Gunsmoke: The Long Ride

Not the Matt Dillon of 1955 - 1975. There is no Dodge City in these movies with the exception of the first "Return to Dodge". No Festus, no Chester, no Mrs. Kitty, No Doc Adams. After James Arness left Gunsmoke in 1975 he went on to later do a series called "How The West Was Won" then an aging Arness (64 years old when he did the first movie) returned to the iconic role that made him famous. In this the fourth movie of five, Arness was around 70 years old. He was clearly too old for the part, but pulled it off nicely anyway. The movies take Matt in a different direction of of Dodge and onto a ranch, they give him a daughter he never knew he had. By this movie they are well acquainted. Arness is accused a of a murder he did not commit, and must prove his innocence. The movie is standard fare for Gunsmoke fans for the most part. Gritty and somewhat realistic as was the series in later years. James Brolin costars along with Ali McGraw. Arness was a great actor from a time that has come and gone. He had luck of being the star of a series that lasted for 20 years on television in this same iconic role. But,he is not the same Matt Dillon that we knew and loved from those days. He's older, wiser, and learned from experience over the years. He's, as he says "Sick of the killing!" I can understand why they held back these last two movies, I gave it 5 stars because it is Matt Dillon, but, Arness is just too old for the part here, and for years we only had the first three movies of the five available. I am glad however, to own these last two on DVD finally. But, I would have waited for them to come down so that I could pay less if I had known that Arness was just that far past due.If you are a Gunsmoke fan like me, you will want to buy these dvds. If not, wait, I am certain they will come down in price at some point. Or come out as a muti-pack.

I think I have already reviewed this but I have to check to see if I have it first. Yes I have seen it and anyone who likes James Arness will like this movie. No one can question his acting ability which he proved with Gunsmoke the longest running show on TV ..20 years. All his other works are the same and he never deviates from being very good. Thankful we have his works to enjoy with his passing too soon. I recently read a book about him purchased from Amazon and it was so nice knowing of his life as a lad in Montana, serving his country ifonly briefly and his great acting career. Do not even hesitate to obtain THE LONG RIDE as it is worth it.

I decided a few years ago I was going to take it upon myself to watch every episode and movie. Im 57 so this was a tad before my time (the show) but Ive gotten into them and watch at least an episode a day. Finally broke down and bought season 8 also. The movie is great! Anything James Arness is great!!

Terrific stuff, with two of my very favorite actors as the main characters. Westerns are the best. I prefer the older ones because the new ones just don't have the same feel. Hard to replace a guy like James Arness and I suspect hollyweird will find that out really quick.

I do like James Arness. Got this as a Christmas gift for someone.

Can't blame them for wanting to bring Matt Dillon back! And James Arness does a good job though obviously can't move like he used to. I thought there's be more "old guys are still tough" and the script could have been done better. But hey, it's a TV movie - not 35mm big screen. Not as good as Big Jake for a reference of old guys in film. Not in my top 25 westerns, but I've 200 on DVD and it'll fit in my collection.

Great movie quick service. Entertainment

James Arness will forever hold a special place in my heart ❤️ we need more men like him in this world 😘❤️❤️❤️❤️