GUNSMOKE - Tribute to James Arness

Here are a few clips of James Arness establishing the character of Marshall Dillon on GUNSMOKE.

[@johndutton7915]

This is absolutely the best TV show or Best Western TV show I've ever seen in my life. Reminds me of being a kid and watching it with my father

[@warren8601]

As a kid I watched Gunsmoke with my father. Best of times.

[@dabprod]

Yep. Same here.

[@tonym994]

@@dabprod and same here. the vivid thing was seeing Clint Eastwood's name take up most of the screen .'Rawhide' 'Have gun will travel'. 'GUNSMOKE 'was, as John Wayne said, "adult, realistic," which is why I didn't really know the show 'til after they stopped restricting it to Saturday nites at 10 PM. but yeah. memories of Dad. it was so far back we couldn't have seen them in color if we had a color TV. everything was shot in B&W.

[@caroltaylor7894]

Always stand up. to the point. honest. Courageous. smart. He was a good actor and man. We were fortunate to have had the show as long as we did. Thanks for the summaries.

[@aniea5664]

What a man, what a man, what a really good man.💖💖💖

[@barrysmith6845]

There is unfortunately nobody even close to MATT DILLON, love the series Sooo much

[@marilynireland8805]

I am in love with how he used his eyes in the most truth-telling, or compassionate or threatening way.

[@aimeekubik8803]

Yes beautiful eyes. A very good actor and a real war hero. So glad I get to enjoy his work now. No TV when I was young. There will never be another Matt Dillon but James arness. So glad I get to enjoy it all now.

[@marciabrainard9837]

Still enjoy about 6 hrs of Matt between to channels everyday, repeats after repeats...luv Matt, Arness was a wonderful actor, makes you feel like you were right there with them all....

[@brianwaller6839]

JJ mm

[@captaincook5343]

We need another James Arness

[@mikelaird5458]

We need a bunch of him bud.

[@baq8680]

Coolest man to ever walk the planet...

[@mariacallahan7506]

So believable. Love this show and all the characters. Great acting and script. Never gets "old"

[@johnadams9044]

Matt Dillon was the definition of a dedicated, hard nosed U.S. Marshall of the 1870's.

[@conniehale6222]

He was a straight shooter ALL the time. Many children learned how to be truthful all the time by watching Gunsmoke. Not just boys but girls too. It would be so wonderful to see more shows like this on TV. Just saying....

[@aimeekubik8803]

Young boys and young girls learned truthfulness and manners. Honesty was taught, including considering other's feelings. A bygone era. Today anything goes. You cannot accept anyone's word. Sad to be young today.

[@20alphabet]

@@aimeekubik8803 You are absolutely correct.

[@davidbusciglio5529]

Don't make em anymore like Gunsmome, or Matt Dillon for that matter. Those were the days and the times.

[@quiqui1112]

Loved James Arness aka Matt Dillon I'm 73 and still watch it every day he was the best none better than him ❤

[@gregfrancis5252]

BEST WESTERN SERIES ,,,,,,EVER

[@karenmurphy6749]

AMEN!!

[@janisdais2832]

Gunsmoke. The absolute BEST of many very good TV Westerns. ❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@karenmurphy6749]

I'm nearly 70, I remember watching Gunsmoke as a child. My dad even bought Gunsmoke comic books & he would read to me. I miss the the good old days of western shows. He was a fabulous actor. I still watch Gunsmoke every evening on the western channel. No cussing just acting!

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

I am just now 70... I was watching with you - just didn't know you then! Ya, Great Stuff!

[@Riqrob]

I remember listening to Gunsmoke on the radio. Montana was late to the TV game

[@karenmurphy6749]

@@retiredmusiceducator3612 nice to know I had a friend while watching our favorite western show "Gunsmoke!"

[@Blue-rw9kj]

Dang, little older, still watching on insp channel.

[@karenmurphy6749]

@@Blue-rw9kj thank goodness for INSP.

[@geraldromanow4576]

What I admired most about the character Matt Dillon: he could stand up to the most murderous outlaw and in the next scene be the kindest and most respectful of gentlemen to a lady. He was a man’s man, much like John Wayne. And I truly believe that the actor James Arness must have possessed some of those same characteristics in order to be able to portray Dillon the way he did in the series. We all love hero-worship and Matt Dillon was worthy of it!

[@davidbusciglio5529]

According to the accounts of his fellow cast members, ' what you saw was what you got '. He was the same guy off screen and on screen. My Dad, who met him at a special engagement at a local TV station in Tampa (early 1960s), received the same impression. ....And yes, he did bear some of those same qualities in real life. Was a real life war hero, a combat vet from WWII. As a US Army infantryman, he was issued the purple heart, the bronze star and four other medals of valor during the war, the specifics of which I can't recall. They sure don't make em like Jim Arness anymore. Jimmy Stewart was in the same category (Airforce combat vet If I recall correctly).

[@donnasmith3550]

I think James arrested and James Stewart are two of the best in the westerns that I have ever seen. I enjoyed their television shows and the movies they made. I will still watch them even if they are reruns. There are a lot of good western cowboys like John Wayne and many others like the old one of Roy Roger's and Dale Evans and the lone ranger and Jay silver heels who played Tonto. I like any western be it now or the past one with gaby hays.

[@donnasmith3550]

Arrested wasn't supposed to be in the statement. I meant Arness

[@ronrobertson59]

James Arness was a real war hero and I'm sure he did have much of Matt Dillon in him..

[@Townsendcat2]

Still one of the greatest shows ever!!!!

[@talbotsplace7316]

Geeze...Matt was one hard man. Great show.

[@Blue-rw9kj]

Several years ago I sent a pic of James Arness requesting he autograph it, said he couln't, some kinda legal reason, but he wrote a helluva note to me, and signed it, got it on the back of the pic I sent, Treasure it to this day.

[@aimeekubik8803]

What a class act. Dies not get better than that.

[@stevewixom9311]

Oh man i don't blame you.. i'd hang on to that like grim death myself

[@jackiechlebck9311]

I’m 77 now and back in the 50’s, when my folks would watch Gunsmoke, sometimes I’d hang around. Now it’s one of my favorite westerns. They don’t make shows like that anymore, and the best part is watching Matt Dillon and the warm camaraderie with Kitty, Quint, Chester, and Doc.

[@johnraines4825]

One of the greatest series on television. The best writing and cast. I loved watching when it was in production, and still watch it now. No series was better than Gunsmoke.

[@brendanewby1573]

I've watched Gunsmoke all my life and I still watch it. James Harness was amazing

[@20alphabet]

Harness ? 😆lol

[@cathyhunnicutt1312]

That is what America needs to be watching instead of the filth that children watch now !!!!!!!!!!

[@user-zn9yl7cw5m]

The girls in the Longbranch are hookers.

[@ElliottNest39]

I like that Matt was big enough to take care of anyone.

[@strattuner]

JAMES ARNESS WAS ALL MAN ,ON THE SCREEN OR IN THE BATTLE FIELD,HELLUVA MAN,RIP TOUGH GUY

[@doristhomson3082]

Loved that man. Not another one like him around these days. Sure do miss him.

[@20alphabet]

In his day, the character he portrayed was worthy of admiration. But you must realize that he was speaking words written by someone else while wearing other peoples clothes.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

@@20alphabet Er...... talk about stating the dang obvious..... Of course. But it is how he did it... er.. duh... Kinda like how Peter Falk played Columbo... Put himself in to it.

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

Matt Dillon and James arness are a national treasure.

[@blueskysailing]

I like that! 👍

[@GaryYoung-eq1ph]

Nothing is better than the 50s early 60s Chester version!!! When Matt was tougher than life!!!!younger better lookin , (but always good writer, or writers.)

[@kaybutcher5719]

Always loved Gunsmoke! Brings back good family memories watching this program together and gaining good life-lessons from these programs and “Marshall Matt Dillion”.

[@marciabrainard9837]

Do miss him 😥😥😥

[@robertahoward7980]

AMEN GOD BLESS HIM I LOVED HIS MOVIES. 🙏🙏🙏🤲

[@janethartwig774]

This was great!

[@wilmamccarter2296]

Love the show watch it all the time R.I.P🙏🙏🙏❤️

[@korsondo]

Imagine, a TV show with no special effects, just good acting and a plot. A novel concept if it ever happens today.

[@rickpennington4857]

I used to watch this show when we use to visit my Grandmother and Grandfather! They’ll never be another western like Gunsmoke!

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

Indeed, Korsondo. Makes it all the more incredible.

[@rammmin1]

Matt was real stand up guy ,original.

[@christophertsiliacos8958]

He sure was! All 6' 7" (200cm) of him! 👌 😉

[@rammmin1]

@@christophertsiliacos8958they were calling him big James.

[@marilynmccormick3731]

"All the talk you hear and the wiskey you drink doesn't fill you out one little bit, now get outta here! " They always knew where Marshall Dillon stood.

[@tombarzey7964]

I remember watching Gunsmoke as a child with my Mother on Saturday evenings back in the 60’s. The show then moved to Monday evenings. It’s great to watch the reruns 24/7 on Pluto TV which now includes the half hour B&W shows which started this past Monday on 7/1/2024

[@scoremxcom]

"Lee Stapp" - was the cook that fought Rock Hudson in the restaurant in the movie: "Giant".

[@DanneyTanner]

6:00 that s was 1 of my favorite eposodes.Matt ambushes the whole gang that killed the family and child

[@doreentaylor5144]

I just can't get enough of this man!

[@shellybelly2745]

Justice is always served in every episode. Love it

[@TheSarahbeach100]

I loved his smile.

[@BigWheelHawaii]

This Man Was a Great Actor,,, "One Look Worth a Thousand Words"... By Far,,, One of The Best "Horsemen" To Ever Sit a Horse on Film... He Was a Full Blown "Natural" on Horseback... Not The "Duke",,, Not Roy,,, Not Gene Autry,,, Not Jimmy Stewart,,, None Could "Sit" a Horse Like "Matt"... Jim Was a "Natural Born" Athlete, He Had Great Balance, a World Class "Surfer, Superb Skier, Like I Said,,, He Was a "Natural On Horseback"...

[@wally1452]

Right on Sir...you nailed it. I think he was the best western actor ever. "A natural," as they say. Thanks for good, honest comment. wl

[@jimanderson7648]

he fit the cowboy part

[@jimanderson7648]

also he was one of the very few who could rope along with Gene & Roy

[@aimeekubik8803]

Yes he was a natural. He was wounded in world war two, and went ahead and did so much with his life. A war hero, an all around amazing 6'7" giant if a man.

[@henrysniper8481]

I had a horse for a number of years and I would watch Gunsmoke and wish I could ride as natural as Arness.

[@mtsflorida]

Mr. Arness was not only a great Actor but a great American. He was a WW II veteran who served his Country in more ways than one. When he went out to visit a National Park he would pick up the liter that someone left behind. Something you don't see much in the newer generation of famous people. That's is one reason America is looking more like slums all over day after day. I feel sorry for people that never saw the early 60's. What beauty this Country was before the immigration of filth.

[@aimeekubik8803]

Yes they don't make them like the greatest generation anymore. We are all immigrants. James arness's heritage was Norwegian and Germany. My parents were from Switzerland, and so it is, out of many one. The only folks who are real Americans are the Indian Nations.

[@dottiemorgan6151]

I loved the ending His smile...almost as if he knew how much people would love the memories of them all especially Him.

[@jeaniparker227]

Matt always rode a big buckskin...the most fitting ride for this real man.

[@20alphabet]

John Wayne rode a white thoroughbred. If it ain't white, it ain't right. 😆lol

[@robinsattahip2376]

Notice that he does not hold his coffee cup (or anything else) in his gun hand. Law enforcement still teaches that.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

Well spotted. Didnt notice...

[@HigherPowerWorldWide]

When I was a little boy in the 1960's, James Arness was right up there with John Wayne, two peas in the same pod. Although both have been given special dispensation in heaven, I still feel the same way, too good guys in the same pod.

[@yeseniakrueger1863]

James Arness has a personality because of were he grew up ...Minneapolis. minnesota its called Minnesots nice.. I would recognize it anywhere... we are both from the same neighborhood.. south M.P.L.S......

[@marilynmccormick3731]

Minneapolis has changed "a lot" since James and his brother, Peter Graves Arness grew up here. I hardly recognise it as the same city.

[@johnnyholland8765]

@@marilynmccormick3731 Yes ol Matt (James) was always nice till it was time to NOT be nice...

[@dannysmith6035]

Love Gunsmoke & love guns! Thank ya!

[@margaritasaenzcano1182]

I LOVE MATT DILLION AND HIS BACK SWING; IT JUST CAME OUT OF NOWHERE, HE COULD SEE RIGHT THROUGH THE BULLSHIT.STRAIGHT OUT SPOKEN. 😄😄😄✝️✝️✝️💜💜💜💯💯💯❤❤❤

[@GetMeThere1]

James Arness was 6' 7" tall (79 inches). Modern doorways are generally 80" high -- which means Arness wouldn't get through one -- wearing a cowboy hat -- unless he bent his head down pretty low. I think they probably modified the doorways in the show especially to accommodate him.

[@aimeekubik8803]

He was a big giant of a man, and the sets were probably built to accommodate his height. No one else could have played his role. You did not know where Marshall Dillon began and James arness left off. They seemed to be one and the same. Ok by me. We need more people like Marshall Dillon, aka James arness, in this world.

[@carolrodriguez1915]

That was a good show always I watch GumSmoke everyday.

[@JohnSears-ge9wp]

I shut down at 12 every day to watch gun smoke and if it comes down to it I have all the shows on DVDs old people love it

[@eamonnobrien1410]

Great movie thanks for sharing 👍

[@Linda98671]

Gunsmoke comes on at 1:00 p.m. here, two episodes... I get my house work done to watch an hour of really good acting and lovely characters...

[@duaneleerussell157]

love it

[@wally1452]

Gunsmoke was ahead of its time back in the 50's-60's. It was a more mature western. The Virginian was my main one I liked...it did address much that GS did but more subtle and just understood after you watched James Drury and Doug McClure and what they stood for. I loved Gunsmoke because of Jim Arness' one hour solo episodes. I never cared for the attempted corny comedy stuff...it was spread out too long and was never funny to me. The rest was fine. Had Arness not been main star it never would have lasted long.

[@conniehale6222]

I loved the added humor. It showed that the writers of the scripts knew that different people acted differently (in real life). You are right about the solo episodes bc he was an extraordinary actor. GS, to me, was the epitome of all westerns as well as “The Virginian”. With the loss of actors like Jim Arness, James Drury and Doug McClure, westerns will never be what they once were. 😊

[@sandrajacobs7250]

Best western show that I watched as a kid & now as a Senior Citizen. Thanks for the replay! Yes, I still watch because of fairness & integrity. GO GUNSMOKE!!!

[@stevewixom9311]

@@conniehale6222 You are so right.. westerns will never be what they once were. Guys like Matt Dillion are just cavemen to the pc/woke crowd we're "blessed" with these days. Arness played the role of Marshall Matt Dillion with courage honesty and Integrity. 3 words the woke crowd don't even know the meaning of.

[@richardmcleod1930]

Watching these television shows is like watching a re-run if you happen to have heard these original shows written by John Mestin (Gunsmoke's creator) for the original radio show which he created.

[@gregfrancis5252]

JUST LOOK AT THE LIST OF GREAT HOLLYWOOD MOVIE STARS GUEST STARRED ON GUNSMOKE,,,,

[@captjim007]

Born in 65, watching Gunsmoke in the late 60's to the end in 75 I couldn't understand why they always thought Miss Kitty was hot. Then I saw the first episode from 1955 and I realized why.

[@maureen8930]

I really wish MeTv could run two three shows a day I truly enjoy Gun Smoke ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ArturoRodriguez-xh3vk]

My Dad's favorite cowboy movie, R. I. P. Dad. WWII hero.

[@mogarcia9755]

“Want some more coffee? Here have some more….

[@lupecastanon6682]

No podia dormirme sin mirar mi programa favorito. La ley del revolver con matt Dillon y su enamorada Kitti el Doctor no podia faltar y su fiel ayudante y su mula. Grasias James for todo un tesoro nacional un fuerte abrazo desde zacatecas.

[@20alphabet]

Yo no tengo tiempo para ti

[@reneewallack5850]

9

[@urgdaddy]

Just good straight talk....

[@darwynmead2597]

Chester was probably the most. Loyal partner you could ever ask for however, he was not the sharpest pencil in the box.

[@jahno7154]

Not a fan of westerns but I can watch Gunsmoke all day. Matt Dillion my favourite TV Law man.

[@velmasummerford5481]

I never get tired of these little snippets. Loved the show and live them now. They didnt have to marry Kitty and Matt But what what kept them from kissing. They had too much class to slurp on each other like they do now a days.

[@cherryblossom2215]

Matt had slept with a lady in one episode and didn’t know he made a baby that night. Michael Learning was the guest star. But Matt and Kitty never even kissed

[@nicolekenna7822]

Love James Arness 💕RIP dear sweet soul🙏💕

[@angelorollo3350]

Jin Arness was a very believable and honest actor. I believe he was like Matt a Dillon in his personal life too.

[@rogertemple7313]

"Matt Dillon was similar to Joe Friday he took his job seriously but since Dillon was in the old west he had more traveling to do and didn't have alot, being in a small wild town in the mid west fighting outlaws,fugitives,and other do no gooders that ran through Kansas and neighboring states,even though he had sort of romance going with Miss Kitty he didn't let that interfere with his job,he had good deputies but they weren't as good as him,even though Wyatt Earp was in the area(the same Dodge City????) but Dillon seemed do to more better than Earp did....anyhow Earp was a real person,Dillon was a fictitious character but he(Dillon)may have been based on real people though,but anyhow Matt Dillon was a Legendary Character on TV and still is,well if you want to watch it on TV land or Insp be prepared to set through a lot of commercials,Marshal Matt Dillon(1845-1915????).

[@roberttaylor1055]

Watch move to Mat Dillon

[@patheticcircus3774]

Damn I love this show I’m 51 years old and still watch everyday

[@cherryblossom2215]

I’m 51 years and watch this everyday as well. I watch it on Pluto

[@jasonstack122]

THANKS

[@richardmcleod1930]

This story was first aired on radio with William Conrad as Marshall the original Marshall Matt Dillon, Georgia Ellis as the original Miss Kitty and Parley Baer. as the original Chester Wesley Proudfoot, a name created by William Conrad.. For some unknown reason Chester's name was changed to Chester Goode for the later television series. This story is almost identical and in my opinion much better than the television version although who can argue with with either version being excellent. Most of the stories written were by "Gunsmioke's" creator John Mestin who also had editorial approval over the later stories written by other writers. Parley Baer on the radio show version is more sympathetic and less hostile in character than the television version. As has been often said, "Radio is the Theater of the Mind", and this episode versus the original radio version proves such is definitely the case.

[@savagesword6393]

"Go sit in the dark, where you belong." Ouch!

[@douglasruss2889]

Bravo !

[@hellcatredeye-g6582]

If you watched it from the beginning the jail cells to the left there is no door behind his desk

[@marymckiernan2395]

Wow! no dilly dallaying with the Marshall tells it like it is & pow! If the offenders try to resist.🥊🤪

[@carlosavila5156]

I'm binging in this show on the Inspection channel.And it is an amazing and very adult show.anchored by lames arness.

[@Lance2773]

Correct the spelling please.

[@troysloan998]

I watch it every night on the same channel.

[@florencerobinson7714]

Do you mean the Inspiration channel??? INSP

[@carlosenriquegonzalezperez925]

Esta serie se transmitió en México haya por mediados de los años 1960 - 1970 .en español. Traduzcan al idioma de los latinoamericanos

[@20alphabet]

Yo no tengo tiempo para ti

[@debraphilip6173]

What a man 😘

[@smc130]

Now Matt, you weren’t very nice to Mr. Kite. He just needed some counseling. Get Doc to sort him out. 😆

[@darwynmead2597]

He was tough without even acting tough.

[@johnlagrone8028]

This show is Great Affordable Decks Northport Alabama

[@tangrine16]

In real life James Arness had a sad life....his daughter took her own life at the age of 23. His adopted son died tragically also! His female partner Thordis Brandt is drop dead gorgeous!

[@johndutton7915]

Wow i didnt know that

[@aimeekubik8803]

He rose above the sadness in his life, as we all must do. His third marriage to Janet arness was "the best part of his life." His words. He found happiness. We should all be so fortunate. It seems our journey on this Earth is not skipping down a yellow brick road for any of us.

[@drdeb5457]

Janet was Arness' 2nd wife and soul mate -- they were married for over 30 years! ... Fyi, "Word on Westerns" recently posted a wonderful interview with Janet. She's still alive and carrying on his legacy!

[@marygreer9575]

Damn Matt...you go boy🤗

[@armylyreh713]

James Arness as Matt Dillion on TV's Gun Smoke, beat all those old school cowboys played by John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, Gary Cooper, Sam Elliot. The only other cowboy I liked was "Tom Selleck".

[@michaelproctor8100]

It was a rare thing to see Matt Dillon wearing a black hat.

[@doristhomson3082]

first SEASON he dressed differently.

[@brendaisajiw3417]

@@doristhomson3082 -Yeah. I liked him in the tight jean's and the black shirt under his vest. Lol. 👍

[@marilynireland8805]

He looked knock-out handsome when "dressed up" for a party. WOW

[@aggabus]

0:49 handshake

[@jimwalker4984]

too bad these clips are not loud enough to hear

[@Mister_Pedantic]

Hands up everyone who remembers the childhood moment when they realized what Miss Kitty did for a living. The radio show hinted at it but the television version didn't dare go near it.

[@floydlooney6837]

She ran a saloon. Period. As far as I'm concerned

[@darwynmead2597]

Those gamblers should have just moved down to Mead. Kansas, everybody gambled down there.

[@williedixon3722]

Western Gunsmoke

[@loverofthemilf]

There's only one L in marshal, you Nimrod. Otherwise, good video.

[@florencerobinson7714]

No there isn't.. there are 2 L's ..you dimwit..

[@joshuahaydon5312]

I actually just got into Gunsmoke. I started listening to the radio version first. I have to say, I lean a little more to Conrad over Arness when it comes to a commanding presence.

[@jamesmcgrath3841]

Conrad has a fabulous voice but "commanding presence"? You might check the intro to How The West Was Won (starring Arness) with Conrad again doing a fabulous voice over intro.

[@o925now]

Matt don't play

[@dennisd.cherrysr.3326]

Sorry unwatchable as the sound is too low in the scenes and too loud otherwise.

[@tc556guy]

This clip reminded me of something. I've sometimes wondered if they intentionally sized the sets so that Arness didn't have to duck when depicted going in and out of entrances. With Arness being 6'05" the set doors would have to be at least 77" tall, probably more so to give the illusion that he wasn't having to duck to go through them. That's not a very standard door height, then or today. I've been in a lot of old buildings over the years, and if anything room and door dimensions tended to run smaller than what is considered dimensionally true today, because people were smaller in general....

[@michaelproctor8100]

Arness was actually 6-7

[@BabyandLittleGuy]

Yep, he was 6'7".

[@drricksjoquist4358]

He was 6'7"

[@20alphabet]

He was 6'7" tall.

[@tc556guy]

@@michaelproctor8100 OK and thank you, but that doesn't answer the question I posed. I guess only a surviving set person from the series would really be able to answer the question, though...

[@jesusvalenciahernandez9292]

Porque.puro.ingles.yolas.miraba.en.español.ase.60.años.

[@20alphabet]

Yo no tengo tiempo para ti

[@georgevansise8658]

Gunsmoke beat show. Ever. The van sises

[@jimmycrackcorn2516]

ARE YOU DRUNK?

[@BWayne38]

When Gunsmoke first rode the TV range, and was more like it's radio counterpart it was very good, even used a lot of John Meston's radio scripts. Unfortunately, as it morfed into an hour program and even Meston lost interest, so did I lose interest.

[@bobbymadera3234]

SHIT MATT DILLON PLAY NOT GAMES WITH NOBODY BEST PROGRAM IN TV 📺 HISTORY OF THE PLANET EARTH