Dedicated to the proposition that America was better off when its TV shows were about Cowboys instead of Lawyers
The Radio Program
Voices of the West is a long-running radio program that examines the Old West and its many characters--both good and bad. Host Emil Franzi many times wishes he could time travel back to the days of the Old West and meet up with the likes of the Earps, the Clantons, the Vails and others. He draws on his stable of guests like authors Johnny Boggs and Cotton Smith to talk about the cowboys. Author Jerry Egan chimes in frequently to talk about hiking Apacheria. And, Green Valley News writer Scott Dyke frequently joins Emil to talk about anything and everything concerning the Old West.
At the end of each month, Emil and Friends sit around the radio campfire and talk about western movies, the actors, the scripts, and, the musical scores. Emil is usually joined by Todd Roberts, Michael F. Blake, Robert Nott, Cotton Smith, Johnny Boggs, and John Komrada. Lively discusstions come up when the group tries to choose a "best of" or "Top 10" list of movies, movie scores, actors, directors, plots, or who was the best "bad guy."
The program also features interviews with those in the know in Hollywood and those familiar with the Western genre. Past guests have included Peter Ford, the son of the late Glenn Ford and Pam Marvin, the widow of Lee Marvin. Voices of the West has also talked with Old Tucson's Bob Shelton to remember the great movies made at the famous movie set.
Be sure to check out our Top Lists on the left for what the guys think are the tops in various categories. And, don't forget to listen to Voices of the West every Saturday at 4pm on AM 1030 KVOI, The Voice. If you're not in town, you can hear the program streamed live at KVOI.com. If you miss a show, catch up with our podcasts here.
Summer Movie
Every summer, Voices of the West and The Loft Cinema in Tucson bring to the silver screen some of the greatest westerns ever made. Proceeds benefit the Empire Ranch Foundation. The original "3:10 To Yuma" starring Glenn Ford and Van Heflin is our movie for August 15th. The story is by Elmore Leonard, filmed at the historic Empire Ranch, and released in 1957. Peter and Linda Ford, Glenn's son and daughter-in-law, will be on hand to talk about Glenn's acting career.
From IMDB, "After outlaw leader Ben Wade is captured in a small town, his gang continue to threaten. Small-time rancher Dan Evans is persuaded to take Wade in secret to the nearest town with a railway station to await the train to the court at Yuma. Once the two are holed up in the hotel to wait it becomes apparent the secret is out, and a battle of wills starts."
