MONTE HALE

I have been way too late in getting this tribute to Monte Hale up on the site. The very last of the living singing/Republic Pictures cowboys passed away on March 29th. He was the first of the "B" cowboys at Republic Pictures to have his own "Color" series of films. He will be missed by his fans who felt the comfort in the knowledge that he was still with us. Adios old friend.

SPIRIT OF THE WEST ALIVE AWARD

Thank-you to LeeAnn Sharpe and all those at the Wild West Gazette; Sid Hagel, and Bob Roloff - as well as John Wayne Anderson and everyone else involved, for the honor of being a recipient of the Spirit of the West Alive award on Wednesday, April 15th. This award is given to those who have helped to keep the western spirit alive. Past recipients include: Bob Boze Bell, Marshall Trimble, Hugh O' Brian, Michael Dante, and Bruce Dern.
Added thanks to "The Arizona Duuude" Bob Roloff for the great Spirit of the West T-Shirt which I will wear proudly! Also, a very big thanks to local Arizona personality and great friend, Sam Meranto, for the special framed and autographed photo of the two of us. It is on the wall beside the wonderful award I received.
And a very big thanks to those who attended the ceremony!

Buzz from the Stars

According to Buck Taylor, when I asked him about the goatee he was growing, he told me that it was for the prequel to Tombstone. Val Kilmer has written the script concerning Doc Holliday before the famous gunfight. Kilmer will of course star.

Another Batman alumni is in the buzz about a Lone Ranger re-do. During a panel discussion at the Festival of the West this year, one of the stars told me that George Clooney is rumored to be set to play the Lone Ranger, while Johnny Depp will play Tonto! Anyway, that's the buzz!