GENE BARRY, R.I.P.

Gene Barry died last Wednesday.

His portrayal of Bat Masterson (He wore a cane and derby hat, they called him Bat, Bat Masterson) on the TV of the 1950’s was part of our memory of that most interesting decade.
Those were the days of the TV Wyatt Earp (Tombstone, the Town Too Tough to Die; Matt Dillon (Gunsmoke, Dodge City); Johnny Yuma (The Rebel); Paladin (Knight Without Armor); Rawhide (Head 'em up, Move 'em out); and no doubt other shows that others could remember.

We remember them all – can whistle the theme songs of all of them – and recall play acting a number of the roles ourselves – in our own fantasy land.

We know nothing of the man himself, but we wish him well – Godspeed – he made possible many an enjoyable half hour for a lot of viewers.