Stories

By John McGran There was no CGI or AI when the opening credits of Gunsmoke unspooled for the first time on Sept. 10, 1955. The breathtaking 15-second opening sequence that features U.S. Marshall Matt Dillon racing across…

By John McGran Norma Jeane Mortenson was born June 1, 1926 in Los Angeles A studio executive is credited with suggesting she take the name Marilyn Monroe The 23 films in which she appeared grossed…

By John McGran John Wayne was 41 and on the cusp of big-screen greatness when he saddled up as U.S. cavalry officer Captain Nathan Brittles for the 1949 John Ford Western classic She Wore a Yellow…

Iconic cowboy actor John Wayne is fondly remembered for speaking some of the all-time favorite movie lines and for calling folks “Pilgrims.” But how often did he actually say the word?

Festus Haggen may have arrived in Dodge City as a replacement character for the departing Chester Goode, but he left fans with plenty of fond memories as Marshall Dillon’s deputy sheriff.

By John McGran Key Takeaways The question remains more than 60 years later Goode limped into retirement with a throwaway line There would never be an official explanation Americans love conspiracy theories and plot twists.…

By John McGran   The California Gold Rush of 1849 reshaped a nation, sparked amazing innovation and triggered frenzy like none seen before or since. Fueled by gold fever, thousands upon thousands of Americans—and waves…

By John McGran Key Takeaways Gunsmoke leans heavily on its unforgettable and relatable characters The Big Valley remains a big hit 55 years and 112 episodes after its last airing Laramie is a roller-coaster ride of adventure from…

John Wayne and Clint Eastwood held differing opinions of the values, traditions and heroes of the Old West. A major rift arose when Eastwood expressed his opinions on the big screen.

By John McGran Key Takeaways A trusty steed was a cowboy’s most important accessory A breakdown of Bonanza’s four-legged co-stars When Bonanza was cancelled, Lorne Greene bought Buck A horse is a horse, of course,…

Rivalries that pit one brother against another—or one suitor against another—attract unrivaled attention from fans of the Old West. Whose side are you on?

By John McGran  Key Takeaways It was the second Western TV series written for adults Gunsmoke was a top 10 most-watched program for 13 seasons Storylines often went beyond the simple good vs. evil narratives…

By John McGran An unsung hero of the Old West is transporting much-needed supplies to North Carolina residents trapped in mountainous terrain following the apocalyptic devastation of Hurricane Helene. Emergency workers and Good Samaritan groups…