Our 5 Favorite Western TV Shows

In honor of the last day of this amazing blog party we decided to do a short post on our favorite western TV shows. Our '5' favorite, to be exact.
(This is in no particular order)

1) Maverick

This show's got humor. This show's got heart. This show is amazing! (And it's also one of the only shows our mother sits and watches with us 😁)
Bart (below) and Bret (above) Maverick are two brothers who gamble instead of work for a living. This of course leads to them getting into a heck of a lot of trouble because nobody likes gamblers...For good reason...
But for real, how could you not like these boys? We have two words for you: 'Charm-Ing'! (No, we didn't go to school)
Besides Bart and Bret, the show has two other main characters, Beau and Brent (their cousins), who come in later seasons. However, we don't really consider them the stars of the show (but they are quite nice, in their own way).
Bart and Bret aren't your typical western TV show heroes. Let's just say, they aren't exactly law abiding citizens. Of course that does not mean they go around breaking the law all the time, but they do tend to be reluctant to fill in their 'Hero Shoes'.
But we love them anyway!

2) Lawman

These three....They're such a family! Marshal Dan Troop, with the help of able and lovely Deputy Johnny McKay, is in charge of keeping law and order in 1880's Laramie, Wyoming. And let me tell you, with the townspeople's track record of being absolute jerks (with the exception of Lily Merrill (guy on the right. JK, lady in the middle) and never, EVER, helping when Dan needs them, it's a good thing he's so tough and... Tough! He's a sweetie too, though. And of course, from the very first episode, Marshal Troop has the ever-needed help of Deputy Johnny McKay. In the first episode Johnny is green. Very green. Buuuuutttt, he proves himself to the ever-skeptical Marshal when he *sniff* practically saves his life. He's wonderful.
And let's not forget Lily Merrill. Literally the only female character in a western t.v. show that is interesting and helpful. She's also really spunky and fun, especially when she's around Marshal Troop. *Wink, wink*😍😎😏
And we mustn't forget to mention that we watched all four seasons of this in about three weeks... And it only took us that long because we had to order the next seasons from the library! It's just a really good show, very entertaining, very heart-warming, and very awesome! So watch it!... If you want to, that is...

3) Laramie

Ahhh, Laramie! So many fuzzy feelings. Most people don't understand just how wonderful this show is (namely our siblings) and it's quite difficult to explain. Just the whole family feeling you get when these four are together makes you want to smile and give them all a big bear hug! Let's talk characters. The two main characters are Slim Sherman(far left) and Jess Harper (middle left), who in the beginning don't hit it off very well. It was mostly Jess's fault, considering he trespassed and started teaching Slim's little brother Andy (far right) how to be a card shark...Anyway, Slim and Jess soon become the best of friends.
Andy and Jonesy (middle right) are the two secondary characters who unfortunately leave in the second season.

 The show is about the Sherman ranch that is also a relay station and that of course leads to a lot of mishaps and mayhem that our boys handle with aplomb!
The third season is not as good as the first two seasons (we haven't seen the fourth yet), but it still has good qualities. 

4) The Rifleman

So, Irene writing alone here for a minute. This is my show. I've watched all five seasons and know most everything about it. Anna doesn't dislike it, but she doesn't feel a strong attachment to it either. Mr. McCain (most people call him Lucas, but I like calling him Mr. McCain) and his son Mark (he's my favorite character) live on a nice little ranch in New Mexico near the town of North Fork. Mr. McCain, though a kind and loving father, as well as a good Christian, is also a highly skilled user of his uniquely designed Winchester rifle. Hence his title of 'The Rifleman'. Let me tell you, Lucas McCain has chalked up more dead bodies that the United States Marines. What I love about this show is the unique relationship, not shown on any other television program that I know of, between a widowed father and his only child, and the way that Mark grows up through the five seasons. It's honestly really wonderful to watch. And let's not forget the humor and action, both of which are in full supply throughout the run of the entire show. The Rifleman does not slowly lose it's quality as the years go by. Rather, it remains golden and fresh all its too-short life!

5) The Virginian and Bonanza

Now we know what you're thinking. This is six instead of five and well, you're not wrong. The truth of the matter is, we couldn't decide which one we liked better! (Isn't that the worst?)
The Virginian is about a bunch of ranch hands who always get into trouble, and Bonanza is about a bunch of ranch hands who are brothers who always get into trouble. To be fair, Bonanza is actually about three brothers and their dad who own the ranch, but whatever.
You can probably see our conundrum.
We love The Virginian because it has 'The Virginian' (top photo, dark haired center) who is just a really great guy and it also has Ryker, who is probably one of our favorite characters of all time! (That might be an overstatement, but it also might not be) Not to mention it has a bunch of side characters that often get their chance to shine.
We love Bonanza because who wouldn't love a show about a bunch of brothers that get in fights all the time? Adam, the oldest, is the more academic and 'cultured' one; Hoss, the middle child, is a big teddy bear who is very, very strong; and Little Joe is, well, Little Joe. He tends to be too big for his britches. Last of all is their father. What's great about Bonanza is the fact that unlike other shows, it has a great father figure who is actually - big shocker here - not dead!
As you can see there really is no way to tell which show is better, so therefore we could not exclude one and leave in the other.
If you've learned anything from this blog post it should be that you just need to watch both The Virginian and Bonanza (only the first nine seasons). 😁

Our last post for the last day of Legends of Western Cinema Week. That week sure went by fast. It was a lot of fun. Thanks to all the ladies who hosted it. We sure had a swell time! See you later, God willin' and the creek don't rise!

P. S. Irene also likes Tombstone Territory, but don't tell Anna she said that.

Crossfire Trail (2001)

                            

                                                             

Crossfire Trail is an extremely overlooked western, especially considering it's a beautiful example of the genre. I had seen it once, when Mama brought it home from the library, but it obviously didn't strike a chord within me, or my family, considering the next time it was brought home nobody really remembered anything about it. Which was incredible, because the second time my family and I watched it we all agreed it was amazing! Not a huge fan of Tom Selleck here, but he does justice to what I think Louis L'Amour was looking for in his main character, Rafe Covington. Now onto the review...

Rafe Covington (Louis L'Amour was always good at thinking up eccentric names) promises his dying best friend that once he gets back to America (he's at sea at the time) he'll take care of this man's beloved wife and Wyoming ranch. Covington makes his way, along with an Irishman and a green kid, across America to this wonderful ranch without any trouble. But as any watcher or reader of Louis L'Amour stories knows, things aren't gonna go smoothly for long. When Rafe gets to his friend's ranch, he find that the local big-shot, Barkow, wants not only the beautiful ranch, rich with oil, but the widow who now owns the ranch as well. 

The disgusting antagonist Barkow on the left, and widow-woman Ann Rodney on the right.

Since Rafe Covington won't budge from his path if he knows he's in the right, Barkow, in his desperation, hires a professional killer with a sniper rifle in addition to his already large motley crew of no-goods. An epic battle ensues, involving Barkow and his cronies attempting to get Covington off the ranch, not caring if the methods they employ are less than ethical. You remember me mentioning an Irishman and a green kid earlier? Well, they're both amazing.

David O'Hara as Rock Mullaney...

And Christian Kane as J.T. Langston.

With the help of Mullaney and J.T., along with a random old guy, Rafe Covington manages to keep odds somewhat even... That is, for a Louis L'Amour creation. Minor Spoiler Alert: Time progresses, and we have Rafe and Ann falling in love amidst the war, somebody very wonderful dying (I am definitely not still crying over his death), and just a heck of a lot of good, western action and excitement going on. It all culminates into one epic showdown that takes place in town. I won't spoil exactly what happens, but let me just tell you it is VERY exciting! Besides the good western fun in this movie, some of the other thing I love about this film are the scenery...

The characters...

And I couldn't find it on Youtube, but from what I remember the music is pretty darn good too. So next time you feel the urge to watch a western, but you want it to have color and beautiful cinematography (nothing against black and white movies, just saying color is nice too and the cinematography in this movie IS amazing) and maybe a slightly modern feel to it, but nothing inappropriate (like, there are a few things you might not want to show your 6 year-old, but nothing terrible), dig yourself up this wonderful western and go and have yourself a doggone good time!

                                                           

                                                                                                ~Irene

This has been Horseback to Byzantium's second post entry into The Legends of Western Cinema Week.

Been havin' lots of fun so far! Hope you have too!

Legends of Western Cinema Tag

Here's our (Anna and Irene's) first post entry for the Legends of Western Cinema Week. Hope you enjoy it!

- Legends of Western Cinema Week Tag -

1) Do you tolerate, like, or love westerns?

A: LOVE WESTERNSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (duh)

2) What do you enjoy about them and, more broadly, the west itself (e.g. the history, accompanying paraphernalia, etc)?

A: They're sooo..........Beautiful! There is a nostalgic quality about westerns that makes you want to jump on a horse, round up some cattle, and then ride off into the sunset, saddle leather creaking with the smell of sage brush and manure dancing with the heat waves! Men were men. Somebody probably already said that, but it's worth repeating. Women were women too, but we don't really care about women. LOLLLLLLLLLLLLL JK Anyway, everything about the old west was beautiful, and even westerns that we don't feel a deep adoration for still have a charm to them that no other genre can touch. Plus, cowboy clothes make even the most unattractive and repulsive men look at least half way decent. And if the man is good-lookin' to start with.....

3) What's the first western you can remember watching?

A: The Magnificent Seven. Been watching it since we were born. Well, maybe not the specific DAY, but pretty close.

4) Who are your favorite western stars, the ones whose presence in a western will make you pick it up off the shelf?

A: John Wayne and Alan Ladd. Yup, yup, yup.

5) What's your favorite performance by an actress in a western?

A: The Spanish lady in High Noon. Katy Jurado is the actress. She's one cool cat.

6) What is your "go-to" western, the one you'll typically reach for?

A: See answer 3.

7) Do your family/friends share your interest in westerns, or are you a lone ranger (pun completely intended)?

A: Pretty lonely. We're working on it. No friends and some of our siblings haven't seen the light yet.

8) Pick one western to live inside for a week, and explain why you chose it.

A: See answer 6. The country's beautiful (if a little hot), the people are beautiful (except Calvera)...everything's beautiful!

9) What are some of your favorite lines from western movies? Are there any you quote regularly?

A: "Wouldn't want to loose you children!" (John Wayne in Big Jake); "Want me to hold your hand?" (Dean Martin in Rio Bravo); "I'm partial to cold buttermilk." (Kim Darby in True Grit); "Hey Langston, ten o'clock!" (Kevin Costner in Silverado); "*Slaps knee* That's what I told 'im!" (Kevin Costner in Silverado); "*Sarcastic tone that Paden uses* You're kidding." (Kevin Kline in Silverado); and a good many more!

That was fun. Enjoyed it we hope you did! 😎

                                           - Anna and Irene

Anna's Top Ten Favorite Actors

Since I have been slacking on posting regularly and I need to beat Irene, I have decided to post again today. I already told her I would post my 'Top Ten Favorite Actors' a while ago so I thought it was about time I did 😁 Keep in mind that many of my favorites are also Irene's favorites, and since she already wrote about them I'm not going to do it a second time.

(These are in no particular order)

1) Montgomery Clift 

 I first saw Montgomery Clift in 'Red River' with John Wayne and to say I was enchanted would be an extreme understatement. The way he portrayed Matthew Garth put him on my list of favorite movie characters/favorite actors. His calm and collected personality (at least in movies. No idea what he was like in real life) made him perfect for the intense situations that he faces in both movies I've seen him in.
In 'Red River' one of my favorite scenes with him is when he meets a fancy gunslinger and soon-to-be new ranch hand named Cherry who thinks he's all that . Well, let's just say Matt proves that Cherry is NOT all that and that he, Matthew Garth, is...well...ALL THAT!
My second favorite scene from that movie is at the very end when John Wayne who plays Thomas Dunson (practically a father to Matthew who goes a little cray cray) and him get into a fist fight. But that's just because I love it when someone who needs a good socking finally gets one! There's really nothing more satisfying.
He also plays the main character (Father Logan) in 'I Confess' by Alfred Hitchcock and he expresses the amount of inner-turmoil perfectly! (Amazing movie by the way. If you haven't seen it, you should)
In short, Montgomery Clift is one of those quiet and chill people that steal my heart. Every. Single. Time. 😊

2) Jack Hogan


Now if any of you have ever seen the TV show "Combat!" (if you haven't then you'll never really live until you do) then you undoubtedly know this charming fellow. I've never really seen him play a main role in movies or anything, but he often showed up in other TV shows at the time as a guest star and also, obviously, played Pvt. William G. Kirby in "Combat!" (only one of the best shows EVER!), who just so happens to also be my favorite character. For those of you who started watching the show but stopped somewhere in the first season (Are there any? If there are, are you even human?), Kirby is not a total jerk through all five seasons. In fact, I think that's why I love him so much. At the beginning of season 1 no one likes Kirby, and I mean NO ONE. But as the show progresses you see him really develop into a good person. But, what makes Jack Hogan so amazing, is that he managed to still keep Kirby's feisty, complaining, and sometimes obnoxious personality, while somehow also being extremely endearing. That's talent! I never really liked the loud mouth obnoxious types (even the ones that aren't bad), but Jack Hogan managed to somehow break the mold for me.
Another thing I'm going to mention is that whenever he guest starred on another show he ALWAYS played a bad guy, so that made him look even MORE appealing in "Combat!" than he already was.😍

3) Kent McCord


Sooooo, since Irene already stole Martin Milner I thought I'd give a section to this guy, who really is just as near and dear to my heart as the cranky old cop himself! (In reference to Officer Pete Malloy played by Martin Milner in Adam-12)
Kent McCord played Officer Jim Reed in the show Adam-12. In the beginning of the show Jim is completely green, having just gotten out of University, and he is partnered with Pete who has had many years experience. Well obviously at the beginning of the show Jim is very nervous and well, cute, especially since Pete is leaning on the sarcastic side of things (don't get me wrong, I love Pete just as much) and it's sometimes hard for Jim to tell when his superior is being serious or not. Anyway, as the show progresses they become great buddies and as Jim starts to feel more comfortable around Pete you see a more joking side of him. While in the beginning of the show Jim never even dreamed of teasing Pete you often see him making jabs at him later on the show. The word I would use to describe Kent McCord in Adam-12 is 'adorable'. That's right, he is just an adorable person that you love to love!
Recently Irene showed me a Dragnet episode where he plays an Undercover Police Officer who is accused of a crime and just looking at him made me nervous! THE FEELS MAN!!! Literally the whole time I was just saying, "Jim! This is so unlike you!". That's when you know you have a good actor. 😎

4) Peter Lawford

Peter Lawford. Ahhhhh yes, Peter Lawford! What a beautiful human being! I first saw Peter Lawford in 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' 1945 portraying the character David. Now to say I didn't really appreciate him would be a lie, because I truly did, but I did not realize just how much I appreciated him until I watched it for the third time with our friends. For some reason that time he just really stood out! His character has a major crush on the main girl Gladys who has a major crush on Dorian and if that's not putting it badly than I don't know what is! Anyway, Gladys refuses to marry him but being the good chap that he is David tries to convince her not to marry Dorian (he's a total creep). If I remember correctly he says, "Even if you're not going to marry me I won't let you marry him!". How unselfish is that? Really, he's just a beautiful person.
Anyway, later on I was watching 'The Longest Day' with the fam and this character showed up. A British soldier wearing a beret and knitted sweater and smoking a pipe. He seemed awfully familiar and as soon as he started talking I knew. Only one person has a voice like Peter Lawford, and that's Peter Lawford! Seriously, I could listen to him talk all day. His voice is just so sooooooooothing...Anyway, I also saw him in a clip from 'Good News' with June Allyson where they're singing the 'Varsity Drag' song and Irene did a spot on impersonation of him singing the first line 😎

5) Leslie Howard

Now this eccentric man is definitely one of the most British people I have ever had the pleasure of watching on screen. I believe he's most well known for his role in 'Pygmalion' as well as Sir. Percy Blakeney in 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', but I love him most for his role as Professor Horatio Smith in 'Pimpernel Smith' which is a WW2 remake of 'The Scarlet Pimpernel'. He is the perfect quirky and forgetful Professor who always has to be reminded of things by his very trustworthy students *not*. I of course liked him in 'The Scarlet Pimpernel' too where he plays a rather vacant English Aristocrat who isn't really vacant and is actually helping the French Aristocrats escape the guillotine (sorry if that's a spoiler), but in 'Pimpernel Smith' his role as the Professor of Archaeology who takes a bunch of his students to Germany for a 'dig' is really the perfect match for him. I think it also has something to do with the fact that Leslie Howard actually directed the movie himself so he really got to choose exactly how he wanted the character portrayed. Professor Smith is probably one of my favorite movie characters.
Fun fact: His son Ronald Howard played Sherlock Holmes! (They looked so much alike!)
😊

6) Vic Morrow

VIC MORROW!!! That right there explains every feeling I have for him! Of course I know him for his role as Sgt. Saunders in "Combat!" but he isn't just Sgt. Saunders...He's so much more! (And by so much more I mean his character in the Bonanza episode 'The Avenger'). Of course I did not know him in real life but the vibe I get every time I watch him act is that he really is a very stoic and no-nonsense type, but still very lovable...obviously...
I remember in one particular "Combat!" episode everyone is in a terrible mood and he's all sunshine and rainbows (maybe it's because he was the only one who liked rain? Its a slim chance, but still) and every time I watch that scene I'm reminded of what a great guy Sgt. Saunders is! I mean, Vic Morrow would have to be great as well in order to portray such an astounding character, so let's not forget that.
In one episode his acting ability got me to cry (I believe that actually happened more than once...Yes...And I'm not ashamed of it!). It was called 'The Little Carousel' and there is a young French girl who is a Nurse and she makes friends with Sgt. Saunders. I'm not going to spoil anything in case you want to watch it, but if you have any kind of intelligence at all you probably already know what happens...
And last of all I just want to mention his great way of getting Lt. Hanley back in shape in 'Hills are for Heroes' because it was priceless! Absolute gold! 💖💛

7) Charles Bronson

One word. Legit. This guy is legit! Now I'm not just saying this. Every single time I see Charles Bronson in a movie or even TV show he is either my favorite character, or very near being my favorite character. Namely, 'The Magnificent Seven'. His role as Bernardo O'Reilly has always been my favorite, even as a little girl, and I don't think it's ever going to change. There's just something so endearing about a guy that kids are attracted to. Is it just me who thinks that? I don't think so! (I know so)
There is one moment in the movie that I remember particularly. (I say this pretending I haven't watched it over a hundred times). All the other guys are sitting around the table eating the yummy good that the Mexicans made for them and Bernardo comes in and tells them that the rest of the villagers are practically eating nothing. They of course then feel bad and end up giving all the food to the kids. I just really like that scene because it's the first real look at his character. Later on there's another scene where the town is having a big party and he's sitting alone whittling a whistle and when he blows into it a cute little Mexican girl turns around and looks at him with big brown eyes and he of course gives her the whistle. This is really just the setting for his later to be child attraction. Later on three boys become his biggest fans and it's the cutest thing ever.
While Charles Bronson's best role to me was Bernardo O'Reilly a couple honorable mentions are: Danny the Tunnel King from 'The Great Escape' and Joseph Wladislaw from 'The Dirty Dozen'.
😎😎😎

8) Viggo Mortensen 

Now pretty much everyone knows this wonderful fellow for his amazing role as Aragorn in 'The Lord of the Rings', but I grew up knowing him as (besides Aragorn of course. I mean, I was born knowing who Aragorn was. Aragorn is like a brother too me!...I wish...) Frank Hopkins from 'Hidalgo'. Yes, a cowboy! And also yes, he is actually blond...ish...
Anyway, if you are a true fan of Viggo Mortensen or The Lord of the Rings then you know that Viggo Mortensen really loves horses and during his time off from filming the most amazing trilogy ever, he would go ride his horse. He would even wear a cowboy hat! So seeing him in Hidalgo should not come as a great surprise.
My farthest memories of Viggo Mortensen are of Aragorn of course, but I don't think I ever really appreciated how well he portrayed him until I got older. We just recently started watching the movies over again (extended addition!) and I swear when he's talking with Gandalf about Frodo in the halls of Rohan while everyone else is partying, he looks like deep down he's going to burst into tears! I kid you not. Thinking about it now and watching it for probably the millionth time I see how sad and melancholic he is through all the movies (If you've read the books or seen the movies you know why too), but Viggo Mortensen really gave off that vibe without outwardly doing anything a regularly sad person would do! (Like cry, for instance) Also, he really does give the impression of a humble king...😁

9) Edd Byrnes 

Okay so this one technically isn't one of my 'top ten favorite actors' but Irene stole most of my favorites and I had to come up with others that I really like and although I've only seen Edd Byrnes in I think two things, both of which he was guest starring in a TV show, one of the characters he played really stood out to me. It was in an episode of Lawman and I don't remember what it's called or what season it was, but he plays a young gunslinger who is on the run and sort of 'hitchhikes' with this group of obvious undesirables. So while they're on their way they run into this guy who is trying to get a doctor from town because his wife is dying. Edd's character says to just let him go (my words at the time being, "Awwww, he's not bad") but the others (one of which is actually Jack Hogan. Hah, figures) like his boots and coat, so obviously they shoot him. Anyway, Edd Byrnes's character decides to leave them and goes back to the dead guys house and ends up bringing the sick wife into town for a doctor. He pretends to be her husband who's a homesteader because he doesn't want anyone to know he's a gunslinger and the wife is temporarily blind. So, in short, this shady gunslinger turns out to be a really nice guy who just has a lot of hard rock on top. What really stuck out to me was just the way he acted the part and how he walked around like a gunslinger would, rather than a homesteader.
Anyway, that was more of an episode review but I don't care! That will probably always be one of my favorite episode characters of all time. 💓

10) Bobby Crawford

Last but certainly not least, my favorite young actor that I'm putting on here partly because I like him and partly because I want to make Irene laugh! (Did it work?) Yes, Bobby Crawford is going on this list. Why, you may ask? Well, the real question is, why not?
I first found out about Bobby Crawford when Irene started watching 'The Rifleman' with Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford (Bobby Crawford's younger brother) and he showed up in an episode. All I remember really is Irene saying that the little kid who fights with Mark is actually his brother. Anyway, time went on and we started listening to Johnny Crawford music and low and behold Bobby Crawford sang with him! Somehow we found out that he also played Andy Sherman, the little brother of Slim Sherman, in the show Laramie and well, he was an adorable little kid and acted way better than I could (or can). He showed great personality on screen as a spunky little brother and even though no one would admit it, he was the real reason we started watching the show in the first place. (Don't get me wrong, we love the show Laramie, but we wouldn't of known about it if it weren't for him)
A while later Irene told me about this Combat episode she wanted to watch (very innocently) called 'A Silent Cry' and I, being the wonderful sister I am, complied. Well, we were watching it, everything was going smoothly, the plot was moving on, then, just when I thought nothing was going to change, out of the woods jumped an 18 year old Bobby Crawford! (At least I think he was 18. He looked 18) To say I was shocked would be an understatement. Irene of course knew about this and so we watched the episode together in total bliss!
What can I say except, I like the boy very much! 😊😊😊


Whelp, that concludes 'Anna's Top Ten Favorite Actors'! I hope you enjoyed my rambling.

                                    - Anna

Saw It In The Movies Tag

We were kindly tagged by the wonderful Hamlette's Solioquy to do this tag and I can proudly say that I am FINALLY doing it! (After Irene nagged me for over a month...Sorry...😇)

The rules:

• Pick at least 3 things that you have done from a movie. It can be any movie, anything you did.
• Tell how the event worked out.
• Link back to the tag's creator and the person who tagged you.
• Have fun.
• Tag 4 people.
• Use the header.'

Sooooo, the first thing that came to both Irene and my mind (minds?) when we were discussing things we actually tried to do, rather than just a line we use all the time (there are a ton!), we both thought of that scene from that episode in Happy Days where Fonzie's cousin breaks a world record for flipping coins off his elbow and catching them in his hand. After seeing that episode we naturally tried it and I managed to catch up to four quarters! (Really impressive, I know)

Short disclaimer, we actually don't watch Happy Days really but a while ago we watched a whole season and had a lot of fun with it. So yeah. (The theme song is AMAZING!)

The second thing we do a lot and waited months for the perfect opportunity is from 'The Great Escape' (only one of the greatest movies oooooon EARTH!). In the movie they're tunneling in the washroom and the German soldiers are coming to check up on them. A couple of guys who are from a different barracks have pre-meditated excuses for being there. Charles Bronson who plays Danny says he came to take a shower, James Coburn who plays Sedgwig says he's a 'lifeguard' (obviously very sarcastic but he can't get in trouble for it) and lastly John Leyton who plays Willie shrugs with the most innocent expression ever and says, "Mopping up!" in his perfectly adorable British way. Anyway, we waited forever until the perfect opportunity arose at soup kitchen. Someone had spilled something and I so graciously volunteered to mop it up. Irene then came into the kitchen, saw the once in a lifetime opportunity, and seized it saying, "What are you doing?". I of course then answered in a spot on John Leyton impersonation that I did not spend hours perfecting in front of a mirror, "Mopping up!"

"Mopping up!"

And last but certainly not least, comes the 'overreacting story'. At one point - quite some time ago now - Irene and I were talking about our sister that had done something and I said "The point is she's clearly overreacting!" and at that instance I knew that it had come from somewhere. Even the way I said it sparked some sort of remembrance but I just couldn't put my finger on it. Neither could Irene. So naturally all day we were torturing ourselves trying to figure out where it came from and finally, at around midnight, I remembered!

Naturally I had to tell Irene but thankfully she too was awake so no heads were severed that dark night 😁

And there you have it, three things we did because we saw it in a movie! As a bonus I will add some lines we say WAY too often.

1) "Come on, we gotta help!" - Mulan

    

2) "Mr. Donovan, I gotta go." - The Apple Dumpling Gang

    

3) "Always make you mad, don't I John T.!" (You know, the way the girl says it) - Rio Bravo

    

4) Aaaaaaand pretty much anything 'Riley' from the National Treasure movies says.

   

Well that's all for today folks! You're suppose tag 4 people but the sad truth is we don't really know 4 people sooooo...yeah...😁 If you enjoyed the tag then you can go ahead and give it a try as well! Have a great rest of your day 😎😊

                - Anna

The Iron Marshal by Louis L'Amour

The Iron Marshal - Louis L'Amour

The Iron Marshal is the tale of a native Irish-New-Yorker (his early childhood spent in Ireland and the rest of his life on the streets of New York) who ends up completely out of place in a no-name town in the middle of Kansas. To be precise, the middle of nowhere. It was written by Louis L'Amour, one of my favorite writers, and the best Western writer out there! 

WARNING: This isn't going to be a very concise review, just telling you in advance. And there are some minor spoilers.

Tom Shanaghy came from Ireland to New York when he was eleven. His father had died in India, and his mother had taken ill and died on the journey over to NYC. From the moment he landed in the Big Apple, Tom was fighting and associating with crooks and criminals. But although he knew everything about his business associates' dishonest ways, Tom Shanaghy never went down that dark path himself. Through a series of events and coincidences (as well as a gang war) Tom ends up getting kicked off a train near a no-name town in Kansas. Taking a room in the small hotel for the night, our hero has nothing more on his mind than buying a ticket for the earliest train to New York. Until he starts noticing that there is something wrong in this town. The current town marshal, Draco, is nothing but a bully, too big for his britches. Ever since he shot the brother of Vince Patterson, a powerful cattle baron, he's been riding high and talking big. Him and his sons need to go, and the townspeople know this. They realize that this young Irishman, Tom Shanaghy, though just a stranger, may be just what they need to bring order and prosperity back to the town they love. Before he knows what he's gotten himself into, Tom is pinning on the badge of town marshal, a man's been murdered by a terribly wicked enemy, and a gold robbery is imminent on the horizon. This young Irishman has found himself in the wild, wild West, but does he like it?

I love the cliched story of a city-slicker finding himself in a hick-town, and this book is the epitome of that story line, but with enough uniqueness and changes to it that it's as entertaining as all-get-out! Tom Shanaghy, our hero, is not clueless, stupid, and rude, he's just a little out of place. Through the course of the book, he learns why the people of a little, no-name Kansas town love their town with all their hearts, and why so many men and women have been drawn from the sparkling lights of New York City, Philadelphia, New Orleans, and other similar cities to go in search of something more that cannot be found in the bustling streets and smoky bars that Mr. Shanaghy is so familiar with. It's just so beautiful!

My Favorite Characters.
Louis L'Amour is great at making characters you love, like, and hate, and The Iron Marshal is no exception.

Tom Shanaghy: It's pretty important that I like the main character in any book I'm reading, so I'm pleased to say that I have a great fondness for Tom Shanaghy. He's no saint, but considering he's grown up with thieves and murderers, I think he turned out pretty well! Always honest, Tom says what he thinks and doesn't beat around the bush. He tries to do what's right, even if he doesn't always succeed. And he also almost always blushes when anyone mentions the girl he likes, so that really cute ^-^

McCarthy: McCarthy is an old blacksmith that was Tom Shanaghy's only friend in New York. He taught Tom everything he knew about blacksmithing and also about life. It was McCarthy that warned Tom about hanging out too much with thieves and murderers. He said that if he didn't get out of New York soon, he was gonna end up dead in some ally, and nobody would even care.

Jan Pendleton: Jan doesn't have a huge part to play in The Iron Marshal's story line, besides romantic interest, but she's cute and spunky, and gives Tom some much needed moral support when things are looking down for him. I like her a great deal.

Red: Don't know his name, don't know his back story, I just know he's a troublemaker and makes friends with Tom after he picks a fight with him. I like him.

And there you have my favorite characters. I'm also quite fond of Josh Lundy, Greenwood, and Mr. Carpenter. Louis L'Amour always has some has some beautiful and intelligent lines or descriptions, so I'll just share a few with you:

McCarthy: "If a man is to be something, if he is to be a man, he's got to be more than muscle. He's got to do something wi' himself. Get an honest trade, a bit of land, a house of your own, if it is only of sod. Here your friends pat you on the back and let you buy them drinks or whatever, but when you get old and fat and sloppy they'll drop you for others. Men like you are born to be used and tossed aside... if you let it happen."

Tom: "What are you? A priest? When did you start preaching, Mac?"

McCarthy: "It's a bit of a warning, that's all. You're a fine lad, so why become what you're becoming? There's a bigger, wider world than any slum, and a man only stays there because he hasn't the guts to get out. There's other people, other places, and you can make new friends, worthwhile friends."

                                                                              -

Red: "That there hat's a temptation. Anybody ever shoot it off?"

Shanaghy pushed the derby back a little and grinned cheerfully.

"Not yet. Maybe that's because they figured I wouldn't know if they were shooting at the derby or me."

                                                                              -

As far as the eye could reach there was only grass moving in the wind. These were the fabled buffalo plains, but there were no buffalo now. Far off, he glimpsed a heard of antelope. There was no sound but the wind...
For several minutes he sat very still, feeling the wind on his face. The air was fresh, the sky was clear, and somehow the soft wind and the coolness smoothed the troubles from his mind.

                                                                              -
Girl: "But he's dead!"
Tom, speaking to a girl who got several men killed, including a Mr. Holstrum and a Mr. Carpenter, but is still pleading not to be put in jail: "That's right ma'am. So is Mr. Carpenter. All because a greedy, selfish girl wanted more than she had. When you can bring them back to life, ma'am, you come and ask me for help. Every man and woman should consider the consequences of his or her actions, and those actions should be considered beforehand, not after. I've no use for crybabies, ma'am, male or female."

                                                                              -

And now, before I spoil this book further, why don't you go read it? It's a suspenseful and exciting ride that will make you long for the good ol' days of shooting bank robbers, riding as far as your horse could take you, and going in search of adventure in the great, open wilderness, that was, and is, America!


                   
                                                                                                                      ~ Irene

                                                           

Introducing..... The Rat Patrol!

Introducing..... The Rat Patrol!

Ah, the Rat Patrol. When I asked one of my senior friends if he recalled an old 60's show called 'The Rat Patrol' he said: "Oh yeah, wasn't that that show about a few guys driving around in jeeps in the desert blowing up things?"

Well, yes, pretty much. But so much more, too! It may be a little corny at times (in terms of realism), but honestly, who watches a World War II show about four good-lookin' guys saving the day in their awesome jeeps for realism? And let's not forget an awesome frenemy relationship with an awesome German captain. The worst episodes of the Rat Patrol are still a whole lot of fun, and the best episodes are nothing short of amazing!

I guess I should give a quick summary of what this show is even about, right? In the early days of World War II, The Brits, The Aussies, and The Yanks, were fighting The Jerry's in North Africa. The Rat Patrol is about three Americans and one Englishman (should've been three Englishmen and one American, but who cares) who ride around in two jeeps and endeavor to cause the enemy as much pain and bother as possible. Pretty great setup, right?

My family (sister) first discovered this show when Anna and I were on vacation at our aunt and uncle's for a week. On our return home, dear sister Xenia was telling us all about this awesome show called, you guessed it, The Rat Patrol! I actually had heard of it before (I was quite an avid listener to the theme song before I even knew what the show was) but had never watched an episode. Silly me! From the very beginning, Anna and Xenia's favorite character was Tully, but I could never (and still can't) decide on Hitch, Tully, or Dietrich. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I'd better tell you who all these wonderful people are!

Sgt. Sam Troy, aka, The Sarge, Mr. Grumpy, Big Boss.

Tough as nails and a commanding leader, Sgt. Troy is actually as sweet as they come. He just hides it really, REALLY, well. He's protective of his boys but always ready to whip them back into shape if they get a little out of hand (not that that ever happens). The Sarge knows where he stands and won't back down if he's sure that he's right. He often times must make tough decisions that the others aren't comfortable with. But hey, that's his job. He's the number one Rat, after all.

Sgt. Jack Moffitt, aka, The British Guy.

Moffitt is so very, very, British. He's the cool-headed one when it comes to heated situations. In fact he is sometimes so cool and logical, that both his Fellow Rats and us, the audience, feel he is almost cold! But don't let that throw you off. Moffitt is really an awesome guy with a heart of gold! He was drafted into The Rat Patrol in the first episode to replace a fallen member. The Gang's a little distant and unfriendly to him at first, not thinking he can replace their pal, but he soon is just as much a member as any other Rat. Despite both Troy and Moffitt being Sergeants, the ultimate decision in missions is always left to Troy.

                                              

Pvt. Mark Hitchcock, aka, Hitch.

Hitch is the cheeky one. He wears a red kepi (don't ask why), a pair of glasses (though not consistently), and chews bubblegum. He's also pretty adorable. Although he's undoubtedly the smart-mouth and lady's man of the group, Hitch is definitely also the most naive and childish. He's always ready to go into the fray to save a pal, even if it means quite possibly getting blown to bits. He's a very loyal chap, and I've loved him ever since the first episode.

Pvt. Tully Pettigrew, aka, just Tully.

Tully is all things wise and wonderful. Originally from Kentucky, he used to bootleg moonshine before the war, where he picked up some of his amazing jeep driving skills. As I said before, Tully was Xenia and Anna's favorite character from the very start, and it's easy to see why. At the very most, he probably has five lines in a single episode, but everything he says is almost always amazingly deep. He's got a lovely, light Southern drawl and a beautiful smile. His hair is also pretty notable.

And the Captain is in black and white, just because.

Captain Hans Dietrich, aka, The Enemy.

Dear, dear, Captain Dietrich. He's the classic example of a good man on the wrong side. Dietrich is constantly trying to outwit The Rat Patrol, but it never works. I'm surprised he hasn't been shipped off to the Russian Front yet. I think the Nazi high-ups know that nobody else can capture The Rat Patrol either, so what's the point of getting rid of an awesome and sadly loyal officer like Dietrich? Although he's usually on the wrong side, there are several episodes where the Captain and the Rats team up against a common enemy. Those make up some of my favorite episodes! With his auburn hair, big brown eyes, and voice like melted chocolate, it's hard not to at least like Captain Dietrich! Even when they're engaged in a firefight with him and his men, The Rat Patrol knows that Dietrich will never break his word. He's one cool dude.

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And there you have it. The five wonderful characters that make up 'The Rat Patrol'! Although I would suggest watching the first episode first (duh!), the characters haven't fully become who they will be for the rest of the show, so don't judge them (and the show) by the first episode. I (and maybe Anna) will eventually do some reviews of our favorite episodes, so I won't write them down here. Just go and see for yourself. You won't regret it. (Unless you don't like a bunch of good lookin' guys running around in jeeps saving the world and having some seriously deep problems along the way but always keeping their sense of humor and being genuinely awesome. Then, my friend, you may have a seriously deep problem).

Let's shake it!

              

                                                                                                                     ~ Irene