Review of “Gunsmoke: An American Institution” by Ben Costello

Score: 96/100 (9.6 out of 10)

Gunsmoke: An American Institution by Ben Costello is a comprehensive tribute and guide to the legendary television series Gunsmoke!

Running from 1955 to 1975 with a total of 635 episode, Gunsmoke remains the longest-running TV Westerns in history and one of the longest-running TV shows OF ALL TIME (PERIOD)!

Its longevity and popularity stem from its compelling storytelling, memorable characters like Marshal Matt Dillon, Miss Kitty, Doc, and Festus, and its ability to adapt to changing times while staying true to its Western roots. Few shows in the genre have achieved the same cultural impact and sustained viewership as Gunsmoke.

Spanning over 600 pages, Costello's book provides an exhaustive overview of the series, including behind-the-scenes anecdotes, interviews with cast members like Dennis Weaver and Burt Reynolds, and hundreds of photographs. It also features memorabilia, cast recipes, and a complete guide to all 635 episodes and the follow-up TV movies.

Written with passion and meticulous detail, Costello's work celebrates the show's cultural impact, exploring its transition from radio to television and its enduring legacy as a staple of Americana. With forewords by notable figures like Jon Voight and contributions from Gunsmoke alumni, the book is described as a treasure trove for fans, filled with nostalgia and new insights.
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It is arguably the definitive book on the series, appealing not only to dedicated fans of Gunsmoke but also to enthusiasts of Westerns and television history. If you’re looking for a richly detailed homage to this iconic series, this book delivers a fascinating look into the heart of Dodge City.

Another group of people who may absolutely fall in love with this book are people who are passionate about film-making and television production.

That's right!

If you want to be a director, producer, actor, script writer, film/TV composer, on-set makeup artist, on-set hairstylist, set designer, cinematographer, costume designer, etc., this book provides all sorts of insight into those roles!

The book highlights the contributions of directors who shaped the on-screen storytelling of Gunsmoke. Directors such as Vincent McEveety, Bernie McEveety, and Gunnar Hellström are discussed, showcasing their creative approaches to filming Western landscapes, action scenes, and dramatic moments. Their ability to balance character-driven narratives with the demands of an episodic format is a significant focus. The producers, especially Executive Producer John Mantley, are credited with maintaining the show’s high quality and longevity.

We also get a glimpse into how they dealt with the dynamic, demanding, and often tumultuous going-ons of the staff.

For example, we explore how it wasn't always smooth sailing on the set.

There was tension and disagreements between Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) and the producer John Mantley. Blake often voiced strong objections regarding location shoots and costumes, particularly the expensive gowns for her character. These disputes escalated to the point where Mantley sought to replace Blake, and eventually, she was let go from the show during its later seasons. Mantley reportedly described Blake as "difficult" and claimed she wanted to leave the series, while others on the set attributed her departure to ongoing conflicts with Mantley.

One guest star recounts how he was scripted to have an uncomfortable scene with Blake, but she was encouraging, supportive, and enthusiastic that they could pull it off. Another guest star says how eager she was to finally get to work with Blake only to find the experience disappointing and a bit upsetting.

Some guest stars expressed frustrations about James Arness not participating in off-camera work for their close-ups. For instance, Peter Mark Richman demanded equal effort from Arness during their scenes and insisted on professionalism, which Arness ultimately respected and complied with.

James Gregory found it unprofessional that Arness did not read lines for off-camera work during Gregory’s close-ups in the episode The Avengers. Gregory voiced his dissatisfaction, which caused a temporary strain.

Adam West (yes, THAT Adam West), who guest-starred on Gunsmoke, noted that Arness often left before close-ups for other actors were filmed. West called this lack of participation uncommon among lead actors, contrasting it with his own practices on Batman.

Ken Curtis (Festus) had a significant falling-out with Mantley. Curtis rejected a low salary offer for his return in the TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge and was reportedly furious over changes made to his character in the script. Curtis and Mantley's conflict led to a complete breakdown in their working relationship, with Curtis refusing to work with Mantley again.

Nusser was reportedly fired by Mantley after requesting a "pay or play" contract, similar to those of other cast members. This decision highlights Mantley’s strict control over the production and budget.

We also get a strong sense of what it was like on set. Some recount how it was actually quite smelly because of all the farm animals (if you've been around farm animals for an extended period of time, you'll know). Humorously, some guest actors had their agents ask to schedule their shootings at a different time of year when the smell wasn't so bad.

On the bright side, guest-star Suzanne Lloyd recounts:
“I used to love to get up at 4:30 or 5 in the morning and get in the bus or car and
arrive on location. The first thing you could smell in that clear, clear air was coffee and bacon and toast cooking so that it would be ready for everybody when we got there. I just thought I was in heaven.”

The writers are given particular attention, as Gunsmoke was known for its intelligent and nuanced scripts. The book details how writers like Jim Byrnes, Calvin Clements, and Ron Bishop contributed to the complex narratives and character development in the series.

It also briefly needs to be noted that even the music of the show is given some shine.

Incredibly, the theme song for Gunsmoke was originally composed by Rex Koury for the radio series in 1952. Koury, who was a concert organist and composer, recalled in 1976 how the theme came together under tight circumstances. On the morning it was due, Koury improvised the composition while shaving, scribbling it onto a magazine page in his rush. Despite the hurried creation, the music became iconic and synonymous with the show. In 1955, lyricist Glenn Spencer added words to the music, although the lyrics were wisely never used in the show's credits. The theme was referred to by some as "Gunsmoke Trail."

With that said, the real spotlight of this book falls on the on-screen actors themselves because of course it does! It's really these actors who brought these unforgettable characters to life for audiences across the country.

This book features extensive biographies and interviews with the main cast (James Arness, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, Ken Curtis) and guest stars (e.g., Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight) provide insight into their contributions and experiences on set.

The amount of research, thought, and effort that went into crafting this beautiful book cannot be overstated.

Costello put everything into making this the best it could be!

What's more? This book is so full of heart, soul, and spirit—an absolute, undeniable passion for this beloved series that has touched so many lives across generations!

Seriously! This is how it's done. This is how you take a subject/topic you care about and write everything you can about it.

If there's one minor complaint we have, it's that this book seems to be written for hardcore, dedicated Gunsmoke fans who already know a thing or two about it. Thankfully, some of us loved the show or were familiar with it. However, others were a little lost. Part of the problem is that this book jumps right into talking about specifics of the show when we really could've used a small introduction to what it's all about—the broader aspects of it. Some of us had to do our own research to find out what the author was talking about a lot of the time.

It also should be noted that this is a surprisingly emotional and even somber book at times, especially if you really love Gunsmoke and the people behind it. It's like saying a final goodbye to an old friend, a eulogy or celebration of life.

Looking at some of these photos and reading these stories is legitimately a tear-jerking experience knowing that most of these actors and filmmakers are no longer living and with us.

The actors and actresses of Gunsmoke each had unique life journeys, many of which ended poignantly. James Arness (Matt Dillon), the iconic star, passed away peacefully at age 88 in 2011 due to natural causes. Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty), beloved for her role, died at 60 in 1989 from complications of AIDS, attributed to a prior blood transfusion. Milburn Stone (Doc Adams), who portrayed the wise and gruff physician, succumbed to a heart attack at 75 in 1980. Ken Curtis (Festus), known for his comedic and loyal character, passed away at 74 in 1991 from a heart attack. Several notable guest stars also met untimely or dramatic ends. For example, Dennis Weaver (Chester), who transitioned successfully to other roles, died of cancer at 81 in 2006. These losses reflect the passage of a remarkable era in television history, leaving behind a legacy cherished by generations.

Perhaps the best way to cope with the weight of these losses is:
Don't be sad that's it's over, be happy that it happened.

Their memories and their work will live on forever.

John Wayne put it best when describing the show and why so many people love it:
“They represent our folklore.”

Legends never die.

Check it out on Amazon!