Gunsmoke: A Complete History (Library Binding)

by Suzanne Barabas (Author), Gabor Barabas (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Extraordinary...superb...highly recommended" -- Classic Images

"Valuable...excellent" -- Choice

"definitive" -- Philadelphia Inquirer

"incredible...absolutely fabulous" -- The TV Collector

"outdoes anything I've ever seen" -- Big Reel

Product Description
The series ran not only nine years on radio, but also 20 years on television, making it the all-time longest running prime-time program with continuing characters. It introduced to the American people a cast of characters that quickly took on mythic proportions.

This book discovers what made Gunsmoke unique and why it was so popular. Especially insightful are 74 in-depth interviews and reminiscences by principal performers (Arness, Blake, Weaver, et al.), guest stars (Hartley, O’Connor, Leachman, Reynolds, Conrad, et al.), directors, writers and producers associated with the radio and television programs. A 128-page glossy section contains 241 photographs.

A comprehensive episode-by-episode guide provides reference to over 1,000 radio and television programs, spanning 23 years and includes title, synopsis, air date, cast, director, writer, producer and anecdotal information. Appendices: memorable quotes from the program, TV schedules and awards. Enormous index.

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Product Details

• Library Binding: 848 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (April 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899504183
• ISBN-13: 978-0899504186
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #289,009 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must for every Gusnmoke fan., July 26, 1999

By A Customer

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.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's all here for the Gunsmoke lovers and wannbes., November 14, 1997

By A Customer

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!!!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Glowing Tribute to One of the Most Successful TV shows EVE, September 23, 2002

By	HarryChrishop-CPC (Mississauga, Ont.) - See all my reviews

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.