I Was That Masked Man by Clayton Moore, Frank Thompson Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of I Was That Masked Man
Book Review: A Wonder Insight Into Moore's Life
Summary: 5 Stars
I ran across this book by accident while browsing different books on Amazon. It immediately appealed to me, I grew up in that era. The book did not disappoint. I especially enjoyed some of the little details that Moore describes such as how he kept his hat from coming off during fight scenes and how every time a picture was taken of him rearing the horse Silver (who they nicknamed Liver Lip!), he received $50. There were so many delightful tidbits in this book. A great read for anyone of any age.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: A must read.
Summary: 4 Stars
If you are a fan of the Lone Ranger, movie serials and/or Clayton Moore, this is a must read. Moore is quite possibly the only movie serial star alive today. He provides a wealth of inside information on how they were made. His insights into the production of the Lone Ranger series is also quite facinating. His feelings on portraying the Lone Ranger come across as sincere and genuine. He also seems to be a very pleasant person and a real pro. However, what keeps the book out of the five star rating are a few details that he skips over. For example, he glossed over why he was replaced by John Hart in the role of the Ranger for a year. I think there is more to the story. Moore also describes his longstanding friendship with Tom Neal. I would have been interested to learn about Moore's feelings about the murder that Neal committed in the late 60's. Maybe that kind of sordidness doesn't belong in a upbeat and positive book like this. All in all, a great book that must be read by Lone Ranger and serial fans everywhere.Book Review: A quick overview of the life of an American idol.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a quick read about a man who has lived most of his life playing a fictional role and how it has affected his everyday life. Clayton Moore was certainly not a great actor as attested by his lack of meaningful movie roles. When he became the Lone Ranger everything changed as he became that fictional character in real life. I enjoyed some of the tidbits of making the tv series and of course there could have been many more. Moore mentions alot of movie/tv actors in the book and never has a bad word for any of them. His replacement John Hart in Lone Ranger from 1952-53 is also reported favorably. Mr. Moore says he was fired from the series and given no reason. I would think there is more to the story. All and all this book is for nostalgia fans and Clayton Moore seems truly to be a "nice guy". There should be more people like him in the world.Book Review: Ah the great memories.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was a bigger fan of the Lone Ranger on radio than TV, but only because I was away in school most of the years it was on the tube and missed a great deal. That is something I am trying to make up as I collect DVDs and is why I bought this book. I have also known personally two who worked with Clayton Moore in the past, serial queen Kay Aldridge and former rodeo star Beverly McDermott. Everything they said about this man is echoed in the book. A very honest upright straight shooter. I am also impressed by his arguments as to why a star should set an example. So different in Hollyweird today. We need actors and actresses today who have the high moral standards this man has shown. May God bless him always, here and in Heaven.