As of this writing, Gunsmoke holds the distinction not only of being the longest-running TV western series, but also the longest-running dramatic series in network television history. The program began life in 1952 as a CBS radio program, set in Dodge City, Kansas in the 1870s. The radio version, which lasted until 1961, starred William Conrad as US Marshal Matt Dillon, Parley Baer as his deputy Chester Proudfoot, Howard McNear as Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams, and Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, owner of the Long Branch Saloon. ...
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As of this writing, Gunsmoke holds the distinction not only of being the longest-running TV western series, but also the longest-running dramatic series in network television history. The program began life in 1952 as a CBS radio program, set in Dodge City, Kansas in the 1870s. The radio version, which lasted until 1961, starred William Conrad as US Marshal Matt Dillon, Parley Baer as his deputy Chester Proudfoot, Howard McNear as Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams, and Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, owner of the Long Branch Saloon. Three years into the series' radio run, producers Norman MacDonnell, John Meston and Charles Marquis Warren decided to bring Gunsmoke to television. After a brief period in which they were considering transferring the talented but physically inappropriate radio cast to the TV version, the producers opted to choose a whole new cast. It has been claimed that John Wayne was first choice for the role of TV's Matt Dillon, but in fact Wayne was far too big a film star to even consider taking the job. Instead, Wayne suggested that the producers cast his protégé, 6'7" James Arness, as Matt Dillon. As a sign of his approbation of Arness, Wayne agreed to introduce the TV series' first episode, "Matt Gets It", which originally aired September 10, 1955. The other new regulars included Dennis Weaver as Chester--now with the last name of Good, and equipped with a colorful limp--Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, and Amanda Blake as Kitty. During its first six seasons, Gunsmoke was seen in a half-hour format on CBS' Saturday-night schedule at 10 PM. Like its radio counterpart, the television version eschewed the "kiddie matinee" style of western series then in vogue (vis a vis such programs as The Lone Ranger, Range Rider and Wild Bill Hickok), and can be aptly described as TV's first "adult" western, featuring three-dimensional characters with all-too-human flaws and weaknesses, and stark, austere, realistic storylines. In fact, most of the episodes during the series' earliest seasons were adaptations from the radio Gunsmoke, rewritten only to adjust to the unique characterizations supplied by the four main actors. Though the program trailed behind its NBC competition The George Gobel show during its inaugural season, it quickly gained grown during season two, and by its third year on the air Gunsmoke was America's top-rated series, a status it sustained for the next four seasons. The show's popularity sparked an upsurge in TV westerns, which by 1958 all but dominated the airwaves. In the fall of 1961 Gunsmoke, still in its familiar Saturday-night berth, expanded from 30 to 60 minutes; that same year, selected reruns from the 233-episode half-hour version were run by CBS on Tuesdays at 7:30 PM, retitled Marshal Dillon (this version remained on CBS until October 1964). The longer format not only allowed for more in-depth stories and greater character development, but also eventually accommodated such A-list guest stars as Darren McGavin, Gilbert Roland, James Whitmore, Jean Arthur and Betty Hutton. In 1962, Dennis Weaver announced his intention to leave the series and began curtailing his appearances. This prompted the producers to cast about for a potential "Chester" replacement; among Matt Dillon's temporary deputies over the next few seasons were Burt Reynolds as half-breed blacksmith Quint Asper and Roger Ewing as callow young townsperson Thad Greenwood. Ultimately, it was Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen, a scraggly hillbilly whose dubious morals were offset by his curious code of friendship and loyalty, who replaced Chester as deputy after Weaver left the series for good in 1964. Other peripheral characters introduced during the first 10 years of Gunsmoke were James Nusser as town drunk Louie Pheeters, Dabbs Greer as storekeeper Mr. Jonas, Sara Selby as boarding-house manager Ma Selby, and Glenn Strange as Sam, the Long Branch bartender. After producer Norman MacDonnell was replaced by British-born Philip Leacock in the fall of.
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Add this copy of Gunsmoke-50th Anniversary Collection, Volume 1 to cart. $6.09, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2006.
Add this copy of Gunsmoke-the Directors Collection to cart. $7.50, good condition, Sold by Books For Life rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Laurel, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2006.
Add this copy of Gunsmoke-50th Anniversary Collection, Volume 1 to cart. $7.68, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2006.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods and will show some wear and tear from normal use. Jewel cases will be included but may be damaged and/or cracked. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of Gunsmoke-50th Anniversary Collection, Volume 1 to cart. $7.99, new condition, Sold by CQ Sales rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Woodbridge, VA, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Paramount.
Add this copy of Gunsmoke-the Directors Collection to cart. $8.00, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Paramount.
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Seller's Description:
Fred McDougall, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, Dennis Weaver, Glenn Strange, Jimmy Noel, Buck Taylor, Bert Madrid,... Very good. 1955 Run time: 585. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Digital copy/codes may be expired or not included. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Gunsmoke: 50th Anniversary Volume One to cart. $9.05, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Colorado rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2006.
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Seller's Description:
All our items come in the original case with artwork, though manuals and slipcovers are not always guaranteed to be included as these items are donated goods. We typically resurface discs that are visibly scratched prior to shipping, but we do not test disc(s). Digital codes may not be included and have not been tested to be redeemable and/or active. Thank you for shopping with Goodwill Colorado! Orders shipped Monday through Friday. Safe and Secure Bubble Mailer! Your purchase helps put people to work and learn life skills to reach their full potential. Thank you!
Add this copy of Gunsmoke-the Directors Collection to cart. $10.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Paramount.
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Seller's Description:
Fred McDougall, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis, Dennis Weaver, Glenn Strange, Jimmy Noel, Buck Taylor, Bert Madrid,... Very good. 1955 Run time: 585. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Digital copy/codes may be expired or not included. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Gunsmoke-50th Anniversary Collection, Volume 1 to cart. $10.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2006 by Paramount.
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Seller's Description:
James Arness. Very good. 1955 Run time: 544. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Digital copy/codes may be expired or not included. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Gunsmoke: Season 10-Vol Two to cart. $11.00, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Movies rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2014 by Paramount.
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Seller's Description:
Curtis, Ken, Arness, James, Weaver, Dennis, Stone, Milburn. Very good. Run time: 929. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Digital copy/codes may be expired or not included. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Gunsmoke: Season 10-Vol Two to cart. $11.00, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2014.
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Seller's Description:
Good. May have very light or no surface scratches. Case and cover artwork are included but may show minimal signs of wear. If applicable: Digital copy or ultraviolet codes may be expired or not included. Slipcover may not be included.
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