Been watching the first season of a four season set of Gunsmoke. A few things of interest.
1) Its original working title-never used here as far as im aware of? was: Gun Law. However-that title was used at the original title when shown in Europe. I have seen season 1 before--about a year or so ago, but have noticed many new things in many episodes this time round.
First, I know that writing was much simplar for Tv back then but notice in every episode-or almost every episode so far--that people are stupid enough to tell Dillon that they are either "out to gun him down" or out to kill someone else. I know if you told that to any LE personnel these days--you wouldnt be allowed to go free and still packing any heat. Anyway, some of the stories were really "simple" for lack of a better word just now.
I like that at the beginning of most episodes-it starts out with Dillon on "Boot Hill" reflecting on how many of its "residents" arrved at Boot Hill. In many stories--Dillon really has nothing to go on-and cant arrest someone for a killing or other. However, I like how he finally uses common-sense when coming to the conclusion of something that helps in his making an arrest--or a "needed killin."
Ive been studying Doc (Milburn Stone) and his attitude towards things. He seems almost pissed-off most of the time. Doc is a poor sport when it comes to losing at cards-or checkers. He will throw a tantrum and knock the pieces off the board or table. Just when you think you might not be able to stand Doc's company, he comes around a bit and softens up.
Miss Kitty. I noticed when she first had a "mole" it appeared on her left cheek. Recently its been on her right cheek.
Just saw the episode with Leo Gordon. Gordon indeed wears the same outfit as shown in the opening "gunfight" and imdb is wrong on who it is that Dillon is going against. The character gets shot twice.
The Charles Bronson episode--where he playes a cowardly ambusher-back-shooter called: Crego, was an excellent episode. For the first time, Dillon goads someone (Crego) into going for his gun. As he knows Crego is a back-shooter-already instructing his "Deputy" Chester, to stand by the door and react when Crego goes for his gun when Dillon turns his back on him. Dillon admitted to Cregos face that "he needs killin." Crego however doesn't want to face Dillon like a man, so takes off his gunbelt and lays it on the table. However, Dillon tells him no matter what? he's going to die that night (not those exact words-but I dont really want to spoil it for you)
Chester: If I recall? I THINK somewhere in season 1, you learn why he limps with right leg being messed up. Im still trying to find out why he never wears a handgun? and only carries a rifle when Dillon gives one to him-or he takes itoff an arrested person. I am beginning to get annoyed with Chester always calling Dillon: "Mr. Dillon" instead of Marshal or boss or whatever?
Apparantly at least the first four seasons are only 30 minute long episodes. I wonder when they made this into an hour-long show??
Wanted posters inside of and outside Dillon's office. They used real names on the poster-like William Bonney and Black Bart. Its kind of interesting when you can see enough of the posters to actually read. One of them I THINK also mentioned: The Ringo Kid.
The "city of" Dodge as seen from "Boot Hill" is a nice B&W painting or inking. Ive seen several of the grave markers-probably made out of styrofoam or balsa wood--swaying in the breeze as the Marshal reflects on somehting.
One of the script-writers was none other than Sam Peckinpah. Every story in whatever TV series it was in-that ive seen written by him--was excellent.
I noticed another "link" to John Wayne movies-in particular (again) Stagecoach. The music used in Stagecoach--where appropriate and used showing the stagecoach--is also used in episodes of Gunsmoke-in scenes showing the arrival of a stagecoach.
Anyone else have something I missed so far?
Almost forgot. Chester has a brother by the name of Magnus--who is a chatacter in himself.
Sorry for all the misspellings--im using a machine with tiny screen today.
