Category: Gunsmoke
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John Wayne’s Embarrassment Turns into James Arness’s Triumph
In the sun-scorched realm of western cinema, there emerges a singular protagonist of unparalleled prowess, the formidable and truly iconic John Wayne. With performances etched into the annals of the American movie industry, Wayne stands as a permanent bastion of the old west, and his professional legacy remains unmarred, even if his personal convictions cast…
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Will Hutchins’ Remarkable Encounter as a ‘Gunsmoke’ Guest Star, Where Playing a Cop in Clint Eastwood’s Film Led to a Mistaken Identity
Gunsmoke” guest star Will Hutchins told A World On Westerns podcast that he remembered James Arness for his giant statue. Hutchins, who said he was 6-foot-1, talked about tall actors and recalled 6-foot-7, 235-pound James Arness for host Rob Word. The two worked on one “Gunsmoke” episode (“Blind Man’s Bluff” in 1963) together. Hutchins said…
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When Legends Collide: Burt Reynolds’ Valiant but Unsuccessful Attempt to Rival Clint Eastwood in Western Cinema
Gunsmoke actor Burt Reynolds had a wonderful career that extended into becoming a sex symbol. He knew that he wanted a career in entertainment, but he initially had some difficulties figuring out exactly what kind of roles he would play. Reynolds initially tried to pursue a path similar to Clint Eastwood’s Western path, although it…
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GUNSMOKE (1955–1975) Cast THEN AND NOW 2023 Who Else Survives After 68 Years?
Gunsmoke, an iconic American television series that aired from 1955 to 1975, has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Western entertainment. The show, set in the rough and tumble world of Dodge City, chronicled the adventures of Marshal Matt Dillon as he maintained law and order on the untamed frontier. As we fast…
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John Wayne’s Unfulfilled Dream to Bring ‘Gunsmoke’ Star James Arness to ‘The Alamo’
When John Wayne stepped behind the camera to film his passion project “The Alamo,” there was one actor he wanted to star alongside him – James Arness. But the “Gunsmoke” star never appeared in the movie for this very peculiar reason. According to IMDb, Wayne wanted to cast Arness as Texas founding father Sam Houston…
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The Remarkable Talents of Its 20-Year Run – Taylor’s Olympic Dream Dashed, But Gunsmoke Destiny Beckoned
Gunsmoke featured a ton of actors during its epic 20-year run. The TV series started out as a radio program before making the leap to television in the mid-1950s. From 1955 to 1975, the show kept the adventures of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) alive and well, much to the delight of fans. As…