Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge
| Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Vincent McEveety |
| Written by | Jim Byrnes |
| Starring |
James Arness Amanda Blake Steve Forrest Buck Taylor Earl Holliman |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Original channel | CBS |
| Release date | September 26, 1987 |
| Running time | 94 minutes |
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is the first TV-movie 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]
Plot
Retired US Marshal Matt Dillon, now a fur trapper, is shot by thieves, brought back to Dodge, and nursed by Kitty Russell, played by Amanda Blake. He is hunted by vengeful past nemesis Mannon, who has sworn to kill him and holds a battered Kitty hostage in exchange for a showdown.
Cast
- James Arness as Matt Dillon
- Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty Russell
- Steve Forrest as Mannon
- Buck Taylor as Newly O'Brien
- Earl Holliman as Jake Flagg
- Fran Ryan as Hannah
- W. Morgan Sheppard as Digger McCloud
Production
Ken Curtis (Festus Haggen) 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: One Man's Justice, Gunsmoke: The Long Ride, Gunsmoke: To the Last Man, and Gunsmoke: The Last Apache.
References
- James Arness: An Autobiography by James Arness, Burt Reynolds, James E. Wise, Jr.
- Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge at the Internet Movie Database