SPEILBERG’S ‘LINCOLN’ A GRAND OLD PORTRAIT

Steven Speilberg has directed so many wonderful films over his long and still-thriving career that it is daunting to try and pick the best; but LINCOLN is clearly one of his finest and most completely realized films.  At a time when all too many movies insult the audiences’ intelligence with the simplicity of their stories, LINCOLN compliments the audiences’ intelligence, assuming that they will be able to follow a very complex and compelling political plot.  And it never shies away from the uncomfortable to discuss, but necessary to understand, differences in the many sides of the political battle.  We see the clear division not only between those who were for slavery and those who were against it, but also those who thought all men were created equal, and those who thought that thought all men should have equal rights, but were not equals at all.

 

Not a biography of our 16^th president, LINCOLN is the story of the race to pass the 13^th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, why it became a race to ratify before the Confederacy could surrender, and the wonderfully wicked backroom scheming and negotiating that pulled it off.  It’s also the story of a President we already thought we knew, but with many unfamiliar facets to his personality.  He was a man who felt great despair, but who also had a strong sense of humor, and loved to tell jokes.  He was a man who was trapped in a marriage with a woman he respected but did not love, and who he had threatened to put in a madhouse.  He was a man who turned to this same woman to interpret his dreams, in hopes that they might foretell the future.  He was a man who should have sounded like Raymond Massey or Royal Dano, but whose voice was actually several octaves higher.

The performances by a large ensemble cast are uniformly excellent.  Abraham Lincoln is portrayed by Daniel Day-Lewis, and will surely be our image of Lincoln for decades to come.  Sally Field campaigned relentlessly for the part of Mary Todd Lincoln, and it is among the finest performances of her career.  Other standout performances include Jackie Earle Haley as Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens; Tommy Lee Jones as abolitionist Senator Thaddeus Stevens; Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Lincoln’s desperate-to-enlist son; and James Spader as W.N. Bilbo, who uses every trick in the book to try to get Lincoln the votes he needs.

 

The script is Tony Kushner, who wrote ANGELS IN AMERICA, and scripted Speilberg’s previous MUNICH.  It is based in part on the book TEAM OF RIVALS: THE POLITICAL GENIUS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, by Doris Kearns Goodwin.  The cinematography by Speilberg’s frequent collaborator Janusz Kaminski, is evocative without calling attention to itself.  The production design by Rick Carter, costumes by Joanna Johnston, and make-up and hair by a team of over forty combine to bring the viewer into a Washington, D.C. of the 1860s that seems unquestionable genuine.  I would not recommend LINCOLN for young children – the brutality of war is something they should be spared, and the details of the political fight would be beyond their understanding.  But it is a movie that should be seen by all adults and teenagers – and the latter will learn from it far more about the Civil War, and the workings of government, then they ever will by studying their dumbed-down and politically correct textbooks.  Incidentally, LINCOLN was budgeted at $65,000,000.  ABRAHAM LINCOLN, VAMPIRE HUNTER, was originally budgeted at $85,000,000 (now they say it’s $69,000,000).  To be fair, I haven't yet seen VAMPIRE HUNTER, but I think I can predict which will have a longer shelf life.   

 

3:10 TO YUMA ADDED TO NATIONAL FILM REGISTRY

 

 

 

The original 1957 version of ‘3:10 TO YUMA’, directed by Delmer Daves, from a story by Elmore Leonard and screenplay by Halsted Welles, is one of twenty-five films selected for inclusion in the National Film Registry, a major honour.  The film stars Van Heflin and Glenn Ford in two of the finest performances of their exceptional careers, with Ford playing very against type as the ruthless but charming outlaw whom farmer Heflin must safely deliver to a train, and the law. Other films so recognized, of particular interest to Western fans, include CHRISTMAS STORY (1983), directed by Bob Clark, from Jean Shepherd’s novel, IN GOD WE TRUST, ALL OTHERS PAY CASH, and scripted by Shep, with Clark and Leigh Brown.  It’s the story of a boy, Peter Billingsley, growing up in Depression Era-Indiana, and his obsession with getting a Red Ryder BB-Gun for Christmas.   The 1914 version of UNCLE TOM’S CABIN, from Harriet Beecher Stowe’s world-changing novel, stars Sam Lucas as the title character, and was the first feature film ever to star a black actor. 

 

 

FRANCO NERO MAY RETURN IN 'DJANGO LIVES'!

 

 

 

The near-frantic anticipation for Quentin Tarantino's DJANGO UNCHAINED has created tremendous interest in Spaghetti Westerns throughout the film industry.  One of the many hopeful results is that Franco Nero, the original Django, who makes an appearance in the Tarantino film, may soon star once again as Django in DJANGO LIVES!  

 

Mike Malloy and Eric Zaldivar, producers of 2011's THE SCARLET WORM, have a letter of interest from Nero, for their plot about an older Django living in Los Angeles in 1915, and working as a technical advisor on Western movies, something several lawmen like Wyatt Earp, and outlaws like Al Jennings, actually did.   

 

I'll be seeing and reviewing SCARLET WORM soon.  I've heard very positive buzz about the film, whose cast includes Spaghetti Western stalwarts like Dan Van Husen, Brett Halsey, and Mike Forest, and was stunned when Malloy told me they made the movie for $7500!  I'll have more details soon!

 

 

TCM FANATIC - WESTERN NOW ONLINE!

And speaking of TCM (okay, nobody was), have I mentioned that the segment I was interviewed for is now viewable here?






 

THE AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER

Built by cowboy actor, singer, baseball and TV entrepreneur Gene Autry, and designed by the Disney Imagineering team, the Autry is a world-class museum housing a fascinating collection of items related to the fact, fiction, film, history and art of the American West. In addition to their permanent galleries (to which new items are frequently added), they have temporary shows. The Autry has many special programs every week -- sometimes several in a day. To check their daily calendar, CLICK HERE. And they always have gold panning for kids every weekend. For directions, hours, admission prices, and all other information, CLICK HERE.



HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM

Across the street from the Hollywood Bowl, this building, once the headquarters of Lasky-Famous Players (later Paramount Pictures) was the original DeMille Barn, where Cecil B. DeMille made the first Hollywoodwestern, The Squaw Man. They have a permanent display of movie props, documents and other items related to early, especially silent, film production. They also have occasional special programs. 2100 Highland Ave., L.A. CA 323-874-2276. Thursday – Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 for senior, $1 for children.



WELLSFARGO HISTORY MUSEUM

This small but entertaining museum gives a detailed history of Wells Fargo when the name suggested stage-coaches rather than ATMS. There’s a historically accurate reproduction of an agent’s office, an original Concord Coach, and other historical displays. Open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Admission is free. 213-253-7166. 333 S. Grand Street, L.A. CA.


WESTERN ALL OVER THE DIAL


INSP’s SADDLE-UP SATURDAY features a block of rarely-seen classics THE VIRGINIAN and HIGH CHAPARRAL, along with BONANZA and THE BIG VALLEY. On weekdays they’re showing LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE, BIG VALLEY, HIGH CHAPARRAL and DR. QUINN, MEDICINE WOMAN.


ME-TV’s Saturday line-up includes BRANDED, THE REBEL and THE GUNS OF WILL SONNETT. On weekdays it’s DANIEL BOONE, GUNSMOKE, BONANZA, BIG VALLEY, WILD WILD WEST, and THE RIFLEMAN.


RFD-TV, the channel whose president bought Trigger and Bullet at auction, have a special love for Roy Rogers. They show an episode of The Roy Rogers Show on Sunday mornings, a Roy Rogers movie on Tuesday mornings, and repeat them during the week.


WHT-TV has a weekday afternoon line-up that’s perfect for kids, featuring LASSIE, THE ROY ROGERS SHOW and THE LONE RANGER.


TV-LAND angered viewers by dropping GUNSMOKE, but now it’s back every weekday, along with BONANZA.


Well, it's 12:36 a.m., and officially Christmas Eve as I type this. I've got a ton of good stuff stockpiled for the next several Round-ups!  In addition to my previously mentioned interviews with HIGH CHAPARRAL star Henry Darrow, and writer/actor/director Tom Jane, this week I interviewed George Schenck.  Not only is George a writer and Executive Producer on NCIS,  he started out writing Westerns, and has wonderful stories about writing movies for Clint Walker, Lee Van Cleef, Warren Oates, and scripting the first episode of THE WILD WILD WEST!  Stay tuned.  

I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, and Santa brings you everything you want the most, like that Red Ryder BB Gun (Don't shoot your eye out!). 

Happy Trails,

 

Henry

 

All Original Contents Copyright December 2012 by Henry C. Parke  - All Rights Reserved

 

SPEILBERG TAKES 'COWBOYS AND ALIENS' TO WESTERN SCHOOL

(Updated Tuesday 8/10/2010 -- see Screenings)

COWBOYS AND ALIENS co-screenwriter Robert Orci, speaking at the San Diego Comic Con, says the producer insisted he, co-writer Alex Kurtzman, and director Jon Favreau study the Western movie form before diving into it. “He literally showed us a brand new print of THE SEARCHERS, and he commented throughout the whole thing. We had…Steven Speilberg...take us to Western school. That was the first one we saw. And then he…gave us a list, and we saw a couple of movies after that every weekend. And we just saw SHANE, THE PROFESSIONALS, THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, HIGH NOON… but THE SEARCHERS was the first one, and that’s the one that really stuck in our minds. It’s a dark film, but very emotional. That moment when John Wayne picks up that girl (Natalie Wood), you know…it gets you.” To see more of the interview, courtesy of io9, CLICK HERE.

Among those who showed up unannounced at a panel discussing the film was Harrison Ford – in handcuffs! The word at Comic-Con about COWBOYS AND ALIENS is very positive. The clips that were shown were said to look great. The film, starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell is set to open on July 29th, 2011. To see a nearly 8 minute clip of the panel discussion at Comic Con, CLICK HERE. (warning, just as a clip from the film is being introduced, the footage ends.)

(Photos - Daniel Craig in COWBOYS AND ALIENS, Jack Mather, Radio's CISCO KID)

AUTRY EXPANSION ANNOUNCED

The Autry National Center of the American West announced this week that they have purchased a building in Burbank, which they will be calling the Autry Research Center. The 100,000 square foot building on Victory Boulevard will, “…provide the space and state-of-the-art museum-quality conditions to properly care for our collections and libraries, paving the way for us to modernize and increase our galleries within the existing walls of the building in Griffith Park.”

Many of the collections currently housed but not displayed at the Autry, and many collections now stored at the Southwest Museum, will be relocated to the Autry Research Center, which will make it possible to expand the Griffith Park Museum’s displays without expanding the building. For several years, the Autry has been stymied in their plans to expand the museum by people who object to their taking over more park land. Similarly, their work at the Southwest Museum has been made difficult by local ‘activists’ in that area.

REVIEW – CISCO KID ON RADIO

Like most Californians (and most city-dwellers, for that matter) I spend an inordinate amount of time behind the wheel, but going nowhere. One of the truly enjoyable activities one can safely indulge in at such a time is listening to ‘OTR,’ or old time radio. One of the very enjoyable Western programs is The Cisco Kid, and Radio Archives is currently offering a set of twenty half-hour shows on ten CDs.

“O. Henry’s Robin Hood of the old west,” who we know and love, has very little resemblance to the character described in O. Henry’s original story, THE CABALLERO’S WAY. Originally he was an American outlaw who blithely killed Mexicans, and was a clever but thoroughly bad guy. He became a lovable Mexican bandito when portrayed by Warner Baxter in IN OLD CALIFORNIA (1928), for which he won an Oscar. (Actor, later turned director, Raoul Walsh was originally cast in the part, but was replaced when he lost an eye in a car accident.) Baxter played the role twice more, then Cesar Romero took over for six films, the last in 1941. In 1946 the character moved from 20th Century Fox to Monogram, and Duncan Renaldo played him three times, with a mustache, then Gilbert Roland played him six times. Then in 1948 the character moved again, this time to United Artists, where Duncan Renaldo played him for five more outings, without a mustache, but with Leo Carrillo as Pancho. They would co-star in 156 TV episodes as well, shows which were of much greater long-term value than most contemporary shows, because they were produced in color. It’s said that Renaldo sometimes got impatient with Carrillo’s scene stealing, but he also admired that Carrillo was still riding and fighting and shooting at the age of 75!

Starting in 1947 and continuing for nearly a decade, The Cisco Kid radio shows were recorded at New York’s WOR Studios, starring Jack Mather as Cisco, and Harry Lang as Pancho. A mix of action, adventure and humor, the half-hour shows are very much like the TV episodes in tone and style. But the opening narrations give a little historical perspective, and the action can be a little darker than the TV version: Cisco and Pancho still shoot to disarm, but the bad guys can and do kill people.

About 600 radio episodes were produced over the years. The remarkable thing about this collection of shows is the stunning quality of the sound. Most OTR shows were aired live, and not professionally recorded – the majority of existing radio-show recordings come from amateur collectors. As a result, many shows don’t exist in any form, and many that do are in terrible shape, and painful to listen to. The Ciscos sound incredibly crisp and clear – and for good reason: according to Radio Archives, a veritable treasure-trove of 16” vinyl transcription disks – many never played, were discovered in Des Moines, Iowa. The more OTR you’ve heard, the more you’ll appreciate the outstanding audio quality of these shows. And if OTR is new to you, it’s a great introduction.

As an added temptation, when Harry Lang became ill, that great Loony Tunes voice Mel Blanc took over as Pancho’s cousin Profiro, who is, incredibly, not as bright as Pancho. The collection, which sells for $29.98, is available at their website, HERE. Incidentally, next week I’ll tell you a little more about the Cisco Kid movie saga, and hope someone out there can solve a Duncan Renaldo mystery!

SCREENINGS

ANNE JEFFREYS IN PERSON AT THE AERO

On Wednesday night, August 11th, at 7:30 p.m., The Aero Theatre at 1328 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, will show a double bill of Anne Jeffrey movies, and she will be discussing the films between the screenings.

First up is TRAIL STREET (1947) co-starring Randolph Scott as Bat Masterson, trying to clean up Liberal, Kansas (after which it became Conservative, Kansas). Also featured are Robert Ryan and Gabby Hayes, directed by Ray Enright, script by Norman Houston and Gene Lewis.

Next up, RIFFRAFF (1947), isn’t a western, but it’s a delightful, fast-paced caper about attempts to take over a Panama oil field, and stars Anne Jeffreys with Pat O’Brien.

SAM FULLER’S ‘FORTY GUNS’ AT L.A.C.M.A.

Friday, August 13th, at 7:30 p.m. Sam wrote, directed and produced this thrilling western, which stars Barbara Stanwyck, Barry Sullivan, Dean Jagger, John Ericson and Gene Barry. Can Sullivan, the Marshall, tame Stanwyck the Land Baroness? Let him try!

ROY ROGERS IN 'UNDER WESTERN STARS' AT THE AUTRY

On Saturday, August 14th, from 1:30 to 3:30, The Autry will present the movie that made Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers) a star: UNDER WESTERN STARS (1938). Just think -- if Republic hadn't been having disputes with Gene Autry -- whom this picture was originally written for -- we might never have had The King Of The Cowboys! Jeffrey Richardson, Associate Curator of Film and Popular Culture, will discuss the film's production and the museum's recent acquisition of key artifacts relating to Roy Rogers. A variety of Rogers's artifacts, including his one-of-a-kind plastic Rose Parade saddle, will be on display throughout the museum. The 35mm print is from the UCLA Archive, and admission cost of $9 includes admission to the museum.

THREE FREE WESTERNS SATURDAY AT SPUDIC’S!

On Saturday, August 14th, Eric Spudic’s Movie Empire will be hosting a free western triple bill! At 6:30 p.m., they’ll begin with FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE (1975), directed by Lucio Fulci from a Bret Harte story, and starring Fabio Testi, Michael J. Pollard, Tomas Milian and Lynne Frederick. At 8:00 p.m. it’s VALDEZ IS COMING (1971) Edwin Sherin directing from the Elmore Leonard story, and starring Burt Lancaster, Susan Clark, Jon Cypher and Richard Jordan. THE THIRD MOVIE WILL BE SELECTED FROM SEVERAL OPTIONS BY YOU, THE ATTENDEES! Spudic’s Movie Empire is located at 5910 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91401. They sell all DVDs for $5 and all VHS tapes for $2, and are open from noon to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

WILLIAM S. HART DOUBLE-BILL UNDER THE STARS!

On Saturday, August 14th, Friends of Hart Park will present HELL'S HINGES and THE TAKING OF LUKE MCVANE, at Wm. S. Hart Park - Hart Hall, at 24151 Newhall Avenue, in the city of Newhall. Additionally, there will be a WESTERN SILENT AUCTION, at 6 p.m. EVENING TOURS and patio seating, 7 p.m. BBQ DINNER FROM RATTLER'S. Tickets are $50 a piece, with reserved tables of ten for $500. You can find out more, and order tickets by calling 661-254-4584, or clicking HERE. They say this event sells out, so if you want to go, reserve now!

SILENTS UNDER THE STARS AT PARAMOUNT RANCH

On Sunday, August 15th, BEGGARS OF LIFE (1928) Directed by William Wellman, starring Louise Brooks and Richard Arlen, will be screened at the historic Paramount Ranch. It's not a Western -- it's the story of a girl who runs away from her abusive father to ride the rails as a hobo, passing as a man. And it's a rare chance to visit a historic Western location. In fact, there's a historic tour at 5:45pm, followed by the movie at 7:30. Tickets are $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for members of Hollywood Heritage. Children under twelve are $3.00, under three free.

Picnicing is encouraged -- there are clean restrooms and free parking, but it gets dark, so bring a flashlight!

Directions:

The Paramount Ranch
Take the Ventura Freeway (101 north) to KANAN ROAD offramp. At light make a left turn onto Kanan Road going south. Cross the freeway to Agoura Road. Cross Agoura Road and shortly make a left turn onto CORNELL ROAD. (watch carefully, it is a small sign and small road) Follow Cornell Road about a couple of miles to the PARAMOUNT RANCH driveway, marked with large signs. Make a right turn into the driveway and down into the ranch. Look for signs as to where to park. The signs will say "Silents Under the Stars- Parking."
Official Website

SIGNINGS

EARLY WARNER BROTHERS HISTORY AT LARRY EDMUNDS

On Thursday, August 12th, at 7 p.m., Hollywood historians par excellence, co-authors Marc Wanamaker and E. J. Stephens, will be signing their latest book, EARLY WARNER BROTHERS HISTORY. The great movie bookstore is located at 6644 Hollywood Boulevard, L.A., CA 90028. (323) 463-3273. And you can visit info@larryedmunds.com to learn more.

I'll be back in a couple of hours with that Cisco Kid radio-show review. And I've been fortunate enough to meet and interview some very interesting people. In the coming weeks I'll be running interviews with Earl Holliman and Morgan Woodward, and several more western favorites!

Hasta manana,

Henry

All contents Copyright August 8th, 2010, by Henry C. Parke. All Rights Reserved.

WHAT AM I BID FOR TRIGGER?

The good news is that the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, including key artifacts and 120 boxes of Roy and Dale-related stuff have been acquired by the Autry. It will take a few years for archivists to catalog and preserve it all, and make it available. The announcement from the Autry notes that, “Once the archive has been completely processed, key items will be exhibited in a dedicated case in the museum’s Imagination Gallery.”

The not bad but wistful news – good news if you have money to spend – is that 346 lots from the now defunct Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Branson, Missouri, formerly in Victorville, California, will be sold at auction, at Christie’s Auction Gallery in New York’s Rockefeller Center, on Wednesday and Thursday, July 14th and 15th. The preview starts today, Friday, July 9th. The vast array of items for bid include Roy and Dale merchandise, clothes, chandeliers, boots, saddles, spurs, collections of badges, and Trigger, the taxidermied Golden Palomino, the “Smartest Horse In The Movies”. Trigger, who is estimated at $100,000 to $200,000, is lot #38, the final lot for Wednesday. On Thursday, lot #230, Dale’s horse, Buttermilk, with an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000, will go under the gavel, followed by lot #231, “Roy’s Wonder-Dog, Bullet,” who is expected to fetch $10,000 to $15,000. Pat Brady's Jeep NELLYBELLE is estimated at $20,000 - $30,000. The catalog will set you back $30.00. Wednesday's auction starts at 6:00 p.m., Thursday's at 10:00 a.m..

To read the informative, if somewhat wise-ass story in the New York Times -- it starts with the line, “Wild West kitsch will take over Christie’s plush quarters at Rockefeller Center,” CLICK HERE. But be warned, those illiterate city-slickers call a 'chuck wagon' a 'chow wagon.' To take a look at the items up for auction, and to register to bid, CLICK HERE. To read a touching Christie-provided interview with Roy 'Dusty' Rogers Jr., CLICK HERE. (Photos from top: Roy and Dale with Trigger, Dale with Buttermilk, Dale with Bullet)

LUCAS AND SPEILBERG LET NORMAN ROCKWELL OUT OF THE VAULT

Remember that scene at the end of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, where the Ark of the Covenant is sealed in a wooden crate and hidden away in a massive warehouse, never to be seen again? Well, enthusiastic Norman Rockwell collectors Steven Speilberg and George Lucas have lately been accused of the same thing by the art world, for refusing to lend their pictures to Rockwell exhibitions.

They’ve made up for it in a big way, by combining fifty-seven of the paintings in one exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C., entitled, “Telling Stories: Norman Rockwell From The Collections of George Lucas and Steven Speilberg.” The show will run until early 2011. Rockwell gained his greatest fame for the hundreds of covers he painted for THE SATURDAY EVENING POST, mostly depicting cheerful aspects of American life.

Speilberg notes, “I had a great deal of respect for how he could tell stories in a single frozen image. Entire stories.” Lucas notes, “To me the most important part of Rockwell’s work is that it illustrates compassion and caring about other people.” Lucas, who has lived too long in Marin County, adds, “You could almost say he was a Buddhist painter.”

HARRISON FORD TAKES BREAK FROM ‘ALIENS’ TO TIE KNOT

On location in Santa Fe, New Mexico, COWBOYS AND ALIENS star Harrison Ford took a break from acting duties to wed his steady of eight years, Calista Flockhart. The vows were said at the Governor’s Mansion, the wedding performed by Governor Bill Richardson under the legal supervision of New Mexico Chief Justice Charles W. Daniels.

FOLLOW-UP FROM THE 4TH OF JULY

Got a few interesting calls and comments after COWPOKE WHO SERVED. I was able to add Earl Holliman and Cesar Romero to out list. Ron Scheer had an interesting suggestion: Western writers who served might make an interesting list. I agree. Haven't had much time for research, but I learned that Louis L'Amour served in the U.S. Merchant Marines. Charles Marquis Warren, novelist (ONLY THE VALIENT), screenwriter, producer and director who shaped TV's GUNSMOKE and RAWHIDE, served in the Navy in the Photo Science Laboratory. Wounded by a Japanese grenade, he received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and five battle stars. And speaking of the 4th of July, that day in 1884 was the birthday of George Trendle, the man who thought up THE LONG RANGER.

And we would be remiss if we did not note the recent passing of a man of the real west, the very last of the Navajo 'code talkers,' who used their native language as a uncrackable code during World War II. Clarence Wolf Guts was 86 when he died, on June 16th, at the South Dakota Veterans home in Hot Springs.

AMERICAN BANDITS WINS TELLY AWARD

Congratulations to writer-director Fred Olen Ray, who has won the Bronze Telly Award for AMERICAN BANDITS: FRANK AND JESSE JAMES.

WESTERN ROUND-UP HAS A SPONSOR

I'm delighted to announce that the good folks from the Dish Satellite company are our first advertisers -- if you missed their ad, it's on the top left corner of the opening page! If you're looking for satellite service, please click on the link!

SCREENINGS

RANDOLPH SCOTT IN 'SANTA FE' (1951) AT THE AUTRY

How long has it been since you saw Randolph Scott on the big screen? You can, this Saturday, July 10th, at the Autry's Wells Fargo Theatre. It's part of The Imagined West Film Series, and is preceeded by the film that started it (westerns) all, Edwin S. Porter's THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY (1903). The show is at 2:00 p.m. And although membership or admission usually gets you in, for some reason it'll cost $5 for members and $9 for non-members. Regular readers of the Round-up may remember that in the April 17th entry, at an event celebrating the issuing of the Cowboys of the Silver Screen stamps, Autry CEO John L. Gray annnounced that, starting in mid-June, The Autry would present a western film festival, commencing with a Roy Rogers picture. June has come and gone, no Roy, no Gene. On August 14th we will get UNDER WESTERN SKIES, which launched Roy's career. The only Autry pictures expected to run this summer are TV episodes during July 24th's NATIONAL DAY OF THE COWBOY event. THE HARVEY GIRLS is running on Saturday, July 31st. Kinda slim pickings for western fans. Yet opening on August 17th is a show, HOW THE WEST WAS WORN...BY MICHAEL JACKSON. Yes, that Michael Jackson. I don't understand some people's priorities.



ANTHONY MANN FESTIVAL AT NEW YORK’S FILM FORUM

What a treat for all of you that live East but love West! From June 25th through July 15th, the Forum will be presenting 26 movies – most in double features and a few in triple bills! -- directed by the great Anthony Mann, whose post-war westerns brought a new-found maturity to the form, and gave James Stewart a chance to stretch as an actor as never before. In addition to the westerns being shown, Mann's fine crime and war stories will also be on view. Among the westerns: THE FAR COUNTRY (1955) and THE TALL TARGET (1951) on Friday and Saturday, July 9th and 10th. To whet your appetite -- and this is for everyone, not just New Yorkers - CLICK HERE to see trailers of several of the Anthony Mann westerns.

AROUND LOS ANGELES

THE AUTRY NATIONAL CENTER

Built by cowboy actor, singer, baseball and TV entrepeneur Gene Autry, and designed by the Disney Imagineering team, the Autry is a world-class museum housing a fascinating collection of items related to the fact, fiction, film, history and art of the American West. In addition to their permenant galleries (to which new items are frequently added), they have temporary shows. Currently they have HOMELANDS: HOW WOMEN MADE THE WEST through August 22nd, and THE ART OF NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETRY: A LIVING TRADITION, through November 7th. I've seen the basketry show three times, and am continually astonished at the beauty and variety of the work of the various tribes. The Autry has many special programs every week -- sometimes several in a day. To check their daily calendar, CLICK HERE. And they always have gold panning for kids every weekend. For directions, hours, admission prices, and all other information, CLICK HERE.

HOLLYWOOD HERITAGE MUSEUM

Across the street from the Hollywood Bowl, this building, once the headquarters of Lasky-Famous Players (later Paramount Pictures) was the original DeMille Barn, where Cecil B. DeMille made the first Hollywood western, The Squaw Man. They have a permanent display of movie props, documents and other items related to early, especially silent, film production. They also have occasional special programs. 2100 Highland Ave., L.A. CA 323-874-2276. Thursday – Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. $5 for adults, $3 for senior, $1 for children.

WELLS FARGO HISTORY MUSEUM

This small but entertaining museum gives a detailed history of Wells Fargo when the name suggested stage-coaches rather than ATMS. There’s a historically accurate reproduction of an agent’s office, an original Concord Coach, and other historical displays. Open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Admission is free. 213-253-7166. 333 S. Grand Street, L.A. CA.

ON TV

TV LAND - BONANZA and GUNSMOKE

Every weekday, TV LAND airs a three-hour block of BONANZA episodes from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. They run a GUNSMOKE Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m., and on Friday they show two, from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m.. They're not currently running either series on weekends, but that could change at any time.

NEED YOUR BLACK & WHITE TV FIX?

Check out your cable system for WHT, which stands for World Harvest Television. It's a religious network that runs a lot of good western programming. Your times may vary, depending on where you live, but weekdays in Los Angeles they run THE LONE RANGER at 1:30 p.m., and two episodes of THE RIFLEMAN from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.. On Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. it's THE RIFLEMAN again, followed at 2:30 by BAT MASTERSON. And unlike many stations in the re-run business, they run the shows in the original airing order. There's an afternoon movie on weekdays at noon, often a western, and they show western films on the weekend, but the schedule is sporadic.

Unless something unexpected happens, that's it for this week's report. Have a great weekend! And by the way, readers tipped me about both the Norman Rockwell show and the Roy Rogers auction. If you hear something that'd interest the Round-up, let me know!

Happy Trails to you!

Henry

All Contents Copyright July 2010 by Henry C. Parke -- All Rights Reserved