Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice

I was born in 1950 so I literally grew up with Gunsmoke. Having seen every episode at least once I felt like I knew Matt Dillon better than most of my family members. In this film Matt Dillon is Matt Dillon. A little older and without the badge but still the same man. The writers didn't try to change his character at all. ( Of course Arness wouldn't have allowed it if they tried) If you liked the TV series at all you'll like this movie. If you're a fan like me you'll LOVE it. Marshal Matt Dillon... They don't make 'me like that any more.

As a small boy in the 50's I looked forward to each Saturday night, when I got to stay up late, sit on my dad's lap as we watched Gunsmoke.

For the next 20 years from the 30-minute to the 60-minute episodes, from Black and White to Color - this was a mainstay in the house.

For this 2-hour stand alone episode, it is pleasant to re-visit the world of Gunsmoke and Matt Dillon.

It's amazing there's only one review of James Arness's last western outing. I guess it shows how far the TV western, not to mention the feature version, has sunk since the horse opera's heyday in the late '50s and early '60s. I'm making it two!

I won't 'spoil' the story. I'll just say that Mr Arness was looking a little creaky by '94 - not that it matters, of course. There's still a flavor of the indelible character and he seems to be enjoying himself. He said how annoyed he was that the studio didn't let the TV saga wind down with a final, goodbye episode. If it had, I guess one-offs like this would have looked foolish.

As it is, enjoy it for what it is - a last hurrah for one of TV's great characters, Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge.

I guess I am partial to anything starring Mr. James Arness, as to the 'Gunsmoke TV Series' it does take some adjustment to delete those Episodes from your mind and focus on the 4 TV made movies. But I did enjoy this movie very much and would rate it a '10' as with the other 3 movies. It did take awhile to find this VHS of "One Mans Justice" but the wait was worth the effort it took to find it. It looked as if it may have been filmed in 'Old Tuscon' and had some beautiful scenery. I would rate this movie as a 'Must' for true "Gunsmoke & Matt Dillon" fans. The role Mr. Bruce Boxlietner played in the movie was very well and made the movie more enjoyable; with his superb acting. Of course what more can be said of Mr. James Arness, but Fantastic.

The most significant fact of this made-for-TV movie is that it is the final time that James Arness portrayed Matt Dillon. It is also his final original production work. He was featured in a compilation effort a few years later, but this is truly his last original work.

As swan songs go, this is a quality movie effort. The script was tight and interesting, invoking plot twists that keep the audience interested throughout the effort.

There is no dedication in this movie, and as Arness was the executive producer, it stands to reason he wouldn't have offered any to himself, but in truth, this movie should be dedicated to him. Arness started the TV role of Matt Dillon in 1955 and this movie was produced in 1994.

Regardless of how one measures his work, by episode count, years running, and decades worked, what Arness did as Matt Dillon has no equals. The stats are stunning: 635 TV series episodes (all staring Dillon and all featuring his acting presence), Arness and Milburn Stone as Doc ran for over 20 straight years, plus another five made-for-TV movies that continued the series well into its fifth decade! In terms of relevance, societal impact, and timeless quality, there has been nothing that can approach Gunsmoke, and likely there never will be!

In this coda, Arness is over seventy years of age, and yet, he's still riding a horse at full gallop and looks every bit the part of an older cattle rancher, which he is. While there are minor references to his past life as US Marshal, the truth is this movie makes it clear that Matt Dillon has moved on from his days as a lawman in Dodge City.

It's a nice break, as there was no room for romantic flashbacks. And yet, the same sense of morality and duty that characterized Dillon remains vivid in this effort. Bruce Boxleitner turns in an excellent supporting role, offering intrigue and well turned plot twists.

There are many other quality performances that are often stark and realistic. This is a fine movie on its own, but in terms of what it brought to a close, ranks as must watch entertainment.