Gunsmoke the raid4/12/2023 ![]() ![]() Gunsmoke was more than just another Western that people watched back during the Big Three’s heyday. To those who write about such matters, and who try to influence people’s way of seeing and thinking about the world, the traditional Western hero-especially if he’s White-is a creature from the past: largely forgotten, a symbol of perceived injustices, no longer culturally relevant, dead. The notion of a strong, virtuous, largely silent moral authority figure in an historical drama-who also usually happens to be White-is absolutely going to be positioned today in a movie as a villainous, racist, hypocritical figure, ripe for lampooning or castigating, an easy stereotypical target for lazy scriptwriting. What better example can you find for this devaluation of that once-powerful mythical figure than the common pejorative that’s thrown around by people all over the world for anyone who breaks the rules or appears to be a tad too strong in their convictions: “cowboy.” Prejudice as well plays a role in this elimination of an archetype. It’s no secret to anyone who follows pop culture and the icons that develop and grow in our society, that the traditional Western hero-if he’s mentioned at all anymore-is considered at best a joke by those who control the media (or at worst, an evil, racist villain), an outdated, anachronistic, even contemptible throwback to days better left forgotten. Then, it’s good to go (and bonus: if it’s directed by that hack Tarantino, well…it’s time for everyone to crap their collective didy). That is…unless of course the Western in question seriously deviates from the long-held traditions of the genre, and provides an exceedingly cynical or negative view of America’s past. Gunsmoke, particularly the earlier black and white episodes, would seem positively prehistoric to their limited sensibilities…if they chose to even watch it, that is.Ĭlick to order Gunsmoke: The Complete Series at Amazon.Īfter all, when you mention Gunsmoke to one of these nattering nitwits of the nascent 21st century, to them you’re just talking about another TV Western from the 1950s-a genre that elicits either incomprehension or uninformed derision in most of today’s TV critics, and outright esthetic contempt from world pop culture enthusiasts and the mainstream media. To today’s exclusively younger, overwhelmingly liberal, urban-based scribblers who cover the entertainment field, television’s “history” began when their favorite drivel Friends went off the air. Unfortunately, that mid-50s start date doesn’t sound all that much “before my time,” but to today’s pop culture parrots who squawk the same gibberish about the latest propaganda piece on Netflix, that 65-year time span must seem jaw-dropping (“They had TV back then?” they hoot). Prominently featured on the handsomely-boxed DVD set is the note that it was produced for Gunsmoke‘s 65th anniversary (the series bowed on the CBS TV network in the fall of 1955). Well…things happen (don’t get me started with the government, okay?), so let’s just all move on and get started on looking at one of the greatest TV series of any decade. ![]() Klyde) of Gunsmoke, the iconic, legendary 20-year Western series starring James Arness, Amanda Blake, Milburn Stone, and Dennis Weaver. I know, I know: I promised over two years ago to begin reviewing the massive 65th anniversary boxed set (beautifully put together for CBS video by pro Andrew J. Window.APP_STATE = JSON.Better late than never. All rights reserved.SupportTerms of UsePrivacy Polic圜ookie PolicyDo Not Sell My Personal Information Please enable it or install a modern browser that support JavaScript.ĬareersPartnersAbout usWhere to watchSupportThis feature is coming soon.We’re currently working on it! Thanks for your patience.About UsOur StoryLeadershipNewsPressCareersBecoming A CitizenResponsibilitiesPerksWhere To WatchSmart TVStreaming DevicesMobile AppDesktop AppWatch on the webAccessibilityPartnersDistributionContent ProvidersAdvertisers© 2023 Pluto Inc. This website needs JavaScript to work properly. ![]()
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