gunsmoke

gunsmoke The news that legendary western star James Arness’ death has saddened a generation. The 88 year old actor’s role as Sheriff Matt Dillon on the record breaking TV series Gunsmoke brought the 6 foot 6 star into every living room in America during the heyday of the western. Arness’ death of natural causes at his home in Brentwood was announced by family spokeswoman Ginny Fazer. And for those of us old enough to remember Gunsmoke on a black and white television, James took a bit of all of us into his sunset. These days the in vogue action TV series just has to have non-stop car chases, gunfire, and/or up in your face sex and violence – but there was a time. Draw Partner My first recollection of Matt Dillon and Gunsmoke dates back into the stone age of television, viewing the opening gunfight segment in my Grandfather’s living room


– a weekly tradition, I assure you. Debuting in 1955, Gunsmoke went on to become the longest running and most successful TV series ever. Originally a radio show, Gunsmoke quickly garnered a relatively massive following for the time. When the show was taken off the air in 1975, no other TV icon left such an imprint. The relatively rare footage below of the opening segment I spoke of features the show intro, a fascinating Dristan commercial, upcoming preview featuring none other than the lovable Festus (played by Ken Curtis), and Amanda Blake as well. Imagine if you will, this opening gunfight scene on an old RCA black and white. It’s 1960 in your Grandpa’s living room – complete quiet and stillness is demanded (this is the newfangled age of TV you know?). A skinny little 5 year old stands in front of the TV (the only human being alive allowed to get in front of Gunsmoke) – he gets into showdown position – eyes narrowed, legs shoulder width apart, hand resting just above his ivory handled Colt 45 (imaginary of course) – then the quick draw from the tenderfoot and Marshall Matt Dillon… “He shot you, you’re dead, sit down and be quiet!” A short lived gunfighter existence, until next week that is. Springboard to Stardom And so it was in millions of households, for almost two decades. James Arness, a fine actor in feature films as well, personified what the strength and adventure of the Old West meant for every Baby Boomer who ever lived basically. And in keeping, the younger reader should know, so much information and so many tidbits of interesting facts surround Arness and this show. Also, Arness was not only a

TV hero, but a real live one too, having been awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his part in the Anzio Landings of WWII. It will probably surprise even those unfamiliar with the genre or the series to know, screen legend John Wayne was sought after to play the role of Matt Dillon, but ultimately only tried convincing Arness to take the role. A decision and advice that led Arness to become one of the wealthiest entertainers who ever lived, interestingly. And if you ever decide to catch the old episodes of Gunsmoke late nights, the list of stars either introduced by the series, or headliners presented, reads like a who’s who of Hollywood. One such intro in 1962, of one Burt Reynolds as the “halfbreed” blacksmith Quint Asper, led to a giant of a career.

gunsmoke