Quintessential Sidekick
We profiled George Francis “Gabby” Hayes a few years ago in our Sidekicks series. In the last couple of weeks we rediscovered his sidekick relationship with Randolph Scott, not the one he is most often remembered for. Nostalgia called for running Gabby back with a focus on all the sides he kicked for low those years ago. Quite a memorable list
George found his way into B Westerns as Hopalong Cassidy’s sidekick Windy Halliday in 1935. The persona we know, love and remember today began to emerge from there; but first George had to learn to ride a horse. He was about as “all hat and no cattle” easterner as any would-be westerner had ever been. William Boyd’s Hoppy and Windy rode together until George left Paramount for Republic in 1939.
Republic dubbed George’s character “Gabby,” Paramount having retained rights to “Windy.” Possibly one of the best things they could have done for him. Gabby kicked an eighty-six film run for Republic between 1939 and 1946. Besides the name change Republic polished the image we know as Gabby Hayes. Polished may not exactly capture the essence of the make-over. The beard never say barber. The well-spoken easterner learned a whole new range of expression, “Dagnabit”, “dadgummit”, “durn tootin’”, “whippersnapper” not to mention “persnickety female,” a derogatory reference to a woman, predating political correctness.
Republic teamed him up with Johnny Mack Brown and one of my favorite boyhood western stars Bob Steel. The Steel films made a nice start, but Gabby’s Republic years are probably best known for riding with Roy Rogers in over half of those eighty six films. He also appeared opposite Gene Autry, Wild Bill Elliott, and the immortal John Wayne in addition to Randolph Scott. Following his film career, Gabby made a move to the small screen, hosting the Gabby Hayes Show from 1950 to 1956. His appearances on the show were limited to whittling an introduction and an occasional shaggy dog yarn.
Gabby retired after his TV run. George Hayes died twelve years later of heart disease at the age of eighty-three. You can find his stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with his place in the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Next Week: Joseph Kane
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Ride easy,
Paul
George found his way into B Westerns as Hopalong Cassidy’s sidekick Windy Halliday in 1935. The persona we know, love and remember today began to emerge from there; but first George had to learn to ride a horse. He was about as “all hat and no cattle” easterner as any would-be westerner had ever been. William Boyd’s Hoppy and Windy rode together until George left Paramount for Republic in 1939.
Republic dubbed George’s character “Gabby,” Paramount having retained rights to “Windy.” Possibly one of the best things they could have done for him. Gabby kicked an eighty-six film run for Republic between 1939 and 1946. Besides the name change Republic polished the image we know as Gabby Hayes. Polished may not exactly capture the essence of the make-over. The beard never say barber. The well-spoken easterner learned a whole new range of expression, “Dagnabit”, “dadgummit”, “durn tootin’”, “whippersnapper” not to mention “persnickety female,” a derogatory reference to a woman, predating political correctness.
Republic teamed him up with Johnny Mack Brown and one of my favorite boyhood western stars Bob Steel. The Steel films made a nice start, but Gabby’s Republic years are probably best known for riding with Roy Rogers in over half of those eighty six films. He also appeared opposite Gene Autry, Wild Bill Elliott, and the immortal John Wayne in addition to Randolph Scott. Following his film career, Gabby made a move to the small screen, hosting the Gabby Hayes Show from 1950 to 1956. His appearances on the show were limited to whittling an introduction and an occasional shaggy dog yarn.
Gabby retired after his TV run. George Hayes died twelve years later of heart disease at the age of eighty-three. You can find his stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along with his place in the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.
Next Week: Joseph Kane
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
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