My Life , My Blog

Deze biografie van countryster Barbara Mandrell kijkt naar haar vroege carrière en volgt haar carrière via het tragische auto-ongeluk in 1984 waarbij ze bijna om het leven kwam, en haar uiteindelijke herstel en verandering van kijk op het leven.  Mandrell portretteert zichzelf in haar latere leven, en Maureen McCormick geeft een goede weergave van de jongere Mandrell. Deze voor tv gemaakte film presenteert de belangrijkste punten uit Mandrells leven, vanaf haar kindertijd tot haar comeback in de showbusiness.  Haar auto-ongeluk, herstel en heropkomst van de showbusiness vormen de climax.  De meeste van haar levensgebeurtenissen worden beknopt en zonder al te veel details gepresenteerd.  Voorbeelden: als tiener bespeelt ze al meerdere instrumenten;  haar familiereizen, ze trouwt, ze krijgt kinderen;  ze krijgt een platencontract, ze is nummer één, ze is entertainer van het jaar, ze krijgt een tv-programma;  enzovoorts.  Bovendien wordt er bij deze ...

  James Drury, born April 18, 1934, in New York City, is most famous for his starring role in The Virginian (1962–1971), one of television’s most iconic Western series. Drury portrayed the titular character, a stoic and principled ranch foreman who navigated the challenges of frontier life with intelligence, courage, and moral clarity. His performance embodied the classic Western hero archetype: strong, fair-minded, and quietly commanding, earning him widespread recognition and acclaim. The Virginian was notable not only for its length and popularity but also for being one of the first 90-minute episodic dramas on television, giving Drury an unprecedented platform to develop a complex and enduring character. Drury’s career spanned decades, with continued appearances in television, film, and theater. While The Virginian remained the centerpiece of his professional life, he also took on roles that demonstrated his versatility beyond Westerns. His on-screen persona combined gravitas w...

  Robert Horton was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned stage, film, and television. Born in Los Angeles, California, Horton initially pursued singing and music before gravitating toward acting. His tall, handsome appearance and natural charisma made him a natural fit for Westerns, a genre that dominated American television in the 1950s and 1960s. Horton’s breakthrough came with the role of Flint McCullough in the popular television series Wagon Train (1957–1962), where he quickly became a fan favorite for his charm, integrity, and understated acting style. Horton’s portrayal of Flint McCullough was remarkable for its grounded realism. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he emphasized subtle emotional depth over exaggerated heroics, which earned him critical acclaim. Beyond Wagon Train, Horton appeared in numerous television series and films, often playing morally upright, dependable characters. His versatility allowed him to branch into musical theater, leveraging h...

  Bonanza stands as one of the most iconic television Westerns of all time, with a remarkable 14-season run that made it a staple in American households. Created by David Dortort, the series followed the Cartwright family—Ben Cartwright and his three sons Adam, Hoss, and Little Joe—as they navigated life on their sprawling Nevada ranch, the Ponderosa, near Virginia City. Each son was from a different mother, which added diversity to their personalities and backgrounds. Lorne Greene played patriarch Ben Cartwright with moral authority and warmth, while Pernell Roberts (Adam), Dan Blocker (Hoss), and Michael Landon (Little Joe) brought unique flavors to the family dynamic. From gunfights to gold mining to frontier justice, the show offered more than action—it emphasized family values, personal ethics, and emotional depth. Unlike many Westerns of its era, Bonanza was known for addressing social issues and showcasing strong character development. Episodes often dealt with racism, injus...

  Een televisiefilm gebaseerd op de roman Star van Danielle Steel, die zich afspeelt in de jaren 70 en 80. De film volgt de opkomst van een countryzangeres (Jennie Garth) tot ster en een idealist (Craig Bierko) die gevangen zit in een ongelukkige relatie. Star is een uitstekende Danielle Steel-film die de liefde tussen twee mensen laat zien vanaf de dagen van hun idealistische jeugd en het leven door de ervaringen van het leven door jarenlang hun individuele dromen na te jagen. Crystal is de naam van het vrouwelijke personage, gespeeld door Jennie Garth, wiens droom was om zangeres en actrice te worden. Ze raakte betrokken bij haar manager die misbruik maakte van haar carrière en haar leven met zijn bezitterigheid en bedrieglijkheid, totdat hij werd vermoord, waarvoor Crystal werd beschuldigd. Crystal belde haar liefde en hij reisde naar Californië, gebruikte de talenten van zijn advocaat om haar te vertegenwoordigen en sprak haar vrij. Ze stuurde hem terug naar het oosten om zijn ...

  "No Country For Old Men" (2007) MY THOUGHTS ... I am a BIG fan of the Coen Brothers' movies! This one is no exception, although it is a bit more "bizarre" than some of their other movies. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing, all the way to the end! It also received a great deal of critical praise and a LOT of various awards! Another one that is definitely worth a watch!! SYNOPSIS: Violence and mayhem ensue after a hunter stumbles upon the aftermath of a drug deal gone wrong and over two million dollars in cash near the Rio Grande. STARRING: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly Macdonald and Tess Harper. SCREENPLAY BY: Joel Coen, Ethan Coen and Cormac McCarthy. DIRECTED BY: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen ACADEMY AWARDS: Nominated for 8 Academy Awards and won 4 for: "Best Picture" (Scott Rudin, Ethan Coen and, Joel Coen), "Best Supporting Actor" (Javier Bardem), "Best Director" (Ethan Coen ...

  "MIDNIGHT COWBOY" (1969) SYNOPSIS: A naive hustler travels from Texas to New York City to seek personal fortune, finding a new friend in the process. STARRING: Dustin Hoffman, John Voight, Sylvia Miles, John McGiver, Brenda Vaccaro, Barnard Hughes and Ruth White. SCREENPLAY BY: Waldo Salt and James Leo Herlihy. DIRECTED BY: John Schlesinger ACADEMY AWARDS: Nominated for 7 Academy Awards and won 3 for: "Best Picture" (Jerome Hellman), "Best Director" (John Schlesinger) and "Best Writing - Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium" (Waldo Salt). OTHER AWARDS: Nominated for 36 additional awards, from various entities, and won 23 of them! In 1994 it was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry at The Library of Congress.

  en Johnson was a renowned American actor known for his distinctive presence in Western films and his versatile performances across a variety of genres. Born Ben Johnson Jr. on June 13, 1918, in Foraker, Oklahoma, Johnson grew up in a ranching family and initially pursued a career in rodeo before transitioning to acting. Johnson's acting career began in the late 1940s and quickly gained momentum due to his authentic portrayal of rugged, outdoorsy characters, a reflection of his own background. He became widely recognized for his roles in Westerns, where his genuine cowboy persona and natural ease on horseback made him a standout performer. Some of his most notable Western roles include The Wild Bunch (1969), directed by Sam Peckinpah, and The Last Picture Show (1971), directed by Peter Bogdanovich, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Throughout his career, Johnson demonstrated remarkable range, appearing in a diverse array of films beyond Westerns. His per...

  Born Robert Errol Van Orden in Los Angeles, John Smith was the quintessential Western TV star of the 1950s and 1960s. A handsome, rugged actor with a gentle demeanor, Smith’s path to Hollywood began humbly. Before he was on screen, he worked behind the scenes as a messenger at MGM, where his good looks caught the eye of casting directors. Renaming himself “John Smith” as a playful act of irony, he began landing small roles in films like Carbine Williams (1952) and The High and the Mighty (1954), before breaking into television—where he would truly shine. Smith found enduring fame with his role as Slim Sherman in the hit NBC Western Laramie (1959–1963). His portrayal of the steadfast ranch owner made him a household name and an icon of early television Westerns. He also appeared in Cimarron City and guest-starred on countless popular shows of the era. Though his acting range extended beyond the Western genre, Hollywood typecasting kept him in the saddle for much of his career. Aud...

  Roy Rogers was an iconic American cowboy actor, singer, and television personality, widely regarded as the "King of the Cowboys." Born Leonard Franklin Slye on November 5, 1911, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he grew up in a modest family and developed a love for music and the outdoors at an early age. After moving to California, he began his career in the entertainment industry as a singer and performer in various bands before transitioning to film in the late 1930s. Rogers became a household name in the 1940s as a star of Western films. He was known for his charismatic persona, signature style, and the ability to capture the spirit of the American West. With his trusty horse Trigger and his faithful dog Bullet, he appeared in numerous films and serials, often portraying the quintessential good guy who fought for justice and helped those in need. Some of his notable films include "The Cowboy and the Senorita" (1944) and "Sunset in El Dorado" (1946), which showcas...

  *"Blazing Saddles" (1974) is a film that revolutionized comedy and left an unforgettable legacy in cinema. Directed by Mel Brooks, it offers a sharp, satirical twist on the Western genre, mixing absurdity with biting social commentary. The movie stands out for its clever humor, shocking moments, and fearless challenge to racial and societal norms. Its unique style and memorable characters have ensured its place as a timeless classic.* *Set in 1874 on the American frontier, the story revolves around Hedley Lamarr, a corrupt attorney general, who schemes to empty the town of Rock Ridge by appointing Bart, a Black railroad worker, as the new sheriff. Lamarr assumes that the townsfolk, being mostly racist, will flee in outrage. However, Bart’s sharp wit and partnership with Jim, a gunslinger turned drunkard known as the Waco Kid, turn the tables on Lamarr’s plan.* *Cleavon Little delivers a standout performance as Bart, blending humor with heartfelt moments. His character’s res...

  "Shane! Come back! Come back, Shane! Mother wants you! Father needs you! Please, Shane!" These words ring in the minds of countless moviegoers, as young Joey Starrett cries out for the heroic gunman to stay. In the final scene of *Shane*, the mysterious drifter rides away, leaving behind a valley he protected but cannot call his own. This emotional farewell is one of the most iconic moments in film history, perfectly capturing the essence of the movie—a story about bravery, sacrifice, and the heavy cost of violence. Released in 1953, *Shane* is widely regarded as one of the most influential Westerns of all time. Its gripping storyline is only part of its impact—its groundbreaking direction, cinematography, and performances helped reshape the genre. Directed by George Stevens, the film immortalized Alan Ladd’s portrayal of Shane, a reluctant gunslinger with a troubled history. His quiet strength, inner conflict, and complex bond with the Starrett family form the heart of the...

  Robert Edward Randall (December 9, 1904 – March 7, 1988) Randall was a film actor known under his stage name as Bob Livingston. He appeared in 135 films between 1921 and 1975. He was one of the original Three Mesquiteers. He had also played The Lone Ranger and Zorro. Often billed as "Bob Livingston," he was the original "Stony Brooke" in the "Three Mesquiteers" Western B-movie series, a role later played by John Wayne for eight films. He also portrayed Zorro in The Bold Caballero (1936) and the Lone Ranger in the 1939 film serial The Lone Ranger Rides Again directed by William Witney and co-starring Chief Thundercloud as Tonto. Livingston also appeared as the title character in The Lone Rider series starring alongside sidekicks Al "Fuzzy" St. John and Dennis "Smoky" Moore. The role of the Rider had previously been played by George Houston. On December 18, 1947, he married Margaret M. Roach, daughter of director/producer Hal Roach. The...

  John Nicholas "Dick" Foran (June 18, 1910 – August 10, 1979) He was an actor, known for his performances in western musicals and for playing supporting roles in dramatic pictures. Foran was still billed as Nick Foran when he signed a contract with Fox in 1934. In 1935, Foran, who stood 6-foot-2 and had red hair, was hired by Warner Bros. as a supporting actor, with the studio changing his first name to Dick. He would also croon when called upon in films such as Change of Heart (1934) with Janet Gaynor, made for Fox Film Corporation. His handsome appearance and good-natured personality made him a natural choice for the supporting cast. He first appeared as a singing cowboy in his first starring role, in Moonlight on the Prairie (1935). Other singing cowboy features included Song of the Saddle (1936), Guns of the Pecos (1937), Empty Holsters (1937) and Cowboy from Brooklyn (1938). In 1938 Foran moved to Universal Studios, where he acted in many different genres of film from h...

  Meet Ralph Madsen: The Tallest Texan Cowboy Ralph Madsen, famously known as the "Tallest Texan Cowboy," stands as one of the most extraordinary figures of the American West. Towering over others at an incredible 7 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 228 pounds, Ralph made a lasting impression wherever he went, whether he was wrangling cattle or sharing a story over a campfire. While most associate Ralph Madsen with Texas, his larger-than-life presence made him an honorary Texan even though he wasn’t born there. Let’s delve into the fascinating story of this towering cowboy who truly lived larger than life. Early Life: A Giant Born in Nebraska Ralph Earl Madsen was born on April 19, 1897, in Norfolk, Nebraska. His birthplace often comes as a surprise, considering his strong connection with Texas, where he earned his place as a legendary figure in cowboy folklore. Madsen’s height was a natural phenomenon—he didn’t inherit it from any ancestor, and his parents were of average heig...

Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy are two legendary figures in American entertainment, each representing iconic aspects of the Western genre. Their contributions to film and television in the mid-20th century played a significant role in shaping the genre and establishing enduring legacies that continue to resonate with audiences. Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye on November 5, 1911, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was one of the most beloved Western stars of all time. Known as the "King of the Cowboys," Rogers became synonymous with the idealized image of the Western hero. His career began in the late 1930s and quickly gained momentum with his charming persona and exceptional equestrian skills. Rogers starred in a series of successful films, including "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" (1936) and "Roy Rogers, King of the Cowboys" (1938), which established him as a leading figure in the genre. Rogers' appeal extended beyond the silver screen, as he became a pro...

  Yellow Sky (1948) is a classic Western film that blends adventure, drama, and romance set against the rugged backdrop of the American frontier.  Directed by William A. Wellman, the movie follows a group of outlaws, led by Gregory Peck’s character, Stretch, who stumble upon a ghost town after a bank robbery gone wrong  . There, they meet a tough woman (Anne Baxter) and her elderly grandfather, who are hiding a gold mine  . Tensions rise as greed, deception, and romance begin to take hold, leading to a dramatic showdown. With its stunning cinematography and intense character dynamics, Yellow Sky is a standout Western from the golden age of Hollywood.

  Estelita Rodriguez (July 2, 1928 – March 12, 1966) She was a Cuban actress best known for her roles in many Roy Rogers Republic westerns, and her role in Howard Hawks' western classic Rio Bravo. Rodriguez's career began in 1942 when she won a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer at the age of 14. She continued to go to MGM school in preparation to make a movie. However, MGM dropped her at the last minute, and Rodriguez traveled back to New York until 1945 when she signed a five-picture deal with Republic. The studio that same year cast her in her first film, Mexicana starring Tito Guízar, Constance Moore, and Leo Carrillo. She was subsequently cast in 1945 in her first Roy Rogers film, Along the Navajo Trail and then two years later with Rogers again in On the Old Spanish Trail. Before concluding her career with Republic in 1952, she appeared in a total of nine Roy Rogers productions as well as in other projects for the studio. Later, Rodriguez worked in a few additional films f...

  "THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE" (1962) ---  SYNOPSIS: "Questions arise when Senator Stoddard attends the funeral of a local man named Tom Doniphon in a small Western town. Flashing back, we learn Doniphon saved Stoddard, then a lawyer, when he was roughed up by a crew of outlaws terrorizing the town, led by Liberty Valance. As the territory's safety hung in the balance, Doniphon and Stoddard, two of the only people standing up to him, proved to be very important, but different, foes to Valance." STARRING: James Stewart, John Wayne, Lee Marvin, Vera Miles, Woody Strode, Lee Van Cleef, Andy Devine, John Carradine and Edmond O'Brien SCREENPLAY: James Warner Bellah and Willis Goldbeck, based on "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" by Dorothy M. Johnson. DIRECTOR: John Ford AWARDS & OTHER HONORS: It was nominated for an Academy Award but did not win. It was nominated for four (4) additional awards, by various entities, and won two (2) of them. In...