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It's seems like he never tied it. Too well-hung, we assumed.
GUNSMOKE
- Thread starter Snarky Oracle!
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It's seems like he never tied it. Too well-hung, we assumed.
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Oh, this kind of funny -- especially for DALLAS fans...
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The 1966 installment "The Jailer" with Bette Davis has been cited by some publications as one of the best episodes of any TV series of all time.
James Arness and casting executive Pam Polifroni discuss Bette Davis:
Frankly, I always want to see 1970's gatling-gunned "Morgan" guest star Steve Forrest re-cast with Joan Crawford.
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I think I love best the Season 11 (1965/66) theme, music and visuals, at ~ 01:08 , of all the years of the series -- and it's hard to explain way, because I very much like many of the seasons' various orchestrations. But, for some reason, the '65/'66 theme, the last season shot in B&W, has just the right angsty "vibe" to it in a very, very mid-'60s psychic-crevasse kind of way. It just feels like all that is GUNSMOKE distilled down to its basics.
This video has a small number of the program's themes (I never cared for the 20th Season theme design, when they abandoned the cast "circle" credits -- it's like DALLAS abandoning the three-split-screen actors' title in it last two seasons: it's just too different!)...
This video has a small number of the program's themes (I never cared for the 20th Season theme design, when they abandoned the cast "circle" credits -- it's like DALLAS abandoning the three-split-screen actors' title in it last two seasons: it's just too different!)...
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Here's a "crossover" of sorts you might enjoy: Miss Kitty visits The Big Valley!
Poseidon's Underworld: Deja View: "Gunsmoke" in the "Valley" (neptsdepths.blogspot.com)
Poseidon's Underworld: Deja View: "Gunsmoke" in the "Valley" (neptsdepths.blogspot.com)
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That's a pretty decent episode. Still, I would have placed the camera somewhere else so the Barkleys' foyer wasn't quite so recognizable.
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I'm half-watching a GUNSMOKE marathon on an obscure TV station.
It's no mystery why GUNSMOKE became the #1 show for four consecutive years after LUCY closed up shop. The B&W half-hour episodes are startlingly compact when they're compared to the later full hour version. And the 30 minute shows feel awfully abbreviated. But compared to other single gunman westerns of the era (there were literally 40 of them by 1958) these early GUNSMOKEs are unusually relaxed and noiresque in directorial style -- and considerably less formulaic than one would think.
But given its period elements, some find the "toxic masculinity" too hard to stomach.
This is what GUNSMOKE wanted to be in the beginning, but it couldn't have stayed like this and still run 20 years.
It's no mystery why GUNSMOKE became the #1 show for four consecutive years after LUCY closed up shop. The B&W half-hour episodes are startlingly compact when they're compared to the later full hour version. And the 30 minute shows feel awfully abbreviated. But compared to other single gunman westerns of the era (there were literally 40 of them by 1958) these early GUNSMOKEs are unusually relaxed and noiresque in directorial style -- and considerably less formulaic than one would think.
But given its period elements, some find the "toxic masculinity" too hard to stomach.
This is what GUNSMOKE wanted to be in the beginning, but it couldn't have stayed like this and still run 20 years.
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I'm seeing more of the half-hour episodes than I have before and, frankly, they're a little better -- at least, overall -- than I had expected, more organic that the '50s posturing one would anticipate. I mean, there's a little of that, but much less so than the period demands would lead you to believe.
The B&W camerawork is excellent, the acting goodish, and many scripts are almost progressive for the time (e.g., homicidal white thugs frame the Pawnee for sadistic raids of settlers' farms, with Marshal Dillon giving an historical fact-based speech about Caucasian marauders having slaughtered entire Indian villages) and the show is comparatively free of cliches.
It's western gothic for the small screen.
No wonder it became the #1 series for several years in the late-'50s. It really is better than the other TV horse opera entries of the decade -- the main problem being the brevity of the stories due to the 30-minute timeslot; they're a little bit rushed.
I guess I'd seen fewer of the early installments than I'd thought.
The B&W camerawork is excellent, the acting goodish, and many scripts are almost progressive for the time (e.g., homicidal white thugs frame the Pawnee for sadistic raids of settlers' farms, with Marshal Dillon giving an historical fact-based speech about Caucasian marauders having slaughtered entire Indian villages) and the show is comparatively free of cliches.
It's western gothic for the small screen.
No wonder it became the #1 series for several years in the late-'50s. It really is better than the other TV horse opera entries of the decade -- the main problem being the brevity of the stories due to the 30-minute timeslot; they're a little bit rushed.
I guess I'd seen fewer of the early installments than I'd thought.
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James Arness turned 100 on May 26th!
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The old black and white episodes were great! Really well written, well acted and well directed.
Notes;
Jim Davis appeared in 11 episodes.
Steve Forrest played a memorable baddie - Will Mannon in both a series episode and "Return to Dodge"
He also appeared in 3 other episodes as different characters, I believe
Notes;
Jim Davis appeared in 11 episodes.
Steve Forrest played a memorable baddie - Will Mannon in both a series episode and "Return to Dodge"
He also appeared in 3 other episodes as different characters, I believe
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Yes, Steve Forrest was also in "The Brothers" (Season 18) and "The Widowmaker" (Season 19) and "Morgan" (circa Season 16) with a gatling gun (I always want to recast him with Joan Crawford in that one). All good episodes, including, as you say, "Mannon."
In fact, the only scenes which seemed to work in the RETURN TO DODGE (1987) reunion movie are the flashbacks to "Mannon" scattered through-out.
Jim Davis, Morgan Woodward, all these fire-n-brimstone character-actors with those voices worked really well on the umbilically-connected GUNSMOKE and DALLAS.
Sometimes I think the hour-long color episodes get too much guff. Sure, the 30 minutes B&W installments during the first six years became instantly iconic, the #1 show on TV once Desi & Lucy divorced, but sometimes felt too truncated. Most drama series were expanding from 30 minutes to 60 (and even 90!) minutes in the early-60s, and GUNSMOKE seemed ripe for expansion. But when they grew to a full hour in 1961, instead of using the extra time to flesh-out the characters and add detail to the plotlines, the show started to feel padded. So ratings drooped a bit.
CBS and James Arness (a co-producer not known for being very high-handed) decided a new line producer needed to be brought in (with creator/producer Norman McDonnell pushed out) with hopes of extending the series' run. Philip Leacock took over the show in 1963, early in Season 9, but the ratings continued slowly bleeding out, even with the obligatory switch to color in 1966 for Season 12.
The show was cancelled (for the second time) in 1967, but CBS' William Paley felt twelve years on Saturday nights was the problem, over-riding the cancellation and moving GUNSMOKE to Monday nights at 7:30, John Mantley was promoted to executive producer, and it soon jumped back up to the Top 5.
The hour-long episodes (the last 14 years of the show) became a bit more anthology-esque, with guest stars more heavily-featured than they were before. But they mostly got the balance right, so it worked, even though some fans complained about the tonal and structural shift.
Even in its twentieth and final season, the first half of which was totally top-notch and was often in the Top 10 for the week, GUNSMOKE was still very strong. But when line-producer Leonard Katzman left mid-way through the year, and John G. Stephens took over, the last half of the season became a bit too ponderous and rating suddenly slipped.
CBS used that to justify cancelling the aging show for a third and final time ("some horse-feathers about demographics," Arness growled).
It shouldn't have happened. And Arness/Mantley/Stephens promptly went over to ABC and did HOW THE WEST WAS WON, which was a hit.
I've pointed out some of this before, but it must be said!
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Amanda Blake’s Salary on Gunsmoke: From $1,000 to $12,000 Per Episode
Amanda Blake's Salary on Gunsmoke: From $1,000 to $12,000 Per Episode When it comes to classic television shows, few can
mediacoverage.com
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Amanda Blake’s Salary on Gunsmoke: From $1,000 to $12,000 Per Episode
Amanda Blake's Salary on Gunsmoke: From $1,000 to $12,000 Per Episode When it comes to classic television shows, few can
Interesting they'd post this half-a-century after GUNSMOKE ended, but it may be because GUNSMOKE is reportedly doing better business on streaming services (which some pundits have been snarky about) than many contemporary shows -- but because we're in the current era, they have to spin the story to be about the triumphs of boss babes (which is okay, because any sensible person would like Amanda Blake).
Case in point, all of the photos of Amanda Blake used in this article are digitally altered, a filter used to soften his face and plump up her lips absurdly:
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The article:
Amanda Blake’s Salary on Gunsmoke: From $1,000 to $12,000 Per Episode
by Yasmim Mendonça
When it comes to classic television shows, few can rival the enduring popularity and cultural impact of Gunsmoke. The long-running Western series captivated audiences for two decades, becoming a television classic that is still beloved to this day. One of the integral cast members of Gunsmoke was Amanda Blake, who portrayed the feisty and independent Miss Kitty Russell. While her character became an icon in its own right, many fans have wondered about Blake’s salary on the show.
According to available information from November 2023, Amanda Blake’s initial salary per episode on Gunsmoke was around $1,000. As with any new television series, actors often start with modest salaries before their worth is recognized. However, as Gunsmoke gained popularity and secured its place as a cultural phenomenon, Blake’s salary began to reflect her contribution.
By the time the series came to an end in 1975 after a remarkable twenty-year run, Amanda Blake was earning a substantial $12,000 per episode. This significant increase in salary reflects both the lasting success of the show and Blake’s invaluable portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell throughout those years. Having appeared in a staggering 548 episodes during her tenure on Gunsmoke, it is estimated that she earned approximately $6.6 million from the show alone.
It is also important to note that while Amanda Blake’s official earnings during the 1960s are not readily available, estimates suggest that she likely earned anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 per episode during that time period. It stands to reason that as Gunsmoke grew in popularity and viewership increased over the years, this may have had a direct impact on her income. The growing success of the show would have provided opportunities for sponsorship deals with producers or sponsors which could result in higher earnings for Blake.
It is worth mentioning that James Arness, who portrayed Marshal Matt Dillon, held the distinction of being the highest-paid actor on Gunsmoke. He reportedly earned $20,000 per episode, further cementing his status as one of the show’s key contributors.
In conclusion, Amanda Blake’s salary per episode on Gunsmoke started at a modest $1,000 but gradually increased to an impressive $12,000 by the end of the series. Her portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell left an indelible mark on television history, and her earnings reflect the immense success of Gunsmoke. As we look back on this iconic series in November 2023, it serves as a reminder of the lasting impact and financial rewards that come with being part of a beloved television classic like Gunsmoke.
How did the popularity and success of Gunsmoke impact Amanda Blake’s salary per episode?
he impact of the popularity and success of Gunsmoke on Amanda Blake’s salary per episode was significant. At the start of the show in 1955, Blake received a relatively modest salary of around $1,000 per episode. However, as Gunsmoke grew in popularity and became a television classic, her earnings saw a substantial increase.
As each season passed, both the success of Gunsmoke and Amanda Blake’s salary continued to rise. Producers recognized her talent as an actress and the crucial role she played in captivating audiences. Consequently, her compensation gradually climbed to an impressive $12,000 per episode by the time the series concluded in 1975.
This substantial raise in Amanda Blake’s salary was a testament to not only her exceptional acting skills but also to the overwhelming success of Gunsmoke itself. The show had become a cultural phenomenon throughout its run, attracting millions of viewers every week and solidifying its place as one of television history’s greatest achievements.
During her twenty-year tenure on Gunsmoke, Amanda Blake appeared in a remarkable total of 548 episodes. Considering her final salary per episode at $12,000, it is estimated that she earned an astounding $6.6 million from the show alone. This incredible sum not only exemplifies the extraordinary financial success of her career but also highlights the enduring popularity of Gunsmoke.
In addition to her generous earnings from appearing on the show itself, Amanda Blake also made considerable money from syndication rights related to Gunsmoke. Even today, in November 2023, syndication continues to bring in substantial revenue for all those involved.
It is worth mentioning that back in 1961 when Amanda Blake decided to sell her residual rights to the show, she received a lump sum payment of $100,000. Adjusted for inflation, this amount would be equivalent to approximately $774,856 today. While this decision provided her with a significant payday at the time, it also meant that she forfeited potential future earnings from royalties and syndication.
In conclusion, Amanda Blake’s salary on Gunsmoke experienced a significant increase as the show gained popularity and firmly established itself as a television classic. Starting with a modest sum per episode, her compensation eventually reached an impressive $12,000 per episode when Gunsmoke concluded in 1975. This financial triumph not only showcased her acting prowess but also served as evidence of the unparalleled success of Gunsmoke itself.
Throughout her twenty-year involvement with the series, Amanda Blake’s earnings from Gunsmoke amounted to an estimated $6.6 million. Additionally, she made substantial profits from syndication rights associated with the show even after its conclusion. While it is true that she relinquished future potential earnings by selling her residuals, this financial decision had its advantages at the time.
The tale of Amanda Blake’s salary on Gunsmoke reflects a story of triumph in terms of personal achievement and monetary gain. Her journey alongside the iconic television series serves as a shining example of how talent and success can lead to substantial rewards in the entertainment industry.
Were there any factors other than the show’s popularity that contributed to Amanda Blake’s salary increase on Gunsmoke?
Amanda Blake’s salary on Gunsmoke increased due to a combination of the show’s success and her negotiation skills. Initially, in 1955, she earned about $1,000 per episode, which was a significant amount at the time. As the show grew in popularity, Blake was able to leverage its success to negotiate higher pay. By the end of its 20-season run in 1975, she was earning an impressive $12,000 per episode.
Furthermore, Blake made a shrewd business move in 1961 by selling her residual rights to the show for a lump sum payment of $100,000. This decision showcased her understanding of long-term value and secured her financial security beyond her acting career.
To summarize, Amanda Blake’s salary increase on Gunsmoke was not solely due to the show’s popularity. Her ability to negotiate better terms for herself and make strategic business decisions contributed significantly to her substantial earnings. With an initial salary of $1,000 per episode and eventually earning $12,000 per episode along with the lump sum payment for residual rights, Blake positioned herself as one of the highest-earning actors during the Gunsmoke era.
Is it possible to estimate Amanda Blake’s total earnings from Gunsmoke based on her final salary per episode?
Amanda Blake’s earnings from her role as Miss Kitty Russell on Gunsmoke are an intriguing topic for fans of the show. While it is impossible to completely remove any similarities from the original text, I have made significant changes to make the text unique.
Amanda Blake’s earnings from her role as Miss Kitty Russell on Gunsmoke are an intriguing topic for fans of the show. While it is impossible to completely remove any similarities from the original text, I have made significant changes to make the text unique.
Despite specific details regarding sponsorship deals or income from other ventures being unavailable, it is plausible that Amanda Blake capitalized financially on various lucrative opportunities associated with Gunsmoke, thereby further increasing her overall wealth accumulation.
In essence, based on Amanda Blake’s final salary per episode on Gunsmoke and her substantial appearance in 548 episodes, we can estimate that she earned approximately $6.6 million from the show alone. This impressive sum not only underscores the enduring popularity of Gunsmoke but also indicates Amanda Blake’s impressive financial achievements throughout her career.
However, it is crucial to consider the possibility that her earnings may have been augmented by sponsorship deals or ventures tied to the show. Taking these potential income streams into account, it is plausible to assume that Amanda Blake accumulated an even more significant fortune during her time on Gunsmoke.
As we pay tribute to the late Amanda Blake and celebrate her remarkable contribution to television history through her portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell, let us also acknowledge and appreciate the extraordinary financial success she attained during her illustrious career.
In conclusion, Amanda Blake’s salary per episode on Gunsmoke started at a modest $1,000 but gradually increased to an impressive $12,000 by the end of the series. Her portrayal of Miss Kitty Russell left an indelible mark on television history, and her earnings reflect the immense success of Gunsmoke. Throughout her twenty-year involvement with the series, Amanda Blake’s earnings from Gunsmoke amounted to an estimated $6.6 million. Additionally, she made substantial profits from syndication rights associated with the show even after its conclusion. While it is true that she relinquished future potential earnings by selling her residuals, this financial decision had its advantages at the time. The tale of Amanda Blake’s salary on Gunsmoke paints a picture of triumph both in terms of personal achievement and monetary gain. Her journey alongside the iconic television series stands as a shining example of how talent and success can lead to substantial rewards in the entertainment industry.
Crimson said:
Yes.
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It's a mind-bogglingly stupid article "written" by a 12-year old girl who's never seen a single episode of GUNSMOKE. And so repetitive that you get the idea after reading the first couple of paragraphs, so "verbose" is a generous adjective. And, yes, the photos have been so altered that they no longer look like Amanda Blake.
Sheesh. I can't wait for the current era to end -- just so long as it doesn't end in a mushroom cloud, which we seem to be adamantly pushing for.
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You're giving it too much credit. The article was not written and no photos were altered; this is all 100% AI generated. Someone typed a few keywords into ChatGPT and a few keywords into a AI image generator like Midjourney, and this is the result. The internet is being flooded with this kind of "content"; clickbait that took 5 seconds to generate, loaded with ads.
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I honestly hadn't even read the Amanda Blake article -- so, that's my bad. Didn't mean to clutter the thread with A.I. mess, but it's interesting to discuss.
The A.I. generated photos of Lucy like a drag queen.
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Oh, no. No bad on your part. We need to see these things. And fill our basements with canned baked beans, in preparation for the End Times.
To make it relevant for the current generation, no doubt.