This was also a period when there was a total dividing line between film and television.
Some actors like Steve McQueen were able to leap from TV to film stardom - but this was rare.
Pretty much any article or retrospective on the classic series opens with this factoid.
Wayne not only advised Arness to take the show but volunteered to give it a send-off.
I never thought for a moment of offering it to Wayne.
But to this day even some of the cast go around repeating that story.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
Arness would leadGunsmokefor a record-breaking 20 seasonsand went on to front a series of TV movie sequels.
According to Warren, Arness went to his friend Wayne to help him get out of his contract.
Instead,Wayne advised Arness to commit and that it would be great for his career.
Set in the American West, Gunsmoke follows Marshal Matt Dillon as he maintains law and order in Dodge City, Kansas. This Western drama explores the challenges of frontier justice and the complex relationships between settlers, outlaws, and Native Americans during the settlement period.
He was key to talking Arness intoGunsmokethough, with Marshal Dillion becoming that actor’s defining character.
FutureIronsideandPerry Masonstar Raymond Burr was one of the actors who tested forGunsmoke.
HadGunsmokebeen turned into a movie instead of a show, Wayne would have been the obvious first choice.
Still, it was a gracious move to endorse Arness in such a big way.
