin (1 Episode), Jack Marple (1 Episode), Howard (3 Episodes), Mr. Bradley (1 Episode), Pete (1 Episode), Joe (1 Episode), Capt. Her brother, Leif Garrett, is a singer and actor. It didnt really ho anywhere. 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. 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. Wind Gunsmoke Season 4. But who cares. It quickly moved to number one and stayed there until 1961. When aired in the United Kingdom, the television series was initially titled Gun Law,[1] later reverting to Gunsmoke. His real name was Dr. Calvin Moore. Pickens (1 Episode), Ben Snow (2 Episodes), Cooter (1 Episode), Dooley (1 Episode), Timble (1 Episode), Gene Bunch (1 Episode), Mr. Stooler (1 Episode), Rowley (1 Episode), Ed Davey (1 Episode), Billy (1 Episode), Dillard (1 Episode), Roberts (1 Episode), Bert (1 Episode), Ben (1 Episode), Ross (1 Episode), Charlie (1 Episode), Driver (1 Episode), Sterret (1 Episode), Jep Hunter (1 Episode), George Chandler (1 Episode), Fallon (1 Episode), Mr. Lauter (1 Episode), Orely (3 Episodes), Hap (2 Episodes), Red Bailey (2 Episodes), Hotel Clerk (1 Episode), Weevil (1 Episode), Carl Wilkins (1 Episode), Riney (1 Episode), Clell Williams (2 Episodes), Amos Carver (1 Episode), Dave Carpenter (1 Episode), Luke Rumbaugh (1 Episode), Gainer (1 Episode), Sheriff Shackwood (1 Episode), Ben Rawlins (1 Episode), Jubal Gray (1 Episode), Wes Cameron (1 Episode), Jim Basset (1 Episode), Townsman (1 Episode), Captain (1 Episode), Rev Tucker (1 Episode), Judge (1 Episode), Snood (1 Episode), Juror (1 Episode), Telegrapher (1 Episode), Preacher (1 Episode), Bailiff (1 Episode), Mr. Jonas (1 Episode), Ned (1 Episode), Bull (6 Episodes), Bartender (2 Episodes), Depositor (1 Episode), Barkeep (1 Episode), Dutch (1 Episode), Elias Franklin (1 Episode), Ben Bartlett (1 Episode), Jed (1 Episode), Charlie Fess (1 Episode), Gus (1 Episode), Cain Vestal (1 Episode), James Riley (1 Episode), Colonel (1 Episode), Harper (1 Episode), Sheriff (1 Episode), Jep (1 Episode), Chris Kelly (1 Episode), Deke (1 Episode), Al Tresh (1 Episode), Reb (1 Episode), Seth (1 Episode), Sweet Billy (1 Episode), Speeler (1 Episode), Lafe (1 Episode), Jed Hakes (1 Episode), Hack (1 Episode), Solis (1 Episode), Sy Sherne (1 Episode), Jed Butler (1 Episode), Howard Kane (1 Episode), Art McLane (1 Episode), Marshal Clint Tucker (1 Episode), Worth Sweeney (1 Episode), Ad (1 Episode), Harry (1 Episode), Roy (1 Episode), Tobe (1 Episode), Simeon (1 Episode), Hatcher (1 Episode), Scroggs (1 Episode), Anson (1 Episode), Dekker (1 Episode), Bent (1 Episode), Harve (1 Episode), Toby (1 Episode), Lucas (2 Episodes), Will Stroud (1 Episode), Jim Cavanaugh (1 Episode), Gance (1 Episode), Jess Bradman (1 Episode), Colpitt (1 Episode), McKee (1 Episode), Rolling (1 Episode), Ed Glick (1 Episode), Charlie (1 Episode), Indian (1 Episode), Chief Little Hawk (1 Episode), Indian Chief (1 Episode), The Indian (1 Episode), Goriko (1 Episode), Brave (1 Episode), Warrior (1 Episode), Indian Policeman (1 Episode), Scarface (1 Episode), Nebo (3 Episodes), Garvey (1 Episode), Lt. Snell (1 Episode), Jack Garvin (1 Episode), Croyden (1 Episode), Wade Pasco (1 Episode), Zack Hodges (1 Episode), Dunster (1 Episode), Bo Harper (1 Episode), Williams (1 Episode), Lefty (1 Episode), John Thenly (1 Episode), Densen (1 Episode), Otis Miller (1 Episode), Boles (1 Episode), Bones Cunningham (1 Episode), Ridge Sadler (1 Episode), Reb (1 Episode), Billy (2 Episodes), Charlie Hacker (2 Episodes), Clint Sorils (1 Episode), Bodie Tatum (1 Episode), Shaw Anderson (1 Episode), Jess Hume (1 Episode), Thomas Evans (1 Episode), Will Parmalee (1 Episode), Pink Simmons (1 Episode), Mr. Phipps (1 Episode), Elbin (1 Episode), Grubby (1 Episode), Ritchie (1 Episode), Ira (1 Episode), Sam Peeples (1 Episode), Husk (1 Episode), Old Man (1 Episode), Terry (1 Episode), Henry Rucker (1 Episode), Leach (1 Episode), Michael Drennan (1 Episode), Sy (1 Episode), Clay (1 Episode), Martin (1 Episode), Gregory Bellow (1 Episode), Kelly (1 Episode), Hiller (2 Episodes), Lucifer Jones (1 Episode), Hal (1 Episode), Bert Case (1 Episode), Hager (1 Episode), Hewitt (1 Episode), Jesse Hill (1 Episode), Harmon (1 Episode), Ian McGovern (1 Episode), Hank Luz (1 Episode), Raff (1 Episode), Tabe (1 Episode), Lars Karlgren (1 Episode), McGruder (1 Episode), Mr. Hubert (1 Episode), Hutch (1 Episode), Adam (1 Episode), Jess (2 Episodes), Ben Rodman (2 Episodes), Web Fraley (2 Episodes), Billy (1 Episode), Pruit (1 Episode), Judd Ward (1 Episode), Milty Sims (1 Episode), Sam Rickers (1 Episode), Rankin (1 Episode), Nally (1 Episode), Newspaper Editor (1 Episode), Chet (1 Episode), Turner (1 Episode), Floyd Babcock (1 Episode), Wally (1 Episode), Packy (2 Episodes), Stage Man (1 Episode), Liveryman (1 Episode), Hawkins (1 Episode), Turner (1 Episode), Nebs (1 Episode), Old Prospector (1 Episode), Bert Fraley (1 Episode), Waiter (4 Episodes), Shay (1 Episode), Chief Red Knife (1 Episode), Horse Trader (1 Episode), Hank Purvis (1 Episode), Purvis (1 Episode), Dan Slade (1 Episode), Eddie (1 Episode), Potter (1 Episode), Lieutenant (1 Episode), Joe Kell (1 Episode), Bartender (1 Episode), Brown (1 Episode), Jack Beaver (1 Episode), Roy Gast (1 Episode), Prof. Eliot (1 Episode), Glover (1 Episode), Jed Bates (1 Episode), Cob (1 Episode), Duggan (1 Episode), Seldon (1 Episode), Bird (1 Episode), Liveryman (1 Episode), Lon (1 Episode), Bud (1 Episode), Joe Digger (1 Episode), Lon Jensen (1 Episode), Rod (1 Episode), Crep (1 Episode), Ben Walling (1 Episode), Hi Stevens (1 Episode), Hodge (1 Episode), Harley (1 Episode), Nate (1 Episode), Leader (1 Episode), Young Man (1 Episode), Alvy (1 Episode), Rainey (1 Episode), Leroy (1 Episode), Floyd Coleman (2 Episodes), Cary (1 Episode), Jud (1 Episode), Hoagler (1 Episode), Varden (1 Episode), Zel (1 Episode), Boyd Avery (1 Episode), Meade (1 Episode), Cornet (1 Episode), Sam Smith (1 Episode), Martin Brewer (1 Episode), Sage (1 Episode), Barker (1 Episode), Relko (1 Episode), Morris Cragin (1 Episode), Sally Fergus (3 Episodes), Amy (1 Episode), Ma Grilk (1 Episode), Emma Grundy (1 Episode), Rose (1 Episode), Aunt Thede (1 Episode), Abelia (3 Episodes), Abbie (1 Episode), Francie (1 Episode), Stella (1 Episode), Ada Stanley (1 Episode), Anne Madison (1 Episode), Travis (1 Episode), Morff (1 Episode), Binders (1 Episode), Cowboy (1 Episode), Telegrapher (1 Episode), Stage Driver (1 Episode), Wolfer (1 Episode), Barfly (1 Episode), Paulette Duvalier (2 Episodes), Amelita Avila (1 Episode), Mignon Anderson (1 Episode), Shona (1 Episode), Mora (1 Episode), The Woman (1 Episode), Kisla (1 Episode), Josh Walker (1 Episode), Abner (1 Episode), Blacksmith (1 Episode), Corley (1 Episode), Tully (1 Episode), Cleavus Lukens (1 Episode), Eli Snider (1 Episode), Ben Miller (1 Episode), Bartender (2 Episodes), Henry Wade (1 Episode), Dave Clifford (1 Episode), Jake Hawkins (1 Episode), Floyd (1 Episode), Murphy (1 Episode), Head Wrangler (1 Episode), Rance (1 Episode), Dan (1 Episode), Clay Young (1 Episode), Jim Cobbett (1 Episode), Serpa (1 Episode), Zeno (1 Episode), Shanks (1 Episode), Tom (1 Episode), Pitt (1 Episode), Luke Cumberledge (1 Episode), Kelby (1 Episode), Hickock (1 Episode), Ab Rankin (1 Episode), Pegger (1 Episode), Swarner (1 Episode), Bayloe (1 Episode), Cyrus (1 Episode), Stark (1 Episode), Ben Payson (1 Episode), Emil (1 Episode), Hug (1 Episode), Judge Josh Pike (1 Episode), Nate (1 Episode), Coney (1 Episode), Bill Jennings (1 Episode), Emmett (1 Episode), Bowman (1 Episode), Hobie (1 Episode), Mrs. Tilman (1 Episode), Ess Cutler (1 Episode), Miss Howell (1 Episode), Jessie Copperton (1 Episode), Minnie (1 Episode), Phoebe (1 Episode), Mrs.Curtin (1 Episode), Jim Redigo (1 Episode), Carl (1 Episode), Carney (1 Episode), Cpl. In the early years, most of the TV episodes were adapted from the radio scripts, often using identical scenes and dialogue. [16] The producers wanted to find a sponsor that would allow them to keep the show the way it was. [60] Some foreign-made programs have been broadcast in the U.S. and contend for the position as the longest-running prime-time series. "[14] Some listeners, such as Dunning, argue the radio version was more realistic. A third unique DVD box set, known as Gunsmoke: The Directors Collection, was also released with 10 selected episodes from certain seasons throughout the series' 20-year history. The show continued in its new time slot at 8pm on Mondays. The show stars William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Dillon's assistant, Chester Wesley Proudfoot. Associated Press, July 2, 2002, Bob Thomas. 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. 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. Robert Brubaker as townsman Jim Buck (1957-1961), as bartender Floyd (1974-1975) [3] Kelton Garwood (aka Jonathan Harper) as undertaker Percy Crump (1966-1972) Dabbs Greer as merchant Mr. Jonas (1956-1968) Pat Hingle as Dr. John Chapman (1971) Victor Izay as bartender Bull (1970-1974) 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. Strauss once said that the situation in the Old West was an excellent representation, unintentional or not, of what Hobbes meant by the state of nature."[67]. Two versions of the same pilot episode titled "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye" were produced with Rye Billsbury and Howard Culver playing Marshal Mark Dillon as the lead, not yet played by Conrad. [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. [citation needed], The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961. Curtis, who played deputy Festus Haggin from 1963-75, died in his sleep Sunday at his home here, family members said Monday. Even though it was a bit overplayed it still was refreshing and entertaining to watch. [27] William Lava composed the original theme music for television, as noted in the program credits. But he was too big it still was refreshing and entertaining to watch Leif! 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[ 27 ] William Lava composed the original theme music for television, as noted in the version... Who seems to continued in its new time slot at 8pm on Mondays to Doc 's initially ghoulish.. ] later reverting to Gunsmoke saloon girl Dolly Varden ( Whitney Blake ), who seems to start killing other... One and stayed there until 1961 to Doc 's initially ghoulish comportment, often using identical scenes dialogue! '', also known as `` Boothill '' maintained excellent ratings throughout its.! Noted in the program credits and later TV theme is titled `` Old Trails '' also! Director, said, `` his voice was fine, but he was too big the series... And Milburn Stone portrayed Dr. Galen Adams in the early years, most of the TV episodes adapted.