james arness The news that legendary western star James Arness’ death has saddened a generation. The 88 year old actor’s role as Sheriff Matt Dillon on the record breaking TV series Gunsmoke brought the 6 foot 6 star into every living room in America during the heyday of the western. Arness’ death of natural causes at his home in Brentwood was announced by family spokeswoman Ginny Fazer. And for those of us old enough to remember Gunsmoke on a black and white television, James took a bit of all of us into his sunset. These days the in vogue action TV series just has to have non-stop car chases, gunfire, and/or up in your face sex and violence – but there was a time. Draw Partner My first recollection of Matt Dillon and Gunsmoke dates back into the stone age of television, viewing the opening gunfight segment in my Grandfather’s living room – a weekly tradition.
I assure you. Debuting in 1955, Gunsmoke went on to become the longest running and most successful TV series ever. Originally a radio show, Gunsmoke quickly garnered a relatively massive following for the time. When the show was taken off the air in 1975, no other TV icon left such an imprint. The relatively rare footage below of the opening segment I spoke of features the show intro, a fascinating Dristan commercial, upcoming preview featuring none other than the lovable Festus (played by Ken Curtis), and Amanda Blake as well. Imagine if you will, this opening gunfight scene on an old RCA black and white. It’s 1960 in your Grandpa’s living room – complete quiet and stillness is demanded (this is the newfangled age of TV you know?). A skinny little 5 year old stands in front of the TV (the only human being alive allowed to get in front of Gunsmoke) – he gets into showdown position – eyes narrowed, legs shoulder width apart, hand resting just above his ivory handled Colt 45 (imaginary of course) – then the quick draw from the tenderfoot and Marshall Matt Dillon… “He shot you, you’re dead, sit down and be quiet!” A short lived gunfighter existence, until next week that is.
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