Sunday, August 10, 2014

Ode To A Mule by Ken Curtis (Why his jack on Gunsmoke was named "Ruth")

While replying to comments on my youtube channel, Ranch Radio, I came across this piece by Ken Curtis and thought I'd share.  The notes say, "Ever wonder why Festus rode a john mule and "he" was named "Ruth" in Gunsmoke? Here Ken Curtis tells the story in Festus' own words. The majority of photos used are actual photos from the Civil War. We hope that you enjoy it!"


http://youtu.be/uo696R-yrn8

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you Festus for that most moving poetic explanation as to why your mules were all named Ruth.....for such steady and loyal work under fire, l can see why you were compelled to compose an ode to her.

Anonymous said...

John Mitchum (poet, actor, and Robert Mitchum's brother) penned this poem at the request of Ken Curtis.

Anonymous said...

Much love 2 all involved