Monte Hale

Monte Hale

While touring in a USO show during World War II, singing cowboy Monte Hale was discovered by Republic pictures talent scout Phil Isley (the father of actress Jennifer Jones). Given the fact that Hale was hired as a possible replacement for Roy Rogers, it is puzzling that Republic took its sweet time promoting their new contractee to "B"-western stardom. He played straight contemporary roles in such films as Steppin' in Society (1944) and the 1945 serial The Purple Monster Strikes, then worked in support of non-singing sagebrusher Sunset Carson. Hale was finally allowed to carry his own series beginning in 1947. Hale remained at Republic until 1950 (he guest-starred with the rest of the studio's western lineup in the Roy Rogers "special" Trail of Robin Hood), then concentrated on his stage appearances with country-western bandleader Ray Whitley. He also began writing and performing patriotic songs, the most popular of which was "That Statue in the Bay." Monte Hale's last screen appearance was the supporting role of Bale Clinch in George Stevens' Giant (1955). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide