Stories

By Reagan Johnson The Western genre has gifted audiences unforgettable female characters who brought their own unique flair to the frontier. From television to the silver screen and beyond, many leading ladies have left their…

By Reagan Johnson Sam Elliott’s deep, resonant voice and rugged good looks have made him a Western icon. But towering over it all is another unmistakable feature: his height. You may be wondering, just how…

Key Takeaways Always focus on one particular mission There must be a general understanding of history Why we stop short of saying there are nine ingredients What are the key ingredients for making a great…

Gene Hackman Passes Away At 95 Gene Hackman was widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and versatile actors of his generation. He, along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead on February…

By Darlene Cah Fifty is the new 30 as far as we’re concerned! Because these Westerns are as fresh and exciting as they were when they first hit the big screen in 1975. Posse Bad…

By Reagan Johnson One of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, Kirk Douglas, delivered unforgettable performances in classic films like Spartacus (1960), Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957), and Lust for Life (1956). Given his legendary status, it’s easy to see why many…

By Jay Coffin Key Takeaways: Griffith’s hometown in North Carolina inspired the fictional Mayberry He first gained national attention because of a monologue on football The Andy Griffith Show ran for eight full seasons Andy Samuel Griffith,…

By Reagan Johnson Glenn Ford remains one of the most beloved actors of Hollywood’s Golden Age, thanks to his unforgettable performances in classic Westerns. But was he really the fastest gun in Hollywood? Fans have debated this…

By Sophia Ulmer Set against the backdrop of a harsh yet seductive American West, Louis L’Amour’s collection of addictive, adventure-packed stories provides readers scores of rugged heroes, memorable shoot-outs, and high-stakes show-downs. If you’ve devoured…

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 Darlene Cah Key Takeaways Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe met as co-stars in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes The media tried to create a rivalry between the two women Monroe was painfully shy. Russell was a devout…

By Reagan Johnson In the spirit of Random Acts of Kindness Day on Feb. 17, we turn to the timeless wisdom of the Cowboy Code. Cowboys of the Old West lived by an unwritten set of…

Key Takeaways John Wayne played on two undefeated football teams in high school Burt Reynolds had an outstanding freshman year as a running back at Florida State Clint Walker said football is like business—find your…

By Reagan Johnson Cowboys have long been a symbol of the American frontier, but the stories of Black cowboys—who made up a significant portion of cattle drivers and ranch hands in the Old West—are often left…

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 Reagan Johnson Bass Reeves is one of the most remarkable figures of the American West, blazing a trail of justice and breaking barriers that changed the fate of the frontier. Born into slavery in…

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…

By Morgan Newman It’s high noon in Dodge City and an unmasked villain stands firmly in the middle of the town square, ready to draw with U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon. It’s a Western showdown. While…

By Darlene Cah It’s said that the Old West was lawless. A mere glance in a saloon could end up in a gunfight. But deep within the chaos was a glimmer of order—from U.S. marshal…

Set in Stone: Jesse Stone Movies Ranked By Darlene Cah From private investigator, Thomas Magnum, to Jesse Stone, to Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in Blue Bloods, fans love Tom Selleck on the streets and on the…

By Sophia Ulmer Of all the holidays, Christmas evokes the most sensory memories: bells, carols, and lively chatter of fire-warmed gatherings; the rich smells of the kitchen and distinctly festive flavors on the palate; the…

John Wayne was a straight-shooter with words of wisdom as sharp as his aim. As we head into a new year, let’s wrangle some resolutions inspired by the Duke himself—perfect for anyone ready to ride…

To this day, Gunsmoke fans still clamor for their favorite saloon owner and madame. A question that seems to come up often is regarding Miss Kitty’s cause of death in Gunsmoke.

By Amber Holzman Ensure good fortune for all in the New Year with this shareable party appetizer. Warm-out-of-the-oven, this dip incorporates three famously fortuitous ingredients- greens, pork, and black-eyed peas. Ready in under 30 minutes,…

Rock Hudson was the embodiment of a classic American star in the 1950s and 1960s. His charm, good looks and effortless grace on screen captured the hearts of millions. But he led a life of…

Discover how INSP ranks all five Gunsmoke TV movies starring James Arness as Marshal Matt Dillon. From epic showdowns to heartfelt farewells, see which film tops the list.

By Sophia Ulmer Of all the holidays, Christmas evokes the most sensory memories: bells, carols, and lively chatter of fire-warmed gatherings; the rich smells of the kitchen and distinctly festive flavors on the palate; the…