"Marshall Matt Dillon" signature tan suede square toe Western long boots with rainbow woven cloth pull, and "11 DBLE ARNESS" in chalk on sole bottom of right boot, worn by James Arness on the landmark Western drama Gunsmoke.

What gun did James Arness carry in Gunsmoke?

A Colt . 45 ( S/N 147056) used by James Arness in his role of Marshal Matt Dillon in the classic Western television series, Gunsmoke (Arnes Production Company, CBS Television and Filmaster Productions, 1955-1975), which aired for 20 seasons over 635 episodes.

Did James Arness own a ranch?

In 1968, he donated his 1,400-acre ranch in northern Los Angeles County to the Brandis Institute. On 6/20/05 he was honored at Los Angeles City Hall by the mayor, the 15 City Council members and the City Attorney with a resolution honoring his life's work as an actor and 60-year resident of Los Angeles.

What was James Arness cause of death?

Arness died from natural causes at the age of 88 years at his Brentwood home in Los Angeles on June 3, 2011. His body was interred in the Sanctuary of Abiding Hope alcove in the Jasmine Terrace section of the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

How tall was Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke?

At 6 feet 7, James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon redefined "tall in the saddle." So imposing was the star of CBS' pioneering "Gunsmoke" series that when he told some no-account varmint to get out of Dodge, the skunk seldom needed a second invitation.

🤠🤠 James Arness at the Bootheel Rodeo 1958/1959 #gunsmoke #mattdillon #dennisweaver #jamesarness

Who turned down the role of Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke?

Bond's wife Polly Bond (aka Polly Ellis), a former model and Miss California, turned down the role of "Miss Kitty" on Gunsmoke (1955). His original role in the "Our Gang" comedies was as another member of the Gang. He was later recast as another character, the bully "Butch.".

Why did James Arness walk with a limp?

Wounded in the leg during the 1944 invasion at Anzio, Italy, Arness was hospitalized for a year and left with a slight limp. He returned to Minneapolis to work as a radio announcer and in small theater roles.

Did James Arness wife appear on Gunsmoke?

In the unedited version, there is an odd scene where Matt and Chester approach a gypsy in Dodge City played by James Arness's wife at the time, Virginia Chapman. She is uncredited in this show; however, in a previous episode, Reed Survives (1955), she is credited as a gypsy but never seen.

Did James Arness and Dennis Weaver get along?

Arness, who remained close to Weaver after he left the series, praised him as a “really fine actor.” “We really liked each other a whole lot,” Arness said.

Did James Arness ride his own horse on Gunsmoke?

Andrew V. McLaglen directed 96 episodes of Gunsmoke (1955), reuniting him with James Arness. James Arness rode the same Buckskin horse (Buck) in this movie as he rode in many episodes of Gunsmoke (1955).

Who owns Gunsmoke gun shop?

Rich Wyatt ran a gun store called Gunsmoke Guns (owned by Victor Rodriguez) which was the main setting for the American Guns show. He operated the store with his family: Renee his wife, his stepdaughter Paige Wyatt, and his stepson Kurt Wyatt , along with the many other employees of Gunsmoke.

How realistic is Gunsmoke?

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."

Was Burt Reynolds a blacksmith in Gunsmoke?

One of his early roles was on the legendary TV Western Gunsmoke. He joined the cast in 1962 playing a half-Comanche blacksmith named Quint Asper, appearing in 50 episodes between 1962 and 1965.

Why did Festus leave Gunsmoke?

Gunsmoke made Ken Curtis' Festus Haggen a series regular to replace Dennis Weaver's beloved Chester Goode after he left to pursue other acting opportunities. However, Curtis refused to return for the first made-for-tv Gunsmoke movie after its 20-season run because of a couple of serious disagreements with a producer.

How old was Doc when he died from Gunsmoke?

Fully retired to his ranch in 1975 after the show's cancellation, he was eventually awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Mary of the Plains College in (of course) Dodge City, Kansas. Married to Jane Garrison, the 75-year-old veteran died of a heart attack on June 12, 1980 in La Jolla, California.

How tall was Kitty on Gunsmoke?

Amanda Blake – 5'6” (Because we couldn't leave out Miss Kitty!)

Where was Gunsmoke filmed?

Gunsmoke Locations

Filming took place at Big Bear Lake, California, Iverson Ranch, Old Tucson Studios, Big Sky Movie Ranch, and Bronson Canyon (Griffith Park). These locations offered unique characteristics that contributed to the cinematic vision of the Western masterpiece.

Who did Matt Dillon marry in Gunsmoke?

A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. But in a 1973 episode, Matt had a brief affair with another woman, Mike Yardner (Michael Learned), while he had amnesia.

How did Gunsmoke end?

After 20 seasons on air, Gunsmoke simply disappeared from the schedule. Alas, there was no fanfare, no fond farewell, no spelling "Goodbye" with rocks as Marshal Matt Dillon rode off into the sunset. Instead, the final episode of Gunsmoke to air was "The Sharecroppers," the 635th tale of that classic Dodge City show.

Why did Kitty Russell leave Gunsmoke?

Blake was at CBS when she heard that the radio version of “Gunsmoke” was to go on television and later told an interviewer: “I knew I had to have the part of Kitty, so I hounded the producer until I got it.” She left the show in 1974, after 19 years, telling The Times later: “I was tired and it was time to go.

How was Sam written out of Gunsmoke?

After over 200 episodes of the show, Glenn Strange stepped away from Gunsmoke in 1972 because of his lung cancer diagnosis. The sizable character actor was most remembered for playing villainous roles, but his turn as Sam Noonan was a pleasant change of pace for the somewhat typecast performer.