We bring you factoids about one of the most tenacious crime fighting duos from the American Old West
THE LONE RANGER hits Irish cinemas on August 9th, and its a movie we’ve been looking forward to for a long long time. For over 10 years there’s been murmurs of a film and thanks to the persistence of Johnny Depp, his pet project is almost here.
Advance word from early screenings in the states has been mixed, with impatient critics saying its too long, with other film-snobs asking just who is Armie Hammer? We’re sure European audiences will respond better to this big budget western, from the man who gave us RANGO…. Here are some things to help acquaint you with one of the most tenacious crime fighting duos from the American Old West
The first radio episode of The Lone Ranger premiered on WXYZ, a radio station serving Detroit, Michigan, on in January 1933. This led to a TV series, a film series and the spin off; THE GREEN HORNET.
… Britt Reid – The Green Hornet himself – is the son of the Lone Ranger’s nephew Dan. He also fights crime with a similar secret identity and a sidekick, Kato.
There were 2,956 radio episodes of THE LONE RANGER.
…And an animated series ran from 1966 to 1968 on CBS. Wow! There is plenty to catch up on then!
THE LONE RANGER is the first film to feature both Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter that is not directed by Tim Burton.
… Although Johnny Depp and director Gore Verbinski previously worked together on THE PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN franchise.
Departing on his white stallion, Silver, the Lone Ranger would shout, “Hi-Yo, Silver! Away!” As they galloped off, someone would ask, “Who was that masked man, anyway?”
… This, along with many other phrases from the franchise, have become tropes of popular culture.
Ke-mo sah-bee, the name by which Tonto refers to The Lone Ranger was said to have meant ‘trusted friend’ in the TV series, but in the new film, the phrase is said to mean ‘wrong brother’.
… Either way, it is an affectionate name, and this respect between the characters has led to them becoming enduring American icons.
The Lone Ranger lives by a strict moral code, which includes…
I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one.
I believe that all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever.
I believe in being prepared physically, mentally, and morally to fight when necessary for what is right.
… The code was created as the creators took their responsibility as role models to children and fans of the show very seriously.
Creators Fran Striker and George W. Trendle decided that The Lone Ranger is never seen without his mask or a disguise.
… Not only does this add an air of mystery, it also protects the Lone Ranger from the men who want him dead.
Fran Striker created the character of Tonto so that The Lone Ranger would have someone to talk to.
… But although The Lone Ranger is arguably the leader of the two, they are considered to be equals in their work.
In Spanish, ‘Tonto’ means foolish, so the character was renamed as Toro for Spanish speaking audiences.
… ‘Toro’ means ‘bull’ in Spanish and, although ‘Tonto’ means the same in Spanish and Portuguese, the character was not renamed for Portuguese speaking viewers.
The makeup/costume that Johnny Depp wears in the movie was inspired by artist Kirby Sattler’s painting “I AM CROW”
… The original painting is not supposed to be historically accurate, although the title of the painting suggests that the figure in the painting may be a member of the Crow Nation of Native Americans.
THE LONE RANGER is released in Irish cinemas on August 9th.
Words: Brogen Hayes