Gunsmoke-Directors Collection

"...a historically significant TV series and presented in a way that is sure to appeal to TV fans.  Jude Clement, TvDvdReviews.com
"...an out-and-out fun show that manages to push its genre forward with complex characters and situations.  Dylan Charles, DVD Verdict
"Gunsmoke was not only the most popular western to ever air on television, it was one of the very best straight dramas in television history...  Paul Mavis, DVD Talk
"...explored "contemporary" themes, such as the rights of minorities, within a noncontroversial setting.  Robert David Sullivan, Boston Phoenix
"...a sure bet for genre and classic television fans. Highly Recommended.  Stuart Galbraith, IV, DVD Talk

Editor's Note James Arness vaulted into the annals of television history with his iconic portrayal of U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon in the long-running television Western GUNSMOKE. Armed with a quick draw and an even quicker wit, the principled and intelligent Marshall Dillon brought peace and righteousness to the lawless frontier of 1800s Dodge City with the help of his trusted deputies Chester (Dennis Weaver), Festus (Ken Curtis), Quint (Burt Reynolds), and Newly (Buck Taylor), as well as the support of his friends Doc Adams (Milburn Stone) and Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake). This collection presents episodes directed by Robert Stevenson, Arthur Hiller, Mark Rydell, Andrew V. McLaglen, Dennis Weaver, Peter Graves, William Conrad, and Victor French.

	Amanda Blake
	Buck Taylor
	Burt Reynolds
	Dennis Weaver
	Glenn Strange
	James Arness
	Ken Curtis
	Milburn Stone
	Alan Crosland, Jr., et. al. - Director
	Elmer Bernstein, et. al. - Original Music By
	Jack Bartlett, et. al. - Writer
	James Arness - Producer
	James Baiotto, et. al. - Editor
	Monroe P. Askins, et. al. - Cinematographer
	Philip Leacock - Executive Producer

Boston Phoenix 10 of 10
Gunsmoke was the most popular of the dozens of Westerns that flooded prime-time in the late '50s, and it still holds the record for the most number of episodes (635) among prime-time series with continuing characters. Many Gunsmoke knockoffs tried to distinguish themselves with gimmicks (such as a special type of gun), but these wore thin after a few episodes. Gunsmoke took a different approach that ensured its 20-year run: it explored "contemporary" themes, such as the rights of minorities, within a noncontroversial setting. Moving beyond black-and-white (hat) cliches also made Marshal Matt Dillon a deeper character, as he sometimes had to agonize over his decisions. - Robert David Sullivan