Explanatory Synthesis on Gunsmoke :: American Culture Essays

Explanatory Synthesis on GunsmokeGunsmoke the radio program, which aired on the CBS Radio Network, was first broad toss on April 26, 1952 and the final broadcast aired on June 18, 1961. During its nine year radio run, Gunsmoke would air 413 radio stories and six of the seasons would coincide with Gunsmoke the television series. piecey of the original cast members of the radio show would go on to have memorable television careers William Conrad, who played monotone Dillon, went on to play in Cannon, Nero Wolfe and the Fat Man, from Jake and the Fat Man. Parley Baer, who played Chester, would go on to play Darby in the television show Ozzie and Harriet, and Howard McNear, who played the doctor, would go on to play Floyd the groom in the old Andy Griffith Show (http//comp.uark.edu/tsnyder/Gunsmoke/gun-radio.html). Gunsmoke sought to capture the essence of the west and those individuals who would tame it. Matt Dillon was a hard-bitten, independent, self-reliant and just law man. His c haracter summed up tout ensemble of the stereo-typical ideas of the old west hero. As with many men on the move west, Matt Dillon is driven by a need for independence and self-reliance. As a law man Matt was dedicated to making sure that justice was served in the ruff and tumble town of Dodge City. The episodes Cyclone, Pussy Cats and Jay Hawkers all give examples of those characteristics. To not be beholdin to any person, to feel the sun on his back and the wind in his nostrils, that was freedom. In Cyclone Matt is thinking through a problem regarding the sale of a ranch and the subsequent disappearance of the owners. He doesnt want help from anyone in trying to solve the mystery. In Pussy Cats, Chester offers to dwell behind with Matt when a sticky situation develops with two strangers in town. Matt tells Chester to leave because he would be okay without him. In Jay Hawkers Matt is summoned to sum a Texas cattle herd that is being harassed by Jay Hawkers. In the narration he de scribes the wide open space of the prairie and the smells of the green grass. There is a hint of nostalgia in his voice about missing the freedom of the open prairie. Self-reliance is another characteristic of the men of the old west In Cyclone Matt and Chester head off into the night to reconnoiter the Cyclone Ranch for signs of mischief.