Twenty years-that’s how long the network Western TV series Gunsmoke was on the air-longer than any other broadcast Western.
The reasons were many: a strong cast, great stories, a true as possible depiction of the times the series was set in, a willingness to take on current events using the past as a mirror of the present and deep character studies both by the cast and guest stars.
Heroes and villains were never portrayed as one dimensional. Often a very thin gray line separated the two.
As the show progressed and matured it took advantage of the new freedoms offered by contemporary audiences and looser network restrictions.
Never preachy, the show was wiling to show both the good and bad sides of the Old West.
Characters struggled to survive, had almost unbearable losses to contend with, hardships, hunger, criminals, marauding Indians and all the other perils of the West that were not candy-coated or made light of.
Season 15 premiered in 1970-a great time of change in America and on American TV. Gunsmoke took it all in stride and continued to bring in a huge audience-making it one of the most watched TV series at that time.
In the Gunsmoke, The Fifteenth Season Volume 1 and Volume 2 DVD collections from CBS/Paramount, viewers can relive and enjoy classic episodes filled with action, danger, intrigue, humor and the entire gamut of human emotions.
The main cast, firmly entrenched in their characters, turn in some great performances with even a few surprises.
Watch as Marshall Matt Dillon, Kitty, Doc and Festus contend with bank robbers, mail-order brides, a ruthless psychopath and other challenging people and situations.
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