James Arness Paid Tribute by Encore Western Channel

Sherry Tomfeld
Encore Western Channel is paying tribute to James Arness for 24 hours this weekend. Starting Saturday, June 11th (11 pm CST) fans will be able to watch episodes of "Gunsmoke". Arness was ushered in as a western star due to this show. Viewers new to James Arness will be able to see why people enjoyed his work so much.

Meet the Gunsmoke Characters:

Matt Dillion (James Arness) was the sheriff of the rough cattle town, Dodge City, Kansas. Regardless of the odds, Matt Dillon always triumphed over the bad guys. He was wounded, near death and almost paralyzed, but survived to maintain law and order.

Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake) was the red headed, stunningly beautiful, saloon owner. She comes to Matt's defense and does her part to keep the men happy but under control in her establishment. The series hints strongly about a relationship between her and Matt, but let viewers use their imaginations.

Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) was the fiesty doctor of Dodge City. He loved to tease Fetus, Matt and Kitty. He made a point of showing how hard doctoring was in the old days.

Deputies of Dodge City: From 1955 to 1964, Dennis Weaver played deputy sheriff Chester Goode. When he left the show Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis) was Matt's right hand man. Newly O'Brien (Buck Taylor) and Quint Asper (Burt Reynolds) were fill-in deputies when needed. Newly was a gunsmith, and Quint was a blacksmith in Dodge City. Thad (Roger Ewing) was a young deputy for two years (65-67).

Movies that will be shown:

Sprinkled among the episodes of "Gunsmoke" are some movies that James Arness made. Some he starred in, and some, like "Too Many Rivers to Cross", he had roles that gave credence to why he is such a western legend. The following movies will be shown during Encore Western Channel's tribute to James Arness.

Wyoming Mail

Too Many Rivers to Cross (with Robert Taylor and Eleanor Parker) Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge

Gunsmoke: The Last Apache

Gunsmoke: To the Last Man

Whether you are already a fan or just now becoming aware of James Arness, this lineup of westerns is hugely entertaining. His good looks, and amiable personality, come out in his roles. No one can touch this man's talent for making westerns. Well, maybe John Wayne.

TVLand and Encore Western Channel run "Gunsmoke" episodes daily. Check your schedule for times. View episodes online. Enjoy Matt Dillon and the gang this weekend!

Published by Sherry Tomfeld

Gardening and food preservation are her passion, she has been doing both for 30 years.Working thousands of head of hogs, raising cattle, goats and chickens to being lead cook in a 90 resident nursing home. S...  View profile

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  • Jack Wellman6/27/2011

    Hey, I live not far from Dodge City and he's still a legend there...and I mean James Arness too. We used to imitate him as boys!

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky6/15/2011

    Loved Gunsmoke! Love you too!

  • David A. Reinstein, LCSW6/10/2011

    I don't get that channel but if I did, I'd certainly watch it...., He (as Matt Dillon) was as much a part of my youth as puberty!

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