Gunsmoke

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Gunsmoke_(CBS_1955_-1975_television_series_logo)

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Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by Norman Macdonnell and John Meston. The series ran on radio from 1952 to 1961 and on television from 1955 to 1975. It is one of the longest-running prime-time television series in history.

Radio Series[edit | edit source]

The radio series of Gunsmoke premiered on CBS on April 26, 1952. The show was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the settlement of the American West. The central character is Matt Dillon, a U.S. Marshal tasked with maintaining law and order. The role of Matt Dillon was played by William Conrad.

Other key characters included:

Miss Kitty Russell, played by Georgia Ellis
Chester Goode, played by Parley Baer
Doc Adams, played by Howard McNear

Television Series[edit | edit source]

The television adaptation of Gunsmoke debuted on CBS on September 10, 1955. James Arness starred as Matt Dillon, a role he played for 20 years. The TV series maintained the same setting and characters as the radio series but introduced new actors for many roles.

Key characters in the television series included:

Miss Kitty Russell, played by Amanda Blake
Chester Goode, played by Dennis Weaver
Festus Haggen, played by Ken Curtis
Doc Adams, played by Milburn Stone

Production[edit | edit source]

Gunsmoke was produced by Norman Macdonnell and written by John Meston. The show was known for its high production values and realistic portrayal of the American West. The series was filmed primarily at the CBS Studio Center in Studio City, California.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Gunsmoke has left a lasting impact on American television and popular culture. It has been credited with helping to popularize the Western genre on television. The show has also been praised for its strong character development and storytelling.