Old TV Westerns continue to attract interest of viewers

Our fascination with the “Old West” began with radio programming. Some of the favorite series transitioned into television more than 70 years ago.

Entertainment historians are especially keen on impressions conveyed by two long-running Westerns – “The Lone Ranger” and “Sky King.”

 

Although vastly different, both shows employed announcers who contributed significantly as the dramas unfolded.

The announcer’s role on “The Lone Ranger” chiefly belonged to Fred Foy at WXYZ in Detroit, Mich. He began each episode with the legendary line: “Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear...” just as the Lone Ranger riding his horse Silver would gallop into view.

 

Myron Leon Wallace held the job as “Sky King’s” announcer from 1946-54. He would proclaim: “From out of the clear blue of the Western sky comes Sky King!” Right on cue, the famous Songbird Cessna aircraft would swoop into the camera shot.

 

Later, in his career, Myron Wallace (now known as Mike Wallace) became an award-winning TV journalist with CBS’ “60 Minutes” news program.

“The Lone Ranger” debuted on radio in 1933 and premiered on television with the ABC network in 1949. In all, 221 episodes were filmed before the show ended in 1957.

Fans remember the catchphrase bellowed by the Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) to spur on his horse to close out each show: “Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!”

Even more memorable was the theme song from the “William Tell Overture” (the fourth and final part – the “March of the Swiss Soldiers”), composed by Italian Gioachino Rossini in 1829. This section is recognized by its fast-paced, galloping tempo, featuring trumpets and horns.

 

“The Lone Ranger” show was set on the Texas frontier, beginning in the late 1860s. Here’s how the show originated:

“A group of six Texas Rangers is ambushed by outlaws; all are shot and presumed dead. However, one miraculously is still breathing; he crawls to a pool of cool water.

He is revived by a Native American named Tonto (Jay Silverheels), who buries the five other Rangers, one of whom is the survivor’s brother. Tonto complies with the Ranger’s wish to make him a mask from his dead brother’s vest and to create an empty sixth grave to appear that he, too, died.”

 

“The ‘lone’ surviving Ranger dons the black mask and travels with Tonto throughout Texas and the American West to assist those challenged by the lawless elements.”

 

“A silver mine supplies the Lone Ranger with the funds required to finance his wandering lifestyle and the raw material for his signature bullets. The Lone Ranger and Tonto rescue a white horse that has been severely injured by an American bison.

“They nurse the horse back to health. Tonto comments that the steed’s coat is ‘Like a mountain with snow – silver white.’ The Lone Ranger declares that ‘Silver’ will be his name.”

 

Tonto called the Lone Ranger “Kemosabe,” interpreted as “faithful friend.” The term apparently originated from “Camp Kee-Mo Sah-Bee,” formerly a summer camp for boys on Mullett Lake near Cheboygan, Mich.

A bit more about the athleticism of the cast:

 

Clayton Moore, a native of Chicago, joined the circus at age 8 as an acrobat. He was a featured trapeze act performer by age 20.

 

Jay Silverheels (originally named Harold Jay Smith) was born on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve, near Hagersville, Ontario, Canada. 

He was the grandson of a Mohawk chief. Silverheels was a touring professional lacrosse player when he was “discovered” by actor-comedian Joe E. Brown, who encouraged him to pursue an acting career.

 

We’ll zoom in on Sky King’s legendary Flying Crown Ranch in Arizona next time.