On the Trail of Bronco Billy: A Book and a hidden gem.

On the Trail of Bronco Billy: A Book and a hidden gem.

Every now and then, something comes along which really catches by surprise. I have to admit, I had absolutely no idea of this beautifully self published book, how would I? As so often is the case, books such as this are simply denied the exposure and publicity to see it reaching a wider audience - and that’s not only a shame but also a terrible injustice. 

Clint Eastwood filmed Bronco Billy in Southwest Idaho in 1979. It was a big thing for Idahoans from the Treasure Valley to follow a Hollywood movie being filmed in front of them and many came out to watch and/or participate in the production. More than a thousand Idahoans were involved as extras or crew while hundreds more watched. They all have their stories and this is some of them. The book also includes insights about the shooting locations (over 20!) and newspaper articles keeping the locals apprised of the movie's progress. Author Sandy Kershner put this book together out of her love of her native state and the people who populate it, her respect for the actor/director who brought this film to Idaho, and for the character Clint Eastwood created, a frustrated 20th century man who creates his dream of being a cowboy by recapturing the past with a wild west show which he struggles to keep alive, along with his dream.

As a somewhat ‘serious’ collector, I have amassed literally 1000’s of cuttings and articles on Eastwood - a collection that stretches back as far as the 1960’s. I can fully appreciate how this might be looked upon as something of an oddity, a strange pastime - and I suppose to some extent that’s true. However, it is a fascinating area of interest, a record of certain events that would otherwise pass by and be forgotten - and as a result, reduced to just a vague memory. 

These snippets of a life and a career do however mature and become more poignant over time. Moreover,  with the passing of each decade, they provide a unique, historic and an invaluable resource, and this is exactly what Kershner has achieved here. It really is a project that should be respected and applauded. 

I’ve always hoped to put my collection to good use one day. Looking at this book has certainly provided an interesting and unique insight, and perhaps more importantly, an excellent example of how this can be realised. 

I had this book arrive as a complete surprise and as a gift from my very good friend and head of my admin team Davy Triumph. So I thank you sir, for both your kindness and your tireless help. 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,  Softback ‏ : ‎ 142 pages,  Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8 x 0.34 x 10 inches,  ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 152388309X, ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1523883097

On the trail of Bronco Billy is available on Amazon HERE