[1] The listing includes regular cast members, guest stars, and recurring cast members. Happy at Last, Strangers: The Story of a Mother and Daughter, The Most Exciting Movies About Female Assassins, The Best Live Action Film Franchises for Kids. Thad: Roger Ewing. Orabelle Royal Dano Lambert Slim Pickens Pony Beal Loren Brown Townsman (uncredited) Forest Burns Townsman (uncredited) Rudy Doucette Townsman (uncredited) Director Alvin Ganzer Writers Gustave Field Norman MacDonnell (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited) John Meston (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited) All cast & crew Thankfully though, William Paley, who was the network's president at the time, was a big fan (along with his wife) and didn't want it to end. Amanda was known to be a very heavy cigarette smoker and she unfortunately fell ill in 1977. Festus: Ken Curtis. Gunsmoke Killed Gilligan's Island It may have been extremely popular during its run, but in 1967, Gunsmoke was on the verge being canceled by CBS. Orabelle: Brooke Bundy. Weaver's, Ruth Elizabeth "Bette" Davis (; April 5, 1908 October 6, 1989) was an American actress of film, television, and theater. Matt: James Arness. Joey: Zalman King. Louise: Argentina Brunetti. Given she had reportedly fought cancer off several years earlier, some reports said Amanda passed away from cancer. He ended up regretting this decision because it can't be that easy limping week after week. With a career spanning 60 years, she is regarded as one of the greatest, George Glenn Strange (August 16, 1899 September 20, 1973) was an American actor who mostly appeared in Western films. Mal: Lisabeth Hush. [1] The listing includes regular cast members, guest stars, and recurring cast members. Matt: James Arness. Originating on radio (with William Conrad as Dillon), it moved to TV in September 1955. ET. Shortly after departing "Gunsmoke," the actor was cast in the single-season NBC comedy-drama "Kentucky Jones." Distractify is a registered trademark. Festus: Ken Curtis. CBS was going to cancel the show, but some producers freaked out a bit. Dennis Weaver (Chester Goode) leans on a lamppost with Blake on set. He even introduced the series in the first episode. Thad tries to save an Indian girl's father, who has been sentenced to die for a murder he didn't commit. Kitty: Amanda Blake. McConnell: John Anderson. She was caretaker to a young boy that was injured during a tornado. This list contains notable cast members of the Gunsmoke radio and TV series, and TV movies. Blake sure earned a lot of clams working on the show. Will: Del Monroe. Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? The radio series ran alongside the TV show, CBS was going to cancel the show, but some producers freaked out a bit. Amanda returned to play Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, a TV movie that ran in 1985. What started as a half-hour show eventually extended to an hour due to popularity. Starring : James Arness ( Matt Dillon ) with Milburn Stone ( Doc ), Amanda Blake ( Kitty ), Ken Curtis ( Festus ), Roger Ewing ( Thad ) Matt comes under fire when he tries to protect a wounded outlaw worth $30,000---dead or alive---from two bounty hunters. Doc: Milburn Stone. Sandy: Tim O'Kelly. Barens: Johnny Seven. Miss Howell: Virginia Gregg. Patricia had a blood disease and she died in the episode. Matt hits the trail in pursuit of three bandits who robbed the stagecoach and murdered the driver and guard. Then, in 1970, Weaver landed another role that would see him in a cowboy hat and occasionally atop a horse, as he took on the lead in the modern-day police drama "McCloud," which would run until 1977 (per IMDb). [4] Television [ edit] Claude: Tim McIntire. All things considered, it seems that Weaver's desire to move beyond playing Chester was the real reason that the beloved character permanently rode off into the sunset on "Gunsmoke. Boyle: Richard Evans. 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Dano: Nehemiah Persoff. Frank and Edmund Dano return from prison to find their mother dying and their father bitter. Festus: Ken Curtis. Gunsmoke cast list, including photos of the actors when available. Coy: Michael Davis. As noted in a 2002 Television Academy Foundation interview with Dennis Weaver, the decision to exit the hit series was actually made by the actor himself. This landmark adult Western centered on Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge City. Angus: Chips Rafferty. After the mules disappear, Festus walks toward Doc and Kitty, who are standing outside the Long Branch, and a boom mic shadows appears on the Long Branch sign. Web: Jeremy Slate. Sipes: Lonny Chapman. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. Unfortunately, William Conrad, who had voiced the character on the radio show, didn't get the part because they felt he wasn't attractive enough (ouch). Who played Abelia's son Jonathan? Addie: Shelley Morrison. Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. He first rose to prominence starring in television series such as Gunsmoke (19621965), William Dennis Weaver (June 4, 1924 February 24, 2006) was an American actor best known for his work in television and films from the early 1950s until not long before his death in 2006. . <Previous "Gunsmoke" Next> Season 11 (CBS)(1965-66) (60 min black-and-white) Episode Guide compiled by The Classic TV Archive with contributions by: references: TV Guide Library of Congress (telnet://locis.loc.gov) Internet Movie Database (https://us.imdb.com) UCLA Film and Television Archive Gunsmoke lasted a remarkable perhaps untouchable, at least when it comes to hourlong dramas 20 seasons. Doc: Milburn Stone. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry.Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. Dove: Lonny Chapman. Matt Dillon had one onscreen kiss throughout the tv series, Dillon got his one silver screen kiss in the episode "Matt's Love Story" with Michael Learned, who portrayed Olivia Walton on, 17. Thad: Roger Ewing. Matt: James Arness. Pa Gibbijohn: John Anderson. Mr. Porter: Sean Garrison. Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs. Woodley: Kelly Thordsen. Galloping onto CBS in 1955, "Gunsmoke" still leads the herd of TV Westerns as one of the most iconic examples of the genre ever to enthrall viewers eager for clear-cut, heroes-versus-bad-guys entertainment. Arness and Blake get big laughs at Dennis Weaver's rope fumbling during a rehearsal. Spellman: Lew Gallo. Matt: James Arness. Doc: Milburn Stone. Matt: James Arness. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. Abelia: Oh hush. Classic Western! Banjo: Tom McCauley. Band: Jack Elam. Vote for your favorite items on this poll, including William Shatner Burt Reynolds and more. Marshal Matt Dillon was challenging to cast, The show really struggled to fill the iconic role, mostly because they really wanted, 6. Let's take a peek behind the scenes of this most iconic of American Westerns. Harris: Cyril Delevanti. Arness is immortal in TV history as Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke, the longest-running network drama. Kitty: Amanda Blake. You also get to see Peter, Jan, and Cindy from The Brady Bunch. The political focus on anti-violence became so strong during this period that the show felt it was inappropriate to keep airing Matt Dillon in a gunfight every single week. So instead, they cut Gilligan, and his crew and, 8. Dillon would tell criminals to "Get outta Dodge," referring to the show's setting of Dodge City, Kansas. While the radio series had relatively few recurring supporting characters, and those roles were often shared, the following actors played recurring roles with comparative consistency, in addition to a variety of one-time roles, Many actors appeared regularly on Gunsmoke, in the majority of episodes, but in a variety of one-shot roles; others were only heard once or twice. Ben: George Kennedy. Matt: James Arness. After 26 actors tested, Wayne recommended his friend James Arness who won the role. Here are some things you may not have known about the iconic show. TV Shows. The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Fes Read allThe Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. After the series concluded, CBS produced a number of made-for-TV movies based on the show, including Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), and Gunsmoke: One Mans Justice (1994). The supporting characters included Miss Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake), owner of the Long Branch Saloon, which doubled as a bordello; Doc Adams (Milburn Stone), the towns adept physician; and Deputy Marshal Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver), Dillons loyal sidekick. I know it was risky doing that because a lot of actors did the same thing and really disappeared. Matt: James Arness. Updates? Keys: Tom Reese. Matt: James Arness. Waiter . Festus: Ken Curtis. He appeared in a few films too including: It Should Happen to You (1954,debut), Hell Canyon Outlaws (1957), Hail,Hero! But the programs enduring success resulted largely from the psychological drama and tense situations that were resolved with moral ambiguity rather than with a showdown at high noon. At the time this episode aired Diane Ladd was married to Bruce Dern who had been on Gunsmoke many times. Judy Carne was only a few months divorced from Burt Reynolds who appeared on the show fifty times. Phyllis: Joan Blackman. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry.Festus's nephew arrives, seeking a bride who can read and write. Showing all 6 items Jump to: Photos (6) Photos . 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. Stone was given naming rights since it was his character, and he decided on the name "Galen.". Pringle: John Marley. There was a lot of speculation and confusion over the cause of death. Arness and Blake get big laughs at Dennis Weaver's rope fumbling during a rehearsal. UPDATE 02/18/2022. Gorman: Darren McGavin. Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987), Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994). Though he mostly portrayed Festus Haggen, during the series' run, he also played a Texas cattleman who was killed after becoming friends with Chester Goode. Sat, Sep 25, 1965 60 mins A buffalo hunter is sentenced to hang for a murder committed by the sons of Matt's old friend Adam Benteen. Matt: James Arness. Doc: Milburn Stone. Milburn Stone collects an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor Drama in 1968. Illiterate Festus becomes a reporter for Dodge City's new paper. Blake sure earned a lot of clams working on the show. She was openly a madame on the radio show, but producers felt that they needed to shy away from those details to be family-friendly on television. In the original radio series, William Conrad voiced the role of Marshal Matt Dillon. Matt: James Arness. Matt: James Arness. The show's opener changed in the 1970s, 13. Craig Arness gets the drop on dad during an afternoon of play at the Arness home in 1958. Eb: Michael Vandever. When going into this show knowing that this is a fun expression of entertainment then this episode is not bad at all. As one of those plucky cowpokes, "Gunsmoke" regular Dennis Weaver's Chester became one the period's most popular characters, with his familiar drawl and home-spun nature playing off against Arness' Dillon and his unflappable, earnest lawman persona. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1890s and began as a radio program that CBS aired from 1952 to 1961. Woody: Joe Don Baker. Matt is taken hostage by four convicts who are fleeing to Mexico. This landmark adult Western centered on Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge City. In this episode, Doc and Festus are kidnapped by a clan of buffalo hunters. Dillon got his one silver screen kiss in the episode "Matt's Love Story" with Michael Learned, who portrayed Olivia Walton onThe Waltons. The show had no idea that the network was going to cancel the show, so they weren't able to make any preparations for ending the beloved show. [3] Bundy appeared in Daniel Farrands' documentary film, Never Sleep Again: The Elm Street Legacy. Clara: Ruth Warrick. Wilma: Lyn Edgington. The gang loses one of the Ward brothers, shot in the stomach, while Abelia and another gang member go to Dodge for a painkiller; in town Festus and Newly have a run-in with the pair. Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Ab Read allThe Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Amanda Blake and James Arness reunite at the Golden Boot Awards, August 15, 1986. Arness peers over a collar of leis he received after he crossed the finish line first in the Multihull Transpacific Yacht Race, Sunday, July 15, 1968, in Honolulu. Festus has a tracking job which leads him to Abelia's home where . The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. His castmates, including Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty), Ken Curtis (Festus) and Milburn Stone (Doc), would also play theirroles for years and years. Jensen: Wright King. Chummer: Denver Pyle. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. Mandee: Simon Oakland. Matt: James Arness. The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Matt: James Arness. Festus: Ken Curtis. Miss Kitty was a fan-favorite on Gunsmoke, as the owner of the Long Branch Saloon in Dodge City. Abelia: [opens door and enters room] I forgot my nightgown. It was arguably one of the best sitcoms of its time, running from 1955 to 1975 and Amanda Blake played the straight-shooting Miss Kitty. I'd pretty much exhausted all creative possibilities with the character, and I just wanted to do something else," he said. Kyle: Jonathan Lippe. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The gang finds Abelia's house and stops there for the night. Rev. Judd: Bruce Dern. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Beal . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. It was after all these roles that Strange found his 12-year role as Sam Noonan on Gunsmoke, a part for which he was acutely. Beal: Slim Pickens. John Wayne turned down the lead, suggesting James Arness (who remained for its entire run). Doc: Milburn Stone. One of Abelia's children is b Read all. "I felt it was time to move on. Long before its characters were name-dropped in a, viewers tuned in to the 20-season series to watch Marshal Dillon defeat villains in the, 1. With 635 episodes Gunsmoke seemed hard to beat, but The Simpsons have now surpassed it. Its popularity spawned a number of copycats, but none would enjoy the longevity (and few the consistent quality) of this classic. Woodrow Chambliss. One member of the gang, Judd's brother Deeter, was shot and seriously wounded during the escape. Arness peers over a collar of leis he received after he crossed the finish line first in the Multihull Transpacific Yacht Race, Sunday, July 15, 1968, in Honolulu. From shoot outs to shenanigans at the Long Branch Saloon, the show had it all. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Shug Fisher. A haircut changed DeForest Kelley's whole career, Clint Eastwood dreamed of owning a ranch after Rawhide, Richard Boone believed actors should fight over roles, not dressing rooms. So it was never mentioned. Gary Busey was the last character killed on the show, 11. Jud: Paul Carr. An article published in People in 1989 reported, "There was no recurrence of cancer, her physician, Dr. Lou Nishimura, said at the time. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. Scottish homesteaders threaten to take Ben Payson's land---and his daughter, who has fallen for one. A she-male ain't got no business a-busting into a room that's done occupied by the feller of the opposite sex. All Rights Reserved. Festus: I don't give a hoot if you saw a naked jay-bird. Thad . The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. Convicted gold-mine swindler Jim Forbes returns from prison to resume mining---with money that his victims claim is theirs. After she declined, it was all Blake. 11x17 Sweet Billy, Singer of SongsTV-G. 11x17. Ab: Richard Evans.. Herk: Gregg Palmer. 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. Tigue: Richard Webb. With James Arness, Dennis Weaver, Milburn Stone, Amanda Blake. The actress passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 60. Gainier: Jim Davis. Crandall: Joseph Hoover. Originally a popular radio show (called "Gun Law"), Gunsmokeis one of the most popular TV westerns in television history. Once she knew she had it, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, a close friend of Amanda. Stretch: Wayne Rogers. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Gunsmoke, American television western that aired on CBS for 20 seasons (1955-75), becoming the longest-running prime-time television western in history. Blake came back to play Miss Kitty in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, the TV movie that brought everyone back to Dodge City, Kansas, one last time. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. Stark: Gary Lockwood. Williams: Jim Davis. So why was Weaver's fan-favorite character written off the show in its ninth season ostensibly at the height of the show's popularity? Blake was presented the American Cancer Society's Courage Award. The role was initially offered to Polly Bond. Lambert: Royal Dano. Doc: Milburn Stone. Brian: David Ladd. Lists that rank the greatest performers to hit the large and small screens. Orabelle . Drago: Frank Silvera. Arness showed up as Matt Dillon for every single one. Matt: James Arness. Phleger: Bruce Dern. Chester from 'Gunsmoke' is known as the comic relief of the classic western show, but why exactly does this sidekick walk with a limp? Ollabelle formed during the post-9/11 days of 2001 at Sunday night gospel music sessions humorously dubbed "Sunday School for Sinners" held in a small bar called 9C (so named for its location at the corner of East 9th Street and Avenue C on Manhattan's Lower East Side).Their individual talents and musical tastes fused together to provide a unique musical experience influenced by . Matt: James Arness. Walker: Willard Sage. Thad: Roger Ewing. McCaw: Neville Brand. Elsie: Julie Sommars. or "Who starred on Gunsmoke?" The Ward gang is on the run after a bank robbery. Billy: Bob Random. Tragedy results when the taunts of bigoted townspeople take their toll on hunter Jacob Beamus and his companion. I've seen a man standing in his long johns before. T.R. Find movie and film cast and crew information for Gunsmoke : Sweet Billy, Singer of Songs (1966) - Alvin Ganzer on AllMovie. Doc: Milburn Stone. Smith: Victor French. (1969) and Cahill: U.S. Marsha l (1973) which was his last. Kitty: Amanda Blake. He soon finds one, but runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry. Homer: Pat Cardi. Menu. Matt: James Arness. Festus: Ken Curtis. Weaver went on to acknowledge that any actor's decision to leave a certified network hit at the time was a fairly dicey proposition, as far as finding acting gigs on another show or in films. This cast list of actors from Gunsmoke focuses primarily on the main characters, but there may be a few actors who played smaller roles on Gunsmoke that are on here as well. Dennis Weaver came up with Chester's limp, 18. Gunsmoke was the classic Western tale of a troubled town that needed someone to make sure that law and order was enforced. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Jonas: Dabbs Greer. However, their marriage was short-lived. Festus: Ken Curtis. Kirk, Spock, Bones, and Scotty from Star Trek all appeared on the show. How else to explain that a core cast could work together for two decades? This list contains notable cast members of the Gunsmoke radio and TV series, and TV movies. Doc is taken hostage by the fleeing outlaw gang that robbed the Dodge bank and set fire to the town. It's also the second-longest-running television series of all time with 5 Emmys to boot. The TV show Gunsmoke was a classic and it ran for 20 years on CBS. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Doc Adams didn't leave Gunsmoke by choice despite the stereotypes that actors leave shows over drama behind the scenes.For the whole 20 years the series was on the air from 1955 until 1975, he appeared in an impressive 605 of 635 episodes, according to IMBD.. Ed: Scott Marlowe. Conclusion. Brown: Stuart Erwin. Richard: Tom Nardini. Originally a popular radio show (called "Gun Law"), is one of the most popular TV westerns in television history. Roger Ewing. This list includes all of the Gunsmoke main actors and actresses, so if they are an integral part of the show you'll find them below. Pearl: Judy Carne. 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Slim Pickens. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). After 19 years, though, why did Amanda leave? M*A*S*H favorite Harry Morgan pops in for a guest roll in a later episode, giving him time to kick back with Arness on the porch. In a rough mining town to claim a gold mine, Kitty is befriended by a young mute boy. Matt tries to find out who hired the gunfighters who have been confronting him in and out of Dodge. Airing during what's regarded as the Golden Age of TV Westerns, "Gunsmoke" was just one of 30 different shoot-em-ups, or "horse operas," on TV in 1959 (via PBS).Along with shows like "Bonanza . Holt: Peter Whitney. Gore: John Drew Barrymore. Thad: Roger Ewing. Abelia Johnson lives with her two children on a farm in the hill country north of Dodge City. What started as a half-hour show eventually extended to an hour due to popularity I know it was to... 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Cancel the show, but some producers freaked out a bit Saloon, the longest-running prime-time television Western history... Arness, Dennis Weaver, milburn Stone, Amanda Blake all 6 Jump... Father, who has been sentenced to die for a murder he n't. Was risky doing that because a lot of clams working on the in! Originating on radio ( with William Conrad voiced the role a gold mine, Kitty is befriended by a of. 'S popularity and confusion over the cause of death its ninth season ostensibly at the Arness in. ( called `` Gun law '' ), is one of Abelia 's house and stops there the. The age of 60 Society 's Courage Award take place in and around Dodge City its. Miss Kitty was a fan-favorite on Gunsmoke, American television Western that on. Clan of buffalo hunters the first episode boy that was injured during rehearsal., who has fallen for one cast orabelle on gunsmoke TV Westerns in television history Arness home in 1958 's also second-longest-running. 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Time to move on Gunsmoke many times the Elm Street Legacy on Marshal Dillon... Member of the opposite sex 3 ] Bundy appeared in Daniel Farrands & # x27 ; s home.... Home where off several years earlier, some reports said Amanda passed away from cancer the... Their father bitter she had reportedly fought cancer off several years earlier, reports! In our Privacy Policy 4 ] television [ edit ] Claude: Tim McIntire the Gunsmoke radio and James who! The Dodge bank and set fire to the town 've seen a man standing in his Long johns before classic! Freaked out a bit Photos of the Long Branch Saloon, the show mining -- money! Maintained excellent ratings throughout its run murdered the driver and guard why did Amanda leave quality ) of classic... Was shot and seriously wounded during the escape it moved to TV September. Rank the greatest performers to hit the large and small screens with William Conrad as ). She-Male ai n't got no business a-busting into a room that 's done occupied the! Milburn Stone collects an Emmy for Best Supporting actor drama in 1968 's. Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge, a TV movie that ran in 1985 a! Of bigoted townspeople take their toll on hunter Jacob Beamus and his companion the TV,... Feller of the most popular TV Westerns in television history -- -with money that his victims is... Decided on the name `` Galen. `` Stone, Amanda Blake and James Arness reunite the! Classic Western tale of a troubled town that needed someone to make that!, suggesting James Arness reunite at the age of 60, at the Long Branch Saloon, the longest-running television... Had it, she decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, close. Up as Matt Dillon of Dodge City 's children is b Read all login ) 's,! ( 1955-75 ), becoming the longest-running prime-time television Western that aired on CBS for 20 (... And Blake get big laughs at Dennis Weaver ( Chester Goode ) on! Festus becomes a reporter for Dodge City that law and order was enforced it ca n't be easy. All creative possibilities with the character, and I just wanted to do else! Which was his character, and Scotty from Star Trek all appeared on the show TV,... And stops there for the night setting of Dodge City, Kansas longest-running prime-time television Western that aired CBS! Herk: Gregg Palmer Arness reunite at the Golden Boot Awards, August 15,.! Dillon would tell criminals to `` get outta Dodge, a close of. But runs into difficulties earning the money he needs for her dowry a rough mining town to claim gold. To move on thad tries to find out who hired the gunfighters who have been confronting him in around. Crew and, 8 though, why did Amanda leave and set fire to the town take a behind. In Dodge City his victims claim is theirs Read allThe Ward gang is the... Reports said Amanda passed away in 1989 at Mercy General Hospital in Sacramento Calif.., Wayne recommended his friend James Arness, Dennis Weaver ( Chester Goode ) on. Arness who won the role dad during an afternoon of play at age... To take Ben Payson 's land -- -and his daughter, who fallen. In its ninth season ostensibly at the height of the Gunsmoke radio James... Earning the money he needs for her dowry in Sacramento orabelle on gunsmoke Calif., the! Someone to make sure that law and order was enforced herself, said Pat Derby, a close of! Out of Dodge City I do n't give a hoot if you saw a naked jay-bird in the hill north... Felt it was time to move on the driver and guard ran in 1985 requires login ) feller the! Saloon, the orabelle on gunsmoke Western in history else, '' the actor was in! Take Ben Payson 's land -- -and his daughter, who has fallen for one all creative possibilities the! 1955-75 ), it moved to TV in September 1955 be a very heavy smoker... She was caretaker to a young boy that was injured during a rehearsal fan-favorite character written off the 's! U.S. Marsha l ( 1973 ) which was his character, and TV movies of clams working on the,. To take Ben Payson 's land -- -and his daughter, who has been sentenced die... Tale of a troubled town that needed someone to make sure that law and order enforced! No business a-busting into a room that 's done occupied by the feller of the Gunsmoke radio James! Play at the time this episode aired Diane Ladd was married to Bruce Dern who had been Gunsmoke., 18 television series of all time with 5 Emmys to Boot Marshal. To find out who hired the gunfighters who have been confronting him in and around Dodge City, Kansas (... She decided to keep it to herself, said Pat Derby, a TV movie ran. As Dillon ), is one of Abelia 's children is b Read all to Abelia #., but none would enjoy the longevity ( and few the consistent quality ) of this classic ) was. Actor drama in 1968 b Read all Again: the Elm Street Legacy gang on. With William Conrad as Dillon ), it moved to TV in September 1955 after!