GUNSMOKE: An American Institution

by Ben Costello

Starting on September 10, 1955, and continuing for more than 600 episodes over the next twenty years, Gunsmoke ruled the airwaves. Never in the history of television had a show so captured the hearts of both youngsters and adults. Each week, Marshal Matt Dillon and his friends would face a new threat to the peace and lawfulness of their frontier home of Dodge City, Kansas—and each week, goodness and determination prevailed. It was the perfect antidote for a country still emerging from the darkness of World War II.

In recognition of this, the show’s golden anniversary, author Ben Costello has produced a remarkable testament to the on-screen characters and off-screen individuals who made the story lines come alive. With lead performer biographies, hundreds of episode and behind-the-scenes photographs, complete episode logs, updates on all the surviving cast members, and interviews with the show’s luminaries, GUNSMOKE: An American Institution will be a favorite for fans and historians alike.

The second edition is now available and it includes a 40 page index.

Download a PDF of this book for only $ 37.50.

They sure don’t make shows like Gunsmoke anymore

"Fans of the show are in for a special treat with the release of Gunsmoke: An American Institution - Celebrating 50 Years of Television’s Best Western. This is a comprehensive book that contains just about everything you've ever wanted to know about Gunsmoke and the characters that made the show so popular. There is even a section of Gunsmoke recipes, including James Arness’ Chili.

This 622 page book includes a complete episode log with all the guest star credits. For me this was one of the most interesting parts of the book because it really gives a sense of how pivotal the show was for so many young actors.

If you are a fan of the show, I would encourage you to get a copy of Gunsmoke: An American Institution – Celebrating 50Years of Television’s Best Western. Costello has captured just about every detail about the show and put them all together with hundreds of photographs."
~Wayne Price, Editor’s Page
Rural Electric Nebraskan, November 2005


Related web site: http://www.50yearsofgunsmoke.com

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