No movie tonight, so I'm not sure what I can tell ya. I did watch an episode of "Rawhide", and it was excellent as that show always is. There were a lot of great Western shows back in that genre's television heyday in the '50s and early '60s, and some fans would probably say "Gunsmoke" was the best, or "Bonanza, or "The Virginian", but I'll take "Rawhide". It has such an authentic look, but even more than that, the writing is so good that it turns each 50 minute episode (one hour minus commercials) into a mini-movie. The dialogue feels right for the way these men would talk in that time period, and best of all is the casting, because they chose exactly the right actors to pull it off. They look, sound and act like characters from the 1870s, in this case cattle drovers. Why they are not called cattle "drivers" is a question you will have to ask someone from the 19th century, preferably someone in the cattle business, and you will need to use your Time Machine once again if you are to make contact.
I will go out on a limb here, but the bastardization of the term could possibly be compared to the way in which - referring to grape soda - the phrase "Purple Drink" was changed into "Purple Drank" among segments of the population.
In other words, you would think that the workers on a cattle drive would be called cattle "drivers".
But somehow it got changed to "drovers", and it stuck. So "drovers" it is.
What if a cop asked to see your "Drovers License"? You'd think you were driving your Time Machine and had landed back in the Old West.
Hey listen - don't ever say that I won't go to any length to try and find something to write about. :)
But really, "Rawhide" is a great show, they tackle all kinds of social issues in the Western setting, including women's issues, Indian rights, and many other topics where moral and legal justice are at stake.
The best thing about the show is it's cast, and of course it was "Rawhide" that made Clint Eastwood a big enough star that he could make the jump to movies, which he did right after the series ended in 1965. By '67, he was a legit movie star with "A Fistful Of Dollars".
But the real star of "Rawhide" was Eric Fleming, who was even taller and more macho than Eastwood. In the show, Clint looks like a kid next to him. Fleming was blonde and handsome, but he had a terrible accident while in the Navy while working with heavy machinery that left his jaw broken and his face smashed. It required a lot of plastic surgery to repair, and he was left with limited mobility in his jaw and facial expressions. It also affected his voice to an extent that is noticeable in the way he delivers his lines. His voice seems deeper and more stilted than it should be, but the thing is, as far as his character on the show is concerned - all of these handicaps make his acting performance seem more real.
On the show, Eric Fleming has charisma to burn. He is the Trail Boss in charge of moving the cattle, and he has to deal with all his men and all of the dramatic situations they encounter every episode.
"Rawhide" revolves around him, he is the central character in almost every show, and it is a testimony to his acting and charisma that the show was a big hit in it's day and is now considered a classic.
Clint Eastwood went on to become a Hollywood legend, and rightly so, even though on "Rawhide" he plays second fiddle to Eric Fleming.
Mr. Fleming was not so fortunate, and he had a second terrible accident that cost him his life in 1966. "Rawhide" had ended and he was filming a TV movie for ABC in Peru, called "High Jungle". It was an adventure story, and part of the plot called for shooting on a river known for dangerous rapids.
If you Google "Eric Fleming Death", you will find a story that is harrowing and really awful because it didn't have to happen.
He drowned in a river in Peru during the filming of "High Jungle". It was the type of reckless movie stunt that would not take place today because the production would be sued out of existence.
I have read the full story, because I am a fan of Eric Fleming and "Rawhide".
He was only 41 when he died, and he had not had an easy life.
But he was the star of a great show, and he was even bigger than Clint Eastwood at that time, and his memory and work are preserved for all fans to see, and he should be remembered.
That's all I know for tonight. See you in church in the morning. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo :):)
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