Ode to a Mule
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- Опубликовано: 30 ноя 2010
- Ever wonder why Festus rode a john mule and "he" was named "Ruth" in Gunsmoke? Here Ken Curtis tells the story in Festus' own words. The majority of photos used are actual photos from the Civil War. We hope that you enjoy it!
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That beautiful commentary by Ken Curtis was pure magic bought tears to my eyes 😥
My father was a mule skinner in WW2 with the 10nth Mountain Div Italy. All the dogs, horses and mules that have died in wars were heroes.
Thank your Father... for his service...
Ken Curtis was one great actor and he could sing too. I love his character Festus.
I'M A 63 YEAR OLD GRANDMA AND GREW UP WITH GUNSMOKE. I AM SO HAPPY THAT GUNSMOKE IS PLAYING RERUNS AGAIN. I JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF THOSE BEAUTIFUL EPISODES ABOUT REAL LIFE. I THINK IF I'M ON MY DEATHBED I'LL REQUEST THAT MY RELATIVES PLAY SOME OF THOSE FOR ME. EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS VIOLENCE, THERE WERE STILL SOME GREAT STORYLINES. I THINK I ENJOYED GUNSMOKE MORE THAN BONANZA. I USED TO RUSH HOME FROM CHURCH ON SUNDAY NIGHTS TO WATCH MY FAVORITE WESTERNS. THAT WOULD GIVE ME SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT ON MONDAY MORNINGS. WHO KNEW THAT A GIRL WOULD LIKE WESTERNS AND TODAY THE OLD WESTERNS. LOVE EM ALL!
You keep watch ma'am, as Brother Festus says they is a few of us out here. We appreciate the great women in our lives, God bless us all 🎅🤠🙏
2024 and I'm watching an episode of Gunsmoke right now.
🪶
Watch them every day!
I'm 45 years old and just recently discovered Gunsmoke. It's one of the best shows I've ever seen. Fetus is best
Ken was lead singer for the sons of the pioneers when he was young. And rather handsome.
Like many of you, I am also a Gunsmoke-r and it didn't take me long to figure out why we are like this. Why we keep watching a show we have memorized, sometimes, right down to what they're going to say next. The show has such great characters set up like best friends who are almost family -and we get to feel a part of that family. I know I even go to it sometimes to "remove" me and calm down. Anyhow, that;s what I think!!!
I know I'm replying to a 2 year old comment, but I get it......my 92 year old mama and I watch Gunsmoke 6 days a week.....to make her laugh, I always try to outdraw Marshall Dillon at the intro.....lol, she's still sharp for the most part, but Gunsmoke, and other shows like it, take her back...and she'll get right in there with'em too!...sometimes she'll ask me if Matt Dillon is still livin', and stuff or one of the others....I hate to do it, but I tell her the truth, but the next day they're just as ALIVE as they were yesterday, lol ........This show is just part of our lives, always has been.......we love them all, yes, just like family........
@@sophiarieber7558 What a beautiful way to put it❤️ the same with Mama, she always made sure she was up from her nap in time to watch Gun Smoke. Dad would wake her and she'd be out in no time. Dad had mules and loved that one(Ruth) as that was Mama's name🤗 They are both in Heaven now and thank you Sophia for your comment🤗🕊️💐
I hope all the members of Ken Curtis's family check in to RUclips and read these posts and realize how treasured Ken Curtis, his talent, and his memories are to many of us -- his forever fans! Ken brought so much sunshine into our lives with his singing, his acting, and his wonderful characterizations. Festus rules! May he RIP through eternity 😇
TheShizue777 8
The best all all around singing acting what ever put his mind.ill forget him.
Yep ol festus was the BESTUS RIP KEN CURTIS
He was my DAD'S FAVORITE AND MINE TOO!! I HAVE PICS SOMEWHERE WHERE MY DAD WENT INTO FESTUS CHARACTER GOT A HAT LIKE FESTUS PULLED IT DOWN OVER HIS EARS EVEN HAD A FRIEND WHO SPECIALIZED IN MULES.YES I GREW UP AS A COWBOY RODEO AND HORSE TRAINING
BUT REGRET NEVER ROAD A MULE. WHEN I GET TO HEAVEN I WILL.
Festus is for me a dearly loved character on a dearly loved TV show Ken Curtis poured his heart into that show, and now come to find out he had such a beautiful voice.Love that guy.
If you looked at Festus there is no way you would ever figure he could carry a song but sing he could! He was always a class act on gunsmoke. I am sure he was off screen also. RIP Festus.
Love to here him sing
Jim Mason, and in many John Wayne movies 👍😄❤️
No one will take the place of festus hagen.rip in peace Ken Curtis what a talent.
If I remember right he was actually a member of the band The Sons of the Pioneers for a while.
Also I just found out recently watching some of his movies JOHN WAYNE. KEN CURTIS WAS AT ONE POINT THE LEAD SINGER OF THE SONS OF THE PIONEERS AND PLAYED GUITAR GOOD TO!! PLAYED IN THE BEST JOHN FORD MOVIES THE SEARCHERS
Really glad that you enjoyed it:-) It was a rather hard one to find....but being a mule and Gunsmoke fan, plus never, ever learning why Ruth was a boy, I had to hunt it down.....
I love Gunsmoke. Festus has always been my favorite character. Great show. All that talent and values are somehow lost now. Is good that we still can enjoy the old shows on TV.
Thank you so much for this song. I truly enjoyed it.
Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!
What a wonderful story and story teller. I was not born when Gunsmoke first started and didn't see it as a child. But it is one of my favorite shows now and I actually record it every day just to have something to watch. Today's tv shows are mostly garbage. There is a reason these old classics are still being shown. The entire cast of Gunsmoke was wonderful. So many great actors appeared as guest stars on this show and many others. We sure could use some Matt Dillons these days.
Amen ma'am 🎅🤠🙏
The story that Festus is telling is a true story about the Battle of Franklin in TN on November 30, 1864. He mentions 5 generals killed but there were actually 6.
Let me clarify. That was a fictional account of a true event.
Festus was my favorite Chaacter. When I heard this the first time and probably 2nd and 3rd time I could feel the emotion in his voice and felt the same way he did. I have had animals that I loved look at me as if to say " now dont cry for me" and friend they too had lots of heart. I miss Ruth and Festus and Matt. Mostly I just miss the emotion that seems to be missing these days. Bye old friends "for now"
Sure wish Festus and Ruth still around. My life connected to both of them
This one made me cry, I love Mules, they are so loyal.
God bless
Who me? I'm not crying,🥺 I'm chopping onions 🧅🧅🔪
My family all loved Gunsmoke. Festus and 'Ruth' were a perfect pairing with Marshall Dillon.
It's amazing you wouldn't think somebody that had a high-pitched nasally-whiney voice could sing so beautifully.
I gotta' admit that this was the first I ever heard of this poem. Man, I did indeed enjoy it and bless Ol' Festus for making such for all to enjoy. Made my day, for sure. My Mama was a Ruth, as well.
First heard it years ago. When I started working horses, I also had a RUTH. The one I took on trail rides in the mountains. Surefooted. I cried then and every time since. 62 now. Ken Curtis singing TUMBLING TUMBLEWEEDS is awesome! So smooth and full of emotion. Also the only reason I grew fond of GUNSMOKE. Festus was my favorite and my husband answers to that nickname. Real life cowboy in his prime
God bless Ken Curtis. Heart as big as gold.
rest in peace Festus and Ruth
My grandfather was a muleskinner in wwl, made it thru the arrgone forest, was a horse trader and mayor. I have photos of him with a huge french jack, mules are heroic
I'd love to see your mule photos
Oh my Gosh!! So was my Grandfather! He was in The Musse Argonne Battle.
I've spoke with many veterans and people that have truly lived and knew what hardship was like. Every word is treasure. I bet your grandfather could really hold your attention.
Love this story about Ruth. I have a CD of Ken Curtis that I play in the car everyday on my commute to work and shopping trips. There are two stories on it. One is Milburn Stone telling of his memories of Maggie, his one true love. The other is this selection of Festus telling about Ruth,. Ken Curtis and Milburn Stine were great storyteller. They make my drives out on to bumper-to-bumper Highway 101 such a pleasure!
What is the name of the CD, please?
This is a song of the love a man can have for his four legged friend.
Im watching Perry Mason and guess who just popped up on there--Ken Curtis ( Festus ).
I was laughing when I started this video, I mean, c'mon a mule? but after i heard it, I actually shed a tear. The message was sincere.
If you knew mules, you would understand that they can be more canine than equine.
Perfect comparison.
@@XLmules had the honor of driving and riding good mules.
@@jozatexan1964 and breeding them :)
Ok
Now I'm crying. I hate wars and what it does to people and animals.
I have grown up with gunsmoke and other old Western s I still watch today
Faye Me too. I love Gunsmoke. Can't understand why westerns have all but disappeared.
I know! I get the channel..me.tv
Every saturday its old westerns all day
I stal wach gun soke on utude Neil's lawson
Me too !
i have been watchin westerns all my life and i was 50 yrs old before i realised festus was the same singin soldier from all those john wayne movies
I loved that show. Didn't know about his music. I was lucky to have a tv. I love these songs
oh my gosh...i wept...i watch gunsmoke every night and my favorite character is festus...i'll never see him on ruth again without tearing up...gentler times when that show was on...i'm glad there are still gentler people like yu around....
Love Ken and I love this so much, excuse me while so get myself a tissue, Ken you and Ruth are missed, may you both rest in peace.
oh sweet lordy......I've never heard this before! I'm cryin' my eyes out!! lol, gee thanks y'all.......
Ken Curtis was the best. And a fine person, too.
Wow. That brought tears to my eyes and pain in my heart.
I am a fan of Gunsmoke, still watch the re-runs! Loved Chester and then Festus! Many happy memories!
And there's a gunsmoke channel on Pluto.
Amazing. I went on an Odyssey to finally discover why Festus called his boy Mule Ruth and it led me here. Beautiful. Gunsmoke may have been a bit before my time (I was born the year it ended) but I can honestly say I have developed a passion for this fine show as strong as anyone's. There's nothing like it! God bless Gunsmoke & God bless Festus & Ruth! :~)
Thomas, I am so glad that you found it, and happy that you enjoyed it! Deb and the longears
I sure did enjoy it! Made my whole night in fact! :~)
I am young and did not know anything about Festus. I heard my mom talk about him, still didn't know anything about him. Made a friend whom was older than me and everything I did she would look at me and say things in her FESTUS voice. I decided one day to look at Gunsmoke to see who this was. OMG! I had a ball and called my mom, boy was she tickled. Now that's all I talk about is Festus, of course my children don't understand. To my new found friend, she's Festus and me, well I'm Bernard Fife. I know crazy!!! Just heard about him being a singer, loving it.
ThePoeticSpice, I don't know where you are, but Xfinity Cable where I live (San Rafael, California) you can set your favorite actors so that movies and TV shows starring that actor will save. I have been amazed at the movies -- Rio Grande -- and TV shows -- Perry Mason -- in which Ken Curtis has appeared and co-starred.
I've been enjoying that feature and getting to see where Ken Curtis was before Gunsmoke. It's wonderful. He's wonderful.
Watch Wanted Dead or Alive and The Rebel, other westerns that are great.
Well that was a tear jerker!
Dear Tooties, I am so glad that you enjoyed it:-) Makes me very happy that there are those out there who do remember! Take care and thanks for commenting:-) Deb and the longears
I am glad that you loved it, and so sorry it made you want to cry:-( But, it really shows the bond between men (lots of women muleskinners out there, just not in the video!) and their mules:-) Thanks for the comment!
miss n love yuh ol festus!! always my heroe!! ride on cowboy!!
What a great show, I've watched them over and over, Festus what a great Actor,,R.I.P
Thank you for this! Festus has always been my favorite character on "Gunsmoke". I've always wondered why his mule was named "Ruth", and finally I know.
I loved the show! A good man! I enjoyed all the the cowboys. God bless all on TV.
I just loved Gunsmoke and Festus, Ruth was Festus mule he road
Glad you enjoyed it, KY! Deb and the longears
My late father just loved him.
Great song by Ken Curtis! Thank u for that song❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Dear gopsu88, Thank you for your kind words! I am trying to put a couple more together but have been super busy with the mules and American Mammoth Jackstock here on the farm as well as judging Benson, NC Mule Days show classes and speaking about our beloved mules at the Women's Horse Industry Network annual conference this past Saturday....maybe when I am snowed in this winter...LOL! All the best, friend. Deb and the longears
I started attending MULE DAYS IN BENSON NC in mid seventies its unbeleiveable has big its gotten Bet OLE FESTUS would have loved it NEVER SEEN SO MANY BLAME MULES IN ONE PLACE
This is fantastic!. Thanks for the pictures and the story!
Happy trails my friends.
Cute pic.
So beautiful,made me cry.
It wouldn't had been the same without Festus and His Mule Ruth!
Most Excellent, Pard!
Poem written by John Mitchum. Robert Mitchum’s Brother
You equate stubborn to mule. But let me tell you , once they decide to work , it’s the most amazing thing to see. They have more heart than 100 average people nowadays 🤷🏻♂️IMO
Thomas, I certainly did not equate a mule to being stubborn - not me, my friend. I bred and raised them, and now raise the most astounding American Mammoth Jackstock exclusively to make those outstanding mules, since the AMJ numbers are so critical. No sir, you are preaching to the choir regarding their heart, willingness and yes, love to those they trust.
@@debkidwell7093 I obviously wasn’t referring to someone with your knowledge of these magnificent animals. Sorry and good day mate.
Thank you for this video and story. RIP Ruth.
Dear PedaKDucio, I am so glad that you enjoyed it:-) Deb and the mules of Lake Nowhere Mule and Donkey Farm
Never knew Festus was a singer,that was great
Terrance Moran Baxter trained mules in the early 1900's. My Papa Ted.
Definition of a Mule... its like having a dog you can ride....😎
Saw Festus at the Snake River Stampede in the 60s, great memories
What a tear-jerking story I'm in tears now
Festus the legend. Festus my great Hero
Ole Festus, "Hero" to the Runnin Rebs and "Envy" of the Union Blues!
Thank you Festus. God bless you, Ruth and your'n 🎅🤠🙏
you are the best Festus
WOW. This made me cry. Thanks. ❤
You are so very welcome! Thank you for your comment.
Love this, Thanks for sharing.
Dearest Cowgirl, thank you so much for your kind comment and I am glad that it brought back good memories of the show...take care, friend! Deb and the longears (is your "name" from the song? Love it!)
You are so very welcome and so glad that you enjoyed it! Yeah, Festus was a good ol' scudder:-)
I am so glad that you enjoyed it Tia......thank you for your kind words! Deb and the longears
Oh Catbrush, I know.....kind of like one of yours with the photos of war.....however, I was inspired by the story itself and the love between man and animal:-)
Hi VarnAmerica, I will set the record straight here:-) Your Dad and Billy Vaughn were each given credit on the information I have - which I had not bothered to check before you brought it to my attention...i am happy to give your Dad credit and would have done it sooner if I had known about it! Thank you for letting me know.....What else did your Dad write for "Festus"? I would like to hear anything additional....thanks again, Deb and the longears
Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!Always love Festus, he's a real man's man, truly one of the greats on and off the screen!!!!
Great actor, great voice, great mule skinner, all with true heart.
Love this. Thank You Ken.
First time I've heard this , what's not to like either ballad or singer . Never heard anything bad about Ken Curtis and it wouldn't matter to me if I did , I thank hes awesome. Was he from Tennesse ? I'm from Chattanooga and very proud to be . Thank you for posting this , looking for more .
Heartbreaking song!
I have almost 400 episodes still recorded and hard to type with my eyes leaking. I wear my Festus hat everyday and woe to those who'll harm it, women, children or elderly,and it ain't because of the Morgan silver dollars sewed into it for emergencies lol. Festus, you and Ruth live with us,in us and through us everyday. Come spring, little Dachshund girl and I are riding one of our Harley mules (probably Red),to Colorado birth place from Missouri Ozarks Festus. I'm proud to call you Pa, Uncle, Friend,Pardner or Brother from another Mother, just not late for supper. We'll see you and Ruth soon Festus, rest easy 🎅🤠🙏
I'm a big fan of Mules. They're an awesome animal. A properly bred and trained mule is every bit as good, or better, than any work horse in the same role.
Always a fan of Festus (Ken Curtis)
Some snarky kid will say this is hokey, corny and more. I don't care! I loved this! It gave a little love to Mom, Johnny Reb and the real builder of America, The Fabulous Mule!
Thanks for the video!
Mule day’s Bishop Ca..best parade ever!
You are very welcome:-) I will have another Festus and Mule one up pretty soon..so come back and see it! Deb and the longears
Love this! Makes me want to cry!
Love Gunsmoke and all the great characters 🙏
. . . What characters, both Festus and Ruth ! ! . . . I wish the background music didn't overpower the commentary though !
I love this
Thank you Ken. RIP. ❤
Thank you for this... I really enjoyed it and had wondered about the mules name. Also, I confess I've kinda fell for ole Festus.... wish I could find another like him!
You keep watch ma'am, as Brother Festus would say, they is a few of us out here ❤God bless you and us all 🎅🤠🙏,and we appreciate great women in our lives 🎅🤠🙏
You keep watch ma'am, as Brother Festus would say, they is a few of us out here ❤God bless you and us all 🎅🤠🙏,and we appreciate great women in our lives 🎅🤠🙏
I’ll have to rename my wife Ruth.
OMGosh. That was really awesome!
Cut your thumbs of you dislikers. That's right get er done
You are more than welcome, Broadway Joe!
Great video. Thank you!
wildchildoneninefive - donkeys are referred to as "jacks" for the males and "jennets/jennies" for the females. The vernacular in the late 19th century included the use of jack and jennet for mules as well as "horse mule" for the males and "mare mules" for the females. Since the early 20th century the nomenclature used has been "john" for a male mule and "molly" for a female mule. I raise both American Mammoth Jackstock and mules - so, trust me, these are the terms used. The use of "jack" and "jennet" in the video has created some confusion since these terms have not been used in over a hundred years when talking about a mule.
Deb Kidwell That may be true, but I've never heard john or molly in reference to mules. We had mules and donkeys since the latter half of the 20th century and even recently. They are still called jacks and jennies. I guess some of us are still lost in the past. LOL
Ken Curtis will always be a legion on my book.
Ken has always been one of my favorites. Though not a major role in Mr. Robert's he played his character perfectly.
You are very welcome, John! Gitty-up:-)