Some may call it charm, some call it overconfidence.
“Gunsmoke” would have been a completely different television series if Milburn Stone had not played Doc Adams. However, circumstances almost led to a universe where the show was adapted without his participation.
Stone stood his ground with Gunsmoke’s decision-makers regarding the contract, requesting a condition they deemed ridiculous. Charles Marquis Warren adapted the “Gunsmoke” radio program into a television series. Still, Stone had previously had a terrible experience working with him on a feature film–likely Arrowhead in 1953.
The actor was asked to perform a test for Doc, but he initially refused when he learned that Warren would be involved. Nonetheless, he eventually consented to give it a try. Stone and Warren promptly argued about the wardrobe during the audition until the actor could no longer take it.
“Look, this is my exam and will be my attire. I am aware of my opponent,'” Stone replied. “He stated, ‘Well, you’re portraying an Eastern physician.'” I responded, ‘Not the Doc, I see.’ I will perform what I observe.'”
The actor was a perfect fit for the role, but Stone revealed that the “Gunsmoke” producers wanted him desperately, but he would make them work for it. Even though he desperately desired the role, he wanted to ensure he wouldn’t be taken advantage of.
Therefore, he rejected every offer until the terms were satisfactory. Then, he demanded an indefinite residual contract that he was unwilling to compromise on. Stone stated, “It finally reached a point where the terms were just fantastic. Everything’s fine, except I wanted an indefinite residual contract. The amount was negotiable, but I wanted to be compensated for every episode of Gunsmoke ever broadcast, no matter where or when.”
Stone continued: “Finally, Phil Feldman, CBS’s head of business affairs, called me and said, ‘Now about this ridiculous attitude you have regarding your residuals.’ I asked, ‘What’s so absurd about it? I see my deceased friends laboring on television every night while their families starve. This will not occur to me. I absolutely refuse to do it any other way.'”
The actor was trembling because he didn’t want to lose the role but also wanted to ensure he received his contractual demands. Then, 20 minutes later, he received a call informing him that they had agreed to sign the contract.
Stone has invested a great deal of effort into “Gunsmoke” over the years as he played Doc for all 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975, making him, alongside James Arness, the only actor to remain with the program throughout its entire run. In 1971, Stone’s heart surgery prevented him from starring in only seven episodes.
With an outstanding ensemble cast, “Gunsmoke” remains one of the most legendary television series ever. The original cast included Arness, Stone, Amanda Blake, and Dennis Weaver, but new actors have joined the cast over time.
Burt Reynolds, Ken Curtis, Roger Ewing, and Buck Taylor have also become iconic figures for the program. However, fans will always have a particular affinity for the original cast.