The Reel Cowboy
Essays on the Myth in Movies and Literature
by Buck Rainey
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Book Presentation:
Movies and books have romanticized the life of the cowboy. To most, the heroes of countless Westerns fall into one of three categories: the strong, silent, asexual deliverer of damsels in distress; the slick and gaudy guitar-strummer; and the virile, violent drifter. In truth, real cowboys had little in common with the fictionalized characters of literature and the silver screen. The "reel" cowboys of yesteryear are recalled in Part One of this work. The make-believe West of Gene Autry, Buck Jones, Harry Carey, and many others is contrasted with the real American West. Part Two discusses the many movies based on the writings of Western writers. The works of Zane Grey, Louis L'Amour, Max Brand, Luke Short, Ernest Haycox and many others have been transformed to the silver screen, often with great success. Next examined are the movies based upon three writers of the great Northwest: James Oliver Curwood, Jack London and Rex Beach. A concluding section looks at cinema cowboys on the so-called "sawdust trail." Will Rogers, Tom Mix, Jack Hoxie were among those reel cowboys who performed in circuses and Wild West shows.
About the Author:
The late Buck Rainey wrote scores of articles for Western and serial fanzines and several books. He lived in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
Press Reviews:
"a much needed history of our cowboy heroes" -- Western Clippings
"illuminating and very interesting comparisons...much interesting information" -- Past Times
> From the same author:
Serial Film Stars (2013)
A Biographical Dictionary, 1912-1956
by Buck Rainey
Subject: Countries > United States
The Strong, Silent Type (2003)
Over 100 Screen Cowboys, 1903–1930
by Buck Rainey
Subject: Silent Cinema
Sweethearts of the Sage (1992)
Biographies and Filmographies of 258 Actresses Appearing in Western Movies
by Buck Rainey
> On a related topic:
The Hero's Trail (2022)
Myth and Art in the American Western, 1903–1953
Ride the Frontier (2021)
Exploring the Myth of the American West on Screen
Professionals in Western Film and Fiction (2019)
The Portrayal of Doctors, Lawyers, Journalists, Clergymen and Others
Hollywood Westerns and American Myth (2012)
The Importance of Howard Hawks and John Ford for Political Philosophy
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