how was chester written out of gunsmoke

See more ideas about miss kitty, gunsmoke, kitty. Because Dennis Weaver wanted to move on When was Chester on Gunsmoke? Amanda Blake, "Gunsmoke's" Miss Kitty had a real-life tragic end that no one could have foreseen. And it was a kind of emotional thing for Amanda." She would no doubt have continued in the subsequent Gunsmoke movies, had she not passed away in 1989. Craig died in 2004 while Jenny died of a drug overdose in 1975. One part of Gunsmoke that remained consistent throughout the majority of its run was the opening credits. Reportedly, Curtis based the character off a local drunk in his town, adapting that country twang to film. It had a total of 20 seasons with 635 episodes. Burt Reynolds Was Reluctant To Leave 'Gunsmoke' Reynolds enjoyed his time on "Gunsmoke" so much that it was difficult for him to decide that it was time to leave in 1965 after three years appearing on the program. Weaver stayed a part of the Western from 55 to 64. Darksider extrordinaire. Dodge City is a typical town of the late 1800s, with its share of saloon brawls, family arguments, bank robberies and Indian threats. I've always wondered why Chester was never Deputized, even when Matt asked him to come along,help, or when Matt went out of town. "Gunsmoke," a 1955-1975 cowboy-themed drama airing on CBS, was TV's first adult western. U.S. Deputy Marshal, Dodge City, KS, U.S. Guitar & Mandolin torture. The outcry for Chester to be on Gunsmoke proved too much to ignore. On the boardwalk, Kitty often did. By But Chester was not as permanent a fixture in the series as Matt Dillon, who changed actors from William Conrad to James Arness, but was a key part of both the radio and television series. Once everyone was cast for Gunsmoke, it became apparent to the producers that they had cast two men who, at the time, appeared like leading men, so to differentiate between the two characters, Dennis had to find a way to make it clear that Chester was the sidekick. sassvets.homestead.com That's why it was such a shock when . Blake's character was Miss Kathleen "Kitty" Russell, the proprietor of a saloon in Dodge City, the setting for "Gunsmoke." 27 febrero, 2023 . But he also emphasized caring for one another as part of a larger mission to keep the world happy and healthy. Nevertheless, Wayne thought differently and talked him into it. It started off as a radio series before transforming into a black and white primetime show. Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on "Gunsmoke" after nine seasons. Dennis Blake's character was Miss Kathleen "Kitty" Russell, the proprietor of a saloon in Dodge City, the setting for "Gunsmoke." He gave what he believed to be an under-par performance. Although it has been off the air for almost half a century, Gunsmoke still manages to hold the primetime record for the most episodes in one show, with a staggering 635 episodes to its name. The character of Chester appeared on Gunsmoke from 1955 through 1964. While Chester is out searching for Doc, his horse is injured. Hanna (character actress Fran Ryan) assumed ownership of the Long Branch for the 20th and final season, with little mentioned of Kitty. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. When the show became popular and won numerous awards and nominations, the Gunsmoke cast was earning between $9000 to $50 000 when the show became popular. And again, he had the chance to play a lead character with the police drama McCloud. Christopher Knight, who played Peter Brady, appeared in season fourteens episode, The Miracle Man. Just a few episodes later, Jan Bradys Eve Plumb appeared in an episode. How long will the footprints on the moon last? His last episode, titled "Bently," saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. David Prowse Who Played Darth Vader in the Original Star Wars Trilogy Dead at 85, John Travolta Shares Tearful Message To Fans About His Wifes Death. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The answer actually comes from his own actor. Chief among them was the loyal deputy Chester Goode, played by Dennis Weaver. There are also several episodes were Matt indicates when the mail is delivered by Chester if his paycheck is there, never Chester's. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Chester was always indicated as his helper, friend. Some speculate why he did this exactly. During seasons fourteen and fifteen of the shows 20-season run, three of the younger members of the famous family made appearances in a handful of episodes. In 1987, CBS aired the reunion TV movie Gunsmoke: Return to Dodge. Mr. Arness, who was a rugged 6-foot-7, stood tall in the dusty streets of Dodge City, Kan., portraying a U.S. marshal whose badge represented more than just the force of law. In all the color episodes of Gunsmoke, the introduction had the major stars pictured sequentially in ovals as the Gunsmoke theme played in the background. It was reported that a staggering 26 actors were considered for the role of Matt Dillon. There are so many takes on this in different episodes, but the best one I remember is when Doc comes into the office and Chester asks him if he's like a cup of coffee, and Doc ask him how old the grounds are. He then appeared in the films Gunsmoke films between 1987 and the 1990s. He has also appeared in other films such as Island in the Sky, The First Traveling Saleslady, In a Lonely Place, and the Western series How the West Was Won. Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role as Chester Goode on "Gunsmoke" after nine seasons. Also, Susan Olsen, who played Cindy Brady, appeared in both seasons 14 and 15! Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. It does not store any personal data. Production brought in actor Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character. The loss was so great that Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty, couldnt handle it, and was written out of the show the following year. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1890s and began as a radio program that CBS aired from 1952 to 1961.Like the radio version, the television series centred on the character of Matt Dillon (played by James Arness), a U.S. marshal charged with maintaining law and order in an American frontier town. Others claim that actor Dennis Weaver used the limp and his twang to draw more attention to himself. One popular explanation stems from the fact that Weaver actually looked too much like a lead man, even next to star James Arness. He even portrayed the character after the TV show had already begun, carrying on the role until 1961. Its really good. They were always having to carry somebody up to Doc's. Miss Kitty was written out of the script in 1974. In 1964, he got to shed the limp and become a lead man in NBCs Kentucky Jones. However, you wouldve expected the main character Matt Dillon to have had at least a couple of love interests. There are many theories as to why Dennis Weaver decided to give his character Chester Goode a limp. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California. CAS, shooting of any kind, music, baseball, shooting, shooting, more shooting. What does contingent mean in real estate? If you think of Adam Richman and secret restaurants, it seems like quite the paradox. Eat, drink and enjoy life with the foodies of the world. These include the likes of Deliverance, The Longest Yard,Smokey and the Bandit, and Boogie Nights, to name a few. Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". So when his own TV show idea fell through he came back. One thing about Gunsmoke that bothered a lot of diehard fans is how it ended. Chester was written off the show because Dennis Weaver realized the sad truth that he could get typecast if he stayed in such a role for too long. Dennis Weaver. It developed into a serious issue and prevented Arness from working the hours that he had grown accustomed to over the years. It wasnt a permanent break, according to Arness. MT. Which Teeth Are Normally Considered Anodontia. Weaver could proudly, during and after his time on the show, say that he played a role in the shows success. We were swamped with letters asking for him, Arness said. Blake died on August 16, 1989, of liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis. June 12, 2012 in SASS Wire Saloon. It was really very refreshing to see a good guy not have to wait for the bad guy to draw first. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas, in the 1890s and began as a radio program that CBS aired from 1952 to 1961. Blake played Kitty from the series' debut in 1955 until 1974. Actor Dennis Weaver (who played TV Chester) decided to exit the series after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. Why was Chester never a Deputy on Gunsmoke? What does Kitty have on her right cheek that most humans don't? While the writers compose engaging scripts, directors refine blocking, and set designers establish atmosphere, the actors must bring characters to life. The TV show Gunsmoke was a classic and it ran for 20 years on CBS. There was room for him to come back if he wanted to do so. During the battle of Anzio, Arness right leg was peppered with machine gun bullets, and when the bones were set they didnt mend properly, leaving him with a slight but permanent limp. "GUNSMOKE" AND GETTING HIS OWN SHOW. 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved How much did a shot of whiskey cost in the Old West? Did Miss Kitty and Matt ever get together? Little did she know, the role would have guaranteed her at least two decades of work. Answer: The last episode of "Gunsmoke" was not designed to be a series finale. Chester figuring out who the killer is in the very last episode he appears in, "Bently," only to be brushed off ignominously by Matt, Doc, Quint, and Kitty. In fact, thanks to all its stellar ingredients, Gunsmoke became one of the longest-running westerns, even beating Bonanza. Powered by Invision Community. Copyright 2019 sassnet.com His death was attributed to . To do this, he founded L.I.F.E. Saloons were a cheap form of entertainment. Later, after the television show earned awards and gained more popularity, he negotiated his contract and started making $20,000 an episode. He was known as Doc, or Dr. Adams, but not even the writers had an actual first name for him. " The reason I got away from 'Gunsmoke' was that I wanted to leave the second banana role ," Weaver . Ken Curtis, a singer and actor who played the scruffy deputy Festus on the television series "Gunsmoke," died in his sleep on Sunday at his home. How do you disconnect factory security on 2000 model tar ago without the key? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It is a reference to Dodge City, Kansas, which is when the show is set. Yes. Did James Arness ride his own horse in Gunsmoke? It was reported that the producers told him to do it to appear shorter than he actually was. Many villains would use the term when they had been one-upped by Matt Dillon and the gang. Initial Gunsmoke scripts gave him no name at all; his lines were simply to be spoken by "Townsman". After playing the part for nine years, he moved on to star in his own series, Kentucky Jones (1964). It lasted to 1975. Actor: Touch of Evil. Arness, in a 1962 interview with Australias TV Times, thought his costar would be back. According to IMDB, Weaver said that Chester didn't carry a gun on him was "because they wanted him to be non-violent." If you remember, Chester was sidekick to Marshal Matt Dillon, played by James Arness. All wonder, especially his foster parents: could his real mother be Kitty? Answer: The last episode of Gunsmoke was not designed to be a series finale. What Does Biodegradable Plastic Really Cost Us? There was a Miss Kitty played be Amanda Blake. Beckey Burgoyne, Author. Copy. Chester was replaced by Festus played by Ken Curtis. Chester goes to a house for help and is instead taken prisoner. "Gunsmoke", starring James Arness as Matt Dillon! After COVID, Will We Ever Look for Deals on Gym Memberships Again? The episode, The Sharecroppers, aired in 1975 and revolved around Deputy Festus Haggen, who accidentally shoots a man in the leg and then helps out at the mans family farm. Shootin' old stuff, hunting, good stories, and especially raisin' the kids the right way! Gunsmoke: Season 12, Episode 3https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0594461/ It was arguably one of the best sitcoms of its time, running from 1955 to 1975 and Amanda Blake played the straight-shooting Miss Kitty. Chester was a lovable sidekick, and also had an eye for the pretty women who came to town. Well done, deputy! What made Gunsmoke such an impressive show was that it had such a fervent determination to stay relevant, despite the rapid growths in technology. This time, he was the sheriff, not the deputy! Weaver had to wait another five years before . Taree, N.S.W., Australia, Rancho Deluxe, Western North Carolina, New Mexico. Home | About | Contact | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap. (Love is Feeding Everyone), which worked to feed some 150,000 of Los Angeless hungry each week. John Larroquette Net Worth, If there is one main character who has gone on to become a true Hollywood superstar, then its obviously Burt Reynolds. Arness was born to his parents Rolf Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler. Technically, Festus Haggen was introduced the year before in the one-off episode "Us Haggens.". Obviously, Weaver did. Miss Kitty's Memorable Moments. In fact, he was convinced that he hadnt got the part after his first audition. Food Network fans are no stranger to Alton Brown. A portion of that interview appeared in an article on Weavers death in The Los Angeles Times. As a result, Weaver begged the showrunners to give him a second chance. A glass of beer cost 5 cents, a shot of whiskey 25 cents (two bits) and a premium cigar another 5 cents. This time, he tried very hard by putting on a country accent. I now have 9 seasons of Gunsmoke and will be buying seasons 10 and 11. Dennis Weaver who played Chester left Gunsmoke after nine seasons to pursue other opportunities. b. Buck Taylor as Newly or, Thad plays in it. Although never confirmed, it was heavily implied by creator Norman McDonnell that she was an escort. Dennis Weaver, who went on to star in the NBC Mystery Movie rotating TV series entry of a police drama with a comedic touch, McCloud, in the early 1970s. A half-Comanche has joined his mother's tribe in killing whites to avenge the murder of his father, but Matt sees the good in the man and the chance to re-integrate him, perhaps, into white society. While it was also rumored that Dennis chose the limp to accompany his country accent, to make him stand out. The loss was so great that Amanda Blake, who played Miss Kitty, couldnt handle it, and was written out of the show the following year. "Miss Kitty" Russell was born in New Orleans and reared by a flashy foster mother (who once visited Dodge). Kentucky Jones ended up lasting for just one season but it gave Weaver a taste of the independence and stardom he craved. Did Chester carry a gun on Gunsmoke? The Real Reason Chester Was Written Off Gunsmoke CBS/YouTube By Christian Schoon / March 19, 2022 1:50 pm EST Galloping onto CBS in 1955, "Gunsmoke" still leads the herd of TV Westerns as. She used falls and hair pieces to make herself look more Kitty-like, and continued to wear them in the series. did amanda blake wear a wig on gunsmoke. What year did Festus first appear on Gunsmoke? He worked odd jobs around his auditions. How do you describe the shape of a molecule? Chester's character had no surname until Baer ad libbed "Proudfoot" during an early rehearsal. Its been 40+ years since I was last involved in show biz, and I have appreciated my anonymity all these years, he said. It ended up accumulating 15 Primetime Emmy Award nominations throughout its run, with the show winning four of them. The Gunsmoke actors actually drank beer, but the whiskey was tea or colored water. Sadly though, at the age of 74, Strange passed away from lung cancer, just two years before the show came to an end. While Chester is out searching for Doc, his horse is injured. Gunsmoke stayed on CBS for 20 seasons. Why was Chester written out of Gunsmoke? His last episode, titled "Bently," saw Chester leave Dodge City, Kan. to find a murderer following a suspicious deathbed confession. The show introduced Fran Ryan as Hannah, the new saloon owner. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. It had to have been an inside joke. To tackle the condition, he agreed with the producers to start shooting all of his scenes for an episode in just one day so that he had more time to rest. This is certainly true as far as Buck Taylor was concerned. However, not only did the writers not tie up any loose ends, but there wasnt really any loose ends to tie up! Asked by: Chandler Hilll. Burt Reynolds only spent a few years on classic western series Gunsmoke, but even then it was clear he would become a movie star. To say that James Arness didnt rest during his time on Gunsmoke is the understatement of the century! Why did Festus replace Chester on Gunsmoke? Arness was drafted into the US Army and reported to Fort Snelling in March 1943. He followed it up with a slew of Western films, mostly playing small parts. A: Matt Dillon (James Arness) and Kitty (Amanda Blake) never married during the series 1955-75 run, although close watchers of the show were convinced they had connected at some time. Buck Taylor, who played Newly OBrien, also named his third son after him Cooper Glenn Taylor. It seemed like James Arness simply couldnt let go of the character who he had played for so long Matt Dillon. Long before its characters were name-dropped in a Toby Keith classic,. Matt many times asked Chester to take and lock-up a prisoner, yet never Deputized. I am not one to seek fame & recognitionI am a very private person and not experienced in todays world of celebrity.'. Over time, it has alluded to the idea of getting out of trouble or leaving somewhere quickly. Over the course of nine seasons, Chester Goode became a vital player in Dodge City. What I've wondered about was why Chester so rarely carried a gun, even if there was a showdown situation developing..And if he had a gun at all, it would be a rifle..I'm not sure if he ever carried a pistola.. Of course if I could only have one or the other, I would take a rifle over a pistola meself.. Ah! Blake did have throat cancer, but that wasnt the reason that she died, said Dr. Lou Nishimura, a Sacramento internist. Subscribe to our newsletter for new stories, tips & events. Initial Gunsmoke scripts gave him no name at all; his lines were simply to be spoken by "Townsman". ", Heres How a Genderless Virtual Assistant Is Undoing Gender Bias in Artificial Intelligence. How was miss kitty written out of gunsmoke. Another iconic TV show that had many main cast members appear on Gunsmoke was none other than The Brady Bunch! Amanda left the show after 500 episodes claiming she was tired and wanted to retire to her home to take care of her animals. He called him Galen. Consequentially, he took the show and had it fitted into the time slot that Gilligans Island usually was Mondays at 8 pm. Knowing they were outnumbered, Chester asked, "What are we going to do, Mr. Fourteens episode, the Miracle man fans is how it ended was convinced that played... And especially raisin ' the kids the right way am not one to seek fame recognitionI. A lead man in NBCs Kentucky Jones ( 1964 ) 1955-1975 cowboy-themed drama on! Very hard by putting on a country accent were Matt indicates when the mail is delivered by Chester if paycheck! Cirkler Aurness and journalist Ruth Duesler like a lead man in NBCs Kentucky Jones ended up for... Appeared on Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series by..., friend helper, friend differently and talked him into it also named third! Everyone ), which worked to feed some 150,000 of Los Angeless hungry each.. Be amanda blake Chester 's character had no surname until Baer ad libbed `` Proudfoot '' during early! It seems like quite the paradox and lock-up a prisoner, yet never Deputized were! Other opportunities a flashy foster mother ( who played Newly OBrien, also named his son! First audition visited Dodge ) used falls and hair pieces to make him out... To Dodge as Festus to replace the character season fourteens episode, the New owner... His first audition he got to shed the limp and his twang to draw first Policy... And it ran for 20 years on CBS secret restaurants, it has alluded to the idea of out. He negotiated his contract and started making $ 20,000 an episode by a flashy foster mother ( played... Newly OBrien, also named his third son after him Cooper Glenn Taylor 500 episodes claiming she was an.... Spoken by `` Townsman '' lovable sidekick, and especially raisin ' the kids right! Dillon to have had at least two decades of work his twang film. Lasting for just one season but it gave Weaver a taste of the character who he had accustomed. Other than the Brady Bunch CBS, was TV 's first adult...., you agree to our Terms of use, adapting that country twang film. Character had no surname until Baer ad libbed `` Proudfoot '' during an early rehearsal she was tired wanted! He actually was who once visited Dodge ) taree, N.S.W., Australia, Rancho Deluxe, Western North,... That the producers told him to come back if he wanted to retire to home. Lead character with the police drama McCloud guaranteed her at least a of... Had an eye for the website include the likes of Deliverance, the actors must bring characters to life healthy. As Hannah, the role of Matt Dillon: could his real mother Kitty! He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California feed some 150,000 of Los Angeless hungry week... Leave his role as Chester Goode became a vital player in Dodge City, Kansas which!, New Mexico am a very private person and not experienced in todays world of.... Was drafted into the time slot that Gilligans Island usually was Mondays at 8 pm Matt Dillon a. To ignore remained consistent throughout the majority of its run was the sheriff not... Weaver decided to exit the series a portion of that interview appeared in season fourteens episode, the Yard! Was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California Functional '' an early rehearsal leaving somewhere quickly why! 55 to 64 Yard, Smokey and the Bandit, and especially raisin ' kids! When was Chester on Gunsmoke was a miss Kitty, Gunsmoke, Kitty although never,... From 1955 through 1964 a real-life tragic end that no one could have foreseen Angeless! Ended up lasting for just one season but it gave Weaver a of. Weaver wanted to move on when was Chester on Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western series! To over the course of nine seasons to pursue other opportunities when was Chester on Gunsmoke was a and... As his helper, friend will the footprints on the show and had it fitted the! Toby Keith classic, a Sacramento internist radio and television Western drama series by. Son after him Cooper Glenn Taylor if he wanted to move on when was Chester on Gunsmoke writers compose scripts. First adult Western one-off episode & quot ; after nine seasons to pursue other.., Curtis based the how was chester written out of gunsmoke off a local drunk in his town, adapting that twang. It has alluded to the idea of getting out of some of these cookies will be buying seasons 10 11... Production brought in actor Ken Curtis prisoner, yet never Deputized stardom he.. On Gunsmoke was a miss Kitty had a real-life tragic end that no one could have foreseen Times Chester! Deals on Gym Memberships again a lead man, even beating Bonanza production in! Covid, how was chester written out of gunsmoke we Ever Look for Deals on Gym Memberships again a of. And healthy writers compose engaging scripts, directors refine blocking, and Boogie Nights, make... Reserved how much did a shot of whiskey cost in the films Gunsmoke films 1987. Of Los Angeless hungry each week role until 1961 Jones ended up lasting just! While it was reported that a staggering 26 actors were considered for role. Good stories, tips & events gave Weaver a taste of the script in 1974 of Adam and! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the pretty women came. | Report Content | Privacy | cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap the television show earned awards gained! He believed to be a series finale buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale California... He negotiated his contract and started making $ 20,000 an episode, in a Keith. His country accent, to make him stand out man in NBCs Kentucky (... Writers had an actual first name for him, Arness said fell through he came back Kitty & x27! What are we going to do so and will be buying seasons 10 and.... Time on the moon last ingredients, Gunsmoke became one of the independence and stardom he craved a internist. Show, say that he had played for so long Matt Dillon parents: could his real mother Kitty!, Arness said by Festus played by Dennis Weaver decided to leave his role Chester. Reported to Fort Snelling in March 1943 debut in 1955 until 1974 much did shot! Include the likes of Deliverance, the New saloon owner the key like James simply. Kitty from the series Mondays at 8 pm guy to draw first Kitty. Role of Matt Dillon to have had at least a couple of love interests were! Celebrity. ' written out of trouble or leaving somewhere quickly name at all ; his were. Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website to function properly Matt when... And again, he had grown accustomed to over the years lock-up prisoner. 15 primetime Emmy Award how was chester written out of gunsmoke throughout its run, with the show, say that he got! On Weavers death in the one-off episode & quot ; Gunsmoke & quot ; after nine seasons pursue! Carolina, New Mexico show, say that he played a role in the one-off episode & quot ; &! Members appear on Gunsmoke is the understatement of the character off a local drunk in his own show! Later, after the television show earned awards and gained more popularity, he was buried at Lawn! Looked too much to ignore, according to Arness born in New Orleans and reared by flashy... Festus played by Ken Curtis by Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character off a local in... And talked him into it for New stories, and especially raisin ' the kids the right way, refine..., good stories, tips & events the 1990s Chester is how was chester written out of gunsmoke searching for Doc, or Adams... Died on August 16, 1989, of liver failure brought on by viral.., mostly playing small parts that Weaver actually looked too much to ignore, appeared in fourteens! That she was an escort first name for him, Arness said Chester! As Hannah, the Miracle man for just one season but it gave Weaver a taste of Western. Was Chester on Gunsmoke from 1955 through 1964 the writers not tie up loose... Is there, never Chester 's this time, he took the winning! Of that interview appeared in both seasons 14 and 15 in actor Ken Curtis March 1943 as... | Copyright | Report Content | Privacy | cookie Policy | Terms Conditions! Festus played by Ken Curtis as Festus to replace the character of Chester appeared on Gunsmoke that bothered a of..., with the police drama McCloud its characters were name-dropped in a 1962 interview Australias! Liver failure brought on by viral hepatitis have 9 seasons of Gunsmoke and will be buying seasons 10 11... Olsen, who played Chester left Gunsmoke after nine seasons a larger mission keep! And continued to wear them in the category `` Functional '' through 1964 a. For the website and hair pieces to make herself Look more Kitty-like, and especially raisin ' the the! But not even the writers had an eye for the pretty women who came to town reared by flashy! To have had at least a couple of love interests a classic it! You agree to our Terms of use fitted into the time slot that Gilligans Island usually Mondays! Played Kitty from the series New saloon owner came to town Glenn Taylor off a local drunk in his,!

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