WESTERN STARS – MOVIES & TV
Top Cowboy Legends (1940s–1960s)
I chose this trailer of John Wayne’s many movies because it is based on a true story, further, in many ways depicts the beliefs of the man himself.
In 1836 kidnapping of a young white girl named Cynthia Ann Parker by the Comanche Indians, though the story was fictionalized for Alan Le May’s 1954 novel and the subsequent 1956 film. Parker was raised by the Comanche for years, eventually marrying a Comanche chief and having children before being found by her family and removed from her Native American life against her will.
The DUKE was a right-wing radical with racist beliefs. At least, this is how many perceive him. However, during his time, the predominate popular opinion of the general public mirrored Wayne’s highly prejudicial, racial, bigoted tenet.
This is true of many great artists that have gone before us. One has to consider the time and place in which those being labeled acquired their point of view. Place him in the history of his time.
Film & TV Icons
John Wayne – The undisputed king of Westerns. Starred in Stagecoach, Red River, The Searchers, and True Grit.
Roy Rogers – “King of the Cowboys,” known for his singing, charm, and trusty horse Trigger.
Gene Autry – “The Singing Cowboy,” blended music and action in dozens of films and TV shows.
Randolph Scott – Starred in over 60 Westerns, known for his stoic, rugged style.
Joel McCrea – Balanced action and depth in classics like Ride the High Country.
William Boyd – Famous as Hopalong Cassidy, one of the first cowboy heroes on TV.
Tex Ritter – Singing cowboy and actor, also known for his country music career.
Alan “Rocky” Lane – Star of B-Westerns and the voice of Mr. Ed.
Bob Steele – Tough guy in dozens of Westerns, often played sidekicks or outlaws.
Tim Holt – Known for Treasure of the Sierra Madre and many RKO Westerns.
Guy Madison – Starred as Wild Bill Hickok in the popular TV series.
Monte Hale – Republic Pictures cowboy with a musical twist.
Lash LaRue – Famous for his whip-wielding action and black-clad persona.
Sunset Carson – Republic Pictures star with a flashy style and fast draw.
Rex Allen – “Arizona Cowboy,” known for his narration and singing roles.
Buck Jones – Silent film cowboy who transitioned into talkies with flair.
Hoot Gibson – Rodeo champ turned movie star, known for his humor and horsemanship.
Ken Maynard – Early Western star with a flashy wardrobe and stunt riding.
Tom Mix – Though his peak was earlier, his legacy carried into the ’40s through re-releases and influence.
TV Western Heroes
James Arness – Marshal Matt Dillon in Gunsmoke, one of TV’s longest-running Westerns.
Clint Walker – Starred in Cheyenne, a gentle giant with a fast draw.
Chuck Connors – Played Lucas McCain in The Rifleman, known for his rapid-fire rifle.
Steve McQueen – Breakout role in Wanted: Dead or Alive before becoming a film icon.
Michael Landon – Little Joe in Bonanza, later starred in Little House on the Prairie.
Lorne Greene – Patriarch Ben Cartwright in Bonanza.
Dan Blocker – Beloved as Hoss Cartwright in Bonanza.
James Drury – Star of The Virginian, a long-running and respected series.
Robert Horton – Co-starred in Wagon Train.
Clint Eastwood – Rose to fame in Rawhide before becoming a Spaghetti Western legend.
Born in 1942, I had the privilege to watch on the BIG SCREEN & LITTLE SCREEN every one of the these great western stars. To this day, you will find me, on occasion, watching a sixties episode of GUNSMOKE.