Rogers, White, and Blue
Part of a Series: Exploring the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive The Autry Institute is currently processing the generously donated business archive of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. At the beginning of each month, the Autry Libraries blog will feature highlights from the collection in anticipation of the processing’s completion.
Trigger and Roy Rogers in shades of red, white, and blue in an undated image clipping, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
What makes a hero? For millions of children in the 1940s and 1950s Roy Rogers was the epitome of a hero. He stood up for what he believed in and made sure that the bad guys got what they had coming. Kids could count on his regular appearance at the movie theater and then later on their televisions. Rogers was reliable and genuine, and although some adults complained about the presence of violence in his work, he presented himself as the kind of everyman you’d invite over to your backyard BBQ.
Boys admire an advertisement for a Roy Rogers film, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Archive, Autry Library, Autry National Center; T2010-28.
He never wore a cape, and although he did occasionally sport a suit of red, white, and blue, he wore a rainbow of other colors too. How do you define a hero?
