ANDY DEVINE DAYS

The 25th Annual Andy Devine Days Celebration and Rodeo will be held in Kingman the weekend of September 25th. It's gonna be a great time so try and make it, and help the town celebrate their most famous son, while enjoying the rodeo, and the wonders of Route 66.
I can tell you that I have been in talks with the wonderful people of Kingman, and you can expect next year to be bigger and better than ever! They are excited to spread the word about one of the greatest character actors to ever appear on the big and small screen, Andy Devine and the famous Rt. 66 that goes right through the heart of downtown Kingman.
I am amazed at the sights to see around Kingman and the friendliness of the people. Spend some time there and you will feel like one of them, they are that warm and friendly.
Next year we are looking forward to some great celebs up there and hopefully show some of Andy's classic films like: "Stagecoach," and "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," both directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne; as well as his films alongside Roy and Dale, and episodes of "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok."
Add to that a look at what life was once like along Route 66, and the area around Kingman is a real treat for film, and history buffs. Thanks to everyone up there for making me feel so welcome. Give them a visit and you'll see what I mean.


I have come across some real hard to find Western titles with stars like Tom Mix, Buck Jones, Col. Tim McCoy, the Hoxies, Bob Steele, Tom Keene, William S. Hart and the great William Farnum - well he was very popular during the silent period. I also have some of the later Hoppys produced by William Boyd himself, during the time when he was trying to get away from the familiar dark suit. If you're interested in knowing what I have drop me a line and I'll get you a title and price list.

If any of you have access to the television station WHT they've been showing the "Lone Ranger" season starring John Hart. Very interesting. Recently I was put on the spot and asked who I would like to interview and I was at a loss, but John Hart is definately a person I would like to talk with, along with Noel Neill, Phyllis Coates and the great Dennis Hopper who worked with the Duke on "The Sons of Katie Elder," and "True Grit."

On the homefront, I'm working on my new book tentively titled, "The Old Hollywood Trail," in conjuction with a series of radio commercials I've been producing. Denny Miller has agreed to write an intro for it. When that is done, I will then be looking for a new publisher for my second book, "Riding the Hollywood Trail," which is currently out of print. I only have one copy myself! So for those of you who have been asking when it will be available again, well . . . it will be awhile.

See Ya On the Trail!

WHITEY HUGHES - WE WILL MISS YOU

It is with extreme regret and sadness that I announce the passing of a stuntman supreme and dear friend, Whitey Hughes. Whitey was one of those great men - and he was a great man - who you alway looked forward to seeing. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word.

Whitey wasn't a tall man in stature, but no one was bigger in kindness and action.

Born Robert James Hughes in Arkoma, Oklahoma on November 9, 1920, due to his small frame Whitey stunted for women as well as man, doing stunt work for such stars as: Reno Browne, Lynne Roberts, Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner, and Virginia Mayo as well as, Johnny Crawford on The Rifleman, Bobby Diamond on Fury, and my friend, Jon Provost as Timmy on Lassie. Other shows he worked on include: Wyatt Earp, Bonanza, Rawhide, and Gunsmoke. For 4 seasons (1965 - 1968) Whitey was the stunt co-ordinator for the popular television show, The Wild, Wild West.

Whitey would continue to work through the 1990s in such shows as: Wonder Woman, Buck Rogers, The Fall Guy, and films like Men in Black.

My sympathy and love go out to his wife of almost 60 years, Dottie. For more info check out his official website. We'll miss ya Whitey!

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!