A Man’s Man!
Who is Matt Dillon? Marshall Matt Dillon is a fictional character played on radio and television by the great Jame Arness in the western drama Gunsmoke.
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Matt Dillon’s duty as a U.S. Marshall was to protect and preserve justice on the western frontier
What town did Marshall Matt Dillon reside in?
Dodge City, Kansas
Fun Fact About Gunsmoke
Actor James Arness actually got to sit down with the Marshall Of Dodge City, KS at the time, Marshall Ramon House. This get-together was part of a promotional tour the producers were doing for Gunsmoke. It took place in a replica of the Long Branch Saloon, which was owned by Miss Kitty on the show. Photo below:
Marsall Ramon House can be seen on the far right above
Gunsmoke Radio Show
The Gunsmoke radio show ran from 1952 until 1961. Marshall Matt Dillon was portrayed by William Conrad. His deep and powerful voice was perfect for broadcasting and he was paid top dollar at the time.
In the 1870s, violence moved west along with American settlers and Marshall Dillon moved with it! “I’m that man, Matt Dillon, United States Marshal, the 1st man they look for and the last they want to meet. It’s a chancy job, and it makes a man watchful … and a little lonely.” – Matt Dillon. In fact the content of the radio show was darker and more violent than the TV show. TV network censors were vigilant back then and insisted on clean show…or as clean as a western could be.
The Gunsmoke TV Show
The Gunsmoke television program ran an incredible 20 years (1955-1975). What a run!
Between 1955 to 1961, Gunsmoke was a 30 minute show. It then went to a 60 minute format. Gunsmoke was retitled Marshal Dillon in syndication
Other Gunsmoke Cast Members
Regulars
- James Arness as Matt Dillon
- Dennis Weaver as Chester Goode (1955–1964)
- Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell (1955–1974)
- Milburn Stone as Doc Galen Adams
- Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen (1964–1975)
- Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper (1962–1965)
- Roger Ewing as Thaddeus “Thad” Greenwood (1965–1967)
- Buck Taylor as Newly O’Brien (1967–1975)
- Glenn Strange as Sam Noonan (1961–1973)
Recurring Roles
- Dabbs Greer as Mr. Jonas
- Roy Roberts as Mr. Bodkin (1965–1975)
- Herb Vigran as Judge Brooker
- Howard Culver as Howie the hotel clerk
- Pat Hingle as Dr. John Chapman (1971)
- James Nusser as Louie Pheeters (1956-1970)
- Tom Brown as Ed O’Connor (1959, 1968–1974)
- Ted Jordan as Nathan Burke
Another significant cast member was Amanda Blake, who played the role of Kitty Russell. Kitty Russell was the owner of the Long Branch Saloon, where the Marshal and the other cowboys often visited. She was also Marshal Dillon’s love interest throughout the entire show.
Additionally, there were recurring roles that kept the show exciting and interesting. Some of the famous actors who became recurring characters in the Gunsmoke TV program include Burt Reynolds, who played the role of Quint Asper, and Glenn Strange, who played Sam the bartender.
Final Thoughts
Matt Dillon, played by James Arness, was a symbol of justice and courage in the old Wild West. His character inspired millions of people during his time on Gunsmoke, and his legacy continues to inspire people today.
Through the Gunsmoke radio show and TV program, people learned about the harsh realities of the old West, and how the brave cowboys and marshals like Matt Dillon faced them. Gunsmoke may have ended its run in 1975, but its impact on popular culture continues to be felt today.
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