Week of June 3: So Long, Marshall Dillon

By Sylvia Gurinsky

Today brings the late-breaking news that James Arness, best known as Marshall Matt Dillon on CBS' "Gunsmoke," has died.

A World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Arness acted in movies and television during the late 1940s and 1950s - including an appearance as William Tell in a 1955 Hallmark Hall of Fame production.

1955 was a terrific year for Arness because he proceeded to get the lead role as Dillon; rumors always had the role being offered to John Wayne, who wound up introducing the show when it went on the air.

Westerns were extremely popular on television during the 1950s and 60s. "Gunsmoke" was among the best because it took its lead from movies such as "High Noon." During the glory years, its supporting cast included Dennis Weaver ("McCloud") as Festus and Amanda Blake as saloon owner Kitty Russell. Despite the 1800s setting, "Gunsmoke" managed to address issues relevant to the mid-20th century - including civil rights.

(Viewers can catch "Gunsmoke" on TVLand and the first four seasons are available on DVD - but in that annoying format that splits seasons.)

While Arness would have less screen time during the later seasons of the show, he and Milburn Stone, who played Doc, were the only primary cast members to stay until "Gunsmoke" finally went off the air in 1975. Later, Arness would appear in several "Gunsmoke" movies, a miniseries version of "How the West Was Won" on ABC and the detective series "McClain's Law" for NBC in 1981-82.

Here's a clip from the "Gunsmoke" episode "The Killer," featuring Charles Bronson:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqyojnM9tlc

You did fine, Marshall. Just fine.

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Note: Today is Jim Lehrer's last day as "NewsHour" anchor. YesterTube will pay tribute next week.