Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1953-02-26


no room for two Kings of the
Cowboys. Autry went right to
work putting his own kingdom
together again.
That he has been so successful
at 1t is attributed by his associ-
ateS to a continuing investment
he has made through the years.
It is personal, not financial-an
investment of friendship in peo-
pie. Autry likes people and has
a genuine interest in their af-
fairs. A reporter interviewing
him often finds himself answer
ing instead of asking questions.
The authenticity of Autry's
feeling for people has been dem
onstrated q number Of times.
His publicity man, Don Lang,
has seen it at work often.
4 4 X
"You know" Mr.. Lang was
saying the other. day, there are
a lot Of different arrangements
to De made in each town we visit
on one of these tours. Usually
everything runs smoothly, but
occasionally something goes
wrong. There finally comes that
moment when you have to tell
the boss"
There is never a flare of tenn
permanent, says Long. Autry
always manages to turn the
situation around by clapping
Lang on the shoulder and drawl-
ing sympathetically, "Aw, don't
worry. You're young and strong.
You can take it."
Autry also knows how to make
friends Of his fans as well as
how to hold the high esteem of
his colleagues. There was the
time recently when he got a let
ter from an 8-year-old who
wanted to. know if girl with
only one leg ever would be able
to ride horse. He Immediately
had her brought down to see the
show. and had her picture taken
in Champions saddle.
While 1t was snapped some
body wanted to lean her crutches
against the horse. It might have
made a tear-jerking publicity
picture. but Autry, correctly
sensing that the girl would
rather not have those mementoes
of her misfortune around at the
moment, ruled the clutches out.
Another time Autry and re-
tinue arrived at an auditorium
to be greeted by a small boy in
cowboy regalia. II guess you
don't remember me from last
last year." said the boy. 81 sure
do" said Gene, "how are you?"
"All right" said the boy, then
went on to say that he. was liv-
ing with his father now, because
his mother had run off with an
other man.
Autry took him by the arm
and led him into the dressing
room. The two were closeted
there alone for 20 minutes, then
the lad emerged smiling bravely.
Autry has never mentioned it
and those around him don't
know what words of solace he
found for the boy. They just
know he took time to do it.
X \ u X
Autry is not the best singer
available and he is not the most
talented actor in boots. But this
genuine affection for people.
Autry observers are sure, comes
through on records or radio. in
television or movie films and on
personal appearances. It sets up
a counter reaction and people
like Autry.
Autry deserts California to
tour more blizzardy locales in
the dead of winter, incidentally,
for a very sound reason. When
the sun is farthest south, the
California light is poorest for
filming outdoor scenes. It means
that Autry has to make two TV
Aims at once, when the light is
good making each chase do
double duty by filming it from
different angles. But he does
get around to see a lot Of people.
The light will soon be getting
better now. and Autry's two ap-
pearances at Uline Arena Sum
day viii mark the end of the
current tour. The lead will soon
be flying again and the rustlers
fleeing in the San Fernando
UolIou