Roy Barcroft, King of the Badmen

Rating:
Summary: "well-like and highly respected Badman who was the King"
Review: Finally someone has written a book, in detail I might add about one of the most sought after badmen of the Saturday Matinee era. His face appeared in more westerns than any cowboy villain who rode the range in the '40s and '50s. I don't think any other author could have written such a complete account of "Roy Barcroft:King of the Badmen", which is the title of Bobby J. Copeland's book on the life and times of "Republic Pictures Number One Villain". Barcroft appeared in B-Westerns and Serials - became one of the most recognized actors, when you heard that familiar voice...you were in for it. Roy was one of the few bad guys that once you saw his name in the credits, you were going to get your money's worth. Barcroft was my first favorite and my second was Harry Woods, who in many ways reminded me of each other.

Copeland has composed each section in his book to perfection ~ B-Western Badmen, Barcroft:A Tribute, Roy Barcroft Talks, Roy Talks About His Co-Workers, They're Writing About Roy Barcroft, Roy's Fans Speak Out, They Knew Roy Barcroft, An Interview with Director Bill Whitney (wonderful action director), Jamming with Roy, Roy vs. Rocky, Filmography, TV Appearances, More of the Author's Favorites, About the Author...and a beautiful forward by Monte Hale, who states "Roy was the best of the bad guys". Doug Nye contributes a section on "Monte Hale: '40s Cowboy Star "Giant" of a Nice Guy", looks at the lucky cowboy star of mid '40s.

I remember watching Barcroft in a variety of Republic Serials ~ "Manhunt of Mystery Island" (1945), as Captain Mephisto..."The Purple Monster Strikes" (1945), as the invading Martian..."G-Men Never Forget" (1948), a dual role as the honest police commissioner and the lead villain (good & bad look-alikes)..."Don Daredevil Rides Again" (1951)..."Radar Men from the Moon" (1952), as Retik. My favorite B-Westerns were the casting of ~ Wild "Bill" Elliott & Allan "Rocky" Lane vs the low handed dealings of Roy Barcroft, boss, leader of the gang or henchmen...every frame was B-Westerns at their best. With knock-down-drag-out fight scenes that gave you everything you ever wished for and more in an action film.

"King of the Badmen", touches on actors comments ~ Rex Allen, Don "Red" Barry, Wild Bill Elliott, Sunset Carson, Allan "Rocky" Lane, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Peggy Stewart, Linda Stirling, Terry Frost, Harry Carey Jr, Tris Coffin and Iron Eyes Cody...all agree Roy Barcroft was as beloved as anybody else in the entire business.

An interesting note, Bobby Copeland has copies of Barcroft's death certificate and Social Security application, and both show his real name as Howard Harold Ravenscroft born in 1902. Roy passed away on November 28, 1969 at the Motion Picture Home and Hospital of kidney cancer, he was 67 years old...Roy was one-of-a-kind actor and real gentlemen.

Copeland takes the reader into the off screen events that each and every "B-Western-film-buff" lives for. Knowing that Barcroft was one of the nicest people, well liked and highly respected by directors, producers and cast is another plus. Pictures galore and great interviews by his co-workers make this a collectors dream come true. Don't miss this one...now appearing at your local bookstore or dealer. Don't hesitate...rush out and pick up your copy today. Great reading in the days and weeks to come...I guarantee it!

Total Page: 168 ~ Empire Publishing Inc #ISBN 0-944019-32-3 ~ (1/05/2000)