"Hi yo, Silver, away...A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty 'Hi-Yo Silver' … the Lone Ranger!"
Farmer Listening to Radio, 1933. Records of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture, 1839–1981, Record Group 16, National Archives. |
It was on this day, January 30, 1933 eighty-two years ago when The Lone Ranger debuted on WXYZ (Detroit) radio station. Yep! He made his first "appearance" on a radio show! His character was based on a former Texas Ranger. The book "The Lone Star Ranger" by Zane Grey had been dedicated to Texas Ranger Captain John R. Hughes in 1915. Some believe the original character was inspired from experiences of Capt. Hughes. Others think the character was based on US Marshal Bass Reeves. In either case, the show was a hit!With his faithful Indian companion, Tonto, the daring and resourceful masked rider of the plains led the fight for law and order in the early West.
Behind the Scenes at the Radio Station |
Catchphrases (Kemo sabe, faithful friend, trusty scout), the Ranger's trademark silver bullets, and the theme music from the William Tell Overture have become tropes of popular culture.
Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the past come the thundering hoof-beats of the great horse Silver. The Lone Ranger rides again!
Clayton Moore as The Lone Ranger and Silver Source: en.wikipedia.org |
Jay Silverheels as Tonto Source: findagrave.com |
Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels played the Lone Ranger and Tonto, respectfully, in all eight seasons of the television show, as well as in both the 1956 and 1958 feature-length movies. The Lone Ranger was revived in the 21st century with the making and release of a new version.
Doesn't look anything like the Lone Ranger and Tonto I grew up knowing and loving. Guess I will just be content with my grandfather's radio hero and my own television memories!
“To have a friend, a man must be one; all men are created equal; and everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. God put the firewood there, but that every man must gather and light it himself, a man should make the most of what equipment he has, that ‘this government of the people, by the people, and for the people’ shall live always, that men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number.” (The Lone Ranger Creed)
Related Article
No comments:
Post a Comment