Chris Enss's Blog - Posts Tagged "chris-enss"

“A gun is as good or as bad as the man using it,” says Alan Ladd as the mysterious buckskin-clad stranger in Shane. “There’s some things a man just can’t run away from,” drawls a young John Wayne to his terrified fellow passengers in John Ford’s Stagecoach. “Draw fast and aim slow,” quips Richard Dix as Wyatt Earp in Tombstone.

The West and the western are the stuff of legend-and American movies. Since the birth of motion pictures more than 8,000 western films have been made. That’s a lot of cowboys, cattle, wagon trains, and shoot-outs. With the exception of Key Largo, most of my favorite films are westerns. Westerns have not only influenced the way people think, they have also influenced the way we dress and the way we talk. The following are a few of the frank, funny, poignant lines from some of those films that remind us of that independent western spirit.

From the movie The Alamo-1960
“You never pray, do you, Davy?”
“I never found the time.” Parson (Hank Worden) and Davy Crockett (John Wayne)

“I’m a stranger ‘round these here parts. What do you Texans use for drinking whiskey?”
“Drinking whiskey.”
Captain Almeron Dickson (Ken Curtis) and Beekeeper (Chill Wills)

From the movie Bad Day at Black Rock-1955
“I’ll only be here twenty-four hours.”
“In a place like this, that could be a lifetime.”
Passenger John J. McReedy (Spencer Tracy) and train conductor (bit player)

From the movie Destry Rides Again-1939
“You’d better mind your own business or you’re heading for trouble.”
“Trouble is my business.”
Saloon singer Frenchie (Marlene Dietrich) and Sheriff Tom Destry (James Stewart)

“Wait a minute, lady!”
“Who you calling a lady?!”
Sheriff Tom Destry (James Stewart) and saloon singer Frenchie (Marlene Dietrich)

Long live the western.

Enter to win. This month enter to win a copy of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: Women Soldiers and Patriots of the Western Frontier.

A lone Native American woman cautiously led her chestnut mare through the bluffs around Klamath Lake, an inland sea 20 miles north of the line dividing California and Oregon. The rider was Mrs. Frank “Tobey” Riddle. She belonged to the Modoc tribe that settled in the area; they called her Winema. She was known among her family and friends as one who possessed great courage and could not be intimidated by danger. She pressed on past the jagged rocks lining the transparent water, praying to the great god Ka-moo-kum-chux to give her abundant courage in the face of the certain danger that she was about to encounter.

Winema was a mediator between the Modoc people, other Indian tribes in the area, and the U. S. Army. With her skills she was able to negotiate treaties that kept the land of her ancestors in peace. Whenever that peace was threatened, her job was to set things straight. She was on her way to do just that-riding into hostile Modoc territory to persuade the chief to surrender to the cavalry.

To learn more about Winema and other women soldiers and patriots of the Western Frontier read She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.

I had the pleasure of being a part of the upcoming program Legend and Lies: Into the West which debuts Sunday, April 12. I’m anxious to see how it all turned out and excited about being a part of the next series Fox will be doing entitled Hollywood Shootouts. Hope you’ll tune in.

Fox News Channel Press
Press Releases from Fox News Channel

FOX NEWS CHANNEL TO DEBUT 10-WEEK RUN OF HISTORICAL EPISODIC SPECIALS LEGENDS & LIES ON SUNDAY, APRIL 12th
Executive Produced by FNC’s Bill O’Reilly

FOX News Channel (FNC) will present a 10-week run of historical episodic specials entitled, Legends & Lies: Into the West, with the first installment debuting on Sunday, April 12th from 8-9PM/ET, announced Bill Shine, Senior Executive Vice President, FOX News. Executive produced by FNC’s Bill O’Reilly, the hour-long episodes will recount the tales of the greatest characters of America’s Wild West, including Jesse James, David Crockett, Doc Holliday and Billy the Kid.

In making the announcement, Shine said, “We are thrilled to present our viewers with insight that defined the West’s past and pay tribute to some of the most notorious American trailblazers.”

Each week, Legends & Lies will feature a portrayal of the critical moment that made each American hero renowned, along with first-hand accounts from direct descendants and historians. Coupling that with the support of archival photographs and special effects, viewers will see the forensic science and hear the analysis, giving them a chance to decipher the true story behind each hero and separate the legend from the lie.

Two original episodes will run back-to-back for the premiere week with brand new episodes debuting every following Sunday. Legends & Lies will also be presented during additional weekend programming including, Saturdays at 8PM/ET and on Sundays at 9PM/ET. The docu-style series is produced by Warm Springs Production, which is known for such programs as The History Channel’s Mountain Men, Animal Planet’s American River Renegades and HGTV’s Log Cabin Living.

Enter to win. This month enter to win a copy of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: Women Soldiers and Patriots of the Western Frontier.

“Lozen is my right hand…strong as a man, braver than most, and cunning in strategy. Lozen is a shield to her people.” Apache War Chief Victorio, June 1880

Lozen was a born a member of the Mimbres tribe of Apache in 1827. Her family lived near Ojo Caliente in New Mexico. Her father was a leading member of his band, and her mother was a well-respected woman. Not unlike most Indian children at that time, Lozen learned to ride a horse when she was very young. By the age of eight, she was considered an expert rider. From early on it was clear to her parents that she would not assume the traditional female role. She loved hunting and playing rough games with her brother Victorio, and the other boys in the tribe. Her skills with a bow and arrow and a sling were exceptional. Like her father and his father before him she was a born warrior.

To learn more about Lozen and other women soldiers and patriots of the Western Frontier read She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Richard Fike
(970) 240-3400

"SIXTH ANNUAL TRIBUTE TO WESTERN MOVIES DAY"
The Museum of the Mountain West announced the Sixth Annual Tribute to Western Movies Day event for Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The theme of “Women of the Old West & in Western Film” will feature New York Times best selling author, scriptwriter and comedienne Chris Enss. Her passion for telling the stories of the men and women who shaped the history and mythology of the American West is sure to entertain and delight attendees of all ages.

Gunfights, souvenirs, strollers in period dress, food, a working blacksmith, numerous musical entertainers, and many more attractions too numerous to list, will be on hand to entertain, excite and educate. These are all in addition to the Museum's regular displays of 25 original buildings, over 500,000 original relics, artifacts, and items of historical significance. Housed in the 10,000 square foot main building is an historic post office, doctor’s and dentist’s offices, drug store, saloon, dry goods store and many more fascinating displays from the past. From the 1913 German Lutheran Church to the 1890 school to the 1882 Denver & Rio Grande Railroad Section House, you will be captivated at life as it was over a century ago.

Come and spend a fun-filled leisurely day learning more about this wonderful area in beautiful southwestern Colorado. Admission is only $10 for the entire day for adults, $5 for school age children and $25 for an immediate family. Better than a television documentary, it is real live history in our own backyard.

Step back in time into the real history of the “Old West” and Western Colorado with a visit to the Museum of the Mountain West in Montrose, Colorado. Food and craft vendor applications available AND volunteers needed. Major sponsors include Montrose County, City of Montrose Office of Business and Tourism, and Alpine Bank.

For additional details, visit www.museumofthemountainwest.org or call 970-240-3400.

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Enter to win a copy of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: Women Soldiers and Patriots of the Western Frontier.

A slim shadow darted toward the old church at the ruined fortress of Goliad. The smell of smoke stained the night air as the figure picked a careful path through the rubble inside the fortress walls. Moonlight starkly displayed the damage caused by the retreating forces of Col. James Fannin’s command. Hundreds of Fannin’s men now lay on the hard ground, prisoners of Gen. Jose de Urrea, one of Supreme Commandment Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s best commanders.

Pausing in a dark corner, Francita Alavez gazed toward the southwest gate and the dull gleam of a cannon positioned to fire on anyone who might attempt a rescue of the American. She shivered in the warm night as the knowledge of their fate bowed her shoulders. She knew what the captives did not. They believed they would be returned to the United States as prisoners of war. Francita had seen the order sent by Santa Anna to execute them all.

To learn more about Francita Alavez and other women soldiers and patriots of the Western Frontier read She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.

Last chance to enter to win a copy of She Wore a Yellow Ribbon: Women Soldiers and Patriots of the Western Frontier.

Thick, damp, and cold fog pressed against the windows of the small house at Point Knox, condensed in a muted bronze gleam on the huge bell, and slipped clammy fingers inside the cloak of the woman shivering on the small platform. Waves splashed and foamed against the rocks far below the wet planks where Juliet Fish Nichols listened tensely for the creak of rigging or the dull thunder of a steamship’s engine. She hoped she heard something before the she saw it, because any ship close enough to see was doomed.

Automatically, her throbbing arm lifted and she rapped the small hammer twice against the side of the 3,000-pound bell. Fifteen seconds later she struck the bell again. Then, after counting off another fifteen seconds, she elevated the hammer and banged twice more on the great bell. Again and again, four times each minute, Juliet lifted her aching arm and rang the bell, warning ships away from Angel Island in fogbound San Francisco Bay.

At least four ships were due in port that first week of July 1906: the Capac, City of Topeka, and Sea Foam, all of which plied the California coast, as well as the transpacific steamer Mongolia loaded with passengers from the Far East. Unfortunately, the crystal-clear atmosphere of July 1 had deteriorated rapidly in the following few days. Visibility was often no more than a few yards. Impenetrable fog concealed every landmark.

To learn more about Juliet Fish Nichols and other women soldiers and patriots of the Western Frontier read She Wore A Yellow Ribbon.

Giveaway! Enter to win a copy of None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead: The Story of Elizabeth Bacon Custer.

An exquisitely framed photograph of George Custer rested on an easel next to a lectern. Elizabeth Bacon Custer, George’s devoted wife, studied her husband’s image as she sat in the meeting hall at John Street Church in Lowell, Massachusetts, on January 31, 1894. Hundreds of flowers surrounded the enlarged picture-the last one taken of Custer, in late April 1876. Adorned in a blue uniform decorated with rows of brass buttons, medals, and intricately woven golden shoulder braids, he was the model of strength and confidence. His short hair was neatly combed, and his thick mustache was smoothed down over his lips.

The room was filled with ladies dressed in their finest Sunday clothes, sitting at numerous tables arrayed around the large hall. They were giddy with excitement and chatted briskly while sipping coffee and tea. Elizabeth’s seat was at a long table for ten placed upon a dais. She was the guest of honor, flanked on either side by overly attentive women continuously thanking her for being with them.

Within a few moments Elizabeth was introduced as the keynote speaker, and as she rose from her chair, radiant and poised, the entire room was galvanized into sudden and tumultuous applause. She stood in simple, dignified response to the ovation and smiled sweetly to her left, then to her right. After everyone had taken their seats. Elizabeth expressed her appreciation for the kind reception and then began her story.

“My husband was killed more than seventeen years ago at the Battle of the Little Bighorn,” she said in a crisp, cultured voice. “I believe he had many enemies there, and none of them were Indians. His rivals sent him on a suicide mission, with to few troops and ammunition.”

To learn more about Elizabeth Bacon Custer and how she lived to glorify her husband’s memory read None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead.

Don’t miss out. Enter to win a copy of None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead: The Story of Elizabeth Bacon Custer.

A full moon hovered over South Monroe Street, and beams of light from the gigantic orb filtered through a cluster of clouds. Twenty-one-year-old George Armstrong Custer stumbled through the scene, helped along by a friend who steadied his walk and kept him from falling. Both men were dressed in the uniform of the 5th Cavalry, and both had been drinking. In fact, George was drunk. It was late, and apart from the two inebriated soldiers, the street was deserted.

It was the fall of 1861, and numerous leaves had dropped off the massive trees lining the thoroughfare, drifting across the path the men followed. George was making his way to his sister Ann Reed’s home, where he had been staying while recovering from a slight illness contracted after the Battle of Bull Run. George had carried dispatches to the Union troops holding their position against the Confederate Army lined along Bull Run Creek near a railroad center called Manassas Junction in Virginia. The battle had ended when the Union Army was ordered to fall back toward Washington, and the accompanying downpour of rain had left George suffering with chills and fever. He was sent back to Monroe to recuperate, and as George’s condition improved, he started venturing out to local taverns where his friends gathered.

Arm in arm with his school chum, an intoxicated George and his buddy staggered down the roadway, singing at the top of their lungs. The commotion woke his sister, who raced to the front window of her house, followed closely by her husband and children, to see who was disturbing the quiet, respectable neighborhood.

George was unaware that Judge Bacon, Elizabeth Bacon’s father had witnessed the scene. He also had no idea that Elizabeth herself had been gazing out of her upstairs bedroom window at the same moment. She wasn’t surprised at the sight, having seen other young men who’d had too much to drink. She considered his actions standard fare, and the following morning, barely remembered the spectacle George had made of himself the night before.

To learn more about Elizabeth Bacon Custer and how she lived to glorify her husband’s memory read None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead.

Time is running out. Enter to win a copy of None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead: The Story of Elizabeth Bacon Custer.

The day was gray, and a raw, cold wind swirled outside the windows of the late judge Daniel Bacon’s home in Monroe, Michigan. It was early fall, 1868. The judge’s daughter, Elizabeth, and son-in-law, George, sat inside the parlor of the stately home, each quietly involved in his or her own task. George was hunched over a writing table, working on a book about his days at West Point. Elizabeth set aside some sewing she was doing and drifted over to a piano in the corner of the room. Her husband glanced up from his writing long enough to see Elizabeth wasn’t going far. After weeks of being apart, he wanted her near him at all times.

The genteel army wife made herself comfortable at the polished keyboard and then reached for a stack of music bound in a faded leather pouch. She untied the ribbon holding the music together and sifted through the pages. Inside one of the pieces of sheet music was a daguerreotype of George. It had been taken in April 1865, and he was dressed in the uniform of a major general, the two stars on his collar clearly displayed. Some of the music had left its imprint on the picture, the notes like a melody over his face.

Elizabeth sat her husband’s picture on the stand next to the song she selected and began to play. The ebullient sound filled the air. Although he was tapping his foot in time with the beat, George’s attention was trained on the assignment before him.

To learn more about Elizabeth Bacon Custer and how she lived to glorify her husband’s memory read None Wounded, None Missing, All Dead.