MovieChat Forums > Classic TV: The 50s > DALE EVANS -what a trailblazer

DALE EVANS -what a trailblazer

posted 11 years ago by kueskues
9 replies | jump to latest

In recent years I heard a commentary I think in a documentary that the Star Wars character "Princess Leia" was a trailblazer for women because instead of being passive, she picks up a weapon and fires back.

However, in recent years of re-watching The Roy Rogers Show (on RFD and WHT), Dale Evans did more trailblazing for women than "Princess Leia" did - which was "nothing." Pert' near every episode she was fighting, not fist fighting she was still the "weaker sex" but for the era, for her not to just be seen in her café but riding Buttercup out to fight the bad guys, was pretty bold imo.

Remember, during the run of The Roy Rogers Show there was no Supergirl and even when Supergirl was created, she was kept in the closet by Superman for a handful of years (early 60s).

[–] Patricia91 11 years ago

Just finished: Cowboy Princess: Life with my Parents Roy Rogers and Dale Evans by Cheryl Rogers-Barnett. She give Dale a lot of credit for raising her and her siblings as well as being a pioneer in her career.

[–] kueskues 11 years ago

Cheryl Rogers was on one of RRShow episode. She also did other stuff.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0736784/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1

Thank you pat-roberts2534 for that info. I'll try to see if I can get it from the local library or online somewhere.

Thanks for the memories

[–] jxh13 11 years ago

She also wrote "Happy Trails."

[–] Patricia91 11 years ago

And of course, Dale's book about her child Robin, Angel Unaware.

[–] 3rdrowleft 11 years ago

There was an episode in which a gang of outlaws come to town while Roy and Pat are away. Being the 1950s, one expects Roy to ride in at the last minute and save the day. But Dale vanquishes the bad guys by herself. Oh, she had a little help from Bullet, but then so did Roy on many occasions.

But throughout it all, my motto was "Dignity! Always dignity!".

[–] kueskues 11 years ago

3rdrowleft

I don't remember that one. I'll have to see if I can find the title and watch it. Thank you.

But yeah I think that historically she was the first woman character and actress to portray such a progressive character. I know she represented women in the "wild west" who fight alongside the men crossing over the country etc but to have it on tv as a positive role model I think she was the first. Also, it's interesting the movies she was more "passive" -does anyone know if it was because of the movie censorship/regulations/guidelines that governed how the movies were written from 1933 to into the 1960s - such as it was "required" crooks paid for their crimes vs pre Hayes Code that had crooks get away with their crimes.

[–] misspaddylee 11 years ago

Also, it's interesting the movies she was more "passive"...Dale may not have taken as huge a hand in the action in the films (whenever she'd try to help Roy, she'd end up hitting him instead of the crook), but in the movies she was often a career girl - reporter, carnival manager, rancher - an independent woman with a strong sassy streak. She played independent and strong-minded characters.

It's wonderful you started this conversation about the wonderful Dale Evans.

"Madame meets many people, but she usually avoids the mad ones."

[–] mactach 11 years ago

Ever heard of a TV western called The Big Valley?

Barbara Stanwyck was not much different and that show was from the 60's.