James Arness: An Autobiography [Large Print] | ![James Arness: An Autobiography [Large Print]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61SmunZnBeL._SL160_.jpg)
 enlarge | Authors: James Arness, James E. Wise
Publisher: McFarland
Category: Book
List Price: $39.95
Buy New: $35.95
You Save: $4.00 (10%)
New (15) Used (4) from $35.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 674720
Format: Large Print
Media: Paperback
Edition: Large Print
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 344
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.3
Dimensions (in): 9.8 x 6.9 x 1
ISBN: 0786433167
Dewey Decimal Number: 791.45028092
EAN: 9780786433162
ASIN: 0786433167
Publication Date: April 3, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
James Arness was born May 26, 1923, in Minneapolis. He entered college just as World War II began and dreamed of being a naval aviator. It seemed as if every night his fraternity was having a party to send off a brother to the service. Young Arness got his interview with a naval flight program officer, but his hopes vanished as he was 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 eighteen months recovering in overseas and stateside hospitals.
Later his height would help him strike a commanding figure in the role of U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon of Dodge City. After Arness had toiled in Hollywood for a decade, John Wayne recommended him to CBS executives for the Gunsmoke part (after Wayne turned it down). As the principal performer of Gunsmoke for twenty years (1955-1975), the actor and the character took on mythic proportions--a born leader, honest and strong. Rare is the actor who has been cast in a role that so deeply fits his true self.
James Arness gives a full account of his early years, his family, his military career, his film work in Hollywood which included appearances in the cult-favorite science fiction movies Them! and The Thing. He had a long run on Gunsmoke, a role in the highly popular television miniseries How The West Was Won, and his post-theatrical period is also covered.
This is the long anticipated, never-before-told account of one of the icons of twentieth-century television. There are many personal revelations of interacting with some of the Gunsmoke family ensemble, such as Miss Kitty, Doc and Festus. His own work as a producer is covered. Throughout are rare, previously unpublished photographs from the author's personal collection. Appendices include comments by show biz colleagues and fellow Gunsmoke alumni, and a sampling of letters received from his legions of fans. As befits the man, this large-size book is a beautifully printed work in accord with the highest library standards--a luxurious and extra-strong cloth binding, acid-free paper, carefully designed photographic and textual layouts and sophisticated typography. Actor and fellow Gunsmoke performer Burt Reynolds has written a foreword to the book.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 Tommy Garrett, Canyon News Editor Raves About Mr. Arness and his book May 18, 2008
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!"
Don't read this book if you're looking for Hollywood dirt... June 1, 2007
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This was not the most detailed autobiography I've ever read, but that in itself seems to be very telling about the man. The book, like Matt Dillon and ultimately like James Arness, was short on words and didn't say anything unkind about anyone. We could use more Hollywood role models like this one!
Buy it PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED for same price at the Museum... February 8, 2007
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I was given this book as a gift and like it. However, on 2/8/07 I discovered the "Museum Of The American West" (at Autry National Center, Los Angeles CA) has a website where you can Special Order this identical book --personally dedicated to you and signed by 'Matt Dillon' himself!-- for the same price ($39.95). Just go to their web page and type JAMES ARNESS in the search box. It'll lead you to the right page (listing is under 'Feature Items', not 'Books'), where you can enter your personalization info and pay online. Lacking an autograph, this book here ought to sell for less.
Best account of WWII landing I've read August 17, 2005
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
What an interesting life James Arness has had. His account of his experience landing at Anzio in 1944 was the best account I've seen or heard because he was a private and first out expecting not to survive. His experiences during training and up to when he was wounded were so interesting. and his care afterword also. Being a lifelong Gunsmoke fan I found this book full of exciting, interesting facts and had to re-read it immediately as the first time I was up all night reading it and was tired and thought I might have missed some facts. The second reading was even better. Mr Arness's book could have been two or three times as long. I feel he could add lots more.
Maybe he'll write a sequel. I'd buy it in an instant.
Thoughtful Portrait of a Private Man August 3, 2004
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
As a longtime fan of James Arness, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've had a crush on him since I played with Barbie dolls and Silly Putty, and his book gave me the opportunity to learn more about this grateful, humble, private man. I would have enjoyed a little more about his Gunsmoke years, though. Especially since he's said to be such a cut-up and prankster. But his autobiography is filled with nice photos, fan letters and lots of special memories. I was also pleasantly surprised that he'd saved so many gifts and mementos sent to him by fans. It's gratifying to know that this big man--a hero to so many--is also very real and sentimental. I look forward to his next book.
|
|
|
