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On
September 10th, 1955 Television history was made.
Not only was it the premier night for TV’s most legendary
series, but it was the first and only time that the
greatest of all legendary icons introduced a TV show.
For on our TV screens, in glorious black and white
stood John Wayne Himself, in full western regalia.
He spoke directly to the audience: "Good
evening. My name's Wayne. Some of you may have seen
me before. I hope so. I've been kicking around Hollywood
a long time. I've made a lot of pictures out here.
All kinds. Some of them have been westerns and that's
what I'm here to tell you about tonight. A western.
A new television show called "Gunsmoke".
When I first heard about the show "Gunsmoke",
I knew there was only one man to play in it. James
Arness. He's a young fellow, and may be new to some
of you. But I've worked with him and I predict he'll
be a big star. And now I'm proud to present... Gunsmoke."
Then the famous western
street flashed onto the screen, and we heard for the
first time, what was to become one of the most familiar
of all TV theme’s, written by Rex Roury. And that
street, and that theme would flash on again and again
for a record 20 years and 633 episodes, becoming the
longest-running and most loved American prime-time
drama TV series in history. 
John Wayne was
right. James Arness was to become not only a big star,
but as big a legend
in TV as Wayne was in the movies. Both portrayed the
greatest of American heroes. With values, moral and spiritual persistence, and an unwavering loyalty and
uncompromising sense of justice.
Standing by Arness’
side for that almost quarter of a century was Milburn
Stone as Doc Adams (who was the only other actor to
stay with the show for the entire 20 year run). Then
came the unflappable Amanda Blake as Miss Kitty in
a close second for longevity, followed by the comic
relief and humanity of Dennis Weaver as Chester, and
Ken Curtis as Festus, not to mention to wonderful
Buck Taylor as Newly!
And
thanks to creators John Meston
and Norman MacDonnell, along
with literally hundreds of other
writers and directors,
(including another legend, Sam
Peckinpah), Gunsmoke never
become “old hat”. It continually
broke new ground with such
controversial issues as racism,
especially of African Americans
and American Indians, of rape,
of drug and alcohol abuse, of
prejudice towards the
handicapped and mentally
challenged. Calling it “ahead of
its time” is an understatement,
especially when you realize that
“Gunsmoke” came before such
innovative westerns as “High
Noon” and “Shane”.
Through
those years Baron Hats has been
honored to have made hats for this
series. Not only have we made hats
for James Arness, but also for regulars Dennis
Weaver and Buck Taylor. We
have had countless requests for
many of these hats, but the most
requested, naturally, is for the
“main man’s” hat.
Therefore
we were extremely humbled and greatly
honored when Mr. Arness himself
personally endorsed our “Marshal”
hat, and gave us the title of the
Exclusive and Official Hat Maker
for “The Marshal”.
So
in honor of the fifty year anniversary
of “Gunsmoke”, we proudly present
“The Marshal”, inspired by the hat
worn by Arness’ indelible character:
Marshal Matt Dillon.
It’s a hat that makes a strong,
clean statement with pure lines
and a big-shouldered Mesa-sloped
crown, which will make any man who
wears it feel its weighty importance,
and suddenly become worthy of what
it represents!
Obviously
in its long run, Mr. Arness' hat
took on several changes. For example,
the color of the fur felt became
a bit lighter and darker, and therefore
we wanted to represent the hat that
is most identified with Marshal
Dillon. Having consulted with Mr.
Arness we all agreed that the "Pecan"
color hat (see photo above) is the
most famous and memorable.. so pecan
it is!
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