Another interesting video. 20 years would be quite a long career devoted to one show. I agree with your comments about the show cancellations. Abrupt cancellations aren’t respectful of the cast and fans. Isn’t ironic that 3 of those cancelled shows, Gunsmoke, Gilligan’s Island & Lost in Space, are still on several networks. I guess it’s acknowledgement to Gunsmoke’s popularity that they had several TV movies years later. Even those are still on several networks. Amanda Blake & Miss Kitty will be remembered for a long time
Yep. It's a long time to play one character. I'm sure by the time Amanda left the show, she felt like she knew everything there was to know about Miss Kitty.
A shame one of the Cartwights never entered the Long Branch Saloon for a quick beer before hitting the trail again. Maybe Wishbone (Rawhide) would be at the end of the bar as a cameo. Talk about a television moment!
"Yes, Dear!" *Sigh*! My parents kinda made us watch this show each week and I even remember the "preview" to the never happened following season featuring someone shooting a gun that had a silencer on it! Fran Ryan that took Amanda Blake's place at the Long Branch had always reminded me of Marjorie "Ma Kettle" Main! Haha!
I love gunsmoke always liked Mrs kitty and Marshall Dylan always wondered why she disappeared from the show thanks for the heads up Dave it's hard to beat classic blacks and whites television or westerns interesting stuff I never knew about Mrs kitty
My dad loved Gunsmoke, I liked it but didn't appreciate as much as I should have. I'd like to watch more episodes; I LOVED Arness in How the West Was Won.
Gilligan's Island had great ratings despite the fact it was kind of 'silly.' Then Gunsmoke was dramatic. Nothing there makes sense...in the way of cancellations.
What amazed me about Gunsmoke was how Marshall Dillon was able to take a bullet just about every week for 20 years. Dude must have weighed 600 lbs by the end, as much lead as he was carrying around. Also kind of funny that a prime time network show was set largely in a who..., er, cat ho..., uh, borde...well, let's just call it a 'saloon' with 'dancing girls'.
My husband & I bought the complete set of the Gunsmoke DVD's about 6 months ago. We also purchased the three Gunsmoke movies that came out after the series ended. We're slowly making our way through it all. I noticed in the first & second episodes, Miss Kitty had much less makeup on. Maybe they thought she looked too sweet & innocent, so they made her look more like a painted lady. Anyway, Miss Kitty was beautiful no matter how they did her makeup.
Gunsmoke was also a book and movie before Gunsmoke radio series although that book and movie were not based on same characters although radio series was but with different voice actors originally used with William Conrad that played Cannon as Matt Dillion.
Amanda Blake never disappeared..we still watching her everyday and we still loving her..she was a generous woman and left a precious memories behind.....God is taking care of her and James..and now they're happy together ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
Miss Kitty had a heart ❤️ of gold but there were times she had to take a stand mainly when she had rowdy disorderly drunks in her saloon. She hung in there for 19 of the 20 seasons, that's longer than any other actress probably would've hung in. Gunsmoke is a great western, especially the black & white episodes with Chester. I think 🤔 the show always had a great supporting cast.
Amanda Blake reprised her role of Miss Kitty in Return to Dodge, the first of five made-for-TV Gunsmoke movies, in 1987. (She would pass away two years later.)
Gunsmoke was made at a time when TV series finales were still not very common. So there's nothing unusual about closing out with a regular episode. I think, though, that for a potential series finale, the episode could have ended with the townsfolk honoring Matt for years of dedication for keeping law and order in Dodge City; and a big celebration could follow with everyone cheering as Matt parades thru town.
Gunsmoke is one of my favorite shows! My wife and I watch it all the time on INSP. You should do a show on Robert Ewing who played Thad. He was a cool character, second only to Festus.
Aka Jerry Gillespie I remember when Gunsmoke was cancelled Amanda Blake said she wanted to throw a rock through CBS chairman William Paley's window. She probably also didn't like the two shows that replaced it. The Mary Tyler Moore Show spinoffs Rhoda and Phyllis which did well in that time slot in the beginning
I’m just surprised it avoided the Rural Purge of 1971. I honestly think CBS held on until Bonanza was gone and then gave it a couple more years to have an even 20 seasons. What other Westerns remained?
There was a Gunsmoke channel on RUclips for a while. It got removed due to copyrights. I heard _The Simpsons_ did some kind of tribute when they passed _Gunsmoke_ in number of episodes.
Miss Kitty was a Boss! She new how to handle inebriated ruffians. And woe to any man who mistreated one of her "girls". Miss Kitty was definitely a Mother Hen. Shout out to Sam the bartender who had a shot gun at the ready to TCB.
How did Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke pass away? For nearly 20 years, Blake played Miss Kitty Russell on the popular Western TV series Gunsmoke. Although when she died in August 1989, the media initially reported that she died of cancer, the cause of death was later confirmed to be AIDS-related complications. Amanda Blake was an American actress best known for the role of the red-haired saloon proprietress "Miss Kitty Russell" on the western television series Gunsmoke. Along with her fourth husband, Frank Gilbert, she ran one of the first successful programs for breeding cheetahs in captivity. Born: February 20, 1929, Buffalo, NY Died: August 16, 1989, Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento, CA Spouse: Mark Spaeth (m. 1984-1985), MORE Height: 5′ 6″ Parents: Jesse Neill, Louise Neill TAKEN FROM A GOOGLE SEARCH! COPY & PASTED!
@@jdsundstrom Thank You. Informitive Channels of subjects pertaining to TV and Movies are rare to find, esp ones that know what I find on Google. I shared this video to my community tab! Such fond memories of it as a child. Miss stuff like this!
Aids weakens immune system so more likely to die from cancer and body less likely to fight against defective cells although could be any other virus or bacteria the immune system was weakened from.
Gunsmoke was originally on radio and had different voice actors with William Conrad as Matt Dillion he later starred in Cannon and later still Jake and the fat man but as fat man not Jake. I don't recall who the other voice actors were. On TV series Dennis Weaver played Chester that limped although radio series did not have him limp that was his idea, and he was later replaced with Ken Curtis as Festus. Dennis Weaver later regretted limping idea as it caused him problems with his leg.
I knew part of it was that Glenn Strange died. Eventually they were going to kill Gunsmoke anyway but Gilligan's Island was dumped with the cast thinking they'd be back the same way Gunsmoke was. Gunsmoke was the last in the rural purge.
Few years later Waltons and Little House on the Prairie become two of the most popular shows on TV and also in reruns, also released on VHS and DVD. Gunsmoke, Gilligan's Island, Waltons, Little House on the prairie, Bonanza and many other westerns are still in reruns too.
Dave, this is a most informative and VERY eye-opening video from which I've now learned LOTS!!! Thanks lots for producing and posting this one!!! :) :) :) :)
Bill Paley used his clout also with the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour too. When it premiered, it was rumored that LBJ called Paley up and asked him in effect, "Please don't let them be too hard on me". The show was a huge hit, beat Bonanza in its time slot but got canceled anyway and Hee Haw took its place
The head censor at CBS complained that he spent a third of his time on that one show. They wore out their welcome. Tommy said years later that they forgot to be funny and that a lot of it made him cringe.
Aka Jerry Gillespie Dave there was another CBS show that was abruptly cancelled without telling the cast. The Jeffersons in 1984. I believe Sherman Hemsley (Mr Jefferson) read about it in a newspaper. It was a hit show and spinoff of All in the Family Plus the network didn't give them a goodbye show like say Mary Tyler Moore
I was never a fan of Gunsmoke, but my grandpa liked it so I sometimes watched it with him. (TBH, I pretended to watch, while playing with my Big Jim action hero).
Wait was Gilligan Island inspired by Gunsmoke with Gilligan being a Marshall or sheriff in a dream and Skipper, Mr. Howell and Professor being gun slingers out to get him. Miss Kitty could have inspired Ginger she even has spot on her cheek same as Ginger and Matt met a farmer's daughter in some episodes to inspired Maryann, she might have also been inspired by farmer's widow that also appeared in some episodes. Mr. Howell inspired by some rich guy a large ranch owner or a banker that had a wife from a rich family to inspire Lovey also called Mrs. Howell, who was smart guy that inspired professor was that Doc or someone else? Gilligan also locked them all in Bamboo Jail in one episode. Mr. Howell, Skipper and Professor could not break through Bamboo door but later when Gilligan locked himself inside with them did to escape them when afraid of them being angry at him.
Gunsmoke survived The Rural Purge. I started watching Gunsmoke when I was in elementary school. As the years went by, as I went from elementary school, to junior highschool to highschool, I'd be like, "It's still on?" In 1975 when Gunsmoke was FINALLY, cancelled l was in my junior year.
Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of Gilligan's island, made millions in syndication profits and didn't share any money with the struggling cast. Schwartz also made millions from the Brady Bunch.
@@jdsundstrom 🙂I dunno it's good question maybe you can do a survey. The money today would of been 10 times more compared to 1960 but a loaf of 🍞back then cost 20 cents compared to today's 2.00 😒if your lucky.
I absolutely ADORED, LOVED, and WORSHIPED Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty!!!! I've always loved strong female types in TV shows and movies, and at the time, she was the BEST!!!!!! Growing up with her had me loving other shows like Wonder Woman, Charlies Angels, Police Woman.....not just for the gorgeous gals, but for their strong characters. Another show that was cancelled "out of the blue" was Dark Angel. Another hugely popular show that had a massive cult following of fans. But the story I heard..........it was cancelled because the network hired a new CEO, and he hated the show, so he cancelled it. They say Hollywood is all about the money..........apparenlty not ALL!!!
There was no finale because the show's cancellation came as a shock. Amanda grew increasingly uncooperative as she got older and richer, and her behavior finally became intolerable.
Hey Dave, We watched Gunsmoke All 20 Years, I Liked All Characters, One Thing Though, Dodge City Kansas, Miss Kitty would have been a Madam, Running Prostitutes through the Long Branch, Yikes. My Favorite Episode, Fetus Raced Tom Skerret on his Race 🐎 Horse back to Dodge on Ruth the Molly Mule , only Festus went through the Quarry, kept him from Losing Farm. Dave , Don Knott's Birthday🎉 Today 1924🎉. July 21🎉
Another interesting video. 20 years would be quite a long career devoted to one show. I agree with your comments about the show cancellations. Abrupt cancellations aren’t respectful of the cast and fans. Isn’t ironic that 3 of those cancelled shows, Gunsmoke, Gilligan’s Island & Lost in Space, are still on several networks. I guess it’s acknowledgement to Gunsmoke’s popularity that they had several TV movies years later. Even those are still on several networks. Amanda Blake & Miss Kitty will be remembered for a long time
Yep. It's a long time to play one character. I'm sure by the time Amanda left the show, she felt like she knew everything there was to know about Miss Kitty.
RUclips was invented for channels like Dave’s!
Thanks Train Nerd!
Yes indeed...
I never watch gunsmoke I was not into western ones that off wasn’t my type of show thanks anyway
It was sad without Sam and Miss Kitty. Then the whole darn show was gone. 😔 😟
A shame one of the Cartwights never entered the Long Branch Saloon for a quick beer before hitting the trail again.
Maybe Wishbone (Rawhide) would be at the end of the bar as a cameo. Talk about a television moment!
That kind of treatment shows how much the "suits" think of actors and their shows; they don't. No compassion or empathy.
"Yes, Dear!" *Sigh*! My parents kinda made us watch this show each week and I even remember the "preview" to the never happened following season featuring someone shooting a gun that had a silencer on it! Fran Ryan that took Amanda Blake's place at the Long Branch had always reminded me of Marjorie "Ma Kettle" Main! Haha!
She was so beautiful when she was young.
I love gunsmoke always liked Mrs kitty and Marshall Dylan always wondered why she disappeared from the show thanks for the heads up Dave it's hard to beat classic blacks and whites television or westerns interesting stuff I never knew about Mrs kitty
My dad loved Gunsmoke, I liked it but didn't appreciate as much as I should have. I'd like to watch more episodes; I LOVED Arness in How the West Was Won.
Rest in Peace Amanda Blake.
Thanks for the Video 😀
Gilligan's Island had great ratings despite the fact it was kind of 'silly.' Then Gunsmoke was dramatic. Nothing there makes sense...in the way of cancellations.
What amazed me about Gunsmoke was how Marshall Dillon was able to take a bullet just about every week for 20 years. Dude must have weighed 600 lbs by the end, as much lead as he was carrying around. Also kind of funny that a prime time network show was set largely in a who..., er, cat ho..., uh, borde...well, let's just call it a 'saloon' with 'dancing girls'.
Matt shot the other guy every week at beginning of show, unless other guy was also named Matt.
Gunsmoke always seemed like the type of show that could go on indefinitely until the actors were ready to quit the show.
But man she hung in there quite a spell!
Yep...and she even returned for at least one of the reunion movies.
My husband & I bought the complete set of the Gunsmoke DVD's about 6 months ago. We also purchased the three Gunsmoke movies that came out after the series ended. We're slowly making our way through it all. I noticed in the first & second episodes, Miss Kitty had much less makeup on. Maybe they thought she looked too sweet & innocent, so they made her look more like a painted lady. Anyway, Miss Kitty was beautiful no matter how they did her makeup.
Thanks for sharing!
Gunsmoke was also a book and movie before Gunsmoke radio series although that book and movie were not based on same characters although radio series was but with different voice actors originally used with William Conrad that played Cannon as Matt Dillion.
Amanda Blake never disappeared..we still watching her everyday and we still loving her..she was a generous woman and left a precious memories behind.....God is taking care of her and James..and now they're happy together ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉
Miss Kitty had a heart ❤️ of gold but there were times she had to take a stand mainly when she had rowdy disorderly drunks in her saloon. She hung in there for 19 of the 20 seasons, that's longer than any other actress probably would've hung in. Gunsmoke is a great western, especially the black & white episodes with Chester. I think 🤔 the show always had a great supporting cast.
Amanda Blake reprised her role of Miss Kitty in Return to Dodge, the first of five made-for-TV Gunsmoke movies, in 1987. (She would pass away two years later.)
Gunsmoke was made at a time when TV series finales were still not very common. So there's nothing unusual about closing out with a regular episode.
I think, though, that for a potential series finale, the episode could have ended with the townsfolk honoring Matt for years of dedication for keeping law and order in Dodge City; and a big celebration could follow with everyone cheering as Matt parades thru town.
Burt Reynolds was on Gunsmoke.
(Quint Asper 1962-65)
Gunsmoke was a long running radio show before the TV version, right? I think Cannon was Marshall Dillon.
Gunsmoke is one of my favorite shows! My wife and I watch it all the time on INSP. You should do a show on Robert Ewing who played Thad. He was a cool character, second only to Festus.
Aka Jerry Gillespie I remember when Gunsmoke was cancelled Amanda Blake said she wanted to throw a rock through CBS chairman William Paley's window. She probably also didn't like the two shows that replaced it. The Mary Tyler Moore Show spinoffs Rhoda and Phyllis which did well in that time slot in the beginning
I’m just surprised it avoided the Rural Purge of 1971. I honestly think CBS held on until Bonanza was gone and then gave it a couple more years to have an even 20 seasons. What other Westerns remained?
I can't think of any TV western that was successful after Gunsmoke.
@@jdsundstrom The closest was Little House on the Prairie but that really wasn't quite a western.
Gunsmoke was the first adult western when it was cancelled it was the last remaining western.
There was a Gunsmoke channel on RUclips for a while. It got removed due to copyrights.
I heard _The Simpsons_ did some kind of tribute when they passed _Gunsmoke_ in number of episodes.
The Simpsons did a number of great tributes over the years, so that doesn't surprise me at all.
Gunsmoke and Gilligan's Island are still in reruns which can watch with digital TV and antenna in many areas.
Miss Kitty was a Boss! She new how to handle inebriated ruffians. And woe to any man who mistreated one of her "girls". Miss Kitty was definitely a Mother Hen.
Shout out to Sam the bartender who had a shot gun at the ready to TCB.
How did Miss Kitty from Gunsmoke pass away?
For nearly 20 years, Blake played Miss Kitty Russell on the popular Western TV series Gunsmoke. Although when she died in August 1989, the media initially reported that she died of cancer, the cause of death was later confirmed to be AIDS-related complications.
Amanda Blake was an American actress best known for the role of the red-haired saloon proprietress "Miss Kitty Russell" on the western television series Gunsmoke. Along with her fourth husband, Frank Gilbert, she ran one of the first successful programs for breeding cheetahs in captivity.
Born: February 20, 1929, Buffalo, NY
Died: August 16, 1989, Mercy General Hospital, Sacramento, CA
Spouse: Mark Spaeth (m. 1984-1985), MORE
Height: 5′ 6″
Parents: Jesse Neill, Louise Neill
TAKEN FROM A GOOGLE SEARCH! COPY & PASTED!
To answer that question, I think I'll point you to my friend, Steve Tevis who has his own amazing YT channel: ruclips.net/video/eYjLpKfkfQg/видео.html
@@jdsundstrom Thank You. Informitive Channels of subjects pertaining to TV and Movies are rare to find, esp ones that know what I find on Google. I shared this video to my community tab! Such fond memories of it as a child. Miss stuff like this!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Aids weakens immune system so more likely to die from cancer and body less likely to fight against defective cells although could be any other virus or bacteria the immune system was weakened from.
I honestly had no idea that Amanda Blake wasn't the original choice for the role of Miss Kitty
Gunsmoke was originally on radio and had different voice actors with William Conrad as Matt Dillion he later starred in Cannon and later still Jake and the fat man but as fat man not Jake. I don't recall who the other voice actors were. On TV series Dennis Weaver played Chester that limped although radio series did not have him limp that was his idea, and he was later replaced with Ken Curtis as Festus. Dennis Weaver later regretted limping idea as it caused him problems with his leg.
John Wayne was the original choice to play Matt Dillon.
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc Really???
Wow, it'd have been interesting if he'd actually accepted the role of Matt Dillon
@@karlsmith2570 John Wayne recommended his friend, James Arness to the Gunsmoke producers.
Here's an interesting question: What TV series has the most _TV Guide_ covers? I wonder if it's _Gunsmoke_.
Network executives now seem to realize that a good final episode can be a ratings winner.
One of my favorite shows of all time
Bill Paley was himself a Gunsmoke fan. Kudos to Bill for saving one of our favorite shows.
Bill Paley cancelled Gilligan's Island in favor of extending Gunsmoke.
We know that@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc We know that.
I knew part of it was that Glenn Strange died. Eventually they were going to kill Gunsmoke anyway but Gilligan's Island was dumped with the cast thinking they'd be back the same way Gunsmoke was. Gunsmoke was the last in the rural purge.
Few years later Waltons and Little House on the Prairie become two of the most popular shows on TV and also in reruns, also released on VHS and DVD. Gunsmoke, Gilligan's Island, Waltons, Little House on the prairie, Bonanza and many other westerns are still in reruns too.
Gun smoke was a great show, to bad people have to grow old and die
Miss Kitty was pretty attractive but very tough in character as a business owner
Nobody could push Miss Kitty around.
Dave, this is a most informative and VERY eye-opening video from which I've now learned LOTS!!! Thanks lots for producing and posting this one!!! :) :) :) :)
Bill Paley used his clout also with the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour too. When it premiered, it was rumored that LBJ called Paley up and asked him in effect, "Please don't let them be too hard on me". The show was a huge hit, beat Bonanza in its time slot but got canceled anyway and Hee Haw took its place
The head censor at CBS complained that he spent a third of his time on that one show. They wore out their welcome. Tommy said years later that they forgot to be funny and that a lot of it made him cringe.
Aka Jerry Gillespie Dave there was another CBS show that was abruptly cancelled without telling the cast. The Jeffersons in 1984. I believe Sherman Hemsley (Mr Jefferson) read about it in a newspaper. It was a hit show and spinoff of All in the Family Plus the network didn't give them a goodbye show like say Mary Tyler Moore
In my Opinion she quitts the role about she can't Mrs. DILLON ❤😪‼️
I was never a fan of Gunsmoke, but my grandpa liked it so I sometimes watched it with him. (TBH, I pretended to watch, while playing with my Big Jim action hero).
Wait was Gilligan Island inspired by Gunsmoke with Gilligan being a Marshall or sheriff in a dream and Skipper, Mr. Howell and Professor being gun slingers out to get him. Miss Kitty could have inspired Ginger she even has spot on her cheek same as Ginger and Matt met a farmer's daughter in some episodes to inspired Maryann, she might have also been inspired by farmer's widow that also appeared in some episodes. Mr. Howell inspired by some rich guy a large ranch owner or a banker that had a wife from a rich family to inspire Lovey also called Mrs. Howell, who was smart guy that inspired professor was that Doc or someone else? Gilligan also locked them all in Bamboo Jail in one episode. Mr. Howell, Skipper and Professor could not break through Bamboo door but later when Gilligan locked himself inside with them did to escape them when afraid of them being angry at him.
❤ Miss Katy go my favorite SHOW❤❤
The best!
Georgia Ellis played Kitty on the original radio version of Gunsmoke.
Thanks for sharing!
I never liked Fetus, I mean, Festus.
Polly Bond was euthanized in 2013 while recovering from a stroke. No autopsy was ever performed.
❤❤❤😊😊😊 Dave Thanks
Gunsmoke survived The Rural Purge.
I started watching Gunsmoke when I was in elementary school. As the years went by, as I went from elementary school, to junior highschool to highschool, I'd be like, "It's still on?" In 1975 when Gunsmoke was FINALLY, cancelled l was in my junior year.
How did they write Miss Kitty out of that final season?
Miss Kitty left town.
Would have rather had more Gilligan's Island.
Me too!
Alan Hale, Jim Backus and Russell Johnson,who all starred on Gilligan's Island, appeared on episodes of Gunsmoke.
@@GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc They all could have been on the same episode but it's still not Gilligan's Island.
Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of Gilligan's island, made millions in syndication profits and didn't share any money with the struggling cast. Schwartz also made millions from the Brady Bunch.
😏 Interesting 50 years of marriage or take what's behind 🚪#1 a hit show that span 20 years......😆 I'll take what's behind door #1 💰💵💰💵
I wonder how many people would take door #2.
@@jdsundstrom 🙂I dunno it's good question maybe you can do a survey. The money today would of been 10 times more compared to 1960 but a loaf of 🍞back then cost 20 cents compared to today's 2.00 😒if your lucky.
😒 Oh you mean a lifetime of happiness compared to a few moments of fleeting fame.
I absolutely ADORED, LOVED, and WORSHIPED Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty!!!! I've always loved strong female types in TV shows and movies, and at the time, she was the BEST!!!!!! Growing up with her had me loving other shows like Wonder Woman, Charlies Angels, Police Woman.....not just for the gorgeous gals, but for their strong characters.
Another show that was cancelled "out of the blue" was Dark Angel. Another hugely popular show that had a massive cult following of fans. But the story I heard..........it was cancelled because the network hired a new CEO, and he hated the show, so he cancelled it.
They say Hollywood is all about the money..........apparenlty not ALL!!!
SHE WAS SO YOUNG 60 YEAR'S OLD DIED YOUNG OF HIV AID'S
And the Jeffersons too
Greetings from South Carolina 🎉
Greetings!
Dave -
Thank you for sharing my comment.
Thanks for the great comment, John...and all your support. BTW, I finally watched "Crip Camp". Video coming in the not to distant future.
There was no finale because the show's cancellation came as a shock. Amanda grew increasingly uncooperative as she got older and richer, and her behavior finally became intolerable.
Great 😊
Thanks 😊
@@jdsundstrom 😊no problem
Hey Dave, We watched Gunsmoke All 20 Years, I Liked All Characters, One Thing Though, Dodge City Kansas, Miss Kitty would have been a Madam, Running Prostitutes through the Long Branch, Yikes. My Favorite Episode, Fetus Raced Tom Skerret on his Race 🐎 Horse back to Dodge on Ruth the Molly Mule , only Festus went through the Quarry, kept him from Losing Farm. Dave , Don Knott's Birthday🎉 Today 1924🎉. July 21🎉
SHE DIED OF HIV AID'S THAT'S WHY SHE DISAPPEARED
I never knew that Miss Kitty disappeared. I only watched Gunsmoke when I was desperate for television