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(ᵯ) James Arness Filmography (ᵯ)
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9.1
0
James King Arness(May 26, 1923 – June 3, 2011) was an American actor, best known for portraying Marshal Matt Dillon in the television series Gunsmoke for 20 years. Arness has the distinction of having played the role of Dillon in five separate decades: 1955 to 1975 in the weekly series, then in Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge (1987) and four more made-for-TV Gunsmoke movies in the 1990s. In Europe Arness reached cult status for his role as Zeb Macahan in the western series How the West Was Won. His younger brother was actor Peter Graves.
EarlySparker's rating:
7.3
7.2
The Farmer's Daughter (1947)
as Peter Holstrom (Katie Holstrom (Loretta Young)'s brother)
The Farmer's Daughter is a 1947 movie that tells the story of a farmgirl who ends up working as a maid for a Congressman and his politically powerful mother.
The Farmer's Daughter is a 1947 movie that tells the story of a farmgirl who ends up working as a maid for a Congressman and his politically powerful mother.
8.5
6.2
as Ray
A paroled convict who bears a striking resemblance to the local D.A. is hired by the mob to impersonate him while the real D.A. is kidnapped and held captive at a secret location.
A paroled convict who bears a striking resemblance to the local D.A. is hired by the mob to impersonate him while the real D.A. is kidnapped and held captive at a secret location.
7.6
7.5
Battleground (1949) (1950)
as Garby
Battleground is a 1949 American war film that follows a company in the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division as they cope with the Siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
Battleground is a 1949 American war film that follows a company in the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division as they cope with the Siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
7
7.1
Wagon Master (1950)
as Floyd Clegg
Wagon Master is a 1950 Western film about a Mormon pioneer wagon train to the San Juan River in Utah.
Wagon Master is a 1950 Western film about a Mormon pioneer wagon train to the San Juan River in Utah.
7.5
4.4
Two Lost Worlds (1951)
as Kirk Hamilton
Two Lost Worlds (1950) is a science fiction/adventure film, presenting James Arness in his first starring role (his last name is still spelled "Aurness" in the credits)
Two Lost Worlds (1950) is a science fiction/adventure film, presenting James Arness in his first starring role (his last name is still spelled "Aurness" in the credits)
6
6.8
Sierra (1950)
as Little Sam
Sierra is a 1950 Western film starring Audie Murphy. It is a remake of Forbidden Valley (1938). Tony Curtis and James Arness have small roles.
Sierra is a 1950 Western film starring Audie Murphy. It is a remake of Forbidden Valley (1938). Tony Curtis and James Arness have small roles.
8.5
6.1
Wyoming Mail (1950)
as Russell
In 1869, when the railroad mail service is threatened by frequent bandit attacks, the government hires Steve Davis to infiltrate a gang in order to destroy it from inside.
In 1869, when the railroad mail service is threatened by frequent bandit attacks, the government hires Steve Davis to infiltrate a gang in order to destroy it from inside.
8
6.5
Iron Man (1951)
as Alex Mallick
An ambitious coal miner is talked into becoming a boxer by his gambler brother.
An ambitious coal miner is talked into becoming a boxer by his gambler brother.
The Thing from Another World (often referred to as The Thing prior to its 1982 remake) is a 1951 American black-and-white science fiction/horror film
James Arness played The Thing, but he is difficult to recognize in costume and makeup, due to both low lighting and other effects used to obscure his features.
James Arness played The Thing, but he is difficult to recognize in costume and makeup, due to both low lighting and other effects used to obscure his features.
7
6
Cavalry Scout (1951)
as Barth
Kirby Frye, a former Confederate officer but now a Union Cavalry scout, is sent into Montana territory to locate and retrieve three Gatling Guns stolen from the U.S. Arsenal by outlaws believed to have taken them west to sell to the Soiux and Cheyenne. The trail leads him to Red Bluff where, aided by Claire Corville, he and the audience discover together and real quick like that Martin Gavin, a supposedly-honest operator of a freight line, has the guns and intends to exchange them to the Indians for furs.
Kirby Frye, a former Confederate officer but now a Union Cavalry scout, is sent into Montana territory to locate and retrieve three Gatling Guns stolen from the U.S. Arsenal by outlaws believed to have taken them west to sell to the Soiux and Cheyenne. The trail leads him to Red Bluff where, aided by Claire Corville, he and the audience discover together and real quick like that Martin Gavin, a supposedly-honest operator of a freight line, has the guns and intends to exchange them to the Indians for furs.
6.3
6.8
The People Against O'Hara (1951)
James Curtayne (Tracy) has retired from law, but he returns to defend John O'Hara (Arness) on a murder charge. Curtayne's drinking and rustiness result in O'Hara being found guilty, but Curtayne makes further efforts to prove him innocent.
4.5
5.2
Big Jim McLain (1952)
Big Jim McLain is a 1952 political thriller film starring John Wayne and James Arness as HUAC investigators hunting down communists in the post-war Hawaii organized labor scene.
8.5
6.6
The Girl in White (1952)
as Matt
The Girl in White is a 1952 film drama directed by John Sturges. It is based on the memoirs of the pioneering female surgeon Emily Dunning Barringer.
The Girl in White is a 1952 film drama directed by John Sturges. It is based on the memoirs of the pioneering female surgeon Emily Dunning Barringer.
6.5
6.5
Hellgate (1952)
as George Redfield
Hellgate Prison is an aptly named facility in the desert where the worst criminals are sent. Hanley, a veterinarian and former Civil War soldier, is falsely accused and convicted of a crime. He is sentenced to this hellish place.
He immediately gets on the wrong side of Voorhees, a vicious guard, and Redfield, a mean convict. Hanley will need to fight his way out, particularly when the prisoners are afflicted with an epidemic of a spreading plague.
Hellgate Prison is an aptly named facility in the desert where the worst criminals are sent. Hanley, a veterinarian and former Civil War soldier, is falsely accused and convicted of a crime. He is sentenced to this hellish place.
He immediately gets on the wrong side of Voorhees, a vicious guard, and Redfield, a mean convict. Hanley will need to fight his way out, particularly when the prisoners are afflicted with an epidemic of a spreading plague.
7.5
6.2
Horizons West (1952)
as Tiny McGilligan
Dan Hammond returns to Texas after the war, as does brother Neil, who simply wants to run a small ranch. Dan's ambition is to build an empire the way ruthless Cord Hardin has.
Hardin's wife, Lorna, begins to have romantic designs on Dan as he becomes a powerful figure, rustling horses and buying up land. Dan is making many enemies, too, and when Neil becomes a lawman in Austin, a showdown between the brothers is inevitable.
Dan Hammond returns to Texas after the war, as does brother Neil, who simply wants to run a small ranch. Dan's ambition is to build an empire the way ruthless Cord Hardin has.
Hardin's wife, Lorna, begins to have romantic designs on Dan as he becomes a powerful figure, rustling horses and buying up land. Dan is making many enemies, too, and when Neil becomes a lawman in Austin, a showdown between the brothers is inevitable.
7.1
0
as Leon Williams
The film follows the life of David Marshall Williams (James Stewart), who was a member of the Winchester team that invented the semi-automatic M1 Carbine used in World War II. Williams was found distilling illegal moonshine, and was held responsible for the death of a federal officer during a raid on his still. He was sentenced to thirty years hard labor. He cycled through the prison system, until a firm, but compassionate warden, H.T. Peoples (Wendell Corey) allowed him to work in a prison tool shop. There he invented the gas system for his famous rifle, and eventually was released from prison in 1929 and worked with Winchester Firearms on development of the M1 Carbine.
The film follows the life of David Marshall Williams (James Stewart), who was a member of the Winchester team that invented the semi-automatic M1 Carbine used in World War II. Williams was found distilling illegal moonshine, and was held responsible for the death of a federal officer during a raid on his still. He was sentenced to thirty years hard labor. He cycled through the prison system, until a firm, but compassionate warden, H.T. Peoples (Wendell Corey) allowed him to work in a prison tool shop. There he invented the gas system for his famous rifle, and eventually was released from prison in 1929 and worked with Winchester Firearms on development of the M1 Carbine.
6.3
6.6
The Lone Hand (1953)
James Arness as Gus Varden
In 1870, widowed farmer Zachary Hallock secretly joins a group of outlaws as a solution to his money problems.
In 1870, widowed farmer Zachary Hallock secretly joins a group of outlaws as a solution to his money problems.
6.4
6.9
Island in the Sky (1953)
James Arness as Mac McMullan, pilot
A C-47 transport plane, named the Corsair, makes a forced landing in the frozen wastes of Labrador, and the plane's pilot, Captain Dooley, must keep his men alive in deadly conditions while waiting for rescue.
A C-47 transport plane, named the Corsair, makes a forced landing in the frozen wastes of Labrador, and the plane's pilot, Captain Dooley, must keep his men alive in deadly conditions while waiting for rescue.
10
0
as Targut
Antar is sent by Suleiman, head of the Ottoman Empire, to Bagdad to prevent Hammam, Pasha of Bagdad, from purchasing the services of local leader Mustapha to unite the hill tribes and overthrow the emperor. The intrigue mounts as Antar falls in love with dancer Selima, who tries to avenge her father's death against Hammam's right-hand-man Kasseim, whose wife Rosanna has fallen in love with Antar!
Antar is sent by Suleiman, head of the Ottoman Empire, to Bagdad to prevent Hammam, Pasha of Bagdad, from purchasing the services of local leader Mustapha to unite the hill tribes and overthrow the emperor. The intrigue mounts as Antar falls in love with dancer Selima, who tries to avenge her father's death against Hammam's right-hand-man Kasseim, whose wife Rosanna has fallen in love with Antar!
7.3
7
Hondo (1953)
James Arness as Lennie – Army Indian Scout
Army despatch rider Hondo Lane discovers a woman and her son living in the midst of warring Apaches, and he becomes their protector.
Army despatch rider Hondo Lane discovers a woman and her son living in the midst of warring Apaches, and he becomes their protector.
7.3
7.2
Them! (1954)
James Arness as FBI Agent Robert Graham
The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization.
The earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization.
9
6.4
Her Twelve Men (1954)
James Arness as Ralph Munsey
Jan Stewart, a new teacher at The Oaks, a boys' boarding school, becomes instructor and mother-figure to a class of twelve. She must overcome the disapproval of Joe Hargrave, head of the lower school, who has misgivings about Jan's inexperience.
Jan Stewart, a new teacher at The Oaks, a boys' boarding school, becomes instructor and mother-figure to a class of twelve. She must overcome the disapproval of Joe Hargrave, head of the lower school, who has misgivings about Jan's inexperience.
James Arness as Esau Hamilton
Robert Taylor and Eleanor Parker star as a Kentucky backwoodsman and the woman who will NOT let anything interfere with her plans to marry him in this humorous romantic adventure through the American Frontier of 1798.
Robert Taylor and Eleanor Parker star as a Kentucky backwoodsman and the woman who will NOT let anything interfere with her plans to marry him in this humorous romantic adventure through the American Frontier of 1798.
5.9
6.4
The Sea Chase (1955)
James Arness as Schlieter
As World War II begins, German freighter captain Karl Ehrlich tries to get his ship back to Germany through a gauntlet of Allied warships.
As World War II begins, German freighter captain Karl Ehrlich tries to get his ship back to Germany through a gauntlet of Allied warships.
7.4
6.3
Gun the Man Down (1956)
as Rem Anderson
Three outlaw buddies rob a bank, but one of them is wounded. His two partners and his girlfriend take his share of the loot and run off, leaving him to be captured by the sheriff. Years later, after he gets out of prison, he goes in search of his double-crossing partners and his faithless girlfriend. He finds them in a semi-deserted, run-down town, but instead of killing them right away, he decides to play cat-and-mouse with them first.
Three outlaw buddies rob a bank, but one of them is wounded. His two partners and his girlfriend take his share of the loot and run off, leaving him to be captured by the sheriff. Years later, after he gets out of prison, he goes in search of his double-crossing partners and his faithless girlfriend. He finds them in a semi-deserted, run-down town, but instead of killing them right away, he decides to play cat-and-mouse with them first.
6.7
6.5
Flame of the Islands (1956)
James Arness as Rev. Kelly Rand
The story of a café singer who buys a gambling casino and the men who fall in love with her.
The story of a café singer who buys a gambling casino and the men who fall in love with her.
5
5.4
James Arness as Joel Kingdom
At the turn of the century Rose and ex-showbiz friend Molly get involved in selling steel. When they come unstuck with corsets they embark on the even more hazardous project of selling barbed wire to highly suspicious Texas cowboys.
At the turn of the century Rose and ex-showbiz friend Molly get involved in selling steel. When they come unstuck with corsets they embark on the even more hazardous project of selling barbed wire to highly suspicious Texas cowboys.
as Zeb Macahan
Zeb Macahan, a pioneering westerner, help's move his brother's family to the wild west. They run into several obstacles including the breakout of the Civil War. This sends the father back to fight in the war and leaves the family to move on ahead.
Zeb Macahan, a pioneering westerner, help's move his brother's family to the wild west. They run into several obstacles including the breakout of the Civil War. This sends the father back to fight in the war and leaves the family to move on ahead.
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is the first TV-movie based on the 20-year (1955-1975) television version of Gunsmoke starring James Arness. Although it is supposed to be set in the wilds of Kansas it was filmed in Alberta, Canada
EarlySparker's rating:
8.3
6.1
James Arness as Jim Bowie
Against orders and with no help of relief Texas patriots led by William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett defend the Alamo against overwhelming Mexican forces.
Against orders and with no help of relief Texas patriots led by William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett defend the Alamo against overwhelming Mexican forces.
10
6.2
as Thomas Dunson
A remake of the 1948 movie of the same name. Arness portrays a rancher at odds with his son.
A remake of the 1948 movie of the same name. Arness portrays a rancher at odds with his son.
James Arness rides again as Matt Dillon, the US Marshal he made popular in the 1955-75 TV series. In this movie he goes after a renegade Apache named Wolf (Joe Lara) who has taken his daughter captive. As a bargaining chip, Dillon helps two sons of Apache chief Geronimo out of the fort stockade and offers them in trade. Dillon is aided by an Army scout, Chalk Brighton (Kiley).
EarlySparker's rating:
Retired marshal Matt Dillon tracks Arizona rustlers and lands in the middle of the 1880s Pleasant Valley War.
EarlySparker's rating:
7.8
7.4
Retired marshal Matt Dillon must clear his name after a lying witness makes him wanted: dead or alive.
EarlySparker's rating:
5
7
Gunsmoke: One Man's Justice (1994)
Retired marshal Dillon goes after a 15 year old boy who is determined to kill the men responsible for the murder of his mother during a stagecoach robbery.
EarlySparker's rating:
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