Mr.Dillon?...Mr.Dillon? Remembering James Arness

[Robert]

James Arness, TV and movie star passed yesterday at age 88. Cause of death was not reported as of this writing. Best known for his portrayal of Matt Dillon marshal of Dodge City. He also appeared in many movies perhaps best known for the monster in "The Thing".

He served in WWII as a rifleman with the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division and was severely wounded at Anzio, Italy. Decorations include the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

I remember trying to out draw him every Saturday night at the beginning of "Gunsmoke".

Rest well James, and thanks.

[water_bug_62208]

Oh, no. Sad news. Very sad news.

I so enjoyed Gunsmoke and the adventures of Matt Dillon. I remember being glued to the TV when Gunsmoke came on. And, I didn't realize until much later that it was Mr. Arness who was the creature in the original Thing, and I didn't realize until Peter Graves' passing that they were brothers.

They simply don't make TV series and movies as they did back in the days, and, in some cases, the actors just aren't up to the caliber of James Arness.

Best wishes to James "Marshal Dillon" Arness as he begins his new adventures and joins his brother, Peter, and best wishes to his family and friends.

[PM2K]

And let's not forget him in the best 50's giant bug movie ever... "Them!" when him and James Whitmore battled giant ants. The film still has the power to chill, if you let it.

Mr. Arness will be missed, no question.

[bbjohn]

Water Bug and PM2k are both right to note James Arness had quite an acting career even before he became famous as Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke."

Arness was from the old school of American hero: plain-spoken, tough but not arrogant, honest to a fault, hard as nails when it was called for but a softy when it was appropriate, and cool on the outside but with a big heart on the inside.

There were so many Westerns on television, it would be hard to rate the best. However, if sheer longevity and popularity are indicators, then "Gunsmoke" must rank with "Bonanza" as one of the very best. More than that, it has to be considered one of the greatest televsion series ever of ANY genre.

As just one indicator of "Gunsmoke's" influence, even after he became known as Marshall Sam McCloud, many people still thought of actor Dennis Weaver as Chester.

So long, Jim. Say hello to your friend, the Duke, for us, okay? Oh, and say hello to your brother, Peter, too.

Big Bad John

P.S. Trivia Question: While Jim Arness played Matt Dillon on television, who played him on radio? Hint: he was also the narrator on the "Bullwinkle" cartoons.

[Robert]

He was one of John Wayne's best friends. If your looking for another fine supporting performance, check out "No Islands in the Sky".

Robert

[Robert]

P.S. Trivia Question: While Jim Arness played Matt Dillon on television, who played him on radio? Hint: he was also the narrator on the "Bullwinkle" cartoons.

William Conrad

[bbjohn]

P.S. Trivia Question: While Jim Arness played Matt Dillon on television, who played him on radio? Hint: he was also the narrator on the "Bullwinkle" cartoons.

William Conrad

That's right! As I understand it, Conrad wasn't selected to continue the role on television because the producers thought he looked a little too pudgy for the part. Judging from some publicity photos I saw, Conrad definitely looked like he could have played the part. We'll never know how it would've come off, of course. We can admire and enjoy James Arness as Matt Dillon just as we can enjoy Conrad in his many roles, including "Cannon" and "Nero Wolfe" (he definitely looked right for that part!)

We should consider ourselves blessed to have seen both of them at work.

Big Bad John

[jack c]

Both Arness and his brother, Peter Graves, were regular guys who did well in the acting field. The family voice was present in both guys, gravelly and deep. I enjoyed watching both. You know you are getting old when all of your younger heroes are leaving us.

[DangerGirl]

Arness was great, but if you've never heard William Conrad's voice as Matt Dillon on the radio show, you owe it to yourself to do so. What a great voice for the role.

[Duncan Edwards]

Graves and Arness were both very tall. Arness at 6' 7" was often cast next to other tall actors. I recall one episode of the How the West was Won where he played Zeb Mcahan and freakin' dwarfed everyone else in the scene. We never missed Gunsmoke and I swear I think my mom wished she was Miss Kitty every time he walked in to her saloon.

Cool guy, good actor, real war hero. They don't make them like that anymore.