Guide Note

Gunsmoke is a classic American western about Marshall Matt Dillon and his quest to keep the peace in Dodge City, Kansas. The show takes place during the settlement of the America west. It remains the longest primetime running drama in television history and held the number one slot in television ratings between 1957-1961 and the top ten from 1967-1974. Gunsmoke first aired in black and white, then was shot in color for the first time in 1966.

Fast Facts

1. Aired: 1955-1975
2. Network: CBS
3. Episodes: 635
4. First Aired: September 10, 1955
5. Starring: James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake, Dennis Weaver, Ken Curtis, Burt Reynolds
6. Won 3 Emmy Awards
7. The longest running western in TV history
8. Started as a radio show in 1952

Gunsmoke began on the radio in 1952 with William Conrad reading the part of United States Marshall Matt Dillon. The show ran successfully for nine years. The opening statement of the show was "Around Dodge City and in the territory on west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. Marshall and the smell of Gunsmoke."

The character of Matt Dillon was inspired by Wyatt Earp, and sheriffs Bat Masterson, Bill Tilghman and Charlie Bassett. James Arness was cast for the role in the television series on a recommendation from John Wayne.