'Gunsmoke' Actor James Arness Dies at 88

6-3-2011 | Fox News

[floralamiss]

They have the John Wayne intro along with the very first TV episode, “Matt Got It”, on YouTube. I watched it a couple of nights ago. It’s wonderful!

[no-to-illegals]

Rest in Peace Mr. James Arness, and Thank You
for all of the hours of entertainment with a message.

[bcsco]

The next time Rio Grande is shown on TV, tune in. The “Regimental Singers” serenade Wayne, his wife Maureen O’Hara and General Sheridan (J. Carrol Naish) after dinner. The Regimental Singers are the Sons of the Pioneers, and the lead singer in “I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen” is Ken Curtis.

He also played Charley McCorry in The Searchers. He strums guitar and sings to Vera Miles who he’s courting, although she’s in love with Jeffrey Hunter. His character in this movie, along with his accent, seems to be gravitating to his Festus character...

[traderrob6]

Most folks find it hard to believe this was Festus, such is the nature of a great character actor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v517yhi3yms&feature=related

[himno hero]

I wonder if our “all american” culturally aware obama ever saw Gunsmoke or is even aware of the giant it was/ is?

[jackibutterfly]

"RIP Marshall Dillon! I loved that show when I was a kid...that and Bonanza!"

I love Bonanza NOW! The re-runs are on every day from 11 am -1 pm. Love to watch when I'm home, which is rare.

[traderrob6]

Sorry SCR, wanted to alert you to this also.

[mewzilla]

James Arness on the casting of "How the West Was Won"

Godspeed.

[mancini]

Or was it Dana Andrews who was Peter Graves’s brother? Not sure and not able to look it up right now.

Dana Andrews and Steve Forrest are brothers.

[mancini]

RIP. I LOVED the series How the West Was Won.

[Dubh_Ghlase]

I remember a story I hear about when Gunsmoke was on radio with William Conrad as Marshall Dillon. Apparently, the on-stage profession of Miss Kitty was a bit more...obvious. They got into trouble in a saloon scene where someone went upstairs with someone, and some pretty obvious sound effects didn’t leave much to the imagination. Only heard the story, so looking for any confirmation...?

[mass55th]

AMEN mojito. We watched Gunsmoke regularly when I was a kid. It was my mother's favorite show.

Rest in Peace Mr. Arness.

[Wolfstar]

Thanks :)

[Art in Idaho]

"Premiering on CBS in September 1955 and completing its network run September 1975, Gunsmoke is the longest running dramatic series in the history of television. Two of its stars, James Arness and Milburn Stone, remained all 20 seasons, with Amanda Blake a close second, departing after 19 years."

[Neoliberalnot]

My all time favorite western series. I think I have them all. May he rest in peace. Ask yourself why homowood can’t write and produce programs like this?

[Reagan Man]

RIP James Arness and thank you.

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

I haven’t seen those for a long time. Thanks for the tip!

[bcsco]

Thanks, I’ll check it out.

[NonValueAdded]

Ah, but now they can start filming celestial season I.

[Wilum]

I used to watch “Gunsmoke” with my father. Both are now gone. RIP.

I used to also, and with my grandmother when my Dad and Mom went to the local hokey game.

By the way my Dad was wounded just after Anzio on the way to Rome.