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Then the famous western
street flashed onto the screen, and we heard for the
first time, what was to become one of the most familiar
of all TV theme’s, written by Rex Roury. And that
street, and that theme would flash on again and again
for a record 20 years and 633 episodes, becoming the
longest-running and most loved American prime-time
drama TV series in history.
John Wayne was
right. James Arness was to become not only a big star,
but as big a legend
in TV as Wayne was in the movies. Both portrayed the
greatest of American heroes. With values, moral and spiritual persistence, and an unwavering loyalty and
uncompromising sense of justice.
Standing by Arness’
side for that almost quarter of a century was Milburn
Stone as Doc Adams (who was the only other actor to
stay with the show for the entire 20 year run). Then
came the unflappable Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty in
a close second for longevity, followed by the comic
relief and humanity of Dennis Weaver as Chester, and
Ken Curtis as Festus, not to mention to wonderful
Buck Taylor as Newly!
And
thanks to creators John Meston
and Norman MacDonnell, along
with literally hundreds of other
writers and directors,
(including another legend, Sam
Peckinpah), Gunsmoke never
become “old hat”. It continually
broke new ground with such
controversial issues as racism,
especially of African Americans
and American Indians, of rape,
of drug and alcohol abuse, of
prejudice towards the
handicapped and mentally
challenged. Calling it “ahead of
its time” is an understatement,
especially when you realize that
“Gunsmoke” came before such
innovative westerns as “High
Noon” and “Shane”.
Through
those years Baron Hats has been
honored to have made hats for this
series. Not only have we made hats
for James Arness, but also for regulars Dennis
Weaver and Buck Taylor. We
have had countless requests for
many of these hats, but the most
requested, naturally, is for the
“main man’s” hat.
It’s a hat that makes a strong,
clean statement with pure lines
and a big-shouldered Mesa-sloped
crown, which will make any man who
wears it feel its weighty importance,
and suddenly become worthy of what
it represents!
Obviously
in its long run, Marshall Dillion's hat took on several
changes. For example, the color of the fur felt became
first a bit lighter and and then darker, and therefore
we wanted to represent the hat that is most identified
with Marshal Dillon. And we all agreed that the "Pecan"
color hat (see photo above) is the most famous and memorable..
so pecan it is!
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You can purchase "The Marshal"
in one payment, or check below for our
special FlexPay three monthly payment
program. There's no fee or interest for
this service.
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