GUNSMOKE's James Arness Knocked Me Out! Ruta Lee remembers her TV Westerns! A WORD ON WESTERNS

Seducing James Arness' Matt Dillon while playing a tart on a GUNSMOKE episode, actress Ruta Lee was abducted, wrapped in a blanket and knocked out cold by the Marshall. Did she need a stuntwoman? Too late! Ruta came to looking into the pale blue eyes of Arness. The always entertaining actress and philanthropist, Ruta Lee shares that adventure and more in this revealing interview with Rob Word for A WORD ON WESTERNS. Ruta's list of credits is staggering! Her film debut was in the hit western musical, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Find out what that was like and how her on-screen credit, while incorrect, worked in her favor. Lots of laughs and memories with the effervescent actress. Recorded July 16, 2016. This longer episode combines two previous 4 minute episodes with 10 minutes of unaired footage.
#interview #gunsmoke #jamesarness #rutalee #actress #musical #dancer #awordonwesterns #hero #tvclassics #tvstar #tvshowdiscussion #jamesgarner #robword

[@johnwesley8327]

I always thought she was a great actress but when she said "Thank God for westerns" and " I still got my gun and always will have", well now she one of my hero's! Thanks Rob.

[@lindamartin-hatfield5828]

Enjoyed this very much, can't wait for the next one.

[@marshasullivan4074]

What a delight Ruta is, fabulous as usual !

[@AWordonWesterns]

Many thanks!

[@nieuportflyer]

Rob the wonderful thing about your interviews is that you show the "stars" were/are just people too, doing a job. Thanks for sharing their experiences with us.

[@rogerangress9983]

Wow!!! She was in almost everything in Vintage television Hollywood.... 2000 tv shows; extraordinary, great Lady, a star unto herself....

[@saran.4001]

She is still beautiful and look at how great she looks. Like a movie star. She dressed for the program, and that showed respect for the audience.

[@jozatexan1964]

Sure did enjoy today's program. I'm running out of words to express how much I appreciate these interviews. We get to see the human side of favorite actors without destroying them.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Joza. Hope we can get back to doing new interviews with an audience!! I just did a remote with Claude Jarman, Jr in San Francisco and plan to have finished the first segment ready for the last Sunday of December.

[@jozatexan1964]

@@AWordonWesterns All of your subscribers understand that the pandemic is affecting everything. We will be okay with remote Interviews for as long as need be for the protection of you and your guests.

[@Ronin4614]

What a tremendous interview with Ruta Lee! She looks and is simply fabulous. Ruta was everywhere and always made the episode better by just being there. I do agree with Ruta, “Thank God for Westerns”, and thank you ,Rob. Take care, amigo.

[@hiramnoone]

IMDB still has Ruta's first credit as The Roy Rogers Show, listed as the only cast member (after Roy, Dale, Trigger and Bullet), credited as Ruta Kilmonis. That was back in 1952 which would have made her 17 at the time. Lovely lady with great stories. She was one of a great group of beautiful gals who rotated through roles in every tv western airing in those days, which included herself, Karen Steele, Pat Crowley, Kathleen Crowley, Julia Adams (I believe *she* was the one who was married to Ray Danton), Marie Winsor, Barbara Luna, Diane Brewster, Mona Freeman and Jean Willes being among the most frequent and memorable in those great old shows. Terrific show with Ruta, Rob. Thanks.

[@stephengiorgis7072]

Sherry Jackson

[@ms.sonshine8878]

Another wonderful interview. I remember the Gunsmoke episode where she played the bad girl and she was wonderful. She is a firecracker and a beautiful lady.

[@HjCrawford]

She is such a pretty lady! And a lucky one too! Love Gunsmoke!!

[@waynevia6976]

I love this show. I look forward to sundays because of your show. Ruta lee is one of the most beautiful actresses ive ever seen. She is so beautiful. I loved her on maverick, gunsmoke, wagon train, and so many other shows. I can't get enough of ruta lee my favorite tv actress.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks so much, wayne. She is still amazing!

[@scottjackson1420]

Good one, Rob. Ruta Lee is SO great to listen to. She needs to still be working in pictures!

[@imanutnur7]

She was one of my favorite ladies of the western shows.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Mine, too, Tom.

[@imanutnur7]

You have a great job.

[@danielpfeifer8270]

Wow! What a great interview. Ruta Lee is wonderful. Thanks Rob for such a great show.

[@sue7777]

This was so much fun--it really deserves more than just "1 thumbs up". Ms. Ruta Lee made me feel as if I was just an dear, old friend sitting on a porch, telling "remember when" stories. Thanks, Rob, for sharing this, one of your very best efforts, with us--it was uplifting, to say the least!!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Sue. Glad you enjoyed it. Ruta was a hoot!

[@buxxbannerspov30]

As a young man, this woman gave me some very restless nights!

[@magovenor]

Probably Betty Rubble gave you some too.

[@kirtwilliams549]

@@magovenor Matt never kiss miss kitty. Mat love his job more than how he love this beautiful woman.

[@walterpalmer2749]

Ruta has a resemblance to Edie Adams - the actress. (wife to Ernie Kovacs) Such a fun lady with so many stories. Thank you Rob.

[@charlesrodgers505]

She’s still a looker! Great show, Rob.

[@obadiahclarke5761]

Jvm unm

[@glenacrossen7117]

Your so great I I Love d it

[@Believe-mm3eb]

What a beautiful and fun lady. At the time of this interview she is 81 years old. You would never guess her age. Thank you Mr. Word for another great interview. Did you ever interview Chuck Connors? The Rifleman is my favorite. Thank You!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Never got a chance to interview Chuck. But, at his funeral EVERYONE got up and told the wildest stories about him. Wish I'd been able to record that!!

[@davidhosscowart5849]

What a character! Thank you RW!

[@AWordonWesterns]

You bet, Hoss.

[@CasonovaCorkClub]

LOVE HER!!

[@mikeycapp1]

Such wonderful memories and a top notch interview by Rob Word, Thank you Ruta Lee a class act and beautiful woman inside and out.

[@robertwatson39]

Gee Rob, what a dynamite Lady. So full of life and energy. I could listen to her stories for hours. Another great video from Down Under😎😎🐝

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

shes a wildcat..what a sweet character

[@MyRebel44]

She is one of my favorite stars .

[@GiacomoVeteran]

My all-time favorite Western: GUNSMOKE. Thank you for the Video. She is an excellent story-teller. 2000 episodes of westerns. That is a lot of work. I was in 57 productions and thought that was good! lol Thank you Ruta Lee. Nice stories, Bless you all who bought us these American westerns. Filmed in San Fernando Valley, California. Griffith park (I drove by there on way to Duarte, City of Hope hospital to get feedback by my doctors in Cancer, Pet/CT scan today, (ALL CLEAR. Than God. 'Cancer Survivor' as of TODAY, 12/7/2020. Dr. Ayre Amini, Dr Thomas Gernon, Dr. Zing. Thank you!). More filming locations: Lone Pine, CA . Utah. New Mexico. Arizona. RIP to all those who brought is such amazing episodes. James Arness was #1 in my book!!! RIP sir

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, James. Good health to you this year!

[@csbrown3]

Outstanding interview segment, sir! I've been in love with Ruta for 50 years, and I always make sure to catch her on her Gunsmoke (which I still watch every day) episodes, as well as The Andy Griffith Show. She's as beautiful and charming now as she was all those years ago. Thank you so much for your fabulous show. It always leaves me with a big smile on my face!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, cs. Your comment made me smile, too. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@thomasallen3818]

I’ve always thought Ruta Lee was and still is one of the prettiest women in Hollywood. I love her personality, she says what she thinks. Thanks for the interview.

[@cliffordburdick6049]

have ruta back again she is really a hoot i love listening to her recount the western days she was in all my favorite shows and this kind of talent does not come along often

[@jeffreyoldham55]

Wow, just...wow! Ruta Lee knocked ME out! Thanks, Rob!

[@Rangersly]

Ruta Lee still looks great! She had such a full career, met all the most interesting people. I would have taken another episode with her. I would have liked to hear her take on Audie Murphy, who was my cowboy star when I was growing up. And more on James Garner and the Rat Pack... Great show Rob!

[@MezzoMamma1]

Yes, Audie Murphy was a very interesting person in so many ways. I would love to have gotten her insight into his personality.

[@paulstan9828]

Very fun outgoing lady.😁 Fun to hear her memories. Her run in with union rules brought back memories of my I own first experience. Ha!!

[@markhaynes7774]

Great show there Rob. What a delight Ruta Lee is and how well she looks for 85? Simply lovely!! Shame westerns and indeed movies aren't made like this in today's crazy world!!

[@mattdaugherty7865]

One of the most beautiful women in the world, inside and out! Love her!

[@martynewell1181]

Ruta Lee was one of my favorite actress I watch her on Wagon Train The Rifleman and several others western and other programs

[@alanderson9711]

What is REALLY weird is running into these stars on tennis courts and shopping in Rancho Mirage. Got to play tennis with some of my childhood crushes like Stella Stevens. Thanks Rob for all these priceless moments.

[@waynewilson2365]

Great interview! I bet she could tell stories for hours. Would like to see more with her.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Me, too, Wayne. Hope we can get back into production soon and have her back.

[@davidschlecht3016]

A great story bringing back so many great memories of Ruta Lee and all of the great movie and tv westerns that she was involved in, a very classy lady!

[@richardelliott9511]

I never knew her name but certainly a familar and beautiful face and oh what a character! I haven't figured out who she played in "7 Brides", guess I'll have to dig it up and watch it again. Pretty sure I have that on VHS but nothing to play it on any more😟 Once again... Thanks Rob

[@regent8055]

That was a great interview Rob!! I actually just watched that episode of Gunsmoke.

[@tonycrocisi9242]

Lovely as ever

[@augiegray6239]

Great interview Rob! Fantastic stories, and Ruta did look amazing. I think I watched every one of those Gunsmoke episodes! and all the rest too!

[@michaellane5409]

This beautiful lady has not aged a bit! How wonderful to see her. Great interview.

[@waynegilchrist1596]

Rita Lee is so delightful that I have watched this one clip four or five times. She leaves no doubt that she is enthusiastic and enjoyed her roles. She can tell a story with expert aplomb. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Rob.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Wayne. Same to you.

[@Dave49erman]

Excellent Rob! She's been in so many westerns, very interesting! Enjoy your Sunday!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, David.

[@tmothydingler4455]

I fell in love with those eyes when I seen her on the Andy Griffith show as (to quote Barney) that college kid.

[@jamescon55]

Me TOO! 😍 And then she had that REALLY sassy attitude she'd lay on when she didn't necessarily "get her way" lol. She was SUCH a bomb! Loved ALL her characters 😎

[@bethelle9099]

She looks fantastic! I ALWAYS enjoyed her performances! She has a great personality and presence!!!!

[@12ernie]

Every time i pick a show as my favorite,you have another like this one! Ruta looks Great,she should still be on TV! She is a Great women,heck of a career! Great show! This is my favorite show!

[@gregdavis19]

My goodness she’s just a scream!

[@williammunny75]

Gee! What a smart and fun woman! Fanstastic interview! Thx Mr. Rob Word!

[@conleykat]

I remember that episode of Gunsmoke when she was in Matt's room and he threw a blanket over her and took her to Kitty.

[@jamescon55]

"Jenny" 😏 Yeah, Ruta Lee AND Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) IN THE SAME ROOM! Mercy....😍

[@RenieinMN]

This was excellent! Such a great interview with Ruta Lee! Went looking for her autobiography but I don't think it has been released yet. Looking forward to it! Wouldn't it be awesome if she did an audiobook and read it herself? But, oh my, that would be quite the project and she sounds busy. This was great, she is so fun to listen to! Thanks!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Ren. Ruta certainly should read her autobiography because she'd make it seem like she was sitting right with you.

[@frederickwise5238]

A handfull of "homey phrases" endears her . I'm IMPRESSED by that more than her beauty (on a scale of 1 to 10, Ruta's a 250)!

[@Slick2462]

WOW what a great guest. Rob you sure know how to present a great interview! Week after week I get entertained and really learn something too!!!👌👍😊

[@AWordonWesterns]

Great, slick. Thanks.

[@keevankadel3657]

Love the show..thanks for all your work..just think how much nicer every one would be. If they stopped watching the news. & watched some great old westerns.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Absolutely

[@johnprovince5304]

Always loved her. Ruta was hotter than a Las Vegas sidewalk in August.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, John. Very funny.

[@DavidLeeAndrews]

I knew I recognized Ruth from something, but didn’t know what until she mentioned Sargents Three. Funnily thing is, we used to watch Seven brides for Seven brothers a lot as a kid - it was my aunties favorite

[@salmaccarrone2401]

Ruta Lee is awesome. Has the energy of a 16 year old. Man I miss those days.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Couldn't agree more!

[@abevillanueva1974]

Ruta has and is a beautiful lady and terrific actress! But, what a storyteller! I could listen to her forever...I too love westerns and remember her in many of them. Thank you for sharing!

[@philipnordin1661]

It must be Sunday Morning. Another fun Word on Westerns.

[@donbasta2475]

Ruta said our Westerns showed the world what the true American spirit is. AGREED! I grew up in Chicago and we vacationed at our uncle Frank's 40 acres with 30 x 30 1 room house in Adams Wisconsin. We visited the local drive in and everyone looked at us Chicagoans and tagged us as GANGSTERS! Guilt by association. Another great interview, Thanks

[@rodgerhatfield3068]

I sure enjoy theses interviews! Rob, you do a great job and it’s so fun the hear theses stories!! Love kanab!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Rodger.

[@francistubolino8810]

Great interview! Ruta is one of the best, still beautiful and quite funny.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Francis. You bet she is!

[@davidbrewer7866]

Met Ruta backstage after a play back in the 80’s and got a big kiss on the cheek! Sweet lady!

[@donnastedham9822]

Loved the interview with Ruta Lee.

[@jca4la]

Wow what a fun interview to watch. Seems you had a blast as well. These longer form clips are superior, please keep them coming!

[@johnnewcomb534]

She was a ball of FIRE .SO FUN TO WATCH THIS YOU SHOULD GET HERE IN THAT CHAIR FOR MORE.

[@alvilla9659]

Wow Ruta is fantastic thanks Rob

[@PHARRAOH]

that was so enjoyable! Imagine the times she has had, the people she shared them with! Thanks for what you guys do.

[@Queenie-sy9ln]

I agree..she was the best!!

[@gulliver3644]

Although I am 12 years younger than she...I was totally in love with her when I was a boy. She looks “fabulous” Wishing many more healthy years to her!

[@AWordonWesterns]

My sentiments exactly, Mr. Smith.

[@DanDDirges]

She was quite the knock out herself back in the day!

[@MezzoMamma1]

Still is. I would say. I loved the hat and dress.

[@samrock7632]

If we redid _"Gunsmoke"_ today, Miss Kitty would be a lesbian...oh, how have times have changed and NOT for the better

[@earthart2010]

Oh no, that wouldn’t work having Miss Kitty be gay. I wish they would’ve ended the show with Matt and Kitty getting together. Matt retires and asks kitty to Marry him.

[@lindagarcia8826]

I enjoyed this fantastic interview very much, thank you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Linda. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mlhdlh]

My mom always took us three kids to see Ruta in shows at Casa Manana here in Ft Worth, Texas in the 1960’s. What a great singer, actor, and dancer. Thanks for the interview Rob.

[@SammLloy481]

A lot of people think acting is a joke and and insincere profession, but I found out through talking with clayton moore back in 1976 that it is very hard and very demanding work that takes sharp minds and a selfless sacrifice that causes a lot of heartbreak because of the long hours and days and months of working long hard hours in all types of situations not only with actors but the location of filming. It takes a very certain type of person to endure it. Great video. Thanks for posting this Rob Word

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Sam.

[@brunoboaz7656]

Ruta Lee has always been one of the great unsung beauties of Hollywood. Good to see that she hasn't lost her looks and chatm!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Ruta's still a hoot, Bruno. Thanks.

[@southerngirlsrock2799]

She has a wonderful personality, beautiful woman.

[@southbend3406]

Ruta is fantastic!! Always did like her on TV and in the movies.

[@jamescon55]

Wow...Ruta looks great and she is a personal favorite of mine from the golden age of the westerns! Awesome!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Mine too, Jim. Thanks. She's such fun!

[@clairgardner5146]

Love your interviews

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Clair.

[@sherrihinton8567]

Such a gorgeous lady and actress. She hasn't aged

[@outdoors76]

That was a great episode of Gunsmoke. I watched it just the other day. I had no idea he knocked her out going through that door. That’s so funny.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Out. Glad you enjoyed it

[@jesusnova5329]

What a beautiful woman, inside and out! So full of life!

[@hellsapoppin2048]

What a great segment. Ruta Lee can really be interesting and entertaining. Thanks Rob.

[@jamesdale573]

Awesome beauty!!! Still in love with Ruta! Wish her many years and great health! God Bless Ruta!

[@ellymeerleveldt614]

Thank you Rob for this awesome interview👍

[@sameatmon]

What a wonderful interview and I'm still a fan of classic western to this day. God bless

[@JamesBrown-js3lm]

She's for the second amendment, and very interesting to listen to. I like her genuine candor, I'm sure she's had a very interesting life.

[@jimmyjames2022]

"Thank God for Westerns", and western musicals!

[@desertfox3860]

What a fun person she is! Thanks for the visit. Also, I see the flyer for the Maverick boys shows James Garner as Brent not Bret.

[@henrygonzalez8793]

I think that’s Robert Colbert, not James Garner.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thank you, Henry!

[@henrygonzalez8793]

A Word on Westerns Always glad to be of help - be well, stay safe !! Btw - I love westerns & I love your work !!

[@desertfox3860]

@@henrygonzalez8793 Thanks for the clarification.

[@desertfox3860]

@@AWordonWesterns I did more research and stand corrected. Thanks to Henry.

[@discoveryman59]

People like this wonderful women are SO under utilized in show business today! What a spark she has!!!

[@johnwayne5289]

love Ruta Lee.

[@davidarcudi230]

Rob may be the only man who loves old movies more than I do. Love listening to you interview

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Dave.

[@jimmadonna1436]

I've always loved Ruta Lee. I'm glad she's still with us and healthy

[@stevenalred7606]

I had a crush on Ruta back in the fifties when I was just a kid. Great seeing her again.

[@grahamhill6340]

RUTA LEE...and I mean with great un-PC affection is a great old broad, who is a real wonderful lady and still looks good! Westernwise, Ruta really got around and had an iconic career as a supporting player who really enjoyed the work and the scores of friends she made. She has plenty of stories and well knows how to tell them. Ruta was an asset in every show and movie she was ever on... I have over 1,500 westerns on DVD and well over 4,000 episodes of some 40 plus TV westerns... and whether it's Ruta on the CBS circuit of Gunsmoke and Rawhide, the NBC circuit of Bonanza and The Virginian or the ABC circuit of the Warner Brothers TV shows to the Rat Pack's SERGEANT'S THREE movie, she always seems to play the same character -and she does it so well... But Ruta also stood out in a non-western classic like WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION... thanks Rob I rest my case!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Graham. She's got plenty more stories and I hope we get her back when production can resume.

[@marshamorgan1795]

So glad i found this! I have always loved her! I wish they would make great ones like them not all the language.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, Marsha. Ruta appears as the villain in tomorrow's WAYBACK episode.

[@rosemchaney7655]

Just wonderful. Enjoyed all of interview, especially the stories.

[@Utah08]

Your interviews are always such fun. Thanks Rob

[@drm9979]

I was too young at the time she was in them to know of her, but when watching reruns of .Gunsmoke and others she really stood out as a great beauty, which prompted my interest in this interview. she is as beautiful inside as out.

[@AWordonWesterns]

And a wonderful guest, too, D.