James Arness (Matt Dillon) Remembered

CNN has announced that James Arness has passed away. He died Friday at the age of 88. I can't think of very many boys from the baby boomer generation that didn't want to be Matt Dillon at sometime in their life. James Arness played Marshal Dillon for more than 20 years on television. The television show "Gunsmoke" is still played everyday on the Encore Western movie network.

According to his website, he got his first major role in 1947 in "The Farmers Daughter." Although he never was seen, he also played the monster in the movie "The Thing." Then in 1955, he landed the role of Gunsmoke's Marshal Matt Dillon. He played in a few minor roles over his career. However, his role at Marshal Dillon will never be forgotten.

Reflections from the Past

As a young boy, I always thought that the hour long episodes were too long to hold my interest. That was until Matt was cast for most of the episodes. If I missed a show, I would ask my father for an episode update. Speaking of fathers, the Catholic Priest in my town at St. Mary's would also ask, "Why doesn't Matt marry Kitty (Amanda Blake)?" I don't think there was a month that went by, without him asking me that question. He was a die hard Marshal Dillon fan. I find myself, even to this day, asking the same question. Why didn't Matt marry Kitty?

Matt and Kitty
When it came to silent romances, you couldn't beat the relationship between Matt and Kitty. When she was in trouble, it was Matt to her rescue. When Matt was shot or injured, it was Kitty looking over Matt like a mother hen. The only time they were seen kissing, is when Matt was unconscious. Although they never professed their love for each other on screen, there always was a quiet knowledge of their love for each other.

Final shows
After the series was dropped by CBS in 1975, James Arness played four TV movies for Gunsmoke. The final came in 1992 "Gunsmoke Four, The Long Ride." He is a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame.

Final Thoughts
I guess we knew that this day would eventually come. I have lost some good cowboy heroes from the past. Losing the Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore), The Duke (John Wayne), Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors), Hoppy (William Boyd) and now James Arness, reminds me that we all will someday move on to a better place.

Many individuals associate Dodge City with Wyatt Earp. It is factual. However, there will always be a strong association between the fictional Matt Dillon and the old western town from the past. As for myself, Willie Nelson sang it best in, "My Heroes have Always been Cowboys." That is what James Arness/Marshal Dillon was for me.