Gunsmoke: An American Institution: Celebrating 50 Years of Television's Best Western Paperback – December 22, 2012

Excellent history of one of radio and televisions greatest series. One quote from legendary film director Billy Wilder summarizes how highly Gunsmoke was regarded: "Everything on television is crap -- except 'Gunsmoke'."There is much behind-the-scenes information regarding the environment on the set, what a pleasant experience it was for guest stars to work on "Gunsmoke" and be treated graciously by everyone involved in the show. There is also more information, much of it unpleasant, regarding Amanda Blake's departure from the show than I have seen reported elsewhere. Contrary to what has been commonly reported, Blake was fired after becoming much too difficult for the producers to work with. It is one of the few sour notes in an otherwise positive story.There is also a full account of the 5 made-for-TV "Gunsmoke" movies that were produced years after the show was cancelled. I generally agree with the author's assessment of these films, including accounts of Jim Arness's obvious physical deterioration, but I still think they are well done, albeit far removed from the original "Gunsmoke" setting, except perhaps for the first one. I do enjoy "Gunsmoke: The Long Ride" more than the author does and he gives it very little space here. Among other things, the film features James Brolin in one of the most convincing and compelling performances of his career. There is also a wonderful appearance by Ali McGraw. The closing might well have been the very best end to "Gunsmoke" too, especially Matt Dillon's final lines at the gravesides. However, it was not the final "Gunsmoke" movie.The book does not really replace the Gabor's monumental volume on the show, but should share the bookshelf with it as an equally valuable source of information.

I have 3 words for all you Gunsmoke fans out there....BUY THIS BOOK! It is INCREDIBLE! So much information on all the characters, how Gunsmoke came to television, dozens and dozens of pictures, behind the scene information, and lots of other information you just won't find anywhere else. Over 600 pages of delightful reading! Worth every penny!

A great book at 620 pages, almost a page for the total number of episodes. Along with an overview of the series, an overview of each episode, and a backstory that answers many questions about the how and why of various characters joining and leaving the show, since the series never provided reasons for regulars leaving the show.For instance, Louie being fired for asking for a contract, Tad disappearing because the character never caught on with the viewers, and Amanda Blake being fired over various drawn-out disputes with John Manley. The book explains why James Arness appears at the beginning and end of an episode during the last ten years unlike the first ten years when he is in almost every scene. Another item is how Arness, unlike other big TV stars, refused to get involved in decisions made by Manley that did not affect him. The author does not take sides with individuals choosing to simply outline the reasons for the reader.Any fan of Gunsmoke will love this book. It treats Gunsmoke in the same way that Paul Green did with The Virginian in his book about that series. Though,Green's book is not nearly as big as this book, it is a must read for fans of The Virginian.The author also has posted a U-Tube video of his 2010 visit to the buildings used for exteriors, of Dodge City, in the series. The actual exterior filming location of Gunsmoke's "Dodge City" is Southern Utah. The buildings are falling down and will probably be gone in another 10-20 years. It can be found by googling "Gunsmoke Dodge City film set."

I wish the book had been described better. It is long and horizontal which makes it difficult to handle. Content is great.

Ben Costello's book, Gunsmoke: An American Institution Celebrating 50 Years of Television's Best Western is a wonderful tribute to Gunsmoke; the longest running dramatic series on television. Judging by the length of the title, you might expect one BIG BOOK. Indeed, it is! It's a big wonderful ride through Dodge City with Matt, Kitty, Doc, Chester, Festus, Quint and all the characters, writers and producers that made Gunsmoke such a classic.It's filled with insightful interviews from Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Dennis Weaver, and many, many others. Great stories abound about filming, the cast and crew, the family atmosphere on the set, and lots of other 'insider' information, but thankfully, this is not a gossipy book. Ben's love for Gunsmoke is apparent and his sensitive approach to the classic series is right on target.The numerous photographs (candid and posed) are terrific and practically in framing condition! Every one of the 635 episodes is given a brief synopsis accompanied by the cast, writer/s and producers list.It's obvious this special tribute to Gunsmoke was a monumental effort and it shows. From cover to cover, it's a great read....and read....and read. This book is a 'must have' for any fan of Gunsmoke. Thank you Ben for this wonderful treat. Kudos!!! Marilyn Marbury

My husband loves the book, he is a big Gunsmoke fan

As a daily watcher of Encore and TV Land's airing of Gunsmoke, I was hoping for insight into the episodes - what went on during the shooting, how they were received, breakthrough apperances by little-known actors, trivia about the regulars, etc. Instead the episode guides appeared to be cut and pasted directly from IMDB.The longer stories are written from a fanboy perspective and sadly there is no interview with James Arness.The best thing I can recommend are the photos and the particularly poignant cartoon of Festus mourning the death of Doc.At least, thanks to Amazon, I didn't have to pay full price.

I call this my Big Book of Gunsmoke. We also have all 635 episodes on DVD so the episode guide in the back of the book is a fun reference. I had checked this out of our local library but I was taking a long time to savor and enjoy it so I bought it. Love it.

This item arrived within the time frame stated and was well packaged. It was a gift for my husband who is a long time fan of this show, and he is thoroughly enjoying reading it. It covers all the characters who have appeared on the show and gives good insight. A good buy for anyone who enjoys a behind the scenes look at an epic old show.

A very good read with exellent interviews, lots of pictures and the answers to some rumours.

Great info but the photos are really poor quality, it's a shame that if they are putting out a kindle edition they don't even attempt to get them to load properly. Loved the interviews and the views of guest stars who often went on to bigger (but not always better things). After all what could be better than Gunsmoke!