John Wayne's 1955 Gunsmoke TV Debut Promo

In 1955 when Gunsmoke debuted on television they turned to John Wayne for a one-minute promo spot to give the show credibility. When Wayne heard that the television version of Gunsmoke wouldn't be using William Conrad—radio's Matt Dillon—in the lead. He suggested James Arness. Arness was a friend and protégé of Wayne's, having co-starred with him in Big Jim McLain, Hondo, Island in the Sky, and The Sea Chase, and starred in Gun the Man Down for Wayne's company. CBS asked Wayne to do a TV promo in order to give Arness the proverbial rub. Wayne was happy to oblige.