Second Banana

As eager as you may be to tap into my superior knowledge of nutritional health, this post is not about fruit.  It is, instead, about that most important of Western Movie lore fixtures, the Sidekick.  I am not going to take up space and time (see, they really are inseparable, just like a hero and sidekick) here to explain the role and history of the sidekick.  If you do not understand the concept, you can read the entry in Wikipedia which will artfully sate your need for edification.

Suffice it to say, the side kick in Western Movies is a partner/aide to the hero.  He may provide comic relief or be the foil for the hero’s comedic effusions.  While their skills are generally subordinate to those of the leading man, their presence is essential for the hero’s success in achieving his grail.  As the hero is dedicated to completion of his quest, the side kick is equally devout in his support of his hero; sometimes to the point of fatal sacrifice to ensure the hero’s survival and ultimate success.

But the point of this missive is not intellectual embellishment.  Rather, I wish to introduce to my reading audience yet one more reason to explore the library of films from yesteryear, The Golden Age of Hollywood.  To that end, I offer you an abbreviated list of my favorite sidekicks and recommendations of films by which to experience their unique contributions.

Walter Brennan is the dean of Western (and probably every other film genre) sidekicks.  He co-starred with every movie giant of two eras (pre-WW II and post-WW II); including John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart and Gary Cooper.  He was awarded three Oscars for his supporting roles (1936, 1938, 1940) and nominated for a fourth (1941).  His acting brought life to such characters as Featherhead, Stumpy and Pop.  His film career ran from 1925 to 1975 and includes over 240 acting credits (including film and TV)  Movies I recommend:

The Cowboy and the Lady (1938-Samuel Goldwyn Co.) “Sugar” sidekick to Gary Cooper.

The Far Country (1954-Universal International Pictures) “Ben Tatum” sidekick to Jimmy Stewart.

Rio Bravo (1959-Warner Bros.) “Stumpy” sidekick to John Wayne.

Ira Gabby Hayes was the prototypical sidekick if Walter Brennan was the dean.  He began his career as “Windy Halliday”, companion to “B” movie idol Hopalong Cassidy (William Boyd) working for Paramount Pictures.  Lucky for us, a salary dispute ended his tenure and moving to Republic Pictures was able to expand his career breadth, sharing the screen with many of the eras leading men.  His grizzled appearance and use of cowboy jargon (e.g. “cansarn it” and “young whippersnapper”) became iconic of the Western side kick. Ira “Gabby” Hayes career lasted from 1929 to 1950 and included 192 acting credits. Movies I recommend:

Hopalong Cassidy Returns (1936-Paramount Pictures) “Windy Halliday” sidekick to William Boyd (Hopalong Cassidy).

Dark Command (1940-Republic Pictures) “Doc Grunch” sidekick to John Wayne.

My Pal Trigger (1946-Republic Pictures) “Gabby Kendrick” sidekick to Roy Rogers.

Jack Elam actually began his career as a bad guy, his unusual look facilitating the feeling of unease in his presence.  He is a late comer compared to the other actors I have identified here not beginning his career until 1946.  As he aged, his familiar visage took on a more disarming, eccentric aura and his career as a villain transmogrified into one as side kick/comic foil.  He was a staple in 1950s and 60s television Westerns but he really hit his stride with his later portrayals as the good-natured dupe. In his fifty-year career, he collected 207 acting credits.  Movies I recommend:

Support Your Local Sheriff (1969-United Artists) “Jake” sidekick to James Garner.

Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971-United Artists) “Jug May” sidekick to James Garner.

Andy Divine was probably as recognizable for his raspy, stilting voice as his familiar rotund visage.  He is best known for his comic relief in otherwise suspenseful Westerns.  His roles were less the trail-riding saddle partner and more the hapless lawman or stage driver easily sliding out of the authority position to let the true hero take the action lead.  His fame is such that the good people of Kingman, Arizona, his childhood home, have named a major boulevard for him.  His career began in the silent era, but despite his unusual voice, he was able to transition to talkies.  His career spanned fifty years and during which he amassed 190 acting credits.  Movies I recommend:

Stagecoach (1939-United Artists) “Buck” Driver on the Stage to Lordsburg (John Wayne’s first “A” picture).

Bells of San Angelo (1940-Republic Pictures) “Sheriff Cookie Bullfincher” sidekick to Roy Rogers.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962-Paramount Pictures) “Marshal Link Appleyard” shrinking violet sheriff caught between Jimmy Stewart and Lee Marvin.

Space of course limits the number of actors I can include in this post.  I acknowledge that this list is not close to being exhaustive.  There are many other side kicks that you may know and feel should appropriately be here:  Smiley Burnett, Pat Buttram, Fuzzy St. John, Slim Pickins, Chill Wills.  If you are fan of Western movies, these names will be familiar to you.  This post is really for the uninitiated in hopes it will stir up some curiosity and draw them in.

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