Last Friday of the month and as is our custom (this year), I’m inducting a TV show which has its own televersion in the main Toobworld. No consideration for the alternate Toobworlds, like Skitlandia, the Tooniverse, or even Nosferatoob. In this case, with August being the month for Westerns, there are enough other shows which verify the existence of…..
‘Gunsmoke’ is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The central character is lawman Marshal Matt Dillon, played by William Conrad on radio and James Arness on television. When aired in the United Kingdom, the television series was initially titled ‘Gun Law’, later reverting to ‘Gunsmoke’.
The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961. John Dunning wrote that among radio drama enthusiasts, "’Gunsmoke’ is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. At the end of its run in 1975, Los Angeles Times columnist Cecil Smith wrote: "Gunsmoke was the dramatization of the American epic legend of the west. Our own ‘Iliad’ and ‘Odyssey’, created from standard elements of the dime novel and the pulp Western as romanticized by [Ned] Buntline, [Bret] Harte, and [Mark] Twain. It was ever the stuff of legend."
The show ran twenty years, yet only spawned one spin-off. But it did have several sequel movies.
THE SPIN-OFF
Dirty Sally (1974)
Sally Fergus is introduced on ‘Gunsmoke’: “Pike: Part 1” (1971) & ‘Gunsmoke’: “Pike: Part 2” (1971).
THE SEQUEL MOVIES
- Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987)
- Gunsmoke: The Last Apache (1990)
- Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992)
- Gunsmoke: The Long Ride (1993)
- Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994)
There is no Zonk in other TV shows mentioning ‘Gunsmoke’ as a TV show. On the Toobworld timeline, it took place during the mid-1800s and into the early 20th Century of Earth Prime-Time and would be considered History by “modern-day” Toobworlders. It would be the perfect candidate for a TV series.
Every mention of the TV series, every time a character is referenced or imitated, every imitation of the series serves as a qualification for the Toobworld version of the TV show to be inducted into the TVXOHOF.
The Phil Silvers Show:
Bilko's TV Pilot (1958)
While watching another show, Rizik recognizes a bad guy from "Gunsmoke".
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet:
Top Gun (1958)
While wearing cowboy hats and western-style vests, Dave introduces a limping Rick as "Chester".
Hancock's Half Hour:
The Set That Failed (1959)
Hancock acts out a scene from this show.
The Larkins:
All the Answers (1960)
Eddy likes this show
The Danny Thomas Show:
Everything Happens to Me (1961)
One of four western series from which Rusty wants autographs from everyone.
Dennis the Menace:
The School Play (1961)
Dennis's school play is a takeoff on Gunsmoke. It includes characters such as Marshal Mellon and his limping sidekick, Lester.
The Danny Thomas Show:
The P.T.A. Bash (1962)
Danny mentions the show, while performing a comedy routine for the P.T.A.
Car 54, Where Are You?:
No More Pickpockets (1962)
Wearing a cowboy hat, while working undercover, Muldoon is mistaken for Marshal Dillon.
Mister Ed:
Ed the Beachcomber (1962)
Mister Ed mentions Matt Dillon.
Stoney Burke:
Child of Luxury (1962)
Stoney is told he'll ride in "like Marshal Dillon."
The Andy Griffith Show:
Lawman Barney (1962)
Barney is called Marshall Dillon.
Dennis the Menace:
Wilson's Second Childhood (1962)
While the neighborhood kids are playing cowboys and Indians, Mrs. Wilson calls her husband "Matt", and Mr. Wilson calls his wife "Miss Kitty".
O’Bservation – Sorry to sully your childhood memories, but could this have led to a little “afternoon delight” role-playing upstairs?
The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis:
Will the Real Santa Claus Please Come Down the Chimney? (1962)
Maynard says that even though he's never actually seen him, he believes in Marshal Dillon (but he's not so sure about Chester).
The Andy Griffith Show:
Aunt Bee's Medicine Man (1963)
Aunt Bee calls Andy "Sheriff Matt Dillon" and asks "Where's Chester?"
The Dick Van Dyke Show:
Racy Tracy Rattigan (1963)
Sally limps out of the office calling for Mr. Dillon
Dennis the Menace:
A Man Among Men (1963)
Dennis mentions Sheriff Matt Dillon, and then he starts to limp.
Gilligan's Island:
The Sound of Quacking (1964)
In the "Marshal Gilligan" dream sequence, which also features limping deputy Skipper and barmaid "Miss Ginger"
The Andy Griffith Show:
Fun Girls (1964)
Gomer says Goober can walk just like Chester on "Marshall Dillon", which was the title for the half-hour episodes of "Gunsmoke" when the series was expanded to a full hour.
Password:
Lucille Ball & Gary Morton vs. Luci Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. (1964)
When the password is COWBOY, Gary's clue is GUNSMOKE, to which Desi Jr.'s reply is CHESTER. That is the first name of a central character played by Dennis Weaver on the TV show.
O’Bservation – I included this since ‘Password’ has its own televersion thanks to ‘The Odd Couple’.
My Favorite Martian:
The Time Machine Is Waking Up That Old Gang of Mine (1965)
Mistakenly believing that Tim and Martin are claiming to be Frank and Jesse James, the railroad detective sarcastically introduces himself as Marshal Dillon.
Gilligan's Island:
The Postman Cometh (1966)
The Skipper pretends to be Marshal Dillon
Green Acres:
The Deputy (1966)
When Oliver becomes deputy sheriff, Eb calls him 'Mr. Dillon'
The Monkees:
Monkees in a Ghost Town (1966)
Davy calls up Chester who tells him Marshal Dillon is absent.
O'Bservation - It's the Monkees; I'm not going to throw my back out trying to splain that away!
Gilligan's Island:
Gilligan Goes Gung-Ho (1966)
Newly appointed Deputy Gilligan limps and calls the Skipper, "Mr. Dillon"
The Monkees:
Monkees in Texas (1967)
referenced in musical cues
Petticoat Junction:
One of Our Chickens Is Missing (1969)
Buck refers to Orrin as Marshal Dillon.
All in the Family:
Flashback - Mike and Gloria's Wedding: Part 2 (1972)
Mentioned by Archie
The Bob Newhart Show:
Last TV Show (1973)
Mentioned several times, including Mrs. Bakerman claiming she hasn't missed it in seventeen years.
All in the Family:
Archie the Gambler (1973)
Archie says Edith whips out a pencil like Matt Dillon.
Here's Lucy:
The Carters Meets Frankie Avalon (1973)
In their comic banter as Sonny and Cher, Avalon (Sonny) mentions being cast in "Gunsmoke"
O'Bservation - I'd have to see the actual quote. But I don't see evidence either Bono or Avalon were actually on 'Gunsmke'. If the quote asserts one of them was a guest star, then Toobworld has a fictional episode of the Western.
Q & Q:
Ding dong!!! (1976)
Title mentioned by Yvonne
Sanford and Son:
The TV Addict (1976)
Fred says he's in love with Miss Kitty.
The Muppet Show:
Juliet Prowse (1977)
"Cowboy Time" sketch spoofs Gunsmoke
CHiPs:
High Explosive (1978)
Grossman compares Jon to Matt Dillon
The Twilight Zone:
Gramma/Personal Demons/Cold Reading (1986)
Rockne S. O'Bannon wrote for the series.
The A-Team:
The Say U.N.C.L.E. Affair (1986)
Mentioned by Tour Guide
Night Court:
The New Judge (1986)
Characters referenced
Night Court:
Contempt of Courting (1986)
"Let's go, Ms. Kitty."
The Golden Girls:
Long Day's Journey Into Marinara (1987)
Sophia says that Angela still tries to watch Gunsmoke on Sunday nights.
O'Bservation -'Gunsmoke' first aired on Saturdays before moving to Mondays. So that quote probably questioned Angela's mental state - not ony trying to watch it on Sundays, but because the show had been off the air for twelve years.
The Golden Girls:
A Piece of Cake (1987)
Sophia mentions by name.
Cheers:
The Crane Mutiny (1987)
Carla calls Woody "Festus".
It's Garry Shandling's Show:
No Baby, No Show (1987)
Expectant-couple mistakes Bob Dylan for Marshal Matt Dillon.
Wiseguy:
Last Rites for Lucci (1987)
Referred to.
Miami Vice:
The Cows of October (1988)
Izzy says "Get out of Casablanca", which he was bumbling the quote "Get out of Dodge", heard in one manner or another on the old series set in Dodge City.
Quantum Leap:
How the Tess Was Won - August 5, 1956 (1989)
Sam sarcastically quips, "Aw, gee shucks, Mr. Dillon."
Hey Dude:
Amnesia (1990)
Title is referenced
Quantum Leap:
Rebel Without a Clue - September 1, 1958 (1990)
Sam jokingly refers to Dillon as "Marshal Dillon."
The Gambler Returns:
The Luck of the Draw (1991)
(TV Movie)
action takes place in the Longbranch Saloon
The Larry Sanders Show:
Hey Now (1992)
Larry tells Hank that he looks like Kitty from Gunsmoke
Baywatch:
A Matter of Life and Death (1993)
When Hobie mentions actor Matt Dillon from “The Flamingo Kid”, Mitch's dad thinks it's the James Arness character.
Married... with Children:
Get Outta Dodge (1994)
Reference to "Get the hell out of Dodge [City]"
Friends:
The One with the Breast Milk (1995)
Chandler tells Joey to go see Miss Kitty who will fix him up with a nice hooker.
3rd Rock from the Sun:
Dickmalion (1997)
The show is on when Dick turns on Mary's new TV.
Law & Order:
Castoff (1998)
Congressman Maxwell refers to the series.
Nash Bridges:
Skin Deep (1998)
A tattoo artist looks at Evan's old-time sheriff badge he bought and says he must be Miss Kitty. Though Kitty was not an officer of the law or deputized.
3rd Rock from the Sun:
Dr. Solomon's Traveling Alien Show (1998)
Mary tells Don that she and Dick have a game based on the show.
Nash Bridges:
Shoot the Moon (1999)
Joe tells Nash, "Come on, Chester" while helping him walk after being shot in the butt and having trouble. This refers to a deputy named Chester who walked with a limp.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer:
This Year's Girl (2000)
"I tell you, if I were her, I'd get out of Dodge post hasty." This phrase originated on Gunsmoke
American Dreams:
The One (2003)
Roxanne refers to the series.
Monk:
Mr. Monk and Little Monk (2005)
"Gunsmoke" lunchbox in Young Sherry's locker.
Veronica Mars:
Debasement Tapes (2007)
Marshal Dillon mentioned.
Chuck:
Chuck Versus the Predator (2009)
Emmett, comparing the situation to a Western, says, "It was a lawless town: Shane, Marshal Dillon, Clint Eastwood."
Justified:
Riverbrook (2010)
Mentioned in dialogue
iCarly:
iSam's Mom (2010)
Name of the overly macho bodyguard protecting Freddie
Sam & Cat:
#BlooperEpisode (2014)
Two fans mention some of Maree Cheatham's past work
Cocaine Cowboys:
Reloaded (2014)
The Matt Dillon character is mentioned.
Masters of Sex:
Kyrie Eleison (2014)
Dr. Greathouse says that Dr. Masters has a bigger following than "Gunsmoke".
Masters of Sex:
Story of My Life (2014)
mentioned by Lester
This Is Us:
Moonshadow (2017)
Darryl mentions the show to Jack.
Endeavour:
Pylon (2019)
Mrs Thursday was watching this on television.
'Gunsmoke', is it?
Win Thursday:
I don't know. Something....
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit:
I'm Going To Make You a Star (2019)
short clip of unidentified black-and-white episode seen on TV.
Get outta Dodge, ‘Gunsmoke’, and into the TVXOHOF!
