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The series ran not only nine years on radio, but also 20 years on television, making it the all-time longest running prime-time program with continuing characters. It introduced to the American people a cast of characters that quickly took on mythic proportions. This book discovers what made Gunsmoke unique and why it was so popular. Especially insightful are 74 in-depth interviews and reminiscences by principal performers (Arness, Blake, Weaver, et al.), guest stars (Hartley, O'Connor, Leachman, Reynolds, Conrad, et al.), directors, writers and producers associated with the radio and television programs. A 128-page glossy section contains 241 photographs. A comprehensive episode-by-episode guide provides reference to over 1,000 radio and television programs, spanning 23 years and includes title, synopsis, air date, cast, director, writer, producer and anecdotal information. Appendices: memorable quotes from the program, TV schedules and awards. Enormous index.