Gunsmoke

By: Entertainment Radio
  • Summary

  • In the late 1940s, CBS chairman William S. Paley, a fan of the Philip Marlowe radio series, asked his programming chief, Hubell Robinson, to develop a hardboiled Western series, a show about a "Philip Marlowe of the Old West". Robinson instructed his West Coast CBS Vice President, Harry Ackerman, who had developed the Philip Marlowe series, to take on the task.

    Ackerman and his scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye" based on one of their Michael Shayne radio scripts, "The Case of the Crooked Wheel" from the summer of 1948. Two versions were recorded. The first, recorded in June 1949, was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Michael Rye (credited as Rye Billsbury) as Dillon; the second, recorded in July 1949, starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed.

    A complication arose, though; Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years when producer Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston discovered it while creating an adult Western series of their own.

    Macdonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas, during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism."

    Radio cast and character biographies

    The radio series first aired on CBS on April 26, 1952, with the episode "Billy the Kid", written by Walter Newman, and ended on June 18, 1961. The show stars William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Dillon's assistant, Chester Wesley Proudfoot.

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Episodes
  • Gunsmoke 61-06-18 (480) Letter of the Law
    Sep 6 2020

    Exploring the Legacy of "Gunsmoke": The "Letter of the Law" Episode

    "Gunsmoke" remains one of the most iconic Western radio series, captivating audiences with its tales of the American frontier. The episode titled "Letter of the Law," which first aired on June 18, 1961, stands as a testament to the show's enduring appeal and its nuanced portrayal of justice in the Old West.

    The episode is a powerful narrative that delves into the complexities of law and morality. It tells the story of a rich landowner who attempts to exploit a legal loophole to expand his acreage at the expense of a homesteader who has failed to file the necessary paperwork. Marshal Matt Dillon, the embodiment of steadfastness and moral integrity, is tasked with delivering an eviction notice to the homesteader, setting the stage for a confrontation between the letter and the spirit of the law.

    "Letter of the Law" is not just a story of the Wild West; it's a reflection on the human condition and the often-blurry line between right and wrong. It challenges listeners to consider the implications of rigidly adhering to the law when it conflicts with justice and fairness.

    The episode's relevance extends beyond its historical context, resonating with contemporary audiences who grapple with similar issues in today's legal system. "Gunsmoke" episodes like "Letter of the Law" contribute to the rich tapestry of American storytelling, offering lessons that are as pertinent now as they were over six decades ago.

    "Gunsmoke" and its episodes like "Letter of the Law" continue to be celebrated for their dramatic storytelling, complex characters, and thoughtful exploration of ethical dilemmas. The series' legacy endures, proving that the tales of the Old West still have much to teach us about the nature of justice and the human spirit.

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    Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio



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    24 mins
  • Gunsmoke 61-06-11 (479) Doc's Visitor
    Sep 6 2020
    Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. When aired in the UK, the television series was initially titled Gun Law, later reverting to Gunsmoke. The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961.

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    24 mins
  • Gunsmoke 61-06-04 (478) Cows and Cribs
    Sep 6 2020
    Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. When aired in the UK, the television series was initially titled Gun Law, later reverting to Gunsmoke. The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961.

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    21 mins

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