I Was That Masked Man by Clayton Moore, Frank Thompson
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Book Reviews of I Was That Masked Man
Book Review: Must-Read: Bland yet Bizarre
Summary: 5 Stars
Clayton Moore tried to lived by the Lone Ranger code, and the writing here sounds like a product of that code--a good word for everyone, or at least as close to a good word (and moral lesson) as possible, with pure motives always ruling his actions and reactions. But especially bizarre is Clayton's late, real-life run-in with the Manson family just weeks before the Sharon Tate murder, when the gang, possible including Squeaky Fromme and Charles himself, camped out at a blind rancher's spread. It almost sounds like an LR episode, but with an understandably clueless Moore wondering who these kids are, then asking himself later if they had been Lone Ranger fans who somehow went wrong, and re-devoting himself to being a good influence. And yet the book is endlessly likeable, with a love of life and many details, big and small, that will delight fans of the show and of Moore: Clayton's early days as an athletic trazepe artist (performing at the 1934 World's Fair and taking in a few Sally Rand shows!); his serials with Noel Neil and Phyllis Coates (Lois Lanes both); his fondness for Jay Silverheels; his second wife's relations with John Barrymore and his own (platonic) one with Lupe Velez; why the LR mask changes shape; the special lighting used to bring out his blue eyes, etc, etc. Despite its determined blandness, it is a real treat in hundreds of ways--including dozens of photos masked and unmasked, one a goofy comic shot with eyes crossed that looks strangely like Hugh Laurie in a comic mood! The late Moore is now himself part of those thrilling days of yesteryear. I wish that I had met him! (P.S. I can't resist correcting one small error. The book claims Roy Barcroft played the role of Crane in the Republic Serial Ghost of Zorro. Either Clay or his ghost confused this; Barcroft, a prolific B-movie actor, plays the evil sidekick Kilgore. Crane is played by another familiar face, Gene Roth.)Book Review: Lifelong fan
Summary: 5 Stars
Like most of the others here, I'm a lifelong fan of the Lone Ranger, and Clayton Moore was my favorite Lone Ranger. I have a signed lithograph hanging in my living room.
I am also a huge fan of Hollywood biographies.
My biases being clear, I have to say that like everyone else, I loved Clayton Moore's story. He's a genuine good guy, has nice things to say about everyone he worked with, and always tried to find the good in people. People responded to him in kind, even in the days of hippie rebellion.
Clayton Moore's relationship with the character of the Lone Ranger is unique. He was typecast, but wanted to be typecast. After playing the Lone Ranger, it's the only character he ever wanted to play. Even Jay Silverheels had no intention of being Tonto forever. Moore spent the rest of his life going to schools, shopping malls, etc., portraying either the Lone Ranger or portraying himself as the Lone Ranger. He spent the rest of his life trying to embody the Ranger Creed. No other actor was as closely tied to a character as was Moore. Even his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame says both Clayton Moore and the Lone Ranger.
Even the stories of being fired for Season 3 of the TV show, being called back for Season 4, and the legal wrangling over the use of the mask were downplayed in favor of discussing his relationship with his fans, some of whom he met at both 5 and 50 years of age. His comment? The adoration in their eyes for the Lone Ranger was the same at any age.
If you were ever a fan of the show, the photos alone are worth the price of the book.
Also, if you need large print books, the print in this edition is quite large. No need to look for a large print edition.
Book Review: A fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust...
Summary: 5 Stars
Clayton Moore's book is a treat for aging baby-boomers who still return to those thrilling days of yesteryear. Even with his respectable work product as a B movie actor in the '40s, Moore ("Jack" to insiders) was relatively unknown when he first appeared as The Lone Ranger in TV's version of the classic radio series. The best parts of the book are the behind the scene details of the famous TV show. Moore recalls his friendship with Jay Silverheels, a full-blooded Mohawk whose real name was Harold J. Smith. Tonto's dialogue both annoyed and amused Silverheels. Silverheels joked about it with Moore, but he also worked to improve the film image of Native Americans. Two horses portrayed Silver. We also learn the story of Lone Ranger Rock, featured in the opening sequence of the show. For decades, Moore made personal appearances in character. Wherever he traveled, everybody loved him for what he meant to Western folklore and us. He was careful to preserve the integrity of the image in his private life. In a conspicuous public relations blunder, The Wrather Corporation, because of a new movie (circa, 1980), took Moore to court to prohibit him from wearing the mask in public. Loyal fans united in protest and stayed away from the box office in droves. After the film flopped, Moore got the mask back. Moore says he knew there was a private person besides the public image, and that he was careful to keep the two identities separate. Regardless, Clayton Moore was that masked man. Recommended reading for nostalgia buffs and generations of loyal Lone Ranger fans. ;-)Book Review: Yes! I Returned To Those Thrilling Days Of Yesteryear!
Summary: 5 Stars
At the outset, I must admit to a bias. I was born and raised in Chicago. I attended Hayt Elementary School (as did Clayton Moore) and I was told by my 8th grade teacher (Hetty Reichow) that I had been assigned to the same desk the Lone Ranger had once sat in. I was able to picture the buidling and the gymnastic equipment the author fondly remembers. I enjoyed the book for other sentimental reasons as well. Along with Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger was one of my favorites. I was particularly interested in his legal battle over his wearing of the mask. And, it was important to learn that Clayton Moore tried to live out the ideals of the Lone Ranger. You can never be sure about hollywood types these days. I have a copy of the Lone Ranger's Creed framed and hanging on the wall in my home. Two of my prized possessions are autographs from Roy Rogers and Clayton Moore. Buy the book - If you grew up with the Lone Ranger, you will enjoy the book.Book Review: THE LONG RANGER REALLY WAS THE LONE RANGER!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a delightful autobiography, mainly because what the reader learns quickly is that Clayton Moore was every bit asstraight-laced and trueblue as the Ranger himself. And Jay Silverheels becomes bigger than life, too! This is an unusual book, because it's obvious that Moore is not a writer. He is so intent on telling his story honestly and clearly, that the reader gets wrapped up in the narrative--just as Davy Crockett's autobiography is made more readable by his lack of sophistication in the writer's art. If you want unpretentious popular-culture history told in a direct and naive narrative, this is the book for you. It makes me want the Lone Ranger back on television! Hi Yo Clayton and Jay!
--Jim Reed, author, DAD'S TWEED COAT: SMALL WISDOMS, HIDDEN COMFORTS, UNEXPECTED JOYS (for more information on those thrilling days of yesteryear, see Jim's website jimreedbooks.com)