See Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos From ‘Gunsmoke’

Remind Staff
Gunsmoke Cast composite image
Everett Collection
Everett Collection

Gunsmoke isn’t just another cowboy show; it’s the granddaddy of them all, running for two decades, from September 10, 1955 to March 31, 1975, and becoming a TV institution in the process. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) wasn’t your typical quick-drawing hero; he was a thoughtful, often weary lawman dealing with the harsh realities of Dodge City. And let’s not forget Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake), whose Long Branch Saloon was less about dancehall girls and more about being the unofficial town counseling center – all while serving up some seriously stiff drinks.

Gunsmoke wasn’t just about good guys versus bad guys, although there were plenty of bank robbers, outlaws, cattle rustlers and other assorted criminals. It delved into the moral complexities of a lawless land, exploring themes of justice, redemption and survival with a surprising amount of nuance for its time. One thing Matt Dillon was always about was justice: the accused deserved a fair trial. And It was a dose of classic Western action with a side of surprisingly deep character drama.

 

GUNSMOKE, host John Wayne, 'Matt Gets It', (Season 1, ep, 101, aired Sept. 10, 1955), 1955-1975.

John Wayne, introducing the premiere in1955

Wayne introducing the premiere episode of Gunsmoke.

GUNSMOKE, from left: James Arness, Amanda Blake, 1955-1975.
Everett Collection

James Arness and Amanda Blake

GUNSMOKE, James Arness (right) with crew member on-set, 1955-75
Everett Collection

James Arness with crew members on set

GUNSMOKE, James Arness, on set, (December 21, 1961), 1955-1975.
Everett Collection

James Arness on set, 1961

JAMES ARNESS enjoys his king size bed as he reads an upcoming GUNSMOKE script, 1956
Everett Collection

James Arness relaxes while reading a script, 1956

GUNSMOKE, Amanda Blake on set in 1960, 1955-1975
Everett Collection

Amanda Blake on set, 1960

GUNSMOKE, James Arness rides a horse in a street parade, (ca. 1950s), 1955-1975

James Arness rides in a street parade

Arness made many public appearances at Western-themed events to promote the show — and was once almost gored by a bull in the process.

GUNSMOKE, Dennis Weaver, on set, (November 5, 1963), 1955-1975.
Bob Vose/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

Dennis Weaver on set, 1963

GUNSMOKE, from left: Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone (front), Dennis Weaver, (1962), 1955-1975.
Everett Collection

Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone and Dennis Weaver relax together, 1962

According to Stone, he, Blake, Weaver, and the rest of the cast were incredibly close friends who always had fun together at work.

GUNSMOKE, from left: Dennis Weaver, James Arness, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake on set (1961), 1955-1975.
Gene Trindl/TV Guide/courtesy Everett Collection

Dennis Weaver, James Arness, Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake, 1961

GUNSMOKE, Dennis Weaver, on set, (November 5, 1963), 1955-1975.
Bob Vose/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

Dennis Weaver on set, 1963

GUNSMOKE, from left: James Arness, Dennis Weaver, on set, (November 5, 1963), 1955-1975.
Bob Vose/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

James Arness and Dennis Weaver, 1963

GUNSMOKE, James Arness, 1955-1975, main street of Dodge City
Everett Collection

The main street of Dodge City

GUNSMOKE, from left: Dennis Weaver, Glen Alden (makeup artist), Ken Curtis, on set, (November 5, 1963), 1955-1975.
Bob Vose/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

Dennis Weaver, makeup artist Glen Alden and Ken Curtis, 1963

GUNSMOKE, Dennis Weaver, on set, (November 5, 1963), 1955-1975.
Bob Vose/TV Guide/Courtesy Everett Collection

Dennis Weaver on set, 1963

GUNSMOKE, Burt Reynolds, on-set, 1955-75 (1963 photo).

Burt Reynolds, 1963

GUNSMOKE, Amanda Blake, on set, (1960s), 1955-1975.

Amanda Blake, 1960s

GUNSMOKE, Glenn Strange, 1955-75 (1972 photo)
Gene Trindl/TV Guide/Everett Collection

Glenn Strange on set, 1972

GUNSMOKE, Buck Taylor, (1973), 1955-1975.
Gene Trindl/TV Guide/couurtesy Everett Collection

Buck Taylor, 1973

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GunsmokeAmanda BlakeBurt ReynoldsDennis WeaverJames ArnessMilburn Stone