This first episode (there is no pilot, as the radio show was presumably the "pilot" *) only hints at would a fine series "Gunsmoke" would become.
It suffers from uncomfortable performances and clunky direction. Though part of this is doubtless due to simple unfamiliarity, a good part has to be due to the script, which sounds like a more or less direct transcription of a radio script. (John Meston is given story credit.)
There are some unintentionally risible lines. When Grat challenges the sheriff sent to get him, he says "If you want me You come take me.", then "Closer'n that, sheriff, a lot closer If ya want me." Perhaps what Grat really wants is a date for the next bull dance.
James Arness is remarkably youthful. He looks enough like the comic-book character that he'd have made an excellent Superman. (Note the forelock.) Of course, the point of this episode is to reveal that Matt is not invincible -- which is frankly remarkable, and the thing that makes this episode such a standout.
The music is generally superior to what would come later, with one lapse in taste -- as Chester rides up, we hear a bit of "Turkey in the Straw", to remind us that Chester is a hick. No music credit is given, so the score was probably assembled from existing cues.
For all its minor failings, you'd be hard-pressed to find another 1955 TV oater of this quality.
PS: In the opening scene, as Matt walks through the graveyard, you can see one of the cardboard headstones flapping in the breeze.
* Actually, there is a pilot. It was shown about halfway through the first season. It is, oddly, better-acted and directed, and has distinctly different cinematography.
It suffers from uncomfortable performances and clunky direction. Though part of this is doubtless due to simple unfamiliarity, a good part has to be due to the script, which sounds like a more or less direct transcription of a radio script. (John Meston is given story credit.)
There are some unintentionally risible lines. When Grat challenges the sheriff sent to get him, he says "If you want me You come take me.", then "Closer'n that, sheriff, a lot closer If ya want me." Perhaps what Grat really wants is a date for the next bull dance.
James Arness is remarkably youthful. He looks enough like the comic-book character that he'd have made an excellent Superman. (Note the forelock.) Of course, the point of this episode is to reveal that Matt is not invincible -- which is frankly remarkable, and the thing that makes this episode such a standout.
The music is generally superior to what would come later, with one lapse in taste -- as Chester rides up, we hear a bit of "Turkey in the Straw", to remind us that Chester is a hick. No music credit is given, so the score was probably assembled from existing cues.
For all its minor failings, you'd be hard-pressed to find another 1955 TV oater of this quality.
PS: In the opening scene, as Matt walks through the graveyard, you can see one of the cardboard headstones flapping in the breeze.
* Actually, there is a pilot. It was shown about halfway through the first season. It is, oddly, better-acted and directed, and has distinctly different cinematography.