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28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Richard Boone: A Night without Armor in a Savage Land, March 24, 2000
Richard Boone: A Knight without Armor in a Savage Land By David Rothel 277 Pages Empire Publishing A Book Review by Mike RayDuring the golden age of television (1949-64) there were many outstanding programs--"I Love Lucy" with Lucille Ball, "The Honeymooners" with Jackie Gleason, "Love that Bob" with Bob Cummings, and "The Ed Sullivan Show", just to name a few. One of the best programs of the day, and seldom seen on TV since, was the western "Have Gun Will Travel" with Richard Boone who played the main character, Paladin. The show started on September 14, 1957 on CBS and ran for six years. This half-hour show aired Saturday nights at 9:30 PM just before another popular western, "Gunsmoke". The character, Paladin had a great impact on me. To say the least, I loved his style and sense of right and wrong. Thus, Have Gun was my favorite western and Richard Boone my favorite cowboy. The series was filmed at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood and on location in the rough and tumble areas of Bend, Oregon. What made the program, was not just the great writing, and wonderful productions, but rather the acting Of Richard Boone was unlike anything I had ever seen before. In his new book by David Rothel, "Richard Boone; a man without Armor in a Savage land," Rothel, brings us closer to one the most talented and most complex men Ever to grace the TV screen. The book will guide you threw Boone's early years, and explains his desire In becoming an actor. This book is not just a chronicle of Have Gun will Travel, but also a wonderful review on Boone's other Programs, Medic, The Richard Boone Theatre, and Heck Ramsey. And thou Rothel does and outstanding job dealing with the Boone's 4 TV programs, it is his writing regarding the years that produced that great western, Have Gun will Travel that makes this book come alive. Boone was born June 18, 1917 in Los Angeles, and was actually a seventh generation nephew of frontiersman Daniel Boone. He garnered critical acclaim for his acting on stage and on screen, both large and small. Rothel gives great detail on life in front and in back of the camera. Especially in Have Gun Rothel shows little glimpses of just who Paladin was. He lived a dual life as a wealthy man of the world residing in a posh San Francisco Hotel and as a black clothed gunfighter - for hire. We were also introduced to Paladin's business card, which would find it's way into every episode. Paladin came from a well to do family back east. He served as a Union Cavalry officer during the Civil War, then at some point thereafter left for Frisco to assume his double life of civilized sophisticate and rough and tumble gunfighter. At the prestigious Hotel Carlton, he lived a life of leisure and luxury. He liked the Arts, fine food, cigars, and acquired knowledge on scores of subjects, from law, to poetry, and history. He dressed in the most expensive clothes of the day, spoke several languages, played the piano, composed his own symphony and played chess with all the tenacity of a military tactician. But things were different once Paladin changed into his work attire. Dressed completely in black, with a silver chess-knight on his holster, Paladin simply had no peer. He stood alone at the top of the gun slinging world and he knew it. He used a black, single action Colt .44 with an extra long, rifled barrel; the gun was hand-crafted to his specifications, and had a one-ounce trigger pull. He also wisely carried a concealed derringer, which he'd often use for good effect some time after being told to "drop your gun." He was physically strong, and great with his fists (Richard Boone did all of his stunts despite being in his mid 40's), but it was with his gun that Paladin truly excelled. Paladin would hire out his services to those who were in need. On many occasions, Paladin would do charity work, donating or waving his fee for a good cause. Paladin was a great champion for Justice, highly principled and ethical, ALWAYS concerned with what's right. He was truly one of televisions greatest heroes. "Have Gun will Travel" is a great legacy of a by gone era, the old west, and the Golden Age of Television. And Richard Boone played an extremely important role during that Golden Age. David Rothel's 277 page book is a Must read. A treasure that will stand the test of time. It's beautifully illustrated with over 100 photos. Most of which the public has never seen. The book also comes with a musical CD of the Theme song, and other recordings. One which also includes the voice of Richard Boone himself. I give the book 5 out of 5 stars.
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DVD ~ Richard Boone
DVD ~ Richard Boone
DVD ~ Richard Boone
DVD ~ Richard Boone
DVD ~ Richard Boone
