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| Image Alt: | Gunsmoke (title screen) |
| Starring: | |
| Num Episodes: | 32 |
| Network: | CBS |
| Episode List: | List of Gunsmoke (TV series) episodes |
Gunsmoke is an American Western television series developed by Charles Marquis Warren and based on the radio program of the same name. The series ran for 20 seasons, making it the longest-running Western in television history.
The first episode of season 11 aired in the United States on September 18, 1965, and the final episode aired on May 7, 1966. All episodes were broadcast in the U.S. by CBS.
Season 11 of Gunsmoke was the fifth season of one hour episodes, and the last season filmed in black-and-white. Seasons 1-6 were half-hour episodes, and color episodes were not filmed until season 12.
Gunsmoke is set in and around Dodge City, Kansas, in the post-Civil War era and centers on United States Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) as he enforces law and order in the city. In its original format, the series also focuses on Dillon's friendship with deputy Festus Haggen (Ken Curtis); Doctor Galen "Doc" Adams (Milburn Stone), the town's physician; and Kitty Russell (Amanda Blake), saloon girl and later owner of the Long Branch Saloon. Deputy Clayton Thaddeus Greenwood (Roger Ewing) was added to the cast in season 11.
See main article: List of Gunsmoke cast members.
Season 11 consisted of 32 one hour black-and-white episodes produced by Philip Leacock and associate producer John Mantley.
Occasionally, titles were re-used. Episode 25, "The Brothers" is the first of two episodes named "The Brothers" along with the second from season 18 (formerly "Incident at Sayville Junction").
Filming would occasionally include B-roll footage, reused in other episodes. Episode 30, "My Father, My Son" is such an example. Just before the end scene in the Long Branch, there is a wet street scene showing the Dodge House with horses tied at railings and people crossing the street in both directions. This scene has been shown in several episodes as filler, or as a transitional scene.
Episode 32, "Prime of Life" was the final black-and-white episode.
Episodes 18 & 19, "The Raid" parts 1 & 2, was scored by Franz Waxman.
See also: List of Gunsmoke (TV series) episodes.
Season eleven aired Saturdays at 10:00-11:00 pm (EST) on CBS.
The eleventh season was released on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment in a two volume set on December 2, 2014.
Gunsmoke season 11 finished at number 30 in the Nielsen ratings.