About the Author
Henry C. Parke
Henry’s first book, The Greatest Westerns Ever Made, and the People Who Made Them, was published by TwoDot in 2024. The Brooklyn-born, L.A.-based writer has contributed articles to the INSP blog since 2016, been Film Editor for True West since 2015, and has written Henry’s Western Round-up, the online report on Western film production, since 2010. His screenwriting credits include Speedtrap (1977) and Double Cross (1994). He’s the first writer welcomed into the Western Writers of America for his work in electronic media. He’s done audio commentary on over thirty Spaghetti and domestic Westerns.
Stories by Henry C. Parke
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What Makes a Western Villain
What makes a Western villain so mean? Meet the bad guys we love to hate! Bruce Dern, Jack Palance, Lee Marvin—actors who played notorious Western villains.
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Kenny Rogers: Country Star to The Gambler...and Beyond
Kenny Rogers in Westerns—from The Gambler to Rio Diablo—he played light-hearted and gritty roles. How a hit song made him a movie star. Read it on INSP.com.
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Gregory Peck—a Versatile Western Actor
From a vengeful gunslinger (The Bravados) to an outlaw with a big heart (Billy Two Hats), Gregory Peck is a versatile actor. Explore his many roles.
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Cowboys and Native Americans Aren’t Always Enemies
While cowboys and Native Americans are traditionally enemies rather than friends in Western films and TV, here are some excellent exceptions.
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Audie Murphy, James Stewart—the men who played Destry
James Stewart’s Destry vs. Audie Murphy’s Destry! Western writer Henry C. Parke compares the movies Destry Rides again, and Destry for INSP.
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Barbara Stanwyck’s Victoria Barkley: Queen of The Big Valley
Barbara Stanwyck as Victoria Barkley on The Big Valley—A Matriarch with Moxie. She’s gutsy, gritty, and glamorous! Don’t mess with this mama—on set or off!
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The Cowboys (1972) at 50: Where Are the Young Cast Now?
John Wayne’s The Cowboys turns 50. Discover what became of the young actors who rode alongside him in this unforgettable Western adventure.
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Before Taylor Sheridan’s Bass Reeves, There was Black Fox …
Before Taylor Sheridan’s Bass Reeves, there was Black Fox! Tony Todd, Christopher Reeve. A former slave braves the Wild West. Honoring Black History on INSP.
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Janet Arness Talks About Her Husband James Arness
INSP exclusive interview! Janet Arness, wife of the late James Arness shares anecdotes about Gunsmoke, their first date, and Matt Dillon vs. Zeb Macahan!
