Gunsmoke was one of the most popular television shows ever to hit the air. The network, CBS, knew what it had on its hands after its 1955 premiere and milked it for 20 seasons before suddenly canceling it in 1975. The Western genre later died off, as its wave of popularity never quite returned to form. Here’s a list of five other vintage television shows to dig into if Gunsmoke was your jam.
L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images ‘Bonanza’ (1959-1973) L-r: Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright, Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Bonanza first hit the air in 1959, a few years after Gunsmoke first established its legs among Western shows. The story follows...
L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images ‘Bonanza’ (1959-1973) L-r: Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright, Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Bonanza first hit the air in 1959, a few years after Gunsmoke first established its legs among Western shows. The story follows...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
James Drury, best known for starring in the long-running Western series “The Virginian,” died Monday of natural causes. He was 85.
His assistant, Karen Lindsey, posted the news on Facebook: “It is with immense sadness that I let you all know that James Drury, our beloved Virginian and dear friend passed away this morning of natural causes, Monday, April 6, 2020. He will be missed so much. It is beyond words. Memorial service to be determined later.”
Drury was born April 18, 1934 in New York City. During his childhood, the family made multiple trips to the family ranch in Oregon, where he developed a love for horses and the outdoor life. He first appeared on stage at the age of 8 when he played King Herod in a children’s Christmas play. He made his professional acting debut at the age of 12 in a touring company of “Life With Father.”
Drury was trained as an...
His assistant, Karen Lindsey, posted the news on Facebook: “It is with immense sadness that I let you all know that James Drury, our beloved Virginian and dear friend passed away this morning of natural causes, Monday, April 6, 2020. He will be missed so much. It is beyond words. Memorial service to be determined later.”
Drury was born April 18, 1934 in New York City. During his childhood, the family made multiple trips to the family ranch in Oregon, where he developed a love for horses and the outdoor life. He first appeared on stage at the age of 8 when he played King Herod in a children’s Christmas play. He made his professional acting debut at the age of 12 in a touring company of “Life With Father.”
Drury was trained as an...
- 4/6/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
James Drury, who starred in one of the longest running Westerns in TV history, “The Virginian,” has died. He was 85.
His assistant, Karen Lindsey, shared the news on Facebook Monday, writing that he “passed away this morning of natural causes.” TheWrap reached out to his agent for additional comment.
While his most famous role was “The Virginian,” Drury also starred in Westerns on the big screen, including 1959’s “Good Day for Hanging,” 1960’s “Ten Who Dares” and “Ride the High Country.” His other credits include “Love Me Tender,” alongside Elvis Presley, and “Bernardine,” opposite Pat Boone.
Also Read: Shirley Douglas, Mother of Kiefer Sutherland, Dies at 86
“The Virginian” was based on Owen Wister’s 1902 novel of the same name and ran on NBC for nine seasons, from 1962 to 1971. It was launched by executive producer Roy Huggins and his father-in-law Frank Price, who would go on to run Columbia and Universal Pictures.
His assistant, Karen Lindsey, shared the news on Facebook Monday, writing that he “passed away this morning of natural causes.” TheWrap reached out to his agent for additional comment.
While his most famous role was “The Virginian,” Drury also starred in Westerns on the big screen, including 1959’s “Good Day for Hanging,” 1960’s “Ten Who Dares” and “Ride the High Country.” His other credits include “Love Me Tender,” alongside Elvis Presley, and “Bernardine,” opposite Pat Boone.
Also Read: Shirley Douglas, Mother of Kiefer Sutherland, Dies at 86
“The Virginian” was based on Owen Wister’s 1902 novel of the same name and ran on NBC for nine seasons, from 1962 to 1971. It was launched by executive producer Roy Huggins and his father-in-law Frank Price, who would go on to run Columbia and Universal Pictures.
- 4/6/2020
- by Beatrice Verhoeven
- The Wrap
by Nathaniel R
Happy birthday to any May 28th-ers out there. If it's not your birthday which of these events and people will you channel or celebrate today?
1431 Joan of Arc accused of donning male clothing again (Gasp) therefore "relapsing into heresy". The heretic/saint has been portrayed in movies, tv, and stage, a bajillion times since. Condola Rashad is currently Tony nominated for playing her in "Saint Joan"
1888 Athlete Jim Thorpe born in Oklahoma. Became an Olympic gold medalist and actor and even got his own biopic.
1902 The Virginian by Owen Wister is published. The book becomes hugely influential in shaping the Western genre. It's later adapted into two silent films, four regular features, and a long running TV series.
1918 Centennial! Edith Massey is born in NYC.
Happy birthday to any May 28th-ers out there. If it's not your birthday which of these events and people will you channel or celebrate today?
1431 Joan of Arc accused of donning male clothing again (Gasp) therefore "relapsing into heresy". The heretic/saint has been portrayed in movies, tv, and stage, a bajillion times since. Condola Rashad is currently Tony nominated for playing her in "Saint Joan"
1888 Athlete Jim Thorpe born in Oklahoma. Became an Olympic gold medalist and actor and even got his own biopic.
1902 The Virginian by Owen Wister is published. The book becomes hugely influential in shaping the Western genre. It's later adapted into two silent films, four regular features, and a long running TV series.
1918 Centennial! Edith Massey is born in NYC.
- 5/28/2018
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Rounding up the best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, as voted on by hundreds of film executives, The Black List has been a strong resource to clue one in on projects to potentially anticipate, but first, to kickstart Hollywood on bringing them to screen. Last year’s chart-topper Catherine the Great is still waiting to be produced and today we have this year’s editiong
Topping the 2015 edition, we have Isaac Adamson‘s Bubbles, which tells the story of Michael Jackson through the strange perspective of his adopted baby chimp. Also included is the Boston Marathon bombing drama Stronger, which Jake Gyllenhaal was circling, and Miss Sloane, which has Jessica Chastain attached. So, as an early look for some potential upcoming films to keep on your radar, take a looked at the full, detailing list below, along with the number of votes each earned.
Bubbles by Isaac Adamson 44
A baby chimp...
Topping the 2015 edition, we have Isaac Adamson‘s Bubbles, which tells the story of Michael Jackson through the strange perspective of his adopted baby chimp. Also included is the Boston Marathon bombing drama Stronger, which Jake Gyllenhaal was circling, and Miss Sloane, which has Jessica Chastain attached. So, as an early look for some potential upcoming films to keep on your radar, take a looked at the full, detailing list below, along with the number of votes each earned.
Bubbles by Isaac Adamson 44
A baby chimp...
- 12/15/2015
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Transformers 4
Nicola Peltz has been confirmed to join the cast of Michael Bay's "Transformers 4" alongside Mark Wahlberg and Jack Reynor.
Peltz ("Bates Motel," "The Last Airbender") will play the female lead. Transformers 4 is scheduled to hit screens on June 27th 2014. [Source: Twitter]
The Virginian
Ron Perlman ("Hellboy," "Sons Of Anarchy") and country singer Trace Adkins have joined the cast of the latest adaptation of Owen Wister’s Western novel "The Virginian". Shooting kicks off this week in Vancouver.
Perlman plays a cattle baron and Adkins his enforcer. When the latter looks into a cattle-rustling problem that has hit the local community, he uncovers far more than he expects. Thomas Makowski helms from a script by Bob Thiekle. [Source: Variety]
North of Hell
Katherine Heigl and Patrick Wilson have joined "Skateland" director Anthony Burns' black comedy "North of Hell" at Darko Entertainment.
Based on a short story by Carlo Allen,...
Nicola Peltz has been confirmed to join the cast of Michael Bay's "Transformers 4" alongside Mark Wahlberg and Jack Reynor.
Peltz ("Bates Motel," "The Last Airbender") will play the female lead. Transformers 4 is scheduled to hit screens on June 27th 2014. [Source: Twitter]
The Virginian
Ron Perlman ("Hellboy," "Sons Of Anarchy") and country singer Trace Adkins have joined the cast of the latest adaptation of Owen Wister’s Western novel "The Virginian". Shooting kicks off this week in Vancouver.
Perlman plays a cattle baron and Adkins his enforcer. When the latter looks into a cattle-rustling problem that has hit the local community, he uncovers far more than he expects. Thomas Makowski helms from a script by Bob Thiekle. [Source: Variety]
North of Hell
Katherine Heigl and Patrick Wilson have joined "Skateland" director Anthony Burns' black comedy "North of Hell" at Darko Entertainment.
Based on a short story by Carlo Allen,...
- 3/27/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Fans of the western genre will no doubt be familiar with The Virginian, either as Owen Wister.s original 1902 novel . the first true western novel written . or for the numerous adaptations over the years. Though the TV series version ran for nine years and expanded on the fiction of the novel, Victor Fleming.s 1929 classic, starring Gary Cooper, remains arguably the most fondly remembered of the cinematic renderings. Nasser Group North, an offshoot of the production company run by brothers Jack and Joe Nasser, will be sticking to Wister and Fleming.s respective visions when bringing about their own adaptation of The Virginian to the big screen. Variety reports the film will star all-around badass Ron Perlman (Hellboy) and country music star Trace Adkins (The Lincoln Lawyer). Thomas Makowski, who is best known for work on America.s Most Wanted, will direct the feature, and he.ll be using a...
- 3/25/2013
- cinemablend.com
Ron Perlman plays a tough, saddle-happy gang type in TV’s Sons Of Anarchy, but he’ll be swapping bikes for horses for a new take on Owen Wister’s Western novel The Virginian, which will also star country singer-turned-actor Trace Adkins.If the title sounds familiar, it’s because the book has been adapted for the screen several times since it was first published back in 1902. The most famous versions have included the 1929 Gary Cooper film and the long-running TV series, which was aired on NBC from 1962 until 1971.Adkins will play the enforcer for a cattle baron (Perlman), who digs into a cattle-rustling problem afflicting the local community and finds more than he bargained for.Producers Jack and Joseph Nasser are backing this one, with Thomas Makowski directing from Bob Thiekle’s script. Shooting kicks off this week in Vancouver.Perlman will make his traditional appearance in Guillermo del Toro’s latest,...
- 3/25/2013
- EmpireOnline
The Virginian hasn’t been remade in a while, so I guess it’s time. Owen Wister’s novel is perhaps best remembered as the TV series of the same name, which starred James Drury. Other incarnations in 1946 saw Joel McCrea in the title role and in 2000 Bill Pullman took the lead.
Next to fill the saddle will be A Good Day to Die Hard‘s Cole Hauser, who will be joined by Ron Perlman and Jennifer Beals.
The synopsis:
South is the foreman of Sunk Creek Ranch and a feared enforcer for the cattle baron Judge Henry, who took him in after his parents were killed by rustlers. As part of his duties he is to look after a writer from the big city, Owen, who has come out West to research a novel. Owen is appalled at the savagery of the land, in particular the way cattle rustlers are treated.
Next to fill the saddle will be A Good Day to Die Hard‘s Cole Hauser, who will be joined by Ron Perlman and Jennifer Beals.
The synopsis:
South is the foreman of Sunk Creek Ranch and a feared enforcer for the cattle baron Judge Henry, who took him in after his parents were killed by rustlers. As part of his duties he is to look after a writer from the big city, Owen, who has come out West to research a novel. Owen is appalled at the savagery of the land, in particular the way cattle rustlers are treated.
- 10/3/2012
- by Philip Sticco
- LRMonline.com
At one time, Westerns were the most popular genre of television program. There were as many westerns on TV in the fifties and sixties as there are reality shows today. One of the longest running and most popular of these was The Virginian. It was among the first of the “Adult Westerns” (meaning it wasn’t the stereotypical white hat vs. the black hat shoot-em-up) and was the first 90-minute show of the Western genre.
The series starred James Drury as the unnamed hero, perpetually known only as “the Virginian”. It’s never made clear (at least, not in the first season) why the Virginian left his home to travel to Wyoming or why he never reveals his true name but no one in the series seems bothered by his secretive nature. Drury is one of the more laid back western heroes. He isn’t in the larger-than-life John Wayne mold.
The series starred James Drury as the unnamed hero, perpetually known only as “the Virginian”. It’s never made clear (at least, not in the first season) why the Virginian left his home to travel to Wyoming or why he never reveals his true name but no one in the series seems bothered by his secretive nature. Drury is one of the more laid back western heroes. He isn’t in the larger-than-life John Wayne mold.
- 5/25/2010
- by Rob Young
- JustPressPlay.net
DVD Playhouse—May 2010
By
Allen Gardner
Avatar (20th Century Fox) James Cameron beat his own title as box office champ, set with Titanic over a decade ago, with this eye-popping sci-fi epic about a paraplegic Marine name Sully (Sam Worthington), who takes the form of an “avatar,” or virtual being, to go undercover on the planet Pandora, attempting to infiltrate the native Na’vi to gather intelligence that will aid a joint corporate and military operation to rape the planet of its natural resources, destroying its indigenous population in the process. When Sully suddenly “goes native,” he locks horns with the company CEO (Giovanni Ribisi) and his gung-ho commanding officer (Stephen Lang, in a wonderful, scenery-chewing turn from a long-underrated actor). Thought of by many scholars and film buffs as a “game-changer” as much as the first Star Wars film was—and they may be right. While Cameron’s politically-correct...
By
Allen Gardner
Avatar (20th Century Fox) James Cameron beat his own title as box office champ, set with Titanic over a decade ago, with this eye-popping sci-fi epic about a paraplegic Marine name Sully (Sam Worthington), who takes the form of an “avatar,” or virtual being, to go undercover on the planet Pandora, attempting to infiltrate the native Na’vi to gather intelligence that will aid a joint corporate and military operation to rape the planet of its natural resources, destroying its indigenous population in the process. When Sully suddenly “goes native,” he locks horns with the company CEO (Giovanni Ribisi) and his gung-ho commanding officer (Stephen Lang, in a wonderful, scenery-chewing turn from a long-underrated actor). Thought of by many scholars and film buffs as a “game-changer” as much as the first Star Wars film was—and they may be right. While Cameron’s politically-correct...
- 5/18/2010
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
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