The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981)

[Alan Smithee]

I finally got around to renting this movie at the library and I can see why it sank at the box office. The Merle Haggard voice over gives it a "made-for-tv" look. Furthermore, the Lone Ranger (as we know him) doesn't show up until 2/3rds into the movie. Christopher Lloyd as the villian is probably the only good thing about it.

[trekgeezer]

I saw this when it was released and it was a very grand disappointment. I wonder what ever happened to the guy who played the Lone Ranger?

I know that they made Clayton Moore (the original Lone Ranger) quit wearing the mask, but he got a deal with Foster -Grant and started wearing sunglasses.

[Shadowphile]

The reason Clayton Moore stopped wearing the mask involved a lawsuit over who owner the copyright (or is it trademark?) on the Lone Ranger's appearance.

[BoyScoutKevin]

Klinton Spilsbury. I haven't thought about that name in years. That was his first and--to this point- only film appearance.

I would add, that Jason Robards turns in a pretty good performance as President Grant, as well.

And I love that scene when the heroes,  riding to the rescue, bust into the villains' stronghold to the sound of "The William Tell Overture." I've never heard it played better. Everytime I see that scene and hear that music, I get chills up and down my spine.