Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is the first made-for-television Western film based on the 20-year (1955–1975) television version of Gunsmoke starring James Arness. Although it is supposed to be set in the wilds of Kansas, it was filmed in Alberta, Canada.[1]
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge | |
---|---|
Written by | Jim Byrnes |
Directed by | Vincent McEveety |
Starring | James Arness Amanda Blake Steve Forrest Buck Taylor Earl Holliman |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language(s) | English |
Production | |
Running time | 94 minutes |
Production company(s) | CBS Entertainment Productions |
Distributor | CBS Television Distribution |
Release | |
Original network | CBS |
Original release | September 26, 1987 |
Plot
Retired US Marshal Matt Dillon, now a fur trapper, is knifed by thieves, brought back to Dodge, and nursed by Kitty Russell. He is hunted by vengeful past nemesis, Will Mannon, who has sworn to kill Matt, and holds Kitty hostage in exchange for a final showdown.
Cast
- James Arness as Matt Dillon
- Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell
- Steve Forrest as Will Mannon
- Buck Taylor as Newly O'Brien
- Earl Holliman as Jake Flagg
- Fran Ryan as Hannah
- Ken Olandt as Lt. Brian Dexter
- W. Morgan Sheppard as Digger McCloud
- Patrice Martinez as Bright Water
- Tantoo Cardinal as Little Doe
- Mickey Jones as Oakum
Production
Ken Curtis, who played Festus on the series, turned the project down in the wake of being offered far less compensation than Amanda Blake. Blake, meanwhile, returned to the role of Miss Kitty after having left Gunsmoke prior to the original series' 20th and final season.
Subsequent TV movies based on the series starring James Arness are Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990), Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992), Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993), and Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994).
References
- James Arness: An Autobiography by James Arness, Burt Reynolds, James E. Wise, Jr.