Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Not Your Momma’s Spaghetti Westerns

By Annmarie Dean

The Wild West. The name itself conjures up images of cowboys and Indians, outlaws, the Dust Bowl, saloons and ghost towns. This month, WNED-TV is serving up a big dish of American Experience programs dedicated toward telling the stories of major characters from this iconic era in American history.
Billy_the_KidBilly the Kid- Hear about Henry McCarty, alias Billy the Kid, whose reckless violence earned him a place in the American spotlight.  Grabbing national news as one of the most notorious criminals of the time, the Kid became a hero to the Hispanic community; broadcasts on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 9 p.m.

CusterCuster’s Last Stand- The battle at Little Bighorn is something that will forever be ingrained in the minds of all Americans as the onslaught between George Custer’s soldiers and Lakota and Cheyenne warriors.  Learn more about the mythologized cavalry commander on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 8 p.m.

Portrait of Wyatt Earp 1869-71Wyatt Earp- The legendary gunman of O.K. Corral fame is quintessentially the most idyllic figure from the West.  Earp was transformed into a folk hero after his death and became a central figure as a lawman.  Hear more of his story on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 8 p.m.


GERONIMO signature imageGeronimo- This medicine man was a leading warrior and healer among the Apaches.  He was a staunch advocate of government resistance and refused to surrender to the reservation.  Geronimo’s story broadcasts Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 9 p.m.


 
Annie_OakelyAnnie Oakley- Best known as one of the best sharpshooters in the world, Annie Oakley might be one of the most well-known symbols of the West.  As the star attraction of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, she thrilled audiences around the world with her mastery of gun skills. Gain more insight into this contradictory woman Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.


Creator of his own fame, Jesse James painted himself as a defender of the southern manhood, a fighter of the establishment, and a victimized farm boy from Missouri battling Northern oppressors; a legend that spread far and wide.  On Monday, February 6, AMERICAN EXPERIENCE premieres Jesse James, the true story of an outlaw whose myth has captured the imagination of Americans for generations. <br />Credit: <br />Usage: This image may be used only in the direct promotion of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE. No other rights are granted. All rights are reserved. Editorial use only.Jesse James- Probably the West’s most mythological character, James’ story aims to be one for the ages.  Often called America’s Robin Hood, James actually stole from rich and poor alike and was a member of the vicious band of Missouri outlaws, the very opposite of Robin Hood’s “Merry Men.”  Hear the true story of this outlaw on Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m.  


Are you looking forward to the Wild West programming this month?  Feel free to comment below.

1 comment:

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