RICHARD BOONE


274273

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Date of birth (location)
18 June 1917
Los Angeles, California, USA
Date of death (details)
10 January 1981
St. Augustine, Florida, USA. (throat cancer)
Birth name
Richard Allen Boone
Height
6' 2" (1.88 m)

Spouse
Claire McAloon (1951 - ?) 1 child
Mimi Kelly (1949 - 1950) (divorced)
Jane Hopper (1937 - 1940) (divorced)

Trivia

Uncle of Randy Boone

According to an article on TV westerns in Time Magazine (March 30, 1959), Boone stood 6' 2" tall, weighed 200 lbs, and had chest- waist-hips measurements of 44-34-38

Cousin of Pat Boone, Nick Todd.

On a December 14, 1957, episode of "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957), Boone found himself stripped to the waist by Apaches and bound spreadagle-style between four stakes driven into the ground. So vivid was this scene that leading men in other TV westerns soon found themselves in similar circumstances, most notably Robert Horton in "Wagon Train" (1957) Ralph Taeger in "Hondo" (1967) and Peter Brown and William Smith in "Laredo" (1965).

He directed the final scenes of The Night of the Following Day (1968) at the insistence of star Marlon Brando, as Brando could no longer tolerate what he considered the incompetence of director Hubert Cornfield. The film is generally considered the nadir of Brando's career, though it didn't hurt Boone, who was cast as the heavy.

According to Joseph McBride's "Searching for John John" (St. Martin's Press, 2001 - ISBN 0312242328), Ford was urged to cast Richard Boone and Anthony Quinn as the Little Wolf and Dull Knife characters in "Cheyenne Autumn" (1964) as both had native American blood. Ricardo Montabaln and Gilbert Roland, who were of Mexican heritage, were cast instead.

According to Joseph McBride's "Searching for John John" (St. Martin's Press, 2001 - ISBN 0312242328), director John Ford was urged to cast Boone and Anthony Quinn as the Little Wolf and Dull Knife characters in Cheyenne Autumn (1964), as both had Native American blood. Ricardo Montalban and Gilbert Roland, who were of Mexican descent, were cast instead.

Mini biography

Richard Boone was a college student, boxer, painter and oil-field laborer before ending up in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war he used the G.I. Bill to study acting with the Actor's Studio in New York. Serious and methodical, Boone debuted on Broadway in the play "Medea". Other plays followed, as did occasional TV work. In 1950 20th Century-Fox signed him to a contract and he made his screen debut in _Halls of Montezuma (1951)_ , playing a Marine officer. Tall and craggy, Boone was continually cast in a number of war and western movies. He also tackled roles such as Pontius Pilate in The Robe (1953) and a police detective in Vicki (1953). In 1954 he was cast as Dr. Konrad Styner in the pioneering medical series "Medic" (1954), which was a critical but not a ratings success. This role lasted for two years, but in the meantime, he continued to appear in westerns and war movies.

In 1957 he played Dr. Wright, who treats Elizabeth for her memory lapses, in Lizzie (1957). It was also in that year that Boone was cast in what is his best-known role, the cultured gunfighter Paladin in the highly regarded western series "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957). Although a gun for hire, Paladin was usually a moral one, did the job and lived at the Hotel Carlton in San Francisco. Immensely popular, the show made Boone a star. The series lasted six years, and in addition to starring in it, Boone also directed some episodes. He still kept busy on the big screen during the series' run, appearing as Sam Houston in the John Wayne epic The Alamo (1960), and as a weary cavalry captain fighting Indians in A Thunder of Drums (1961). After "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) ended in 1963, Boone hosted a dramatic anthology series, "The Richard Boone Show" (1963), but it was not successful.

Boone moved to Hawaii for the next seven years. During this time he made a few Westerns, including the muscular Rio Conchos (1964), but he was largely absent from the screen. In the 1970s he moved to Florida, and resumed his film and TV career with a vengeance. In 1972 he again appeared on television in the Jack Webb-produced series "Hec Ramsey" (1972) (years before he had played a police captain in Webb's first "Dragnet" film, Dragnet (1954)). Hec was a tough, grizzled old frontier sheriff at the turn of the 20th century who had to put up with a bright, eager young deputy who was schooled in the the most "modern" crimefighting techniques, which Hec had a hard time adapting to. The series lasted for two years. Boone continued working until the end of the decade but died from throat cancer in 1981.
IMDb mini-biography by
Tony Fontana

Actor - filmography

1. The Bushido Blade (1981) .... Commodore Matthew Perry
... aka The Bloody Bushido Blade

2. Winter Kills (1979) .... Keifitz
3. The Big Sleep (1978) .... Lash Canino
4. The Hobbit (1977) (TV) (voice) .... Smaug
5. The Last Dinosaur (1977) .... Masten Thrust
... aka Kyokutei tankensen Pora-Bora (Japan)
6. The Shootist (1976) .... Mike Sweeney
7. Diamante Lobo (1976) .... The Sheriff
... aka A Bullet from God
... aka God's Gun
... aka Pistola di Dio (Italy: alternative title)
8. Against a Crooked Sky (1975) .... Russian
9. The Great Niagara (1974) (TV) .... Aaron Grant
10. Goodnight, My Love (1972) (TV) .... Francis Hogan
11. "Hec Ramsey" (1972) TV Series .... Hec Ramsey, Deputy Sheriff
12. Hec Ramsey (1972) (TV) .... Hec Ramsey
... aka The Century Turns
13. Deadly Harvest (1972) (TV) .... Anton Solca
14. In Broad Daylight (1971) (TV) .... Tony Chappel
15. Big Jake (1971) .... John Fain (gang leader)
16. Madron (1970) .... Madron
... aka His Name Was Madron (UK)
17. The Kremlin Letter (1970) .... Ward, Charles' uncle/Sturdivant

18. The Arrangement (1969) .... Sam
19. The Night of the Following Day (1968) .... Leer
20. Kona Coast (1968) .... Capt. Sam Moran
21. "Cimarron Strip"
- The Roarer (1967) TV Episode .... Sergeant Bill Disher
22. Hombre (1967) .... Cicero Grimes
23. The War Lord (1965) .... Bors
24. Rio Conchos (1964) .... Maj. James 'Jim' Lassiter
25. "The Dick Powell Show"
... aka The Dick Powell Theatre (new title)
- Squadron (1962) TV Episode .... Colonel Klauber
26. A Thunder of Drums (1961) .... Capt. Stephen Maddocks
27. The Alamo (1960) .... Gen. Sam Houston
28. Ocean's Eleven (1960) (uncredited) .... Voice of minister
29. "The United States Steel Hour"
... aka The U.S. Steel Hour (USA: alternative title)
- The Charlie and the Kid (1960) TV Episode
- Little Tin God (1959) TV Episode .... Stan Koski
30. "Playhouse 90"
- Tomorrow (1960) TV Episode .... Jackson Fentry
- The Tunnel (1959) TV Episode .... Colonel Pleasants
- The Last Clear Chance (1958) TV Episode .... Host

31. I Bury the Living (1958) .... Robert Kraft
32. "Climax!"
... aka Climax Mystery Theater (USA)
- To Walk the Night (1957) TV Episode .... Detective Ed Brooks
- And Don't Ever Come Back (1957) TV Episode .... Jarech
- The Shadow of Evil (1956) TV Episode .... David Neff
- Bailout at 43,000 Feet (1955) TV Episode .... Colonel Hughes
33. "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) TV Series .... Paladin
34. The Garment Jungle (1957) .... Artie Ravidge
35. Lizzie (1957) .... Dr. Neal Wright
36. The Tall T (1957) .... Frank Usher
37. "Studio One"
... aka Studio One Summer Theatre (summer title)
... aka Studio One in Hollywood (new title)
... aka Summer Theatre (summer title)
... aka Westinghouse Studio One
... aka Westinghouse Summer Theatre (summer title)
- Dead of Noon (1957) TV Episode .... John Wesley Hardin
38. Away All Boats (1956) .... Lt. Fraser
39. "Lux Video Theatre"
... aka Summer Video Theatre (USA: summer title)
- A House of His Own (1956) TV Episode
- The Hunted (1955) TV Episode
40. Star in the Dust (1956) .... Sam Hall
... aka Law Man (USA)
41. "Frontier"
- The Salt War (1956) TV Episode .... Everett Brayer
42. Battle Stations (1956) .... The Captain
43. "Matinee Theatre"
- Wuthering Heights (1955) TV Episode .... Heathcliff
44. The Big Knife (1955) (voice) (uncredited) .... Narrator
45. Robbers' Roost (1955) .... Hank Hayes
46. Man Without a Star (1955) .... Steve Miles
47. "General Electric Theater"
... aka G.E. Theatre (USA)
- Love Is Eternal (1955) TV Episode .... Abraham Lincoln
48. Ten Wanted Men (1955) .... Wick Campbell
49. "Medic" (1954) TV Series .... Dr. Konrad Styner (1954-1956)
50. Dragnet (1954) .... Capt .James Hamilton
... aka The Original Dragnet (USA: reissue title)
51. The Raid (1954) .... Capt. Lionel Foster
52. The Siege at Red River (1954) .... Brett Manning
... aka Gatling Gun (USA)
53. Beneath the 12-Mile Reef (1953) .... Thomas Rhys
54. City of Bad Men (1953) .... John Ringo
55. The Robe (1953) .... Pontius Pilate
56. Vicki (1953) .... Lt. Ed Cornell
57. Man on a Tightrope (1953) .... Krofta
58. Pony Soldier (1952) (uncredited)
... aka MacDonald of the Canadian Mounties (UK)
59. Way of a Gaucho (1952) .... Salinas
60. Kangaroo (1952) .... John W. Gamble
... aka The Australian Story (USA: subtitle)
61. Return of the Texan (1952) .... Rod
62. Red Skies of Montana (1952) .... Richard 'Dick' Dryer
... aka Smoke Jumpers
63. The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951) .... Capt. Hermann Aldinger
... aka Rommel, Desert Fox (UK)
... aka The Desert Fox (USA: short title)
64. Call Me Mister (1951) .... Mess Sergeant
65. Halls of Montezuma (1950) .... Lt. Col. Gilfillan

66. "Actor's Studio"
... aka The Play's the Thing (USA: last season title)
- The Midway (1949) TV Episode
- You're Breaking My Heart (1949) TV Episode
67. "The Front Page" (1949) TV Series

Director - filmography

1. "The Richard Boone Show"
- Vote NO on 11! (1963) TV Episode

2. "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) TV Series

Producer - filmography

1. Kona Coast (1968) (producer)

Miscellaneous Crew - filmography

1. "Have Gun - Will Travel" (1957) TV Series (song: "ballad of paladin")

Himself - filmography

1. "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson"
... aka The Best of Carson (USA: rerun title)
- Episode dated 13 March 1973 (1973) TV Episode .... Himself
- Episode dated 24 October 1972 (1972) TV Episode .... Himself
- Episode dated 21 December 1970 (1970) TV Episode .... Himself

2. "The Richard Boone Show" (1963) TV Series .... Himself/Various Characters (1963-1964)
3. "What's My Line?"
- Episode dated 18 August 1963 (1963) TV Episode .... Mystery Guest
- Episode dated 14 April 1963 (1963) TV Episode .... Guest Panelist
- Episode dated 13 March 1960 (1960) TV Episode .... Guest Panelist
- Episode dated 5 April 1959 (1959) TV Episode .... Guest Panelist
- Episode dated 22 February 1959 (1959) TV Episode .... Guest Panelist
(1 more)
4. "Password"
... aka Password All-Stars (USA: new title)
- Jane Wyatt vs. Richard Boone (1963) TV Episode .... Panelist
5. "Toast of the Town"
... aka The Ed Sullivan Show (new title)
- Episode #15.11 (1961) TV Episode .... Actor
- Episode #12.28 (1959) TV Episode .... Himself
- Episode #12.21 (1959) TV Episode .... Abraham Lincoln
- Episode #12.2 (1958) TV Episode .... Himself

Archive Footage

1. Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That (2005) (TV) (archive footage: The Tall T [1957]) .... Frank Usher
2. John Wayne's 'The Alamo' (2001) (V) .... Sam Houston
Not the Richard Boone you're looking for?

Hi,

I liked Richard Boone, as he was a boyhood hero as Paladin , in that great TV series,
'Have Gun Will Travel l'.
He made 3 great films with Duke,

The Shootist ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1976) .... Mike Sweeney
Big Jake ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1971) .... John Fain (gang leader)
The Alamo ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (1960) .... Gen. Sam Houston

Duke wrote his agent, regarding The Alamo ,
We are working like hell....but the cast is wonderful....
Boone did a wonderful job as Houston......
In fact the shooting schedule, of 'Have Gun Will Travel'.,
was adjusted, in order for him to participate in The Alamo ,
although he was only in the film for less than 20 minutes!
Duke gave Richard, the leather coat he wore as a gift.

In Big Jake of course, he uttered those imortal line, we often quote,
on this board,
Now you understand.Anything goes wrong, anything at all, your fault, my fault,
nobody's fault.It don't matter.I'm gonna blow your head off.
Clearly, compiling these biogs, uncovers all sorts of facts and trivia,
that I am sure many of us, didn't know!!
Did you know he was the cousin of Pat Boone, the singer??
Well, well, fancy that!!

Keith,

The character of Paladin was a favorite of mine as well! I don't think I ever thought about all those TV shows being shown overseas, but obviously they were. Were they shown at the same time as in the US, or was there a later release? How about other countries? What other shows from here did you folks get to watch/do you get to watch?

Are our shows currently available there as well? I guess satellite TV has probably influenced that.

Anyway, back on topic . . . as I was saying, I enjoyed Richard Boone in Have Gun, Will Travel. I see that for the diehard fan, the series can be obtained at Deep Discount DVD ([Only registered and activated users can see links]) (three seasons are available).

Chester :newyear:

Here is a little more on Richard Boone -

[Only registered and activated users can see links] ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]
[Only registered and activated users can see links]

Mrs. C :angel1:

Hey thanks for the great information, Keith and Mrs. C!

Cheers B)

Hi Sue,

Thanks for the links, it all helps!

My first (and only for years) exposures to Richard Boone were in: Big Jake, The Alamo and The Last Dinosaur. I never saw him in anything else until much later and when Cable TV finally came to Kingsville. I have seen only a few "Have Gun, Will Travel" episodes and liked em all.

Thank you all for this stuff on such a great actor.

I want to read Maureen O'Hara's book, I find it hard to believe Richard Boone was gay.

I don't believe that for one second. Perhaps she meant gay as in happy or something to that tune.

Apart from being married three times with at least one child. Doing well for a gay man!!

Anyway to save you the bother of buying Maureen's book.

Here is the story. Ford asked Maureen to bring him sketches of her costumes for movie. to his office When she walked in she found Ford and mystery man. Ford had his arms round him and kissed him in front of her at which point she dropped everything and ran out
freaked out.

Her exact description is :-

Ford was with one of the most famous leading men in the picture business

cant really imagine that description being labelled to Richard Boone

Later the actor involved approached her and said "Why didnt you tell me Ford was a homosexual.

Considering no other evidence has really come to light about Ford's sexuality its sounds more like Ford was playing a mind game or twisted joke on her that she hasnt really
got the point yet or decided to get her own revenge by printing her encounter 50 years ago.

The fact that she has never stated the actor's name in any interview sounds like she isnt really sure whether it was true or a wind up and wants to avoid any legal complications




Mike

Well, DP has covered the bases on John Ford, but as to Richard Boone;

Maureen says that Richard Boone and Peter Lawford were busted in a gay bar in Australia while they were on location making the film Kangaroo (1952).

Quite honestly, I became much less enamored with O'Hara after reading her book. There were some nice recollections and stories about Duke, but, by and large it was nothing more than a scandal rag.

Ironically, she did a lot of complaining about people spreading false and unsubstantiated rumors about her, but when the shoe was on the other foot, she had no problem doing it to others. In fact, I think Duke was just about the only person in the whole book she had nothing but good things to say about.

Well we know Lawford was gay. So Boone definitely was as well then?

Apart from being married three times with at least one child. Doing well for a gay man!!

Anyway to save you the bother of buying Maureen's book.

Here is the story. Ford asked Maureen to bring him sketches of her costumes for movie. to his office When she walked in she found Ford and mystery man. Ford had his arms round him and kissed him in front of her at which point she dropped everything and ran out
freaked out.

Her exact description is :-

Ford was with one of the most famous leading men in the picture business

cant really imagine that description being labelled to Richard Boone

Later the actor involved approached her and said "Why didnt you tell me Ford was a homosexual.

Considering no other evidence has really come to light about Ford's sexuality its sounds more like Ford was playing a mind game or twisted joke on her that she hasnt really
got the point yet or decided to get her own revenge by printing her encounter 50 years ago.

The fact that she has never stated the actor's name in any interview sounds like she isnt really sure whether it was true or a wind up and wants to avoid any legal complications




Mike

Mike,

I always thought she meant Tyrone Power or Cary Grant were with Ford. I can't imagine it being Marlon Brando, who wouldn't have had time for the right-wing old Ford.

It's true taht Richard Boone was married three times and had a child, but that doesn't necessarily mean he wasn't gay. There was an actor called Ross Alexander who was married three times, but committed suicide due to his homosexuality seventy years ago. Also, many gay men like Raymond Burr fathered children.

Ordinarily I wouldn't care whether an actor was gay or not, I just found it hard to believe that craggy-faced, 6'2", tough guy Richard Boone was.

I think a lot of Hollywood past & present fall into the Errol Flynn category in that they would copulate with anything and any particular orientation doesnt come into it. More a case of too much power and money with very little morals.

I think the actor may be Tyrone Power as she was preparing for The Long Gray Line at that time.


Mike

OK thanks for that DukePilgrim.