If you are a serious fan of the TV series or a serious fan of the history of television in particular and pop culture in general, then Gunsmoke: A Complete History is a must addition to your library. Be forewarned, however, this is not a book about celebrity, gossip, speculation, but a work of scholarship whose primary aim is to elucidate the creative processes which went into keeping not only the quality but the popularity of the Gunsmoke fiction alive for over 20 years on radio and TV.
Perhaps the biggest mystery about Gunsmoke begins and ends with the questions: how and why did it last so long. Within these pages are some of the answers. We learn what John Meson and Norman MacDonnell did not want in a western when they sat down to create the characters of Matt, Kitty, Chester and Doc, and from those beginnings we are given entrée into the genesis of thought which was to make the show not only just "different" but truly unique-in a genre which was to become so hyper-prevalent that by the early 60's the average TV viewer could have drowned in horse puckey.
The story of Gunsmoke ultimately became the Tale of Two Genres-Radio and Television. While initially many of the TV episodes were adapted from the radio scripts, there are large differences not only in terms of character interpretation by the two sets of actors but also in terms of what we were allowed to hear on radio but not see on TV. This book not only illustrates those differences and the reasons for them but also grants us entrée into the actors' interpretations of how they saw their characters-and the relationships between and among those same characters.
One of the maxims of biological evolution is "adapt or die." In that regard, Gunsmoke is perhaps the apotheosis of pop culture "survival of the fittest." The changes were many, not only internally but externally, as the show's initial success began in the 50's; it not only survived but also ultimately prevailed in the 60's, and held strong for one half of the 70's. We are given illustration of the processes by which it escaped the watchful eyes of the censors and other watchdogs, many of which are a tribute to the abilities of the creators' seemingly steadfast belief that there is always another way to tell the a story without ever pandering to popular clichés and hackneyed resolutions.
In addition to the actual history of Gunsmoke, there is a large section devoted to the remembrances of the "guest stars" who passed through the Gunsmoke lens. There are unique perceptions over the years of a cast and crew whose professionalism became the standard in the industry, and they are so rated by their peers.
The bulk of the 836 pages are devoted to the episodes themselves, both on radio and on TV. It was, after all, the shows that aired that left the most lasting impression of Gunsmoke. The episode summaries are neither critical explications nor scene-by-scene breakdowns of what happened; they are not meant to be. They are reference material for the devotee of the series, containing basic plot notes and all the major "credits" for each, as well as original air and rerun dates on CBS. In conjunction with the painstakingly complete index, it's a snap to find out when everyone from Jean Arthur to Anthony Zerbe guested on Gunsmoke.
Included also are 127 pages of photographs which provide a companion "visual history" of Gunsmoke. Additionally, there are several Appendices for quick reference, including a collection of memorable lines from the pens of a plethora of very good writers, a listing of Guest Stars, Writers, Directors, Producers, and Awards and Honors.
Like the show it aims to honor, Gunsmoke: A Complete History is a remarkable achievement and a must have for any fan of the series or serious student of the genre.
