Kid Kowboys

Can you imagine 'Old Yeller' without any kids? Or 'Our Gang' starring adults? What about 'The Wizard of Oz', starring a 30 year old Judy Garland instead of a teen? I can't, and the world of westerns has always been fortunate to have a 'stable' of great kid actors.

Bob Nareau, long-time B Western author and fan, has produced a great volume that celebrates the kids that helped make the westerns great. With input from Boyd Magers, and the various convention organizers, he has managed to compile an impressive list of child stars who acted in westerns. Each section includes information on their films, their careers (both during, and after their film years), and their lives where applicable. Many of the children disappeared after their 'short' careers, and went onto become doctors, lawyers, salesman, or just went on.

Stars like Mary Lee, Bobby Blake, Dick Jones, Lee Aaker, Buzz Barton, Bill Cody Jr, Junior Coghlan, Frankie Darro, Johnny Duncan, Billy and Gary Gray, Tim Holt, Harry and Sammy McKim, Mickey Rooney, Betsy King Ross, Dean Stockwell, and Jane Withers are included in this impressive list. Rare photos are included where possible, and a delightful Sammy McKim cover and back piece grace the book.

It is interesting to note that many of these early stars never went onto notoriety, drunkenness, or a downward spiral life after their early film roles. The Hollywood community strove to educate them, and prepare them for life after films. Not many survived the teenage years as stars, but some went onto become adult actors. Bobby Blake, Dick Jones, Mickey Rooney, Noah Beery, Jr, Tim Holt, Gary Gray, Junior Coghlan, and Dean Stockwell all went on and earned respect in 'serious' roles.

I found the occupations that some of the actors went onto interesting. Sandy McKim became a Disney artist, and his art graces the cover of the book. Dick Jones became a real estate agent. One became a Methodist minister, and another set world race car records. Their beginning in the public eye did not deter them, rather, it gave many a young look at what success really involved.

I loved this book, and when ever I watch an old film now, I will look for the actor who portrayed the young children. You never know where they could turn up today.

'Kid Kowboys, Juveniles In Western Films' is available from

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