On Saturday, July 9, 2022 I wrote an article entitled Historical Cinematic Film For The Weekenders: “Within Our Gates”, a 1920 Silent Film Starring Evelyn Preer, and in that article I mentioned in almost a footnote America’s first black lawman, Bass Reeves. I did not add much about Reeves because the historical reference article said more about him than me, a 21st woman of color ever could on the discovery of this remarkable man.
Today, while trolling the web, I came across the article, Donald Sutherland Joins Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ Series For Paramount+. It is well known among his fans that Sutherland has played many wonderful characters throughout his long career; however, in the character of Henry Faber in the 1981 British film ‘Eye Of The Needle’, I was spellbound by his acting skills and I have enjoyed watching Sutherland in films every since that movie hit the theaters.
Well, now he is joining the cast in the historical based film based on the life of the black cowboy and America’s first black Deputy U.S. Marshal, Bass Reeves, in Taylor Sheridan’s Lawmen: Bass Reeves’ for Paramount+.
Brief synopsis: Lawmen: Bass Reeves will bring the legendary lawmen and outlaws of the Wild West to life. Reeves, known as the greatest frontier hero in American history, worked in the post-Reconstruction era as a federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded. -- MTV Entertainment Studios
Currently the cast list is as follows:
- David Oyelowo as Bass Reeves: A federal peace officer in the Indian Territory, capturing over 3,000 of the most dangerous criminals without ever being wounded.
- Dennis Quaid as Sherrill Lynn: A Deputy U.S. Marshal
- Forrest Goodluck as Billy Crow: A young Cherokee man with an affinity for dime store books and gaudy style.
- Lauren E. Banks as Jennie Reeves: Bass' wife
- Barry Pepper as Esau Pierce: The leader of the 1st Cherokee Mounted Rifles
- Grantham Coleman as Edwin Jones: An extremely persuasive man who has a clear vision and a promise for the future, to those who will listen.
- Demi Singleton as Sally Reeves: Bass' daughter
- Garrett Hedlund as Garrett Montgomery: A posse man of the era who Bass hires for his riding know-how and expertise of the area
- Donald Sutherland as Judge Isaac Parker: An imposing and commanding judge in the Fort Smith Courthouse
- Joaquina Kalukango
- Lonnie Chavis
- Rob Morgan
- Ryan O’Nan
- Justin Hurtt-Dunkley
- Shea Whigham
To many historians researching on blacks roles in the west, Bass Reeves is concerned a possible candidate for the real Lone Ranger.
At present there is no known air date for the series, so until then follow me and let’s explore the history of Bass Reeves.
Was the Real Lone Ranger a Black Man?
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