I got this ex-library hardcover from Better World Books during a recent book-binge. It's the autobiography of actor Clayton Moore, best known for his role as The Lone Ranger - a role that he embraced, to the point where he got into a court case with the legal owners of the rights to the character when they tried to get him to stop making public appearances in-character. (This was during the roll-out for the 1981 film; when it tanked, the efforts to ban Moore's use of the iconic mask faded away.)

Moore seems to have been an affable, hard-working fellow, with a level head about the screen business and a decent sense of humor. I enjoyed learning about his pre-Ranger career, as well as some of the side gigs he took in between stints in the show. His Hollywood years brought him in contact with many notables, and it's amusing to learn how some of them crossed paths with him often during their respective careers. He got to be arm-candy for "Mexican Spitfire" Lupe Velez, and says they became friends - due in part to the lack of any actual chemistry between them.

The photo section is fun - there's a shot of Moore as a villain in a Roy Rogers movie; imagine Roy Rogers beating up the Lone Ranger!

There are tidbits about his relationship with Jay "Tonto" Silverheels, tips and tricks for keeping one's cowboy hat on while galloping across the desert, his appearance on "What's My Line" (with disguised voice and face - nobody guessed him), and more. Very nice look at an iconic performer.

[The extensive TV Tropes page on the "Lone Ranger" franchise includes lots of nods to Moore.]

I left this book in the Little Free Library; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in MA here.]

*** Released for the 2019 TV Series release challenge. ***