The Lone Ranger
by Frank M. Roberts
November 2015
Continuing with our 'depth-y' look at screen cowboys who were popular between the '30 and '50s with a slight deviation this go 'round. He was one of the 'famousest' cowboys but, mostly on the radio. Hint: "Hi-yo-Silver - awaay." yep, it's The Lone Ranger. There were a few movies made about him. The last one, with an unknown star, got zapped by the public.
Before I get into the L. R. I want to tell you about the couple paragraphs at the end. They will be devoted to character actors who were seen, often, in our westerns. Hope you enjoy that series, as well.
Although the subject is 'westerns' I begin with a mystery. Who created The Lone Ranger? Over the years, many people have taken the credit but there is no answer. What we do know is that radio station owner, George Trendle, and writer Fran Striker were the main characters in this mystery.
The radio station was WXYZ in Detroit - only fair since cars replaced horses. The first L. R. program was broadcast Feb. 2, 1933. A lot of actors had the title role but, Bruce Beemer, was the most popular and, as enthusiasts will tell you, he was also the best. Onward and upward - the show became a coast-to-coast hit in the late '30s and '40s on both NBC and the Mutual Broadcasting Co. for whom I worked as a mailboy when I was a kid.
Radio was the main success for this do-good cowboy. Eventually, to no one's surprise, Hollywood came a-calling, and the radio hero became a 'reel' hero as an employee of Republic Pictures. That was in 1938. Lee Powell was the star and his faithful - more than faithful - companion was a real native American. Chief Thundercloud portrayed you-know-who -- Tonto
'twas inevitable. The L. R. became a 15-chapter serial. Co-rangers included George Montgomery, who became a major star (and Dinah Shore's hubby), and a personal favorite, Bruce Bennett, plus Wally Wales. At the end of the chapter - number 15, in case you're counting, our hero was stripped of his mask and, lo and behold, it was Lee Powell.
In true showbiz fashion, L. R. was unmasked but, by no means did he become a retiree. The planned sequal was given the obvious title, "The Lone Ranger Rides Again." Fifteen more chapters but, this time, the hero was a well-known 'B' actor, and a very good one - Robert Livingston. Chief Thundercloud stayed on as Tonto.
The serials were well made - as were most of the Republic entries - but they didn't do much to further the image of L. R. The accepted reason was that they didn't faithfully follow the radio show's premise. They did what Republic's president, Herbert Yates, told them to do.
To most fans the image of L. R. is that of Clayton Moore. Throughout his career as the hero cowboy, he jealously guarded it as his own. He had a justifiable fit, and fell in, when, a few decades ago, a L. R. movie starred an unknown. After said unknown's lackluster performance, he remained unknown. (P. S. The soundtrack was excellent). Moore remained the 'famousest' Ranger. (Listed in the phone book as 'Ranger, Lone).
But, there was another. John Hart made 52 episodes. He got the job after Moore went on strike about money and image. He was 'it'. So, he was out of work but, broke he was not. Later, he made a total of 169 half-hour shows which were run over and over and, he made two full-length movies which did fairly well.
Eventually, L. R. went mod. Warner Brothers filmed his story in gorgeous color, and the background was a beaut - Kanab, Utah.
The story concerned one of those greedy ranchers, some hostile Indians, and, yes, Silver, as in 'hi-yo.' The obvious title was, "The Lone Ranger and the Lost City of Gold." That, of course, in true Hollywood fashion, inspired a 1958 sequel, simply titled, "The City Of Gold." It was aimed at the juveniles in the audience. At the same time, the teevee series switched to color. Thirty-nine episodes and, in true movie fashion, it was a 'wrap'. L. R. went to the Old Rangers Home and took up knitting. In the distance could be heard, 'hi-yo Silver, awaaay'.
* * * *
As I said in the intro, I am, with this 'episode' taking a look at the guys, and some gals, that were often seen in western movies but, name-wise, are unrecognizable.
The first character (actor) came from Hackensack, N. J. (the western section). Phil Arnold began his career performing in amateur contests around the neighborhood and, he is proud to say, "won 'em all." His first professional job was the Strand Theater (not the one in NYC). He then joined the popular "Gus Edwards Revue," then did some night club work. Then, up the ladder, as he danced in New York City's prestigious Roxy Theatre. Next, in and around the big city, he danced in several revues.
Next - moviedom. He was in several flicks including these westerns: "Sis Hopkins," "Buffalo Bill Rides Again," "Kentucky Jubilee," and he was Zerbo in the "Cowboy G-Man" series on teevee. Next go'round a look at one of the most familiar names in cowboy movies - Roscoe Ates. Meanwhile, check out the multitudinous 'Jimbo' western goodies.
