Welcome to “Behind the Scenes.”  Today, we have returned to visit with Richard, the creative voice behind the writing journey of Big Sky Buckeye. 

Welcome back Richard.  It is a pleasure visit with you again. 

It’s been awhile since we talked with you.  We understand that you enjoy watching films from the 1930s through the 1960s.  Western themes are one of your favorites.

One of my favorite western movies is “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.”  John Wayne, James Stewart, and Lee Marvin star in the film.

As I’ve researched more of the backstory behind the film, western writer Dorothy M. Johnson stands out.  Her short story of the same title as the film was the catalyst behind the movie.

Let us take some time to learn a bit more of this writer’s journey into history.

Dorothy Johnson is born in McGregor, Iowa on December 19, 1905.  Her family moves to Whitefish, Montana in 1913.  Her father is in poor health, and after a few years, Johnson is raised entirely by her widowed mother. 

As a teenager, Johnson begins writing professionally for a local newspaper in Kalispell, the Daily Inter Lake.  In 1922, she graduates from Whitefish High School.

Johnson’s sells her short story, “Bonnie George Campbell,” to the Saturday Evening Post in 1930.  She receives $400 for her writing, but her writing journey does not gather much more success for several years.

photos of dorothy johnson (courtesy of Pinterest)

During World War II, Johnson serves in the Air Warden Service.  Following the war, she begins writing short stories in earnest.  She embraces the theme of the American West, and her writing begins to transform how readers see this dynamic era.

Three of her short stories stand out.  As mentioned earlier, she publishes “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” in 1949.  Two additional short stories join this one as a sort of Western trilogy:  “A Man Called Horse” in 1950 and “The Hanging Tree” in 1957.

Following the success of director John Ford’s “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance,” Hollywood produces landmark films from Johnson’s pair of standout short stories.

Released in 1959, the film “The Hanging Tree” stars Montana’s native son, Gary Cooper.  He is born in Helena, Montana and lives there for much of his childhood.

The final film, “A Man Called Horse” stars British actor Richard Harris.  A couple of sequels are produced with Harris as star, but without the input of Johnson. 

Top left and clockwise:  edmund o’brien, lee marvin, and james stewart in scene from “the man who shot liberty valance”, stars gary cooper and maria schell in publicity post for the “hanging tree”, richard harris in “A man called horse.”  (all images courtesy of pinterest)

Johnson takes a great deal of pride in her work ethic as she thoroughly researches anything she plans to write.  Her desire to capture the genuine elements of the West comes out in her many published works.

While most of Johnson’s novels and short stories deal with authentic western themes, she also publishes several nonfiction books.  She remains in Montana for most of her later adult life.  On November 11, 1984 she dies in Missoula, Montana.

We have appreciated spending time with Richard from Big Sky Buckeye.  Look for more “Behind the Scenes” in future postings.