The Lone Ranger

This movie is certainly what I would label a piece of Americana. The Lone Ranger is a fictional character, the story of a masked ex-Texas Ranger who battles injustice in the (what has been termed) American Old West, with his faithful Indian companion Tonto. There’s actually quite a history that encompasses this tale turned into a 2013 film.

The Lone Ranger first appeared in 1933 in a radio show conceived by WXYZ radio station owner George Trendle. It was a hit and spawned a series of books largely written by Fran Striker. This morphed into the popular TV series that ran in the 50’s staring Clayton Moore. Phrases like Hi-yo Silver! Away, and who was that masked man became a staple in the TV culture. These catchphrases and the theme from the William Tell Overture were remembered by millions who came of age during the show’s initial popularity. His partner (not in crime, but in justice) Tonto, was played by Jay Silverheels, who’s essence will be captured in the 2013 film by Johnny Deep, which I feel was a pretty charismatic choice. 

In this new take on The Lone Ranger, which will be put out by Disney/Jerry Bruckheimer Films, the famed masked hero is brought to life with new eyes and the story is infused which some serious action as well as some fairly cutting humor. It will be interesting to see Depp’s take on the hero’s famed sidekick Tonto, as he recounts the untold tales that transformed the man of law into a legend of justice. These two unlikely heroes have to learn to work together to battle the greed and injustice of the time.

Directing The Lone Ranger is Gore Verbinski who worked on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest & Pirates of the Caribbean: At World End. Depp and Gore obviously go way back. The writers are Justin Haythe (Snitch & Revolutionary), Ted Elliot who did all four Pirates of the Caribbean movies and Terry Rossio who also did all four Pirates of the Caribbean movies. The infamous Lone Ranger is played by Armie Hammer (J. Edgar & The Social Network), as mentioned, Depp handles the classic role of Tonto, William Fichtner (The Dark Knight & Blackhawk Down) plays Butch Cavendish, and Helena Bonham Carter (The Kings Speech & Alice in Wonderland) as Red.

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The Texas Rangers chase down a gang of outlaws led by Butch Cavendish, but the gang ambushes the Rangers, seemingly killing them all. One survivor is found, however, by an American Indian named Tonto, who nurses him back to health. The Ranger, donning a mask and riding a white stallion named Silver, teams up with Tonto to bring the unscrupulous gang and others of that ilk to justice.