Customer Reviews

Gunsmoke: A Complete History

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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.

There isn't anything left out of this tome for those who love the Gunsmoke series. Be it William Conrad on radio or James Arness on TV, this book gives you everything you'd like to know or relive about these special citizens of Dodge City. With each passing year, it becomes more difficult to find reruns to arrest the cravings arising from Gunsmoke addiction. On those cold, rainy afternoons you can tuck yourself away within these pages and re-experience any of your favorite episodes. For the true lover of the series, it's a high you'll never exceed. One caution: the book is pricey and if you haven't accumulated the series knowledge through TV or radio, it isn't likely that these pages alone will bring you to climax and justify the cost. But if you experienced Gunsmoke firsthand, the cost is minuscule to the pleasure you'll ignite. Better yet, tell your family that you'd love it for a gift. That's what I did!!!

I can't tell you how often during a random month I peruse this book, whether it's to check an episode title, a guest star, pit a radio episode against it's television version, or just look at the pages of photographs. I keep it at my desk, well within reach, it's become so handy. This program ran for 20 years on television and 6 on radio, and finally, here is a book that does this 'grandaddy of westerns' justice. An incredible compilation. Not only does it have an extensive radio commentary and review, impeccably researched, it celebrates and pays homage to the longest running television drama series ever. Interviews with the surviving primary cast members, James Arness, Amanda Blake, Ken Curtis and Buck Taylor, it also has anecdotes from guest stars (many who's career was jump-started by an role in an episode of Gunsmoke), producers, directors, writers, and anyone else who was involved with this highly successful program. Photographs, anecdotes, behind-the-scenes tidbits, fond remembrances and a synopsis for each and every radio and television episode shown is included, along with an extensive index . Pricey, it's strictly for the die hard fan.

I never thought I'd ever pay $85 for a book, but this book is worth every penny to anyone who is interested in the Gunsmoke radio and TV show characters and stories. The 836 page book is divided into sections about Gunsmoke history, photos of the cast and supporting crew, episode descriptions, and several appendices. The TV series ran from 1955 to 1975. Reruns are still shown on TVland.

The history tells why they didn't use the radio actors for the TV series and how James Arness was selected to play Matt Dillion. I was surprised to learn that Denver Pyle was a strong candidate for the job.

Among the 126 pictures are Milburn Stone (Doc) when was the bad guy in over 100 B Westerns, Sam the bartender when he played in monster and cowboy movies, photos of guest stars like Charles Bronson, Mariette Hartley, Alex Cord, Loretta Swit, Robert Lansing, Michael Learned, Anne Francis, Ed Asner, George Kennedy, Cloris Leachman, Harry Carey Jr., Katharine Ross, Forrest Tucker, Warren Oates, John Saxon, Bruce Durn, Bette Davis, Gilbert Roland, Lee J. Cobb, Andy Devine, Ralph Bellamy, Jack Elam, Pat Hingle, Gary Busey, Rory Calhoun, and many others. Appendix G lists 14 pages of actors who were on Gunsmoke TV. Appendix A lists 8 pages of famous quotes from Gunsmoke characters. The Gunsmoke history includes 41 pages of interesting reflections by Gunsmoke guest stars and crew.

The TV episode descriptions list the title, date, rerun date, production number, synopsis of plot, and cast members.

There is only a brief mention of a few women in Matt's life besides Kitty. I would have liked to see a brief mention of all the episodes when a woman tried to get herself involved with Matt.

The 44 page index is complete and well done.

I am a huge gunsmoke fan, since it first was shown in 1955. i thought it was interesting on how they auditioned and chose the main charcters, I enjoyed this more than the 50th year, due to the fact that Miss Kitty, was alive and others that were guest star were also. It was not a boring book and the layout was very good. They also had an interview of Roger Ewing (Thad) Which was informative. I highly recommned paying the price for it to all Gunsmoke fans. )

Rather than write another long review which would essentially just agree with all the other positive comments by other reviewers, I will make this brief. I am pleased with this book with one exception. The list of guest stars for the radio programs does not include the part played by the actor/actress. The television programs do. This was one of the principal reasons I bought the book. At least I know in advance the stars who will be in each broadcast. I would have liked to know who played what role. That is the only reason I gave it a rating of 4.

This book is AWESOME. It is filled with the history of Gunsmoke from the radio days through the TWENTY YEARS it was on TV. Also a very interesting history of Dodge City, Kansas.

As promised I am changing my rating for this gentleman and company. He and I reached an agreement on a partial refund. I appreciate the fact that he made contact and was committed to customer satisfaction. Mike

Even if my dog ate the cover off of the book (he only eats books that I love), this is a great reference for the true Gunsmoke fan. Too many folks don't realize that the first 11 years were the best, and they need some reference to those. This is a great history of all of Gunsmoke, not just the TVLAND "scrubbed" version.

This was a very good, very well written and very informative book to buy and read.
Janet Nazer