[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   WHO WAS THAT MASKED MAN? JOHN HART

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2001

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
substantial and laudable Hollywood career of John Hart, a true cowboy 
hero. His work has spanned every aspect of the silver screen, from 
writing to acting, from directing to stunt work. But for thousands of 
fans, his name will forever be synonymous with the signature black mask 
of the Lone Ranger, the stirring strains of the ``William Tell 
Overture'' and a hearty ``Hi-yo Silver, away!''
  Growing up in the Los Angeles area with a drama critic for a mother, 
acting was introduced to John early in his life. After studying drama 
at Pasadena City College, John landed his first motion picture job 
working for Cecil B. DeMille in ``The Buccaneer.'' After appearing in 
many gangster pictures, John was drafted into the Army, where he spent 
the next five years writing, producing, and directing touring shows for 
the Fifth Air Force.
  Upon his return to Hollywood, John was destined to trade in his 
gangster's fedora for the good guy's white hat. He quickly discovered 
Westerns, playing the Lone Ranger in the television series for two 
seasons beginning in 1952. With his trusty sidekick, Tonto, played by 
Jay Silverheels, the Lone Ranger was heroic inspiration for children 
all across America as the pair vanquished bad guys in the fight for law 
and order in the Old West. John went on to play title roles in ``Jack 
Armstrong, The All-American Boy,'' ``Captain Africa,'' and, with Lon 
Chaney, Jr., ``Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans.'' He has appeared 
in more than 300 television shows and movies and has a lengthy resume 
of behind-the-camera work.
  In today's world, it is easy to forget the thrilling days of 
yesteryear when heroes wore white, villains were always brought to 
justice and the Lone Ranger rode again. How refreshing it is to recall 
that his silver bullets never killed anyone and that he never sought 
compensation or credit for his good deeds. In testament to his hero 
status, children everywhere brought Lone Ranger lunch boxes to school 
and wore his trademark black mask during imaginary Old West games.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I wish to commend John Hart for his role as an 
early pioneer in the film industry. Hollywood has changed greatly since 
the first motion pictures, but our expectations have not: We still look 
for the hero to ride off into the sunset after giving the villain his 
due. I ask my colleagues to join me in praising John Hart for a 
lifetime of honoring the Lone Ranger creed of justice.

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