Cowboy Quotes

 Cowboy Quotes

“There's a simplicity and purity in a cowboy's way of life that I've always admired.” Clint Walker, who played Cheyenne Bodie in “Cheyenne.”

“Ben Cartwright was patterned after my father, who never saw 'Bonanza.' In that sense, my father will live for a long time.” Lorne Greene, who played Ben Cartwright in “Bonanza.”

“The characters I've played, especially Bret Maverick and Jim Rockford, almost never use a gun, and they always try to use their wits instead of their fists.” James Garner, who played Bret Maverick in “Maverick.”

“Nobody ever saw a cowboy on the psychiatrist's couch.” John Wayne.

“My movies were always clean. For 50 cents, they could send their kids down to see my pictures and know they would be entertained wholesomely.” Gene Autry, the “Singing Cowboy.”

“If they were man and wife, it would make a lot of difference. The people upstairs decided it was better to leave the show as it was, which I totally agreed with.” James Arness, who played Marshal Dillon in “Gunsmoke,” explaining why Dillon never married Miss Kitty.

“He's stupid. The Lone Ranger treats him like some kind of servant, and this seems to suit Tonto fine.” Jay Silverheels, reflecting on his Tonto character in “The Lone Ranger.”

“What boy wouldn't love dressing up as a cowboy and getting paid for it! It was hard work, and I took it very seriously as an actor, but I was living in a dream.” Johnny Crawford, talking about his character, Mark McCain, in “The Rifleman.”

“Children need heroes like the Lone Ranger. This is important because these kids are young Americans. They are going to be running this country someday.” Clayton Moore, who played the Lone Ranger.

Stranger: “Can you hit very hard?” Tom Brewster, played by Will Hutchins in “Sugarfoot,” answered: “No, but I'm a good ducker.”

“I've tried to make Hoppy a plain and simple man in manners and dress. Hoppy isn't a flashy character. He isn't illiterate. Nor is he smart-alecky. He doesn't use big words or bad words. After all, I felt that Hoppy might be looked up to and that children might try to pattern their lives after the man.” William Boyd, explaining how he played Hopalong Cassidy in cowboy movies.

“I try to make the (cowboy) pictures so that when a boy pays, say, 20 cents to see it, he will get 20 cents worth, and not 10. If I drop, you see, it would be like putting my hand in his pocket and stealing a dime.” Tom Mix, a star of silent cowboy shows.

“I never had been on a horse, and I thought guns were for the police until 'Bonanza' came along.” Lorne Greene.

“I can never get rid of 'The Rifleman,' and I don't want to. It's a good image.” Chuck Connors, who played Lucas McCain in “The Rifleman.”

“My problems with 'Bonanza' were problems of communication. What we discussed would be, never was. I thought it would be a sophisticated show. Instead, it never went beyond the comic strip level.” Pernell Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright in “Bonanza,” explaining why he left the show.

If you consider film an art form, as some people do, then the western would be a truly American art form, much as jazz is.” Clint Eastwood.

“I'm really proud of Gunsmoke. We put on a good show every week- one that families could all watch together without offending anyone.” Ken Curtis, who played Deputy Festus Haggen in “Gunsmoke.”

A Few Subjects that Come to Mind

In my early years, most of my heroes were athletes. There was the great Mickey Mantle patrolling center field for the Yankees, Jim Brown running over would-be tacklers, and Wilt Chamberlain scoring like no other NBA player ever had. These days, I still appreciate anyone with an extraordinary talent, whether it be in sports, acting, singing, or whatever, but they are no longer considered heroes.

Recently, I read a wonderfully written book by Arthur J. Magida entitled Two Wheels to Freedom. It's a true account of a young Jewish man who defied the odds by surviving in Hitler's Berlin during World War II. Before making a remarkable escape to Switzerland, he saved numerous lives by falsifying documents for other Jews. This young man was a hero.

His comrades in the underground were also real heroes. Many of them were caught, tortured, and then murdered, but while free, they helped save the lives of many fellow Jews.

The good news is this: One does not have to give one's life to be a real, honest hero. The parent who sacrifices for the child, the teacher who helps students see and reach their potential, the fireman who keeps a blaze from getting out of control, and the scientist who labors for years to develop a life-saving vaccine all fit my definition of heroes.

At the Senior Center

When I went to the men's restroom at the Senior Center, the following was posted on the door: “Open door slowly.” Talking about an obvious message! At my age, everything I do is done slowly or is not done at all! Outside, another sign said, “Do not throw butts onto pavement.” These are words of wisdom. If I did that, I'd have to wait for help to get it off the pavement. Besides, I'd probably throw my back out!

Don't Talk Politics

Unless you know an acquaintance has similar political views, I suggest you stay clear of politics. If a person has a political viewpoint opposed to your own, you have a better chance of insulting their mother and remaining friends than you have when discussing political issues. Some suggested “safe” topics: “the weather, the latest hit songs, your friend's new automobile, crabgrass, restaurants, full moons, and cleaning decks.

The Money Athletes Make

In college, I took both Economics 100 and 101, and I received an “A” in both, so I understand why pro (and now college) athletes receive so much money. First of all, what they provide is a commodity that literally millions of folks want to purchase, and second, only a relative handful of people can perform those tasks at such a high level. Yet, their pay seems ridiculous when compared to other “important” jobs.

Right before the kiddies come back to school, the teachers are usually given a pep talk, often by their superintendent, about how important they are in providing a fundamental education for children. When the speaker is finished, the teachers actually feel important, at least until payday arrives.

After five and a half years in college, my first salary was so low that my wife and I were able to purchase a house through a federal program for low-income earners! We ate lots of beans and franks, and I drove an old rusty Chevrolet that should have long before been retired to the junkyard. My bonus? I was allowed to keep the cheap pen with which I signed my contract.

Be Careful What You Say

My wife is the most wonderful person I know, but with that being said, like most of us, she has occasionally put her foot in her mouth. Several years ago, while we were visiting in New York City, we couldn't find our destination, so seeing a burly police officer, my better half asked and received the directions we needed. Always courteous, before leaving, she said to the officer, “Thank you, sir.” It was then that the officer informed us she was a female. It could have been worse-at least she didn't shoot us!

Joke of the Day

When you reach my age, a bowl of hot soup tops a hot date.