Midlandstorms - Gunsmoke Scripts

All scripts are copied as single-sided pages. They come loose with no holes punched in the paper. If you write fanfic and use the scripts for on-hand reference, or just enjoy the show, this is a wonderful addition to your Lancer collection. You'll love reading them. If you've never read a script, you'll probably be surprised at how much description and direction is given by the writer. Some of the scripts are early versions and differ from the filmed episodes.

All Gunsmoke Scripts are $10 each. See bottom of page for postage fees.

Gunsmoke - These are final drafts, from 1968 to 1970. They are about 60 pages, except for Pike, which is a double episode script and is 97 pages. All are priced $10 each.

Yankton
Written by Jim Byrnes #1615 - 0521, Final draft, November 18, 1971. This script includes a letter to the directors, actors & personnel about making sure that people show the recoil of the guns when they fire. There is also a cast and scene list at the front.

YANKTON- Been homeless as a poker chip most my life. . . and alone . . Time I was lookin' for a good woman.

This episode guest starred James Stacy of Lancer. Yankton is the story of a man who sets his sights on the daughter of a rough-and-tumble, but rich, cattleman near Dodge. Stacy played Yankton as a rogue who didn't mind admitting that he was looking for a landed wife. Unfortunately for Yankton, the father doesn't want his daughter to end up with someone who reminds him of himself. There is a knock-down, drag out fight and some pretty feisty dialog in this script. Like all Gunsmokes, it is quality material all the way.

The Widow and the Rogue
Also known as known as "J.J. Honegger." #1615 - Final draft, March 3, 1973

This episode guest starred James Stacy as a drifter who reluctantly protects an injured Festus as well as an attractive woman and her child.

The first page is a directive from John Mantley, which talks about Gunsmoke's concern with "creating an aura of authenticity in regard to the portrayal of the American West in 1873." Guns of the time had a recoil and some of the actors were not showing that reaction when firing. The actors needed to act as if there was a kick, to "get the feel of the weapon with live ammunition."

Act One: With contained irritation FESTUS sits next to a DRUMMER who smiles almost warmly at J.J. HONEGGER
sitting opposite. Next to J.J. is a WOMAN. (NOTE: Festus and the Drummer wear their hats. J.J. has doffed his in deference to the
woman.)

Right now she is beaming in delight. The reason is J.J. A word on him. He is 30-odd; a rather strongly handsome down-at-the-heels cowpoke. But he has charm that attracts people like bees to flowers. His eyes twinkle when he smiles. The truth is he would smile while he lifted your watch, and if you caught him, you'd think he was being pranksterish. Yes, sir, J.J.is a charmer.

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Mannon
60 page script, from the original Second Revised Final Draft, October 22, 1968

Gunman Will Mannon comes to Dodge, after shooting Festus and taking his mule, to face Matt in a gunfight. Considered one of the top episodes made. MANNON - Broadcast January, 20, 1969. "One of the most menacing villains to walk the dusty boardwalk of Dodge is Mannon (Steve Forrest). Mannon, who used to ride with Quantrill, takes over the town in Matt's absence. He begins his reign of terror by wounding Festus and stealing his mule. When Mannon rides into town, no one can arrest him because he is too fast a gun. Mannon waits in Dodge for Matt to return. He hopes to increase his reputation and to gain respect once he has "Matt Dillon's toes pointing to the clouds."

Festus, having seen Mannon in action, thinks he can do it. While waiting for the showdown, Mannon helps himself to all the comforts of Dodge, free food, drinks and lodging. As a final affront he turns his attention towards Kitty, the only one he has not "shrunk down to size."

MANNON (seemingly sincere) - Didn't know they allowed ladies in a saloon, ma'am.
KITTY - I own the Longbranch.
MANNON (nods) - Figured. But the thought still stands.
KITTY - What thought, Mr. Mannon?
MANNON - I been down in the Nations hide-huntin' two years now, but I was raised respectful 'n I know a lady, ma'am.

Pike - Dirty Sally (double script)
97 pages, Final Draft, November 18,1970.

Sally Fergus, who many in Dodge called "Dirty Sally," finds young wounded outlaw, Cyrus Pike, played by the handsome Dack Rambo, at her home and nurses him back to health. His partners in a robbery are searching for him and their stolen loot. This was the only spin-off from Gunsmoke was Dirty Sally, based on the character Sally Fergus from the two-part episode "Pike" aka "Dirty Sally". Pike I and II aired in 1971. Jeanette Nolan played the role of Sally three times. Sally's mule was named Worthless.

This script reads like a book. It's well-written, as are all Gunsmoke scripts, and has some great dialog from the crusty old woman who takes in the character played by Dack Rambo. I remember watching this episode many years ago, and being pleased that they made it into a series. Dack Rambo was personable and played well against Jeanette Nolan.

POSTAGE COSTS TO US AND CANADA
One Script Postage is $5.00
Two Scripts Postage is $5.00
Add $2.00 per additional script.

POSTAGE COSTS TO EUROPE IS $12.00 for up to 2 scripts.
POSTAGE to Australia and Japan is $16.00 for up to 2 scripts.

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