Wanted: GUNSMOKE (CBS/1955-1975) (1 Viewer)

[bmasters9]

Did CBS ever re-run two half-hour episodes (those from the first six seasons) back-to-back during the 1961-64 period, fusing the two stories together into a single one-hour episode?

What I mean is: after the end of the first of the two half-hour episodes rerun, CBS would show a short bumper reminding viewers to stay tuned for the next story. There would also be a single end title sequence featuring the cast and crew unique to both the half-hours rerun.

And speaking further of episodes run back-to-back, did CBS ever show two consecutive 1-hour episodes (seasons 7-up) of Gunsmoke during special times (instead of a feature film), again with a short bumper after the end of the first 60 minutes reminding viewers to stay tuned for the next story and a single combined end credits sequence?

~Ben

If they did, that veritably might have been unheard of for the time, I think.

 

[JohnHopper]

________________________________
Overview of Gunsmoke structure

Gunsmoke has two main production regimes:​

Norman MacDonnell (season 1-10)​

John Mantley (season 10-20)​

​

Gunsmoke has two formats:​

25 minutes (season 1-6)​

50 minutes (season 7-20) with new semi regulars (Sam, Louie)​

​

Gunsmoke has three regular character phases:​

the classic era (season 1-7) with the memorable quartet (Matt, Chester, Doc, Kitty)​

the transitory era (season 8-12) with alternating assistants (Quint, Festus, Thad)​

the new era (season 13-20) with the tough quintet (Matt, Festus, Newly, Doc, Kitty).​

More about the two production regimes:​

Technically, Norman McDonnell became the steady producer from season 2​

but during season 1 he was just an associate producer.​

John Mantley was just a story consultant during season 10 then associate producer from season 11​

and producer during season 12 and eventually executive producer from season 15 till the end.​

​

 

[JohnHopper]

¶​

¶ Next on Gunsmoke: season 9, starting from February 1st!​

¶ I unwind completely in the countryside.​

¶ Load your gun and be ready!​

¶​

​

 

[ponset]

This comic book cover is giving me VERTIGO vibes.

 

[DBF]

Charade, too. Cary Grant is almost a mirror image of Marshal Dillon. And I was going to say it looks like a showdown.........then I noticed the caption.

 

[JohnHopper]

¶​

¶ Hey, don’t go. I’m in my cabin.​

¶ The best is yet to come …​

¶​

​

 

[JohnHopper]

¶​

¶ Hey, don’t go. I’m still in bed.​

¶ Prepare your gunbelt and your badge …​

¶​

​

 

[ponset]

Love the causal look of the GUNSMOKE actors on this TV Guide cover. Sorry I don't know what year it came out.

 

[Bob Gu]

I'd say it was the Jan 2-8, 1960 issue. TV Guide listings at that time started on Saturdays.

For John 'Lawman' Hopper. Laughing John Russell from 1959.

 

[JohnHopper]

¶​

¶ Hey! Don’t go away! I’m still in bed but fully awake!​

¶ See you on Monday 1st for season 9 reviews.​

¶​

​

 

[JohnHopper]

I’m going back to the old days of the series so next stop is season 9! It means that the Long Branch has its regular inhabitants: Miss Kitty, Sam and Louie.

GUNSMOKE • Season 9 (1963-1964) (36 episodes • 50 mins • b&w)
The showdown title sequence is shot on location and seen that way for the last time. It contains only 36 episodes against 38 during the previous season. Above all, this is the first season that introduces Festus Haggen as a series regular—first appears from “Prairie Wolfer” (episode #16) and then becomes steady from “Mayblossom” (episode #20)—while Chester Goode is still present. Anyway, actor Ken Curtis pops up once this season in “Lover Boy” as a guest character and is a far cry from his notorious hill man Festus. One of the main differences between Chester and Festus is how they call Dillon: the first one says the formal ‘Mr. Dillon’ and the other says the friendly ‘Matt’ (see episode #23: “Comanches Is Soft”) and, later, ‘Matthew’ (see episode #25 “Now That April’s Here”). The laid-back and bon vivant Festus changes the tone of the series and adds a sense of fun like Artemus Gordon for The Wild Wild West.

The men behind the ninth season of Gunsmoke are still the same tandem of producers (Norman MacDonnell and Frank Paris). We continue moving into the first regime of the series and the second format—50 minutes formula starting from season 7 with associate producer Frank Paris replacing James Arness—within the first regime. The most prolific composer remains Fred Steiner with a total of four onscreen credits. Moreover, Steiner works back-to-back on Rawhide. As the season progresses, a brand new composer arises: Richard Shores (“The Kite”) while some previous ones return as Wilbur Hatch, Tommy Morgan and Nathan Scott. The pool of writers is very good: see Les Crutchfield, Kathleen Hite, John Kneubuhl—known for his input on The Wild Wild West—, John Meston, Paul Savage. They insert a sense of tragedy.

This season sees some interesting directors: Film Noir expert John Brahm, Rawhide director Thomas Carr, British-born western film-maker/John Wayne’s recurring director/Gunsmoke’s most prolific craftsman Andrew V. McLaglen. Meanwhile, another western series continues: Rawhide, during its sixth season. For the record, the best Festus episodes are achieved by Andrew V. McLaglen.

It features a two-parter journey adventure: “Extradition”. A semi regular pops up this season three times: Judge Brooking (actor Howard Wendell) in “Ex-Con”, “Once a Haggen”, “Owney Tupper Had a Daughter”.

PRODUCTION TEAM
producer: Norman MacDonnell
associate producer: Frank Paris
director of photography: Frank Phillips

Norman MacDonnell was the creator of Gunsmoke for the radio in 1951 along with writer John Meston, started on the television series from season 1 as associate producer and then switched to producer during season 2.

Frank Paris started as assistant to the producer from season 5 and as associate producer from season 7 and will leave at the end of season 10. Paris was the sidekick of producer Norman MacDonnell.

Director of photography Frank Phillips started from late season 8 while working back-to-back on Have Gun - Will Travel and will later work with art director Albert Heschong on the pilot (“The Night of the Inferno”) of The Wild Wild West. Phillips excels with the night scenes filled with deep and disturbing shadows.

CAST OF CHARACTERS
regular cast: James Arness (US Marshal Matthew “Matt” Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Marshal assistant “Chester” Goode), Ken Curtis (Marshal assistant “Festus” Haggen), Milburn Stone (“Doc” Adams), Amanda Blake (Miss “Kitty” Russell), Burt Reynolds (Blacksmith “Quint” Asper).

supporting cast: Glenn Strange (Bartender “Sam” Noonan), George Selk (Livery stable owner “Moss” Grimmick), Hank Patterson (Livery stable owner “Hank” Miller), Dabbs Greer (General Store owner Mr. Jonas), Ollie O’Toole (Telegrapher “Milt”), Howard Culver (Dodge House hotel clerk “Howie”), Roy Roberts (Banker Harry Botkin), James Nusser (wino “Louie” Pheeters).

This is the last season with the character of livery stable owner Moss Grimmick that will be replaced by Hank Miller (actor Hank Patterson) who first appears from season 7.

A semi regular character named Ma Smalley (actress Sarah Selby), owner of a boarding house, returns three times: “Tobe”, “Mayblossom”, “The Kite”.

The strength of season 9 is the colorful guest actors that add weight to the story: see Philip Abbott, Jenny Lee Arness—the daughter of actor James Arness—, James Best, Lyle Bettger, James Broderick, Brooke Bundy, Walter Burke, Anthony Caruso (2), Anjanette Comer, Jeanne Cooper, Ken Curtis, Royal Dano, John Dehner, Richard Devon, Jack Elam, Gene Evans, Sharon Farrell (2), Shug Fisher (4), Mark Goddard, Charles H. Gray, Kevin Hagen, Marianna Hill, L.Q. Jones, George Kennedy, Lynn Loring, Tom Lowell (2), Gene Lyons, Charles McGraw, Elizabeth MacRae (2), Scott Marlowe, Strother Martin, Ed Nelson, Sheree North, Warren Oates, Vic Perrin (2), Slim Pickens, Michael J. Pollard, Andrew Prine, Denver Pyle, Tom Reese, Gilbert Roland, Jacqueline Scott, Milton Selzer, Tom Simcox (2), Jeremy Slate, Everett Sloane, Kent Smith, Julie Sommars, Harry Dean Stanton (2), Harold J. Stone, William Talman, Kenneth Tobey, Harry Townes, George Wallace, Robert J. Wilke, Ben Wright, H.M. Wynant.

THE DVD SETS
The prints are restored and look wonderful and the picture quality highlights the cinematography of Frank Phillips. It features English subtitles.

 

[JohnHopper]

I’m going back to the old days of the series so next stop is season 9! It means that the Long Branch has its regular inhabitants: Miss Kitty, Sam and Louie.

GUNSMOKE • Season 9 (1963-1964) (36 episodes • 50 mins • b&w)
The showdown title sequence is shot on location and seen that way for the last time. It contains only 36 episodes against 38 during the previous season. Above all, this is the first season that introduces Festus Haggen as a series regular—first appears from “Prairie Wolfer” (episode #16) and then becomes steady from “Mayblossom” (episode #20)—while Chester Goode is still present. Anyway, actor Ken Curtis pops up once this season in “Lover Boy” as a guest character and is a far cry from his notorious hill man Festus. One of the main differences between Chester and Festus is how they call Dillon: the first one says the formal ‘Mr. Dillon’ and the other says the friendly ‘Matt’ (see episode #23: “Comanches Is Soft”) and, later, ‘Matthew’ (see episode #25 “Now That April’s Here”). The laid-back and bon vivant Festus changes the tone of the series and adds a sense of fun like Artemus Gordon for The Wild Wild West.

The men behind the ninth season of Gunsmoke are still the same tandem of producers (Norman MacDonnell and Frank Paris). We continue moving into the first regime of the series and the second format—50 minutes formula starting from season 7 with associate producer Frank Paris replacing James Arness—within the first regime. The most prolific composer remains Fred Steiner with a total of four onscreen credits. Moreover, Steiner works back-to-back on Rawhide. As the season progresses, a brand new composer arises: Richard Shores (“The Kite”) while some previous ones return as Wilbur Hatch, Tommy Morgan and Nathan Scott. The pool of writers is very good: see Les Crutchfield, Kathleen Hite, John Kneubuhl—known for his input on The Wild Wild West—, John Meston, Paul Savage. They insert a sense of tragedy.

This season sees some interesting directors: Film Noir expert John Brahm, Rawhide director Thomas Carr, British-born western film-maker/John Wayne’s recurring director/Gunsmoke’s most prolific craftsman Andrew V. McLaglen. Meanwhile, another western series continues: Rawhide, during its sixth season. For the record, the best Festus episodes are achieved by Andrew V. McLaglen.

It features a two-parter journey adventure: “Extradition”. A semi regular pops up this season three times: Judge Brooking (actor Howard Wendell) in “Ex-Con”, “Once a Haggen”, “Owney Tupper Had a Daughter”.

PRODUCTION TEAM
producer: Norman MacDonnell
associate producer: Frank Paris
director of photography: Frank Phillips

Norman MacDonnell was the creator of Gunsmoke for the radio in 1951 along with writer John Meston, started on the television series from season 1 as associate producer and then switched to producer during season 2.

Frank Paris started as assistant to the producer from season 5 and as associate producer from season 7 and will leave at the end of season 10. Paris was the sidekick of producer Norman MacDonnell.

Director of photography Frank Phillips started from late season 8 while working back-to-back on Have Gun - Will Travel and will later work with art director Albert Heschong on the pilot (“The Night of the Inferno”) of The Wild Wild West. Phillips excels with the night scenes filled with deep and disturbing shadows.

CAST OF CHARACTERS
regular cast: James Arness (US Marshal Matthew “Matt” Dillon), Dennis Weaver (Marshal assistant “Chester” Goode), Ken Curtis (Marshal assistant “Festus” Haggen), Milburn Stone (“Doc” Adams), Amanda Blake (Miss “Kitty” Russell), Burt Reynolds (Blacksmith “Quint” Asper).

supporting cast: Glenn Strange (Bartender “Sam” Noonan), George Selk (Livery stable owner “Moss” Grimmick), Hank Patterson (Livery stable owner “Hank” Miller), Dabbs Greer (General Store owner Mr. Jonas), Ollie O’Toole (Telegrapher “Milt”), Howard Culver (Dodge House hotel clerk “Howie”), Roy Roberts (Banker Harry Botkin), James Nusser (wino “Louie” Pheeters).

This is the last season with the character of livery stable owner Moss Grimmick that will be replaced by Hank Miller (actor Hank Patterson) who first appears from season 7.

A semi regular character named Ma Smalley (actress Sarah Selby), owner of a boarding house, returns three times: “Tobe”, “Mayblossom”, “The Kite”.

The strength of season 9 is the colorful guest actors that add weight to the story: see Philip Abbott, Jenny Lee Arness—the daughter of actor James Arness—, James Best, Lyle Bettger, James Broderick, Brooke Bundy, Walter Burke, Anthony Caruso (2), Anjanette Comer, Jeanne Cooper, Ken Curtis, Royal Dano, John Dehner, Richard Devon, Jack Elam, Gene Evans, Sharon Farrell (2), Shug Fisher (4), Mark Goddard, Charles H. Gray, Kevin Hagen, Marianna Hill, L.Q. Jones, George Kennedy, Lynn Loring, Tom Lowell (2), Gene Lyons, Charles McGraw, Elizabeth MacRae (2), Scott Marlowe, Strother Martin, Ed Nelson, Sheree North, Warren Oates, Vic Perrin (2), Slim Pickens, Michael J. Pollard, Andrew Prine, Denver Pyle, Tom Reese, Gilbert Roland, Jacqueline Scott, Milton Selzer, Tom Simcox (2), Jeremy Slate, Everett Sloane, Kent Smith, Julie Sommars, Harry Dean Stanton (2), Harold J. Stone, William Talman, Kenneth Tobey, Harry Townes, George Wallace, Robert J. Wilke, Ben Wright, H.M. Wynant.

THE DVD SETS
The prints are restored and look wonderful and the picture quality highlights the cinematography of Frank Phillips. It features English subtitles.

---

The Main Titles for season 9 of Gunsmoke

---

The logos for season 9 of Gunsmoke

---

The Onscreen Crew Credits for season 9 of Gunsmoke

 

[ClassicTVMan1981X]

---

The Main Titles for season 9 of Gunsmoke

View attachment 87205

View attachment 87206

View attachment 87207

View attachment 87208

---

The logos for season 9 of Gunsmoke

View attachment 87209

View attachment 87210

View attachment 87211

View attachment 87212

---

The Onscreen Crew Credits for season 9 of Gunsmoke

View attachment 87213

View attachment 87214

View attachment 87216

View attachment 87215

The first ending logo I see, with the Television Code's Seal of Good Practice, wasn't that supposed to have been on season 8 (1962-63)?

~Ben

 

[JohnHopper]

​

¶​

¶ Next on Gunsmoke season 9, the reviews of the first disc and starting on Monday 1st!​

¶ Load your guns and be ready!​

¶​

​

​

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 9

Episode #1
“Kate Heller”
written by Kathleen Hite
directed by Harry Harris
music composed and conducted by Fred Steiner
guests: Mabel Albertson, Tom Lowell, Betsy Jones-Moreland, Harry Bartell, Robert Knapp, Ted Jordan, Duane Grey

It’s a good solo Dillon entry on a criminal errand that relies on the guilt of the guest young man and the writer works well with a family drama: don’t miss the grim family showdown. For the record and out of nowhere, Dillon gets shot in the countryside after watering his horse and then lies still on the grass and whose body forms a cross. Actor Tom Lowell is known as a semi regular named Billy Nelson on the WWII series Combat!. Find a small part of actor Ted Jordan known later as Freight office man Nathan Burke starting at the very end of season 11, during the Mantley’s regime.

Guest assistant: Quint.

Returning guest actors: Mabel Albertson (the season 7 “Long, Long Trail”), Harry Bartell (the season 8 “I Call Him Wonder”), Robert Knapp (the season 8 “Old York”), Ted Jordan (the season 8 “Blind Man’s Bluff”), Duane Grey (the season 8 “Jeb”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 9

Episode #1
“Kate Heller”
written by Kathleen Hite
directed by Harry Harris
music composed and conducted by Fred Steiner
guests: Mabel Albertson, Tom Lowell, Betsy Jones-Moreland, Harry Bartell, Robert Knapp, Ted Jordan, Duane Grey

It’s a good solo Dillon entry on a criminal errand that relies on the guilt of the guest young man and the writer works well with a family drama: don’t miss the grim family showdown. For the record and out of nowhere, Dillon gets shot in the countryside after watering his horse and then lies still on the grass and whose body forms a cross. Actor Tom Lowell is known as a semi regular named Billy Nelson on the WWII series Combat!. Find a small part of actor Ted Jordan known later as Freight office man Nathan Burke starting at the very end of season 11, during the Mantley’s regime.

Guest assistant: Quint.

Returning guest actors: Mabel Albertson (the season 7 “Long, Long Trail”), Harry Bartell (the season 8 “I Call Him Wonder”), Robert Knapp (the season 8 “Old York”), Ted Jordan (the season 8 “Blind Man’s Bluff”), Duane Grey (the season 8 “Jeb”).

Pictures of Marshal Matt Dillon (actor James Arness), victim of a young backshooter
and brought back to the house of his hangman to be cured.

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 9

Episode #2
“Lover Boy”
written by John Meston
directed by Andrew V. McLaglen
music composed and conducted by Fred Steiner
guests: Sheree North, Ken Curtis, Alan Baxter, Carol Byron, Richard Coogan, Allan Hunt

It’s a very good episode related to the theme of adultary through the evil figure of the stranger in town who charms and cons two women: saloon girl Terry (actress Carol Byron) and farmer’s wife Avis Fisher (actress Sheree North) who fools her husband into shooting Dillon. As in “Kate Heller”, don’t miss the tragic showdown! This is the last part of actor Ken Curtis as a mere guest character (here, clean-cut skirt chaser Kyle Kelly with a low voice) before becoming the regular Festus Haggen. Previously, Curtis appears four times as a one shot guest: “Jayhawkers” (season 4), “Change of Heart” (season 4), “The Ex-Urbanites” (season 5), “Speak Me Fair” (season 5). Find a small part of Allan Hunt, known as Riley from Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. The barkeep is played by another actor.

Guest assistant: Quint.

Returning guest actors: Ken Curtis (the season 8 “Us Haggens”), Alan Baxter (the season 7 “Long, Long Trail”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 9

Episode #2
“Lover Boy”
written by John Meston
directed by Andrew V. McLaglen
music composed and conducted by Fred Steiner
guests: Sheree North, Ken Curtis, Alan Baxter, Carol Byron, Richard Coogan, Allan Hunt

It’s a very good episode related to the theme of adultary through the evil figure of the stranger in town who charms and cons two women: saloon girl Terry (actress Carol Byron) and farmer’s wife Avis Fisher (actress Sheree North) who fools her husband into shooting Dillon. As in “Kate Heller”, don’t miss the tragic showdown! This is the last part of actor Ken Curtis as a mere guest character (here, clean-cut skirt chaser Kyle Kelly with a low voice) before becoming the regular Festus Haggen. Previously, Curtis appears four times as a one shot guest: “Jayhawkers” (season 4), “Change of Heart” (season 4), “The Ex-Urbanites” (season 5), “Speak Me Fair” (season 5). Find a small part of Allan Hunt, known as Riley from Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. The barkeep is played by another actor.

Guest assistant: Quint.

Returning guest actors: Ken Curtis (the season 8 “Us Haggens”), Alan Baxter (the season 7 “Long, Long Trail”).

Pictures of skirt chaser Kyle Kelly (actor Ken Curtis).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 9

Episode #3
“Legends Don’t Sleep”
written by Kathleen Hite
directed by Harry Harris
no music credits
guests: Scott Marlowe, William Talman, Hope Summers, James Nusser, Robert Bice, Alan Dexter, Kenneth Konopka, Don Haggerty

It’s a decent take on old age but on the case of a retired big outlaw returning home after a prison sentence and wishes to get out of his former life while getting along with an admiring young troublemaker: both actors William Talman and Scott Marlowe serve that story well. Featuring wino Louis and another barkeep named Fred.

Guest assistant: none.

Returning guest actors: Hope Summers (the season 6 “Old fool”), James Nusser (the season 8 “The Quest for Asa Janin”), Robert Bice (the season 8 “Ash”), Alan Dexter (the season 8 “The Renegades”), Kenneth Konopka (the season 8 “The Bad One”).

 

[JohnHopper]

GUNSMOKE SEASON 9

Episode #4
“Tobe”
written by Paul Savage
directed by John English
no music credits
guests: Harry Townes, Mary LaRoche, Philip Abbott, L.Q. Jones, Sarah Selby, Harry Dean Stanton, Bud Osborne, John Newton, S. John Launer

It’s a good tragic double story related to a gambler: a woman on the run taking refuge as a saloon girl with a new identity combined with a ruined farmer forced to shift job and falsely-accused of murder. Dillon is partly out of town. Writer Paul Savage will become story consultant from season 11.

Guest assistant: Chester.

Returning guest actors: Harry Townes (the season 5 “Tail to the Wind”), Mary LaRoche (the season 8 “Quint-Cident”), Philip Abbott (the season 4 “How to Kill a Friend”), Sarah Selby (the season 8 “Shona”), Harry Dean Stanton (the season 7 “The Boys”), John Newton (the season 7 “Indian Ford”), S. John Launer (the season 1 “Robin Hood”).