 (Courtesy of Ed Phillips) Above, the Sons of the Pioneers in one of their early film appearances at Republic Pictures in THE BIG SHOW (1936) which starred Gene Autry. From L-to-R are: Karl Farr, Bob Nolan (on bass fiddle), Tim Spencer, Hugh Farr, and on the far right is a young Len Slye (who became 'Dick Weston' and was a year or so away from becoming 'Roy Rogers').  Above, Roy Rogers and the original Trigger, circa late 1930s, after signing with Republic Pictures. Trigger was originally 'Golden Cloud' and was the palomino that Olivia DeHaviland rode in ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD with Errol Flynn.  Above and below are a pair of title lobby cards showing Roy with pretty co-star and wife, Dale Evans. The first film pairing of Roy and Dale was THE COWBOY AND THE SENORITA (Republic, 1944) and their last was PALS OF THE GOLDEN WEST (Republic, 1951). PALS was also Roy's finale at Republic. From 1944-1951, Roy and Dale appeared together in 29 films --- there was a yearlong break when Dale had a baby.   Above, Roy and stuntman Dave Sharpe in the brutal fight scene from the Trucolor BELLS OF SAN ANGELO (1947).  Above are Roy, Trigger and trusty dog Bullet in this lobby card from GRAND CANYON TRAIL (Republic, 1948).  Whiskered George 'Gabby' Hayes (above) was Roy's most frequent sidekick, and they worked together in over three dozen oaters. Gabby's appearances weren't consecutive --- there was a break when he did helper duty with Bill Elliott at Republic, circa 1943-44, and he also teamed with Elliott in the first two Red Ryder films. |