See Rare Behind-The-Scenes Photos From ‘Gunsmoke’

Gunsmoke isn’t just another cowboy show; it’s the granddaddy of them all, running for two decades, from September 10, 1955 to March 31, 1975, and becoming a TV institution in the process. Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) wasn’t your typical quick-drawing hero; he was a thoughtful, often weary lawman dealing with the harsh realities of Dodge City. And let’s not forget Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake), whose Long Branch Saloon was less about dancehall girls and more about being the unofficial town counseling center – all while serving up some seriously stiff drinks.