He was a singer in the movie's fictional band The Regimental Singers that actually consisted of the Sons of the Pioneers; Curtis is not listed as a member of the principal cast. [citation needed]. Ken Curtis - Wikipedia Marshal Matt Dillon and some of the townspeople return fire. According to star James Arness, who portrayed the character of Marshal Matt Dillon for all of the series 20 seasons, the cast and crew believed that the show was going to continue for at least one more season. Nix: L.Q. Curtis guest-starred five times on the Western television series Have Gun Will Travel with Richard Boone. Takawa: Kip Whitman. Clete Bolden: Sean McClory. Died unexpectedly just after making a public appearance at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. Tom Clark: Bob Random. [4], He attended Colorado College to study medicine, but left after a short time to pursue his musical career. It centers on Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1870s, during the settlement of the American West. A drama about a woman who refuses to acknowledge that a half-Indian boy is her son. 'Gunsmoke': Why 3 Main Characters Only Appear in One Episode - Outsider Yes, Jill from "The Young and The Restless" played Patricia in the episode of the same name. Gunsmoke was formerly a radio show entitled called Gun law. Why would a woman disobey doctor's orders when she knows it could endanger her and her baby's life? A tri As Matt escorts a wounded prisoner to Ft. Union, his camp is invaded by a thieving young boy, whom Matt takes into custody. [citation needed], Ken Curtis joined the Sons of the Pioneers as a lead singer from 1949 to 1952. Although he appeared on Gunsmoke earlier in other roles (such as Brisco in S4E32s Change Of Heart), he was first cast as Festus in season 8 episode 13, December 8, 1962 "Us Haggens." He made his debut in show business in the 1930's as a singer with swing bands and joined the Tommy Dorsey band when Frank Sinatra left to begin a solo career. Newly: Buck Taylor. John Porter: [Festus and Thad doing some labor for the church] We'll have to think up some payment in return for all the labor. He joined the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous deputy, Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, played by Roger Ewing. Sara: Joan Van Ark. Here he meets Paco and his widowed mother. Doc: Milburn Stone. Matt pursues the Rawlins gang into Mexico to the village of Zavala. In 1926, the family moved to Las Animas, the county seat of Bent County, so that his father, Dan Sullivan Gates, could run for sheriff. The series was the top-rated show from 1957 to 1961 and maintained excellent ratings throughout its run. Judge Brooker: Jack Bailey. Clint: Hank Brandt. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Matt Dillon is taking a prisoner named Sam Danton to Dodge City with plans to take him on to Fort Union later. [11] He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Colorado flatlands. Forrest Tucker's performance marks this drama about a whiskey-soaked cavalry sergeant. Boyd Avery: Ron Hayes. Make sure you have front row seats. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. Jacqueline Scott as a widow who isn't what she seems. It was after all these roles that Strange found his 12-year role as Sam Noonan on Gunsmoke, a part for which he was acutely. Benny Rubin wrote this story in which he plays a hypnotist who uses his skill to steal money. [citation needed], Besides engaging in the usual personal appearances most television stars undertake to promote their program, Curtis also traveled around the country performing at Western-themed stage shows at fairs, rodeos, and other venues when Gunsmoke was not in production, and even for some years after the show was cancelled. In Dodge City the journey to Ft. Union is joined by two women, one pregnant traveling to see her husband, the other secretly the wife of the prisoner. Mother Tabitha: Lynn Hamilton. Gunsmoke was a beloved Western television series that premiered in 1955 and went on to make history with its unprecedented 20-season run. Finney Cox: Dub Taylor. Curtis also produced two extremely low-budget monster films in 1959, The Killer Shrews and The Giant Gila Monster. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter Here he meets Paco and his widowed mother. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/factsverse?sub_confirmation=1 Or, watch more videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkXAntdjbcSKgHx6EQVOwNKVz1cR2hKVDo you think you know a lot about TV? Doc: Milburn Stone. Newly: Buck Taylor. Here he meets Paco and his widowed mother. Matt: James Arness. Dave Wilson: Michael Larrain. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Terms and Policies In his whole life, the only strong willed people Paco had ever seen were outlaws. Paco's father had been killed when he stood up to outlaws intimidating the people of Zavala. Matt: James Arness. Guest Star. In his whole life, the only strong willed people Paco had ever seen were outlaws. Matt joins the search for a raiding party that made off with a rancher's daughter. Alfonso: Jorge Moreno. Ken Curtis (born Curtis Wain Gates;[1] July 2, 1916 April 28, 1991)[2] was an American singer and actor best known for his role as Festus Haggen on the CBS western television series Gunsmoke. Gregorio: Richard Anderson. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! In his later years, Curtis resided in Clovis. Columbia Pictures signed Curtis to a contract in 1945. Wouldn't it be much easier to hide along the trail and ambush Matt? 1955 -2022. Doc: Milburn Stone. 18 Things You Didn't Know About 'Gunsmoke' - Wide Open Country He and his wife were . Florence: Lane Bradbury. Festus: [after Rev. Jack Albertson plays an ailing con man who plans to finance a splendid funeral for himself by killing Matt. Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series "Gunsmoke," died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. Mr. Curtis, whose real name was Curtis Gates, was born in Lamar, Colo. Ken Curtis, Actor, 74, Festus on 'Gunsmoke', https://www.nytimes.com/1991/05/01/obituaries/ken-curtis-actor-74-festus-on-gunsmoke.html. Gresley: Allen Jaffe. Festus: Ken Curtis. Gideon Hale: Royal Dano. Festus: Ken Curtis. Festus: Ken Curtis. Newly: Buck Taylor. [1] Career [ edit] You can various bits of trivia about these Gunsmoke stars, such as where the actor was born and what their year of birth is. Doc: Milburn Stone. Gunsmoke: Season 14, Episode 3 - Rotten Tomatoes He was featured in all three of the only films produced by Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney's C. V. Whitney Pictures: The Searchers (1956); The Missouri Traveler (1958) with Brandon deWilde and Lee Marvin; and The Young Land (1959) with Patrick Wayne and Dennis Hopper. ? Elbert Moses: Anthony James. Comanche track Matt, his prisoner, an Indian widow and her white stepson. We never learn what Rawlins and his gang did to warrant being chased into Mexico, but it must have been serious. Originally a popular radio show (called "Gun Law"), Gunsmokeis one of the most popular TV westerns in television history. The Scene That Took Gunsmoke off the Air - YouTube A gang led by Paul Wiley attempts to rob the Dodge City bank, but as the gang leaves the bank, shooting begins. Ella: Diana Ewing. Directed by Philip Leacock Writing Credits Cast (in credits order) complete, awaiting verification Produced by Music by Leon Klatzkin . Jessup: Royal Dano. As a result of this miscommunication, the producers didnt get the chance to plan a proper series finale for the show. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. When Matt is wounded in a gun battle, Kitty pulls up stakes and heads for a different kind of trouble. In the original radio series, William Conrad voiced the role of Marshal Matt Dillon. Why would a U. S. Marshal allow a civilian to tag along on a trip where a prisoner is being transported? In Dodge City the journey to Ft. Union is joined by two women, one pregnant traveling to see her husband, the other secretly the wife of the prisoner. Robert Lansing stars as a wily outlaw determined to free his younger brother from Matt's custody. Two just might cure it. He was an actor, known for. He continued his career as movie monster in 1949's Master Minds. The American Western television show, Gunsmoke, aired on CBS for a whopping 20 years, from 1955 to 1975. Flo: Ruth Roman. In the television series, Matt Dillon was played by actor James Arness. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. (There is no explanation offered for why the Marshal is responsible for transporting the prisoner to Fort Union, or why a prisoner must be delivered there.) In 1967, Gunsmoke was slated to be canceled, but it was saved by William Paley, the network president. Answer: Jess Walton. Gunsmoke - Watch Free on Pluto TV United States [6] He watched the show every Saturday night. In 1959, he appeared as cowhand Phil Jakes on the Gunsmoke season four episode, "Jayhawkers". Actor Dennis Weaver, who played . Festus' character was known, in part, for the nasally, twangy, rural accent which Curtis developed for the role, but which did not reflect Curtis' actual voice. As a young adult, he appeared in American Graffiti (1973) as well as its 1979 sequel. By joining TV Guide, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. Died unexpectedly just after making a public appearance at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series "Gunsmoke," died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. He replaced Dennis Weaver, who played Chester Goode before leaving the show after nine years. Spence: William Schallert. Marieanne: Susan Olsen. National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Ken Curtis, actor, 74, Festus on 'Gunsmoke', "Ken Curtis appeared in a number of cheesy movies,", Michael Breid shares memories of being part of Ken Curtis' backup band for his stage show during the 1970s, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ken_Curtis&oldid=1152317790, High school football players in the United States, United States Army personnel of World War II, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Pages using infobox person with multiple spouses, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2023, Articles with unsourced statements from December 2022, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, All articles needing additional references, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 April 2023, at 14:11. Quichero: Richard Angarola. Curtis teamed with Ford and John Wayne in Rio Grande. 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Watch Gunsmoke Online | Season 15 (1969) | TV Guide She was a mainstay on the show, however, she decided to leave her role after 19 years. In Dodge City the journey to Ft. Union is joined by two women, one As Matt escorts a wounded prisoner to Ft. Union, his camp is invaded by a thieving young boy, whom Matt takes into custody. Matt moves toward a showdown with marshal-turned-outlaw John Stryker. Only a young thief knows a fatal trap has been set for Matt, who's headed for Dodge City to return an escaped prisoner to custody. [6] Ewing played the role of Marshal Matt Dillon's trusty partner, Clayton Thad Greenwood, in his senior year of high school. Matt: James Arness. Ed Vail: Victor French. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. [citation needed]. Gail: Erica Petal. 10 Things About 'Gunsmoke' That Will Surprise You - LittleThings.com Doc: Milburn Stone. C.V. Fletcher: Tom Simcox. Paco's father had been killed when he stood up to outlaws intimidating the peop Matt pursues the Rawlins gang into Mexico to the village of Zavala. He first thinks of Matt as such a person, until Matt tells him that he's not there t See production, box office & company info, (based on the radio series created by) (uncredited), CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA. As Matt escorts a wounded prisoner to Ft. Union, his camp is invaded by a thieving young boy, whom Matt takes into custody. Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations. Did you know that the final episode of Gunsmoke wasnt the final episode filmed and that its plot barely even revolved around main character Marshal Matt Dillon? However, unfair treatment from the CBS network made this impossible.Contents of this video00:00 - Intro00:49 - Body07:28 - OutroLike this content? The episode revolved predominantly around the character of Festus, portrayed by country music singer and actor Ken Curtis. I have a question for any Gunsmoke - David Edward Sapp | Facebook "Gunsmoke" Sanctuary (TV Episode 1966) - IMDb Loretta Swit's first of three appearances on the series. Cody: Jonathan Lippe. Sancho. A young Hispanic boy named Sancho sneaks into their camp while they are asleep and begins stealing everything he can. Festus: Ken Curtis. The gang rides away, and the Marshal quickly organizes a posse and follows in pursuit. Belle Clark: Loretta Swit. Albert Vail: John Beck. CBS. In black-and-white. Some of the film's exteriors were shot in Petaluma. Here he meets Paco and his widowed mother. with updates on movies, TV shows, Rotten Tomatoes podcast and more. Doc: Milburn Stone. > Season 14 Mount your horses and get ready for a wild ride, because today we're revisiting Gunsmoke, the sweeping western drama that's been called America's own Iliad and The Odyssey.For two decades, from 1955 to 1975, Gunsmoke, which started out as a radio show, was appointment television for families around the nation. Legendary Cincinnati news anchor Al Schottelkotte - called . Sam: Glenn Strange. A bank teller foils a robbery and pockets the money---but ends up helping in the outlaws' next try. When one of them is injured real bad, he hides out in the church where the reverend is fearful but not for himself. A hired gun changes the balance of power in a feud between two families. CTVA US Western - "Gunsmoke" (CBS) Season 15 (1969-70) James Arness It is one of the most popular Western television shows from the mid-1950s to the 1970s. Ewing's character was created by CBS with a view to replacing Arness should they deem it necessary. In 1964, Curtis appeared as muleskinner Graydon in the episode "Graydon's Charge" of the syndicated Western television series, Death Valley Days, also guest-starring Denver Pyle and Cathy Lewis. Gunsmoke S11. Curtis married Torrie Connelly in 1966. Gunsmoke cast list, including photos of the actors when available. Bodkin: Roy Roberts. TVG. Gunsmoke Indian Boy Manuel Paco Avila . Matt: James Arness. A moral dilemma for a farmer who stole horses for a gang to help his blind daughter. It introduces a level of danger that is completely unprofessional and unnecessary. Privacy Policy Earl Holliman plays a vengeful ex-con and Morgan Woodward a farmer who ran out on him during a robbery years before. Episode Info Matt befriends a 13-year-old Mexican boy who believes the marshal can rid his village of a group of bandits. For many years, he performed as a Mexican or Native American boy in television westerns such as "Rawhide," "Bonanza" and "Gunsmoke". Why did Amanda Blake leave Gunsmoke? Roger Ewing: What Happened to the Deputy Marshal From 'Gunsmoke'? Gunsmoke S15. Phoebe: Louise Latham. He also co-starred with Mike Henry in two mid-1960's "Tarzan" feature films. Drama. Amos: John Anderson. Jake: J.D. Matt: James Arness. Paco's father had been killed when he stood up to outlaws intimidating the people of Zavala. Festus: Ken Curtis. Otis Fletcher: Dan Ferrone. Sure, Sancho's thievery provides the name of the episode and results in his discovery that Belle and Danton know one another for the viewer and Festus, but Sancho does not catch up with Marshal Dillon and company before they discover the truth about the Dantons themselves. Curtis' last acting role was as the aging cattle rancher "Seaborn Tay" in the television production Conagher (1991), by western author Louis L'Amour. Gunsmoke Wiki | Fandom This series ran from 1961 to 1963 with 76 half-hour episodes in total. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. UPDATE 02/18/2022. After he recorded "Tumbling Tumbleweeds," Columbia Pictures signed him as a singing cowboy. [4], Ewing's performance in Gunsmoke impressed the producers. Susan: Jodie Foster. Rev. Janie Bolden: Laurie Mock. Festus: Ken Curtis. > Gunsmoke This landmark adult Western centered on Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge City. When one of them is injured real bad, he hides out in the church where the reverend is fearful but not for himself. Before his death, he had one grandson who has survived him. And two years and eight months before an eleven season run on M.A.S.H. Newly tries to prove that a girl is a con woman out to fleece a blacksmith. [2], Manuel Padilla Jr. died from colon cancer on January 29, 2008, at age 52. Festus Haggen: [after getting bitten in the arm by Sancho] Golly Bill, I just hope that he don't chomp down on them like he done on me. However, their marriage was short-lived. Oct 7, 1968, Directed By: Jenny: Charlotte Stewart. Wickes: Frank Marth. Before his death, he had one grandson who has survived him. . Shuffles: Bill Callaway. Here he meets Paco and his widowed mother. A trio of outlaws waits on the trail to kill Matt and rescue the prisoner. [2] [3] He is perhaps best known for playing Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood in the American western television series Gunsmoke. Here he meets Paco and his widowed mother. Loomis: Ken Swofford. Gunsmoke was the classic Western tale of a troubled town that needed someone to make sure that law and order was enforced. (music composed by) Film Editing by Donald W. Ernst Casting By Pam Polifroni Art Direction by Joseph R. Jennings Set Decoration by Herman N. Schoenbrun Makeup Department Production Management These films provided a more fitting ending for Gunsmoke than the original finale.The final episode of Gunsmoke to air was dubbed The Sharecroppers. [1] The listing includes regular cast members, guest stars, and recurring cast members. A band of outlaws takes over Dodge City and awaits the arrival of Matt, who is escorting a large shipment of gold. leaves] How'd he expect anybody to get any sleep sitting in the front pew? Mon, Oct 6, 1969 60 mins. This list contains notable cast members of the Gunsmoke radio and TV series, and TV movies. Roy Stewart: Steve Carlson. He joined the Gunsmoke cast in 1967, superseding the previous deputy, Thaddeus "Thad" Greenwood, played by Roger Ewing. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Kitty: Amanda Blake. Maybe reserve the first pew in your names each Sunday. Menu. Agatha: Nina Foch. Glenn Strange: What Happened to the Bartender from 'Gunsmoke'? To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them.