This was a true American series--no angst, no navel-gazing, no politically correct revisionism. We had the righteous marshal dishing out justice to a gaggle of baddies and interacting with his many interesting friends.

i used to watch this with my grandparents . even as a kid i always liked the festus character

I think this was the longest running prime time program in television history. There is nobody that could have played Marshal Matt Dillon better than James Arness. He was so good, I thought he was going to fill in for John Wayne, after his death. But I guess Clint Eastwood took care of that.

Everything about this show was remarkable, from the tough but fair Marshall , played by James Arness to the blacksmith Quint played by Burt Reynolds. We felt akin to Chester and lughed with Festus hagen, while enjoying the atmosphere of the Long Branch with its' owner Kitty. This was a western BUT it was also family tv.

I love Matt Dillon and Festus.This was and still is a great show.