b"KEN MAYNARD DID IT HIS WAYBy Charlie LeSueurCharlie LeSueur, AZs Official Western Film Historian. Encore Fellow @ Western Spirit,Scottsdales Museum of the West. azfilmhistorian@gmail.com, silverscreencowboyz.comP re-talkies found KenWhat Ken wasnt aware of was that Levine had Maynard as one of thebrought to the west coast a popular Chicago top ve cowboys withradio singer named Gene Autry and his musically Hoot Gibson, Tim McCoy,gifted protge, Lester Burnett(e). The duo made a Buck Jones, and Tom Mix. With the coming ofsuccessful debut around the half-hour mark of the talking pictures, Maynard used the occasion tolm; this angered Maynard although he suffered a introduce music to his movies. Ken was a decentbigger blow when he discovered Levine dubbed his ddle player, but as far as carrying a tune he was atmusical numbers with a professional singer.best adequate although Columbia Records signed him to a recording contract. Next up was the serial, Mystery Mountain, in which Autry appeared uncredited in only two chapters. In 1930, Maynard signed with Universal Pictures,Despite the smallness of Genes role, Ken was still leaving the studio within two years due to hisseething about the singer's appearance in In Old reputation as being difficult to work with. AfterSanta Fe, so when it was announced that Autry spending years working at studios with little morewould appear in Maynards next cliffhanger The than a rented room consisting of a desk and phonePhantom Empire, Kens pride got the better of him.azrusticweddings.com it was a welcome relief when producer Nat LevineAccusing Nat Levine of using his lms to further signed Ken to a contract with his fledgling Mascot Your own personal WeddingPictures. Autrys career, Maynard left Mascot Pictures giving Coordinator handles EVERYTHINGGene Autry star billing in this awkward western/sci-First up was, In Old Santa Fe where Maynard combination. It was bad timing as Kens departureMarshal of Windy from start to finish, and will be thereexpected to thrill audiences with his dulcet tones.came just before Levine united Mascot with HerbertHollow in 72, the day of the wedding as well! J. Yates of Consolidated Filmalso featuring to form Republic Pictures, thusSunset Carson.preventing Ken from being under contract at the largest successfulKen succumbed Only with this coupon! B western studio. to stomach $1,000 OFF!!! A lifeline came for Ken in 1940,cancer in 1973 at the when Monogram signed himMotion Picture for six lms in their new TrailHome. Before If you book one of our all inclusive weddingBlazers series with Hoot Gibsonbecoming ill he lived in a low-rent trailer park packages on select dates in 2019. and eventually Bob Steele. Itbelying the fact that at one time he had fame, was Monograms second trymoney, nice homes and accolades. Ken would at replicating the success ofhave been considered destitute if not for a secret Republics Three Mesquiteerbenefactor whose identity wouldnt become public series. 1944 saw Kens last silveruntil both men had passed.screen hurrah in the independent,So just who was Kens patron saint? None Harmony Trailother than the very same person he had featuring anotheraccused of infringing on his career at Mascot fresh-faced singingpictures none other than Gene Autry. cowboy Eddie Dean. It would be almost 40 years before Ken returned for two no-ITS COMINGbudget lms 1970s Bigfoot and The SOON. ARE YOU READY FOR IT?Clockwise from top: A happy Ken with Tarzan; Ken circa 1970; Film co-starring with his brother, Kermit; Trail Blazers one sheet; Death Rides the Range; Derek James Photography Ken Maynard comic book circa 1951.For more information: 480-488-9129frontiertownaz.com ArizonaRealCountry.com September 2019 17"