Gunsmoke: A Retelling for the Masses
The American West, a period brimming with both brutal realities and romanticized ideals, has long captivated the imagination of people worldwide. From the daring exploits of gunslingers to the arduous journeys of stagecoaches, from the stoic lawmen to the untamed landscapes, the frontier era continues to be a rich source of stories. But how accurately are these tales told and retold? How much of the grit and complexity of the Old West makes its way into the popular narratives?
A Realistic Portrayal
The late 19th-century American frontier was a crucible of societal development. As small, rural communities emerged and new markets and judicial systems took root, conflict was inevitable. Among these nascent settlements, Dodge City, Kansas, officially established in 1872, rose to prominence as a quintessential "Old West" town, embodying the spirit and struggles of the frontier. It is fitting, then, that Gunsmoke, one of the longest-running television dramas in American history, chose Dodge City as its backdrop, aiming to offer a realistic depiction of life in this iconic town.
In 1955, the legendary John Wayne lauded Gunsmoke for its honesty, maturity, and realism. Eschewing elaborate sets and glamorous costumes, the show sought to capture the raw, unvarnished essence of Dodge City. The storylines were populated with homesteaders and fugitives, encounters with Native American tribes, and, at its heart, the principled Marshal Matt Dillon and his companions, navigating the moral ambiguities of a lawless land.
Ben Costello, a film and television historian, delves into the enduring appeal of Gunsmoke in his biographical tribute, Gunsmoke: An American Institution. Through interviews with the cast and crew, Costello highlights the show’s commitment to authenticity. Dean Smith, a stuntman and actor on Gunsmoke, remarked on the show’s quality, noting how well it has stood the test of time. Costello’s comprehensive biography, compiled on the eve of the show’s 50th anniversary, meticulously documents all 635 episodes of Gunsmoke, complemented by behind-the-scenes photographs and episode stills.
Costello’s research led him to a deeper understanding of the historical American West and the ways in which Gunsmoke differentiated itself from other Westerns. The show deliberately avoided clichés and tired stereotypes, striving for a more mature and realistic portrayal. As Costello writes in his introduction, Gunsmoke was "no gimmicks. No faithful horse and no stuttering, lisping second bandana… In short, no bullshit."
A Story for Everyone
What is it about Dodge City and the frontier that continues to fascinate us? Costello recalls watching Gunsmoke with his family as a child and cherishing his Gunsmoke lunchbox. "Dodge City is a real place," he says, "with some of the nicest people ever, and it was a hub for the cattle drives and buyers going west. There is an actual Long Branch Saloon, and the town is just brimming with historical events."
Gunsmoke broke new ground with its portrayal of Miss Kitty, the strong and independent owner of the Long Branch Saloon. In an era when women were often relegated to domestic roles, Miss Kitty’s character presented a more complex and empowering image of women in the West. While glamorized, her character reflected the spirit of real-life figures like Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, and Belle Starr, who defied societal expectations and carved out their own paths in the Wild West.
Belle Starr, for instance, was known for her preference for buckskins over traditional Victorian dresses. She openly carried pistols, engaged in robberies, and frequented saloons. Her life ended in true Old West fashion, shot in the back while returning to her ranch.
Dodge City Today
Today, a visit to Dodge City reveals remnants of its storied past. The Boot Hill Museum stands as a tribute to the town’s wilder days, featuring a partial reconstruction of Dodge City’s Front Street as it appeared in 1876, along with the original Boot Hill Cemetery. The cemetery’s name, "Boot Hill," reflects the fate of many of its occupants, who died with their boots on, often in the gunfights that have become synonymous with the Wild West.
Where to Watch
For those eager to experience the gritty realism of Gunsmoke, reruns can be found on MeTV and INSP. Additionally, the show is available for streaming on CBS All Access.
Gunsmoke: An American Institution
Ben Costello’s Gunsmoke: An American Institution offers an in-depth look at the making of this iconic television series. The book features a wealth of behind-the-scenes information, photographs, and detailed episode guides. Copies can be ordered at www.gunsmokebook.com.
About the Author: Ben Costello
Ben Costello is a multifaceted talent with a passion for film and television. Since childhood, he has performed in various stage productions. He is also a writer and director. With comedian John Babrowski, Costello has entertained audiences in casinos and clubs, often portraying characters reminiscent of Abbott and Costello. Costello and Babrowski even performed the classic "Who’s on First" routine at the Baseball Hall of Fame, marking the first time the skit had been performed there since Abbott and Costello themselves. Costello’s other works include The Whitley & Costello Show and a stage adaptation of Laurel and Hardy’s Way Out West. He also created Company B, a musical tribute to World War II, which spawned five sequels. Costello teaches seminars on Hollywood Comedy and Comedians and is a respected authority on Westerns. He resides in Joshua Tree, California.
See Also:
- The Beginnings of Dodge City
- Wild & Woolly Cowtowns
- Dodge City, Kansas – A Wicked Little Town
- Dodge City; Newspaper, Letters, and Book Excerpts
This retelling aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of Gunsmoke and its significance in the landscape of Westerns, highlighting its commitment to realism and its lasting impact on popular culture.