Is Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is definitely worth watching if you enjoy TV Movie movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1987, Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge enters the TV Movie genre with a narrative focused on Will Mannon, "product of the Devil's loins", is released from a frontier prison and promptly goes in search of the people who put him there around twelve years ago, Marshal Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty Russell. Under the direction of Vincent McEveety, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from James Arness, Amanda Blake, Buck Taylor. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.4/10, the reception has been divisive. For fans of TV Movie, Action, Western, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge
- James Arness – Matt Dillon
- Amanda Blake – Kitty
- Buck Taylor – Newly
- Fran Ryan – Hannah
- Earl Holliman – Jake Flagg
Top Highlights
James ArnessMatt Dillon
Amanda BlakeKitty
Buck TaylorNewly
Fran RyanHannah
Earl HollimanJake Flagg
Ken OlandtLt. Dexter
Patrice MartinezBright Water
Tantoo CardinalLittle Doe
Steve ForrestWill Mannon
Mickey JonesOakum
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge movie hit or flop?
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge worth watching?
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of TV Movie, Action, Western movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge?
Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge is a TV Movie, Action, Western movie that Will Mannon, "product of the Devil's loins", is released from a frontier prison and promptly goes in search of the people who put him there around twe...
