Share:

John Meston

Writer / Screenwriter | * 07/30/1914 († 64, 03/24/1979) | Pueblo (United States of America (USA))
John Lyman Meston (July 30, 1914 – March 24, 1979) was an American scriptwriter best known for co-creating with producer Norman Macdonnell the long-running Western series Gunsmoke. He developed storylines and wrote radio scripts and teleplays for 379 episodes for the series, which was first broadcast on CBS Radio in 1952, and then adapted to the "small screen", as well, airing on television from 1955 to 1975. In addition to his work on Gunsmoke, Meston also served as a writer and editorial supervisor for other radio programs such as Escape, Suspense, Lux Radio Theater, and Fort Laramie; and in the 1970s, he wrote several episodes for two other television series, Little House on the Prairie and Hec Ramsey. ()

John Meston was one of radio and television's most important storytellers, and yet oddly enough his contributions are often overlooked today. He is the writer credited with creating "Gunsmoke," along with producer Norman MacDonnell, essentially starting the adult western on radio and television and setting the tone and style which would make both the radio and television versions of the series so memorable. Meston began in the program practices department at CBS in the 1940s before becoming a writer and editor. Overall, he wrote 183 of the "Gunsmoke" radio episodes (413 were produced in all between 1952 and 1961), and 196 of the 635 episodes produced for television between 1955 and 1975. While he never won any major award for his work, Meston was a master writer, serving up memorable characters in authentic western settings.

Most frequent genres for this person: Western | Drama | TV Movies

Known for these Movies & Shows

Ad Protect Your Online Privacy with a VPN

Don't risk your personal information and online activities being exposed to hackers, government surveillance, and other online threats. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP, giving you maximum security and privacy. Take control of your online safety, switch to a VPN now. Choose one of these services to learn more:

Movies with John Meston as Crew(1)

Crew/In Memory Of1992 Gunsmoke: To the Last Man

TV Shows/Series with John Meston as Crew(5)

Writing/Writer1974 Little House on the Prairie
Writing/Writer1955 Gunsmoke
Writing/Screenplay1955 Gunsmoke
Writing/Story1955 Gunsmoke
Creator/Creator1955 Gunsmoke

Born: Thursday, 07/30 1914 (July) in Pueblo (United States of America (USA))
Died: Saturday, 03/24 1979 (March) in Tarzana (aged: 64)
Zodiac sign: Leo (Chinese zodiac sign: Tiger)
John Meston frequently works together with these people:
Victor French (20x, Actor)
Gregg Palmer (19x, Actor)
Morgan Woodward (17x, Actor)
Shug Fisher (17x, Actor)
Denver Pyle (14x, Actor)
Anthony Caruso (14x, Actor)
Jack Elam (13x, Actor)
Tom Reese (13x, Actor)
Dennis Cross (13x, Cast)
John Crawford (13x, Actor)
Rex Holman (12x, Actor)
John Anderson (12x, Actor)
WatchPlayStream ID: PEOPLE:197170, Added: 07/21/2018, Last updated: 03/14/2024