James Arness, Matt Dillon? The names are almost interchangeable. James Arness, however, was a much greater man than his television persona and he’s still very much an iconic almost mythical being not only in Hollywood, but in the minds of almost every young boy who grew up watching his western “Gunsmoke” or any young girl who wanted to marry just that kind of man when she grew up.

James Arness, the ultra private actor, has surprised many by writing his autobiography with the talented writer James E. Wise, Jr. The book’s foreword was written by a onetime Arness costar and a long time fan, the legendary Burt Reynolds. When I recently received this book, it came as a surprise. Not that publishers don’t send them all the time, but for years everyone in the industry wanted to hear the story of Jim Arness. I’ve known another cowboy icon, Clint Walker, for many years and he and Jim are the last of the two great cowboy stars made in Hollywood. But they are also one-of-a-kind men, who are patriotic, honest, strong and loyal. They remind me very much of each other and I know that each man would be honored to be compared to the other.
   James Arness was born May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis. As he was entering college, World War II was beginning and he dreamed of being a naval aviator. Young Arness’s hopes were dashed when informed that his six foot seven inch height disqualified him automatically. He wrote his draft board asking that they call him up as soon as possible and so he ended up as a private in the famed Third Infantry Division where he earned a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Because of his stature, he was chosen to be first off the landing craft (to test the depth of the water) when his division landed at Anzio, Italy. He was subsequently wounded by enemy machine gun fire and spent 18 months recovering overseas in stateside hospitals.
   Mr. Arness gives a full and honest account of his early years, his family, his military career, his film work in Hollywood which included appearances in the cult favorite SCI FI movies “Them!” and “The Thing.” He had a long run on “Gunsmoke,” a role in the highly popular television series “How the West Was Won,” and his post-theatrical period is also covered in great detail.  The book is not dull at any point.  Arness is obviously an exciting but private person.  But every page is full of new information about the iconic star.  Today we have pip squeaks calling themselves stars.  Arness is the real deal.  Not just because of his stature, but because he is a true patriot and a real American hero.
   The long anticipated, never-before-told account of one of the icons of 20th century television is well worth the read.
   Some of Jim’s legendary costars said the following things about him and his work. Edward Asner said, “It was a lovely company to be in. An excellent show, to sit back and let the guests do the kind of situations and problems that would be found in an anthology show: Thus giving it its lasting power.” Beverly Garland said of “Gunsmoke” and Arness, “I felt it was a fine show for the kids, which made it great for the whole family. There was always a sense of family on that show.” And the legendary entertainer Ruta Lee also guest starred on “Gunsmoke” and said of her appearance on the series, “In one episode Matt Dillon was to interrupt my seduction of him by picking me up out of the bed, slinging me down the hall to Miss Kitty. He did so, and in the process slammed my head against the door frame, knocking me out cold. I came to in the arms of the big Jim Arness, frantic with worry- tears in his eyes, asking if I was all right. Not everyone could bring tears to Jim’s eyes. I loved it!”