Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke) (whose "supposed" origins figured in the very first episode of the radio series), and he often referred to Wild Bill Hickok as being a close personal friend. In the television version (which ran from 1955 until 1975), and subsequent TV-movies (1987 to 1994), Matt was portrayed by James Arness. Since most of the early television episodes were based on stories and scripts from the radio version, Arness's initial interpretation and portrayal was similar to William Conrad's. However, as the television version continued, Arness's Marshal Matt Dillon evolved in a number of ways. In the television version, Dillon became more resigned
Gunsmoke was backed on that Capitol record by Rex Koury and the radio "Gunsmoke" orchestra. William Lava composed the original theme music for television, as noted in the program credits. Other notable composers included: The "Gunsmoke" brand was used to endorse numerous products, from cottage cheese to cigarettes. Lowell Toy Manufacturing Corporation ("It's a Lowell Game") issued "Gunsmoke" as their game No. 822. Other products include "Gunsmoke" puzzles, In 1985, Capcom released a video game for the arcade (and its corresponding game for the NES in 1988) with a Western theme, called "Gun.Smoke". Other than the Western theme, the show and