Gunsmoke season 10

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 10 aired in the United States on September 26, 1964, and the final episode aired on June 29, 1965. All episodes were broadcast in the U.S. by CBS.

Season 10 of Gunsmoke was the fourth season of one hour episodes filmed in black-and-white. Seasons 1-6 were half-hour episodes, and color episodes were not filmed until season 12.

Synopsis
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. Blacksmith Quint Asper (Burt Reynolds) was added to the cast in season eight and remained until the end of season ten. When Dennis Weaver left the series during season nine, he was replaced by Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen, who became deputy to Marshal Dillon.

Main

 * James Arness as Matt Dillon
 * Milburn Stone as Doc
 * Ken Curtis as Festus
 * Amanda Blake as Kitty
 * Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper

Production
Season 10 consisted of 36 one hour black-and-white episodes produced by Norman Macdonnell (episodes 342–348, 350, 352, 361, 367) and Philip Leacock (episodes 349, 351, 353–360, 362–366, 368–377). Frank Paris was associate producer.

In this season, a new gunfight introduction is shown before the opening director/writer credits. Episode 4, "The Violators", is the first time Matt's gunfight scene is superimposed in the end credits.

Writing
Storylines would occasionally be taken from real-life events, but not always accurately. In episode 19, "Chief Joseph", it is mentioned that Chief Joseph met Ulysses S. Grant in Washington, D.C., when in actuality, he arrived in Washington, D.C. in January 1879 and met with President Rutherford B. Hayes and Congress. The real Chief Joseph was 38 years-old at the time of the visit and not the old man portrayed in the episode.

The final episode of season 10, episode 36, "He Who Steals", was the last John Meston script for the series.

Production design
New sets were designed in season 10. Episode 3, "Old Man", is the first time a trial is shown in an actual courtroom and not the Long Branch or Dodge House.

Broadcast
Season ten aired Saturdays at 10:00-11:00 pm (EST) on CBS.

Home media
The tenth season was released on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment in a two volume set on August 12, 2014.

Reception
Gunsmoke season 10 finished at number 27 in the Nielsen ratings.