Monday, August 7, 2017

Maverick Time Machine :)


Here's another South American look at Maverick and Jack Kelly, this time from Uruguay:


La maquina del tiempo ("Time Machine") was a circa 2007 supplement to the "El Pais" periodical. "El Pais" published a series of these nostalgic magazines which showcased vintage TV series and films. The cover tagline describes Maverick as "A new style of western, where the protagonists weren't lawmen but seductive rogues."

The two-page "Nota De Tapa" (cover story) begins, "One of the most original series was undoubtedly Maverick, a new style of western. It was really innovative with its comedic tone. In effect, the television reign of the great families, of honest pioneers and workers (not to mention the lonely lawmen) was disrupted with the arrival of Maverick and his numerous family members, including a cousin from England (Roger Moore), and friends."

 
The second page of the story shows a picture of the statue of James Garner as Bret Maverick in Garner's hometown of Norman, Oklahoma. I wish there was a statue of JK as Bart somewhere, too--well, maybe some day.

 
Where in the world will TDS go next? Please stay tuned! :)

Sunday, August 6, 2017

A Bundle From Brazil--Pt. II


As we've seen before, Maverick was still going strong on Brazilian television after its original network run ended in the US. These two TV Programas are from 1964, when a third season of Maverick episodes was airing in Brazil.

The first issue is dated January 27:


While the cover story is mainly about James Garner leaving the show ("Why James Garner Isn't Playing 'Brother Bret' Anymore"), it does have a nice pic of Jack Kelly and Roger Moore:


 
It also mentions a couple of things which I hadn't heard before. Reportedly, actor John Smith (of Cimarron City and Laramie TV fame) was originally considered for the role of Bret Maverick. And, after JG left Maverick, Warner Bros. supposedly thought about replacing him with Wayde Preston, formerly star of Colt .45!

The second TV Programas issue is dated October 26. It lauds Maverick for "Three Years of Success" on Brazilian TV:

 

The text of the cover story (roughly translated from Portuguese) reads:

"THREE SUCCESSFUL YEARS ON PARANAENSE TV--
In its third year on television in [the Brazilian state of] ParanĂ¡, Maverick remains popular with viewers. Although the series lost James Garner ('brother Bret'), who decided to go into movies, a new member of the family came on the scene: 'cousin Beau', personified by Roger Moore, who previously appeared on Brazilian screens in the Ivanhoe series. And it is possible that we may still see Robert Colbert ['brother Brent'], Garner's substitute. As for Jack Kelly, he remains firm as 'brother Bart', staying near the poker table with a handful of 'straights'.

Living incredible adventures in the old west, the Mavericks quickly became famous. They don't need to prove they are 'fastest on the draw'. They prefer to be known as romantic and adventurous players. And in each episode, they provide moments of mild humor, interspersed with a gentle dose of romanticism. Even though they tread different paths, they invariably walk in search of a beautiful girl. That's when they're not around a poker table, risking a bluff or doing a little trick, though they swear great honesty. 'Bret', 'Bart' and 'Beau' alternate in their weekly adventures, sometimes appearing together.

Milton Rangel, a popular national actor (he created the celebrated 'Jeronimo, Hero of Sertao' on National Radio in Rio) dubs the 'voices' of 'Bret' and 'Beau', while Domingos Martins speaks in Portuguese for Jack 'Bart' Kelly.

Maverick airs Mondays at 9:20 pm on TV-Paranaense, Channel 12."

There's another nice pic of JK (one I don't think I'd seen before) in this story:



The caption says, "A Maverick doesn't live only for poker.
Jack Kelly is well-accompanied here."


Plus, there's even a couple of cute Maverick cartoons in the 10/26 issue:


Roughly translated, the first cartoon says, "I'm just practicing until the other players show up." The second one says, "Maverick! Don't smoke so much while we're playing cards!"

STAY TUNED NEXT TIME FOR ANOTHER LOOK AT Maverick FROM "SOUTH OF THE BORDER" :)