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Rating:  -
Tons of baby boomers grew up with 'Gunsmoke.' As a youngster I can vividly remember Marshall Dillon stalking through Dodge City's Boot Hill in the show's opening moments, commenting on the tragedies that made up frontier life as mournful music played in the background. As I grew up I and my family were loyal fans, marveling at the wonderful characters and plots presented year after year. 'Gunsmoke' set the standard for TV westerns. Now, at last, it has a proper tribute in Ben Costello's oversized volume dedicated to what he terms 'an American institution.'
This is a great book, well-researched, well-written and well-illustrated. The show and its marvelous cast of characters comes alive again in this warmly affectionate volume. It is a shame someone didn't undertake this years ago when Milburn Stone and Amanda Blake were still with us. And I was disappointed that James Arness apparently chose not to contribute but perhaps he feels he has told his story in his recent autobiography. In any case, we should be grateful for the work Costello did. The book is filled with wonderful reminiscences from so many 'Gunsmoke' alumnus along with tons of photographs. You couldn't ask for a finer tribute!
Highly recommended!
Rating: -
At the beginning, Costello states he's a fan of the show, and to be honest, only a fan could write such a loving work such as this. He's obviously put a lot of time and effort into it, and this is not as much a book, as a labor of love. I envy him the interviews with Dennis Weaver, Burt Reynolds, and Buck Taylor, all of which were wonderful to read. It's great to read how each of the stars of the show put their fans first, and how professional the show was. How they were a close-knit group, never losing thier humanity. A how the caliber of GUNSMOKE deserves a quality book, and Costello delivers.
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Ben Costello's book, Gunsmoke: An American Institution Celebrating 50 Years of Television's Best Western is a wonderful tribute to Gunsmoke; the longest running dramatic series on television. Judging by the length of the title, you might expect one BIG BOOK. Indeed, it is! It's a big wonderful ride through Dodge City with Matt, Kitty, Doc, Chester, Festus, Quint and all the characters, writers and producers that made Gunsmoke such a classic.
It's filled with insightful interviews from Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Dennis Weaver, and many, many others. Great stories abound about filming, the cast and crew, the family atmosphere on the set, and lots of other 'insider' information, but thankfully, this is not a gossipy book. Ben's love for Gunsmoke is apparent and his sensitive approach to the classic series is right on target.
The numerous photographs (candid and posed) are terrific and practically in framing condition! Every one of the 635 episodes is given a brief synopsis accompanied by the cast, writer/s and producers list.
It's obvious this special tribute to Gunsmoke was a monumental effort and it shows. From cover to cover, it's a great read....and read....and read. This book is a 'must have' for any fan of Gunsmoke. Thank you Ben for this wonderful treat. Kudos!!! Marilyn Marbury
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Gunsmoke: An American Institution is a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it. Author Ben Costello has penned an impressive (and vast) tribute to TV's longest-running drama, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since debuting on CBS in 1955.
I must confess to feeling just a particle cocky. After all, I thought I'd seen all of the photographs and heard all the stories about the TV show that has captivated me since I was a very small child. However, I was surprised and delighted by the dozens of candid pictures and interviews that were new and fresh.
Costello's book joins the ranks of a half dozen other published works devoted to the fictional characters of Dodge City, Kansas, circa 1872. However, this book is unique in a very big way . . . it's evident that like so many of us, Ben Costello is a devoted fan. Gunsmoke: An American Institution oozes warmth and affection, but it never traverses into "syrupy." That's a fine line, but the author navigates it with skill.
United States Marshal Matt Dillon, Kitty Russell and their Dodge City friends come alive on the pages of this wonderful tribute. And I am confident that, like the series it honors, this book will entertain and delight fans for many years to come. I know it tops my holiday gift list this year!
Sandy Henry
author, A Child's Bedtime Companion
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
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