Growing Up with Roy & Dale

I would never miss a Roy Rogers movie. Every Saturday I took my dime, a nickel for popcorn, and went to the local theater. There I rode the range with Roy, Gabby, Dale and, of course, the Smartest Horse in the Movies. It was a magic time for me, those two hours in the movie house watching all the action. While I did not know it at the time (I was about 15 or so) I was not only being entertained, but getting a lesson in morality. The good guys were always honest and courteous. The bad guys were alway really bad. But in the end the Bad guys went to the jailhouse for trial and justice. It was a surprise and a delight to me last May when I discovered that Roy (Dusty) Rogers, Jr. had a theater in Branson, MO. Also that he had written a book about growing up with Roy and Dale. His book, Growing up with Roy and Dale, was written in the first person. He was totally honest about himself and his family. He also showed Roy and Dale as loving parents who were not afraid to discipline them when necessary. He and his best friend, and adopted brother, had many adventures. Of course, I had to go to Branson, MO to see the show. It was great! Roy and his High Riders sang all the songs Dale and Roy sang. It brought back many memories of the Saturdays in the movies, Roy's personal appearance at Forbes Field (Pittsburgh, PA), and at the fair gounds and his many rodeo appearances. Roy, Jr. and the High Riders put on a great show. In between songs and comedy skits Dusty talked about growing up, he told us some interesting stories of things that happened during that time. If you liked Roy and Dale you will Love Roy (Dusty), Jr.

I'm glad I read this book. It gave me a better understanding of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, the people -- movie stars, mother and father raising their children. Roy (Dusty) Rogers,Jr. and Sandy (an adopted brother) are great friends and, as children will, they get into their share of childhood mischief. He permits us to see the REAL Roy, Dale, brothers and sisters. He even told us some history and stories about Trigger. Dusty (did you know he was nicknamed Dusty before he was born?) gave us a very personal insight into his family and their way of life. He told many interesting facts about his family. Their life, their love of each other and animals. These are facts that were never written in the Fan Magazines of the day. I read every fan magazine that had an article about Roy and Dale, but not one of them showed Roy and Dale as warm, loving, and caring people. Dusty does a wonderful job of showing us the human Roy and Dale. Thanks, Dusty, for writing this book. HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU