Gunsmoke: 10 Fun Facts

"Around Dodge City and in the territory out west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers, and that's with a U.S. Marshal and the smell of 'Gunsmoke.'"
- Opening to Gunsmoke

"Hold on to your Stetsons, folks! We're about to draw our six-shooters and fire off the top ten facts about 'Gunsmoke' that'll have you shouting, 'Reach for the sky!'"

1.) "Gunsmoke" debuted on the radio on April 26, 1952, and aired on CBS Radio Network. It continued its run until June 18, 1961.
2.) The show was created by writer and director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. They aimed to bring a more realistic and gritty portrayal of the Old West to the airwaves.
3.) The main character of the radio show was Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad. Unlike the television series, where James Arness portrayed Dillon, Conrad provided the voice and brought his own unique interpretation to the character.
4.) The setting of the radio series was the same as the television show, the fictional town of Dodge City, Kansas, during the late 19th century.
5.) "Gunsmoke" was known for its realism and mature storytelling. It tackled serious and controversial topics, including violence, racism, and morality, which set it apart from other Western-themed radio shows of the time.
6.) The sound effects used in the show were meticulously crafted to create an immersive experience for the listeners. From gunshots and horse gallops to creaking doors and ambient noises, the attention to detail helped bring the Old West to life.
7.) The radio show featured a talented ensemble cast, including Howard McNear as Doc Adams, the town's reliable and compassionate physician, and Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon and a love interest for Marshal Dillon.
8.) The success of "Gunsmoke" on radio led to its adaptation into other media formats, including television, where it became an iconic and long-running series.
9.) The radio show received critical acclaim and was highly popular among audiences. It won several prestigious awards, including the Peabody Award for Excellence in Broadcasting in 1954.
10.) "Gunsmoke" holds the distinction of being one of the most influential and enduring Western-themed radio shows of all time, leaving a lasting impact on the genre and paving the way for future Western dramas on radio and television.

Are you ready to experience the captivating tales and timeless adventures of "Gunsmoke" right from the comfort of your own home? Don't miss out on the opportunity to own a piece of radio history! Get your hands on the complete collection of "Gunsmoke" radio shows today and immerse yourself in the Old West like never before. So grab your headphones, sit back, and let the gun smoke. Purchase your copy now and let the unforgettable stories of Marshal Matt Dillon and the town of Dodge City transport you to a bygone era of thrilling Western entertainment.

Gunsmoke This series is considered by many to be the greatest classic radio show of all time. William Conrad is Matt Dillon in this classic western old time radio show.	Best of Gunsmoke This collection includes OTRCAT's favorite Gunsmoke episodes including "Billy the Kid", "Buffalo Hunter", "Home Surgery" and many more of the classic old time radio western.

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