June 2018 40 No “B” cowboy star soared to popularity so quickly, only to reject it just as fast, as Donald Barry. While William Elliott, Charles Starrett, and Allan Lane remained satisfied with their switch from drawing room melodramas to Gower Gulch cowboys, Donald Barry wanted more. Born Donald Acosta, January 11, 1912, in Houston, Texas, Barry was a reliable actor of sturdy but slight stature; accounts range from 5’4” to 5’7”, officially his bio says 5’9”. Before signing with Republic Pictures, Barry appeared in 25 films including a recurring role in the popular Dr. Kildare series for MGM. At Republic, he began by appearing in support of The Three Mesquiteers, and Roy Rogers before starring in his first western vehicle for the studio, Ghost Valley Raiders in 1940. Even he agreed that he was miscast when Republic assigned him to play the title character in the 12-chapter serial The Adventures of Red Ryder. This is where the nickname, “Red” came about, a moniker he detested. Republic took full advantage of Barry, using him not only in his own starring series but in featured roles with major “B” stars like Roy Rogers. Altogether, Barry appeared in 29 Republic westerns while the studio used him as the lead in other genres billed as Donald Barry. After his final Republic series film Outlaws of Santa Fe (1944), Barry would return as a guest star, although billed as Donald Barry, in the Roy Rogers’ 1945 all-star- extravaganza Bells of Rosarita. Although fans may have been sorry to see him move on, the film crews on his westerns were very happy by his departure; director William Witney referred to him as “the midget,” while other directors refused to work with him due to his tremendous ego. After turning his back on his western series, he remained at Republic until 1948 in support of Roy Rogers, Bill Elliott, and Monte Hale. Hoping to ease into comedy/dramas similar to those of James Cagney, Barry was constantly compared to the “A” list star in looks and acting style which worked against him in seeking major stardom. Don Barry would never regain the popularity he achieved at Republic, although he would By Charlie LeSueur Charlie LeSueur, AZ’s Official Western Film Historian. Encore Fellow @ Western Spirit, Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. 480.358.5178, azfilmhistorian@gmail.com, www.silverscreencowboyz.com DONALD BARRY The Reluctant Cowboy Star produce and star in a few cheaply made independent westerns in the early 1950’s. These films were designed to show off Barry’s acting ability while hoping to recapture his Don “Red” Barry fan base. Although major stardom eluded him, his name still carried some value, usually as a featured or supporting player specializing in sniveling outlaw roles; one exception was Frankenstein 1970 (1958) with Boris Karloff; Barry played the nominal hero. Never able to shake the Don “Red” Barry image, he spent the rest of his career in varying budget westerns billed as Donald Barry, Don Barry, Don “Red” Barry or simply “Red” Barry for recognition purposes. Tragically, Donald Barry took his life on July 11, 1980, after a domestic dispute. Today his Republic westerns still hold up very well to be appreciated as fine examples of the “B” Western genre. Above, Top: Red Ryder with Tommy Cook as Little Beaver Above, Bottom: The Tulsa Kid, part of his Republic series Far Left: Saga of Death Valley, in support of Roy Rogers Near Left: Red Desert a Donald Barry Production