The Cowgirl Queen

The Cowgirl Queen – English title

A 1922 British production [Lily Long (London)]
Producer: Lily Long
Director: Hugh Croise
Story: Patrick L. Mannock
Screenplay: Patrick L. Mannock
Cinematography: ? [Black & White]
Running time: 420 feet

Story: ?

Cast:
Lily - Lily Long
with; Frank Gray

Happy 65th Birthday Claudia Gravy

Born Marie-Claude Perin on May 12, 1945 in Boma, Zaire. We know her as Claudia Gravy/Gravi. She made her acting film debut in 1965's “Ninette y un señor de Murcia”, and became a regular face in Spanish films for the next decade in both Spanish and international productions. Claudia has continued to appear in supporting roles ever since but has slowed down since the 1980s. In recent years she has turned to television. Claudia used the aliases Julie Newman and Susan Simmons during her career. She has appeared in five Euro-westerns: “”John the Bastard” and “Kitosch, the Man who Came from the North” both 1967, “Adios Cjamango” (1969), “Matalo!” (1970) and “Bad Man's River” (1972). She was recently interviewed for the documentary film “Against Time” which will be released in 2011. Today we celebrate Claudia Gravy's 65th birthday.

Remembering Daniel Martín

Born José Daniel Martinez Martinez on May 12, 1935 in Cartagena, Spain. Daniel lived most of his life in Zaragoza. He entered films in 1962 with an appearance in “La spada del Cid” directed by Miguel Iglesias. He came to the attention of Spaghetti Western fans when he appeared as Julio/Julián in Leone's “A Fistful of Dollars” opposite Clint Eastwood and Gian Maria Volonte. Martín would go on to appear in over two dozen Euro-westerns always in supporting roles such as Unkas in 1965's “Last of the Mohicans” with Anthony Steffen, Father Santana in 1967's “A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die” with Alex Cord, and even pop up in Emilio' Estevez's 1998 TV western “Dead for a Dollar” as Sterling. He would turn to television later in life in such series as “Medico de familia”, and “The Quijote de Miguel de Cervantes”. Daniel Martín died on September 28, 2009 in Zaragoza, Spain. We remember Daniel Martín today on what would have been his 75th birthday.

Happy 80th Birthday Jess Franco

Jesus 'Jess' Franco Manera was born on May 12, 1930 in Madrid, Spain. He started out composing music at the age of 6 and studied at the Real Conservatorio de Madrid after the Spanish Civil War. He then became a writer using the alias David Khume. Franco ventured to Paris to study directing at I.D.H.E.C. at the University of Sorbonne. He returned to Spain and broke into film as an assistant director and composer on the 1955 film “Cómicos” (aka The Comedians). Jess then wrote the story and screenplay for the 1955 Spanish western “The Coyote”. His directorial debut was in the 1957 film “El árbol de España”. This was followed up with “The Judgement of the Coyote” (1956). Franco also directed 1975's “The Mark of Zorro” while writing screenplays for “Shadow of Zorro” and “Zorro the Avenger” both made in 1962. Jess also founded his own production company Manacoa Films. He's directed over 200 films in his on-going career in almost every genre adding erotic and horror themes. Franco is also a cinematographer, actor and composer and has used countless aliases over the years. He was married to screenwriter, actress Nicole Guettard [19??-1996] and is cuurently married to actress Lina Romay [1954- ]. Franco's continuing career is one of the most diverse in cinema history. Today we celebrate Jesus Franco's 80th birthday.

Remembering Doug McClure

Douglas Osborne McClure was born on May 11, 1935 in Glendale, California. Doug grew up surfing and learned to ride and rope on local San Fernando Valley ranches. He attended UCLA and then worked on the rodeo circuit before being discovered by an agent. In the late 1950s he was modeling and appearing in commercials. Doug's first film appearance was in “Friendly Persuasion” (1956) with Gary Cooper. He would go on to appear in over 100 films and TV appearances. McClure's probably best remembered as the lovable 'Trampas' on the 1971 TV series “The Virginian” (which is currently airing on Encore Westerns). Among Doug's five marriages was one with the beautiful actress Barbara Luna [1939- ] from 1961-1963. Doug is also the father of actress Tane McClure [1958- ]. He developed lung cancer in the early 1990s but continued to work until his death on February 5, 1995 in Sherman Oaks, California. Doug made one Euro-western “The Hellhounds of Alaska” (1973) and popped up on the filmed in Spain “The New Zorro” (TV) series in 1990. Today we celebrate what would have been Doug McClure's 75th birthday.

The Cowboys of Paris

Les cow-boys de Paris – French title
The Cowboys of Paris – English title

A 1949 French production
Producer: ?
Directors: Geneviève Gérald (Geneviève George), Philippe Hersent (Bernard Koowots)
Story: ?
Screenplay: ?
Cinematography: ?
Music: ?
Running time: ?

Story: ?

Cast:
Genevieve Gerald (Geneviève George), Philippe Hersent (Bernard Koowots)

Happy 75th Birthday Max Dean

Born Massimo Righi on May 10, 1935, in Rome. He appeared in various genre films totaling 35 from 1959 to 1979. His first film appearance was in 1959's “The White Warrior” with Steve Reeves. Using the alias Max Dean he appeared in nine Euro-westerns starting with his role as Avery Richardson in “Adios Gringo” (1965) with Giuliano Gemma. Among others are “My Name is Pecos” (1966), “Two Pistols for a Coward” (1968). His best known role in the western genre was probably as the crazed Lester/Laglen in “Kill the Wickeds” (1967). By the 1970's and his career seemingly going nowhere beyond supporting and character roles Righi left the business. His whereabouts today are unknown. Today we celebrate Max Deans' 75th birthday.