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James Arness explained what set Gunsmoke apart from other Western shows
James Arness knew the show's greatest weapon wasn't a six-shooter.
James Arness understood exactly what made Gunsmoke one of television's greatest Westerns.
As a series, Gunsmoke made a name for itself in both quality and longevity. The series enjoyed a long, successful run on television, establishing itself as one of the longest-running TV series of all time.
Just as impressive, the show earned the respect of both critics and viewers, a combination that's rare today but came naturally to Gunsmoke.
Maybe lightning never strikes twice, and maybe the people behind Gunsmoke simply got lucky. But series star James Arness believed the show's success wasn't accidental. It was built by design.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Arness reflected on what truly made Gunsmoke special. At a time when Westerns dominated television, he believed Gunsmoke stood apart from the rest for one important reason.
Arness argued that what made Gunsmoke memorable wasn't the action or the gunfights. It was the people involved.
"What made us different from other Westerns was the fact that Gunsmoke wasn't just action and a lot of shooting; they were character-study shows," Arness said.
Arness also understood Marshal Matt Dillon for who he was: a true hero. While Arness portrayed the character with remarkable authenticity, he knew Dillon, like Gunsmoke itself, was in a league of his own.
"As for the issue of the on-screen personality and the real person, there's no comparison, no way," Arness said in an interview with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
"I couldn't hold down the job of a U.S. marshal for a week," Arness continued. "You might think playing the same character all these years must be a piece of cake, but if you look at it from the standpoint of reality, it is always a mountain to climb."
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