Who Was That Masked Man? The Story of the Lone Ranger - Softcover

"Who Was That Masked Man? The Story of the Lone Ranger" chronicles the creation and development of the Lone Ranger during the Depression years of the early 1930s on radio and in novels, comic strips and two movie serials. It examines the promotion of the character through radio premiums and merchandising from the 1930s to the present. More that 150 photographs—many of them rare behind the scenes from the early radio days—stimulate visual memories. The book includes reminiscences by members of the radio “stock company,” both actors and others; actors and directors from the television show, as well as the feature films.

Author David Rothel’s lifelong fascination with show business began with frequent visits to the three movie theatres in Elyria, Ohio, where he was intrigued and inspired by what he saw on the silver screen. He has since gone from youthful observer to published authority on various aspects of popular entertainment, all of which is reflected in his thirteen books on show business history. In addition to being an educator and theatre producer/director through the years, from the 1970s through 2003, David interviewed dozens of show business personalities for his radio program Nostalgia Newsbreak in Florida, and for “Guest Star” panels at film festivals where he was the moderator. David’s fascination with the western film genre caused him to research and write books on many of the leading stars of those films. He had the opportunity to personally interview Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and other leading and supporting players for his books. David’s book on western film locations, An Ambush of Ghosts: a Personal Guide to Favorite Western Film Locations was twice featured on Leonard Maltin segments on Entertainment Tonight. His book The Singing Cowboys led to an appearance on NPR’s All Things Considered. The BBC’s Omnibus television series featured David’s book The Great Show Business Animals on one of its programs. In 2012 David Rothel received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Williamsburg Film Festival for “His Dedication and Outstanding Contributions in Honoring the Golden Age of Hollywood.” David and his wife Nancy live in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Dahlonega, Georgia.