Monday, August 03, 2020

The Legend of the Lone Ranger by Gary McCarthy



(pb; 1981: movie tie-in novel, based on the screenplay by Ivan Goff, Ben Roberts, Michael Kane and William Roberts and an adaptation by Jerry Derloshon)

From the back cover

“America’s favorite hero rides again!

“Who was that masked man─that mysterious stranger with his faithful friend Tonto and his magnificent stallion Silver?

“No one knew who he was, but he always appeared just when everyone needed him─hot on the trail of every lawless renegade in the West!

“He was the Lone Ranger!

“This is the tale of how it all began.”

Review

Legend is a fun, quick-read, slick and boiled-down-to-its-essence upbeat Western, geared for escapism (despite the dark deeds of the easily spotted bad guys), not historical accuracy or those looking for psychologically complex work. If you can let go and enjoy it for what it is, this is worth reading.

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Its accompanying film of the same name was released stateside on May 22, 1981. William A. Fraker directed it. For screenplay and adaptation credits, see the start of this book review.

Klinton Spilsbury played The Lone Ranger/John Reid. Michael Horse played Tonto. Marc Gilpin played Young John Reid. Patrick Montoya played Young Tonto.

Christopher Lloyd played Maj. Bartholomew “Butch” Cavendish. Juanin Clay played Amy Striker. John Hart played Lucas Striker.

John Bennett Perry played Ranger Captain Dan Reid. Matt Clark played Sheriff Wiatt. David Hayward played Dan Collins. 

Jason Robards played President Ulysses S. Grant. Richard Farnsworth played Wild Bill Hicock. Lincoln Tate played General George A. Custer. Merle Haggard played “Balladeer.”
An uncredited Bonita Granville played “Woman.” An uncredited James Keach provided the voice for The Lone Ranger/John Reid.

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