I Was That Masked Man

by Clayton Moore, Frank T. Thompson

Every baby boomer in America knows who that masked man was. He was mysterious and mythic at the same time, the epitome of the American hero: compassionate, honest, patriotic, inventive, an unswerving champion of justice and fair play.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Debbie Zapata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feb 28, 7pm ~~ Review asap.

Mar 1, 930pm ~~ This was such a fun book to read. And I love both the title and the cover design. Very eye-catching!

I remember watching The Lone Ranger when I was little. What I didn't know at the time was that the show was already in reruns when I saw it in the early 1960's. I was born in 1958; the television show had begun in 1949 and finished production in 1957.

Actually that 1949 date surprised me. I knew The Lone Ranger had been a popular radio series since.....well, ever....but I had no idea the show had begun so many years before television was truly 'a thing'.

The introduction to this book gives background on the creation of the character, and I was surprised again here when I learned something about author Fran Striker, who wrote the original radio series (beginning on 1933). Fran Striker was a man!

Ever since I found an old, delicate copy of a Lone Ranger novel at the library book sale years ago, I had a little buzz going thinking that a woman had written The Lone Ranger. I should have known better, you are right. I do know about the difference between Frances and Francis, but whenever I see simply 'Fran', I can't help but think of a woman. A nanny, even. lol

Oh, well. Now I know. I also know how Clayton Moore went from being the young man on the flying trapeze (he performed with his group at the 1934 Chicago World's Fair) to being a model and finally an actor in Hollywood. He played a lot of small roles in many movies, but he was mainly cast in serials at Republic Pictures. That is how he got the role that would be a springboard to The Lone Ranger. Oddly enough it involved playing another masked hero.

In 1949 Moore earned the lead in The Ghost Of Zorro, where he played the grandson of Zorro, who becomes involved in his own masked escapades. And this is where he was spotted by the Powers That Be when they were ready to cast their new television series The Lone Ranger.

I loved the behind the scenes peeks at the filming of the series over the years, and we keep up with Moore's off-screen life as well. And when the end of the series comes along, we see how much the character meant to the man. The Lone Ranger meant everything to Moore, and he never gave up believing in him and what he stood for, and trying to live by this creed that guided the character since my old friend Fran wrote it in the early days:

The Lone Ranger Creed
I believe that to have a friend, a man must be one. That all men are created equal and that everyone has within himself the power to make this a better world. That God put the firewood there but that every man must gather and light it himself. In being prepared physically, mentally and morally to fight when necessary for that which is right. That a man should make the most of what equipment he had. That 'This government, of the people, by the people and for the people' shall live always. That men should live by the rule of what is best for the greatest number. That sooner or later...somewhere...somehow...we must settle with the world and make payment for what we have taken. That all things change but truth, and that truth alone, lives on forever. In my Creator, my country, my fellow man. ~~ The Lone Ranger

And now, because what would a review of a Lone Ranger book be without this.......

HI-Yo, Silver, Awayyy!!

[Clay Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book about the birth of an American pop culture icon. The writing needed a professional edit.

[Mahlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clayton Moore portrayed the Lone Ranger on television and in movies from 1949-1957, but he WAS the Lone Ranger for the rest of his life. embodying and translating the values of the Lone Ranger creed to generations of children.

In this entertaining Autobiography, Moore details his career, including the time that he was fired from the show due to a salary dispute. He also relates the saga of his almost 10 year legal fight to reclaim the mask after he was told he could no longer wear it.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This autobiography of Clayton Moore, the iconic portrayer of The Lone Ranger in the 1950s, is a pleasant read by a genial man. Moore seems genuinely to have taken on the personal ethics and attitudes of the heroic character he became famous for playing, and while he (admittedly) held rather old-fashioned and unnuanced views, there is something quite endearing and noble about his approach to being a role model for a generation or two of kids. His interest in the details of his work is admirable, as many actor autobiographies don't seem to provide much about the making of the movies and shows themselves, or many insights into the colleagues with whom the actor worked. Moore (no doubt helped in this department particularly by film historian Frank Thompson, whose useful hand is all over this book) seems to realize that fans not only want to read about an actor's life, but about his work as well. There's nothing deep about Clayton Moore's autobiography, and it's told in a manner not terribly more intricate than the TV episodes which made him famous. But it's a very pleasant and interesting book, especially if you're one of the generation for whom "Hi Yo, Silver" means something.

[John Yingling · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid, I loved my Westerns, and my two favorites were (and are) The Lone Ranger and Roy Rogers. I was so happy to see this autobiography of Clayton Moore, and the book didn't disappoint me in the least. He really was a man to be admired, as much as his character was--and is. One aspect, among others, that I liked about The Lone Ranger was his friendship with Tonto. He treated his Native American partner as a true friend, as well as a comrade. In real life, Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels had a genuine friendship that lasted until Mr. Silverheels' death. This is one of the many interesting, inspirational facts I learned from reading this delightful book. Mr. Moore chronicles his life, and he discusses the happy times and the sad/tragic times as well, including the time he wasn't legally allowed to wear the Lone Ranger mask. And yet I never detected bitterness, and he doesn't "dish dirt". All in all, this is a wonderful story of a man--and character-- that I am proud to still call my hero.

[Pat Camalliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good for an autobiography. For once I still liked the guy after I read his story, which doesn't always happen for me with autobiographies! I have a lot of respect for the man, although I do think he was a bit too good to be true and reminded the reader overly often of that. Nonetheless, it was reasonably well written until the end when it began to ramble while tying up loose ends. I liked knowing more about the man, who did not seem to have ever been touched by fame, just appreciative. The descriptions of the early days of film and TV were quite interesting. Also enjoyed discovering some ties to the Chicago area. I’d recommend it to people and I’m giving it 4 stars.

[Kent Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one more than I actually did. I'm a fan of The Lone Ranger in all but the latest incarnation so I was excited to read it but I found it lacking the weight of other biographies. By weight I mean the emotional element and/or struggles of most bios I've read. Moore seemed to be simply narrating events that happened rather than telling his own life story. I have little doubt that he was a wonderful person but a lot of his life just seemed too good to be true. Born into wealth, good looking, fit, charming, etc. He didn't seem to hit any rough patches at all until the 80's when his wife died and the owners of the character tried to keep him from appearing in the mask. Even then it didn't seem to shake his optimism for very long. Ultimately, I think he placed his role as the Ranger above the character itself.

[Jeff Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clayton Moore, the most famous of all the people that portrayed the Lone Ranger, tells his own story here. Clayton Moore not only portrayed the Lone Ranger, he became the Lone Ranger. He strove to live his life by the ideals that were represented by the Ranger. A great addition to any collection.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the "tell all" book of a sordid Hollywood life, it is what you expect and exactly what it should be. Besides a look at The Lone Ranger and Clayton Moore as the Ranger it is a great look at the life of a serials actor which is not something that there is a lot of stuff out there on. There is also some great personal stuff about Jay Silverheels as well. A little hokey and old-fashioned but like Captain America (Which Moore could have done.) in the first Avengers movie, we could use some old-fashioned right now.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Clayton Moore’s perspective on playing the role of The Lone Ranger. The Code of the Ranger that he followed in the role and in his personal life is what endeared him to so many fans throughout the years. In enjoyed reading about his tour of the British Isles where he didn’t know what type of reception he would experience. I liked the background of his approach to playing the role after he was rehired, since he wasn’t given any reason for not renewing his original contract.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me by my sister, who also managed to get it signed by Clayton Moore himself. As a Baby Boomer who grew up watching TV Westerns, this book really meant a lot to me. Mr. Moore seems to be as truly likable and as upstanding as the Texas Ranger he portrayed. I found the book very enjoyable, and, for me, a welcome dose of nostalgia.

[Carla Lembo · Rating 5 out of 5]

My dad was reading I Was That Masked Man by Clayton Moore when he passed away. I decided to finish the book in his honor, and I’m so grateful I did. Growing up, we spent a lot of time watching Westerns together — they were his absolute favorite! He especially loved Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger. It means a lot to me to have finished this book for him. Dad, he truly was that masked man!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up I loved Superman, Roy Roger, and the Lone Ranger. 💕
I found this book by accident. Loved it and bless Clayton Moore for being a great hero and keeping the Lone Ranger’s image clean.
Who knew he started out as a trapeze artist or that Tonto was a great Lacrosse player?

[Francis Hendricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child in the 50’s I learned to appreciate the television cowboys including Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Hopalong Cassidy and others in addition to The Lone Ranger. To read Clayton Moore’s autobiographical piece was a special treat and added to the respect I already had of him. Fun reading.

[Stephen A. Jestis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

I enjoyed the way Mr. Moore told his story, first person. He became a true hero to all of us and continues to be one for the generations to come.

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow my hero

What a wonderful book. Many highlights of the life and career of Clayton Moore. Don't miss this one. Buy it now.

[Katie Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly captures the golden age of Hollywood to the present (being 1990s). Throughly enjoyed this book and its vision of the true spirit of the West and of America.

[Mac Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting biography of a man who lived the part of The Lone Ranger

[Eden Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the JetBlackDragonfly book blog at www.edenthompson.ca/blog

Clayton Moore was The Lone Ranger.
Not only did he play the character on TV for 269 episodes over three seasons, but maintained the integrity of the character throughout his life. I Was That Masked Man is his autobiography and recounts his start in show business until his semi-retirement.

I have recently been watching the 75th Anniversary set of dvd's and was surprised by the quality of the show. It was aimed at kids, but is still entertaining today, with good scripts, action, a low schmaltz factor and genuine characters.

Clayton Moore (aka Jack Moore) played The Lone Ranger and Jay Silverheels (aka Harold J. Smith) played Tonto with a conscious effort to remain equals. Tonto was not a mere sidekick and demanded respect. The Lone Ranger was never seen in the series without his trademark mask (even before he became the crusader), and his code of conduct for the kids went so far as his distinct manner of speech, as he enunciated each word properly.
Though he recalls many stories from the series, the most interesting part for me was his rise through the serials of the day. He had begun as a trapeze artist at shows including the 1934 World's Fair. His athletic build and good looks earned him an offer from Hollywood, where at the time, it seemed you could just walk in and ask for a job. And they would hire you on the spot. In the 1940's he shot many chapter serials for studios like Republic like The Perils of Nyoka (jungle adventure), Radar Men of the Moon (space adventure), Black Dragons (spy adventure), and Jesse James Rides Again (western adventure) where he learned his great riding skills. Whatever the story, these were all filmed at the same locations (!) at Iverson's Movie Ranch outside LA, and would be again for The Lone Ranger. These were shot fast and loose but Moore learned to do his own stunts and horse work (including the famous shot atop a rearing Silver).

After the show finished there were two Lone Ranger feature films, and along with the endless variety of merchandise, the character became a part of popular culture. When Clayton Moore received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he became the only star to have his character's name along side his own. Although there have been several people to portray The Lone Ranger on radio and in a few feature films, Clayton Moore is the undisputed authentic.
This was highlighted by a case in 1979, just before the release of a new Lone Ranger movie. The corporation that owned the series tried to stop him from making personal appearances as the character, saying he was too old (and fat) to represent The Lone Ranger. With the restraining order in place, he continued to appear as Clayton Moore, and just wore dark wraparound sunglasses instead! Suddenly he was on every talk show and in all the papers, receiving many letters that stated - in the eyes of millions - he was the original and the only Lone Ranger. The Judge ruled in favour of the corporation, but in 1984 (after the movie bombed) he received a letter lifting the ban on his appearances.

If you like old serials, cowboy westerns, or the early days of television, you'll find this very entertaining. I enjoyed hearing more about a show I have just discovered and the work that went into it. If you like The Lone Ranger you won't be disappointed.
Clayton Moore was a class act, never letting down the fans who grew up with the show by not appearing in character (with or without the mask), and enjoying the many times adults turned back into children recalling their enjoyment of the show. He was a fabulous individual.

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was completed in 1996. Kudos to Frank T. Thompson for what must have been a difficult assignment. The following info is available on Facebook and various other media sites.

Born: on September 14, 1914. Jack Carlsen Moore, changed his name to Clayton [Jack] Moore. D: December 29, 1999 in West Hills Medical Center of a heart attack. He was 85. Buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Glendale, CA, USA, next to Sally. A space is reserved beside them for Dawn.

Married Mary Francis Moore in August 1940. Divorced in late 1940.

Married to Sally Angela Bachel Moore. B: June 12 1912, D: February, 1986. They were married 46 years.

Adopted Dawn Angela Moore [Gerrity] in December, 1958.

He married Connie Moore in August, of 1986. They were divorced in September of 1989.

He married Clarita Petrone Moore on January 18, 1992.


All dates subject to Internet postings.

He tried to live by the Lone Ranger Creed:

"The Lone Ranger never smokes never uses profanity and never uses intoxicating beverages.
The Lone Ranges is a man who can fight great odds, yet takes time to treat a bird with a broken wing.
The Lone Ranger believes that our sacred America heritage provides that every individual has the right to worship G0d as he desires.
Play down gambling nd drinking scenes as far as possible and keep the Lone Ranger out of saloons. When this can not be avoided, try to make the saloon a café--and deal with waiters and food instead of bartenders and liquor.
The Lone Ranger at all times uses precise speech, without slang or dialect. His grammar must be pure. He must make proper use of 'who' and 'whom,' 'shall,' and 'will,' 'I," and 'me,' etc.
The Lone Ranger never shoots to kill. When he has to use guns, he aims to maim as painlessly and possible."

"In addition we were careful to be respectful to all people at all times. We never smoked when in costume. We showed respect for the police and the concepts of law and order. We always remembered that fair play and honesty were the most important qualities to get across to the kids."

And he avoided appearing in pubic without his plastic masks.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

After subjecting myself to that godawful "Lone Ranger" movie (which was essentially a "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie disguised as a western), I felt I had to cleanse the pallete with the REAL Lone Ranger, Clayton Moore. Reading Moore's book gives the reader insight into the career of the original and real Lone Ranger. Moore discusses his childhood, his early days as a trapeze, working his way up through numerous Republic Pictures serials, his time on the Lone Ranger TV show, and his years afterward. Those looking for a juicy tell all will be disappointed. Moore, ever being the gentleman, has nothing but good things to say about everyone he's worked with, including Jack Wrather, the producer who successfully placed a restraining order on Moore to prevent him from wearing the mask in the early eighties. Moore does devote a chapter to that debacle, yet expresses "sadness over losing a friend" in reference to Wrather. Never has an actor come to embody their iconic character in such a way. Moore conducted himself with the same morals of the Lone Ranger up until his death in 1999. It is quite an impressive life, and so is his book.

[Chuck White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love the Lone Ranger? I love the Lone Ranger. And I admire Clayton Moore and his determinations to live up to the ideals of the iconic character that he portrayed. Often to the detriment of his career, as keeping with the Lone Ranger's code of ethics precluded Moore from taking many roles that didn't fall into that strictly defined sense of morality. Was it the wisest choice? Only Clayton Moore can answer that.

Is this a good autobiography? Yes. Is it great? No. While the book is amiable, it is also a little dull. I really would have appreciated more insight into what it was like to work with people such as Bela Lugosi and Marilyn Monroe, but they are only given a sentence or two, each. And Mr. Moore seems to have no information as to why he was fired as the Lone Ranger, nor why they later dropped the case against him. These are the juicy details that any LR fan would want to know.

Still, the book and the subject are enjoyable and there is some good information to mine from this.

Recommended to fans of The Lone Ranger.

[Len Knighton · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan who loved the Lone Ranger Since I was a small boy, it was hard to not give this book five stars. I didn't for two reasons. First, I thought it was a bit repetitive at times. Second, I would have liked to have read more about the show. Nevertheless, I was thrilled to read this book about my childhood hero. I even had a Lone Ranger mask back in those days, almost 60 years ago. When I took it off I looked like a raccoon. I remember seeing Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger, and Silver at a circus. Very exciting.
One of the things I loved about Moore as The Lone Ranger was his love for Silver. There were scenes on the show in which The Ranger and Tonto were astride their horses, looking out over the prairie, enjoying the view. Moore would be patting Silver's mane or neck, smiling with love and pleasure for this magnificent horse. That wasn't acting. It was genuine.
If you remember those thrilling days of yesteryear, not the mid to late 19th Century, but the 1950's, and you loved The Lone Ranger like I did and still do, you will love this book.
Four stars waxing.

[Michael P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much of a book, really, more of a fan-fest by an actor with a little too much ego for his modest accomplishments. Still, it is good to see his career from his perspective and while his accomplishments were indeed modest, he was the freakin' Lone Ranger for children and adults of several generations. It is good to have his point of view on the record.

The book is probably most interesting when he writes about his ups and downs in the role and with producers and when he comments on his friendship and respect for Jay Silverheels, his Tonto. This book is understandably irresistible to any Lone Ranger fan, it just isn't an especially remarkable book.

[Rick Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I Was That Masked Man," Clayton Moore's autobiography was refreshing. In the aftermath of that disastrous Johnny Depp movie, it was reassuring to discover a man who truly emulated the heroic character he played on television and the big screen. In an age when smirking at virtuous behavior has become fashionable, Clay stood for the pursuit of ideals that distinguish genuine fame from vulgar notoriety. For him and his millions of fans, "Hiyo Silver, away" is not a punchline, but a call to yesteryear...a prouder time.

[Richard Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh for those wonderful days oops yesteryear!!

What a great read, and what wonderful memories it brings back. A truly uplifting book.A must read. Return to those days again, Hi to Silver!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I'm a Ranger fan, and Moore was THE Lone Ranger. I even mailed the book to him for his autograph, and the story is just as much a delight as the man himself was.

[Glen Go · Rating 3 out of 5]

A warm and hearty book by a true gentleman. No gossip, dissing or spilling the beans here. Clayton Moore led a way cool life though.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I was a HUGE Lone Ranger fan, this was a fun book for me.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unique insight to an interesting person. Learned a great deal about the man. Could use some good editing though.