Gunsmoke Golden Years.

[Smokey]

As you all know, Gunsmoke ran for total of 20 seasons. Although have not seen every episodes, there seem to be “parabola” curve in quality of episodes.

Recently the Encore's Western channels concluded its contract to air every B&W episodes from 1961 to 1965 season, and IMO these are the golden years of Gunsmoke. As earlier [1/2 hours] seasons before 1961 had a darker tone and fast paced. And seasons after 1965 the stories slowly moved away from central main characters and concentrated more on guess actors/actresses.

But from ‘61 to ‘65, Gumsmoke was smoking literally. There are alot of classic episodes in that era (which were shot on film) with captivating stories mostly involving central characters.

This is the years where Burt Reynolds and Ken Curtis (Festus) became a regular on the show, although Burt left only after couple seasons. And also Dennis Weaver left after 9 years as Marshal’s side kick. Marshall Dillon was tough as a nail with a fast draw, and Miss Kitty’s Long branch Saloon was the place to hang out.

[Lraeefosht@mac.com]

Smokey, where did you find out that Encore Westerns Channel is planning to start showing Gunsmoke? Do you know when they will start?

Linda Sue

[Smokey]

Sorry Linda

But Westerns Channels concluded its three-year contract to run 1961-1966 one-hour black-and-white episodes that ended last year. I am not sure if and when they are going to run gunsmoke again from that era or other seasons.

But all is not lost. Paramount just announced that they will release first season of Gunsmoke on DVD on July 17 2007. You may have to wait for release of season 7 thru 12 to see those classic episodes.

[PeruvianSkies]

But all is not lost. Paramount just announced that they will release first season of Gunsmoke on DVD on July 17 2007. You may have to wait for release of season 7 thru 12 to see those classic episodes.

and if they go at the rate that they did for The Simpsons or MASH on DVD it will be 2027 when it's completely released.

[Smokey]

and if they go at the rate that they did for The Simpsons or MASH on DVD it will be 2027 when it's completely released.

Well, at least you have something to look forward to when you retire

I just hope it doesn't take that long to release all 20 seasons, and don't break up the one hour season episodes to part one and two.