View source for Curtis, Ken 1969-08-00

Ken Curtis reviews important steps in his career along with references to many show business personalities. He discusses facts and feelings about the "Gunsmoke" television series, in which he played Festus Haggen. 

==General Interview Information==

'''Interviewee Name:''' Ken "Festus" Curtis

'''Additional Parties Recorded:'''

'''Date:''' August, 1969

'''Location:''' Lovington, New Mexico

'''Interviewer:''' Charles Townsend

'''Length:''' 40 minutes


==Abstract==

'''Tape 1, Side 1:'''
Starred in "Rhythm on the Range"--post World War II movie,
Recalls members of Bob Wills band,
Working with Tommy Dorsey in 1941,
Improvisation of the chorus,
Anecdote about Dorsey's temper,
Gene Autry's production company recalled,
Curtis' release from Columbia Studios explained,
Member of Sons of the Pioneers, 1947-52,
Individuals in the group discussed,
Gunsmoke television rating cited,
Lists factors of success,
Example given of "literary license" with the script,
Musical styles noted,
"Ripcord" series mentioned,
Director chooses Curtis for "Festus",
Examines "Festus" dialect of character
<br>

'''Tape 1, Side 2:'''
Disappearance of Gunsmoke stock character: the town drunk,
Bob Wills contributions to western music named,
Defense of "violence" in western series
<br>

'''Range Dates:''' 1941-1969

'''Bulk Dates:''' 1941-1952


==Access Information==

'''Original Recording Format:'''

'''Recording Format Notes:'''

'''Transcript:'''



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[[Category: Needs Review ]]  [[Category: SWC Interviews]] [[Category: 1960s]] [[Category: Popular Culture]] [[Category: Television]] [[Category: Music]]