| Inside Black Beauty A look back and a look ahead photo by Dean Jeffries, text by Dennis Rau |
| To all those long-remembering fans out there, all those believers in the rights and lives of decent citizens,this is your photo gallery. With the passing of time, our world has become a different place., many things today are vastly changed. There are also some things we see that are not tarnished by the passing of time. Like the Green Hornet's great-granduncle John (The Lone Ranger) Reid who rode first as a Texas Ranger until one day teaming up with a lifelong trusted friend to fight the battle for justice, those who ride the dark streets of night fighting for justice are affected by the passing of time as well. The names may be different , the faces may change but it is said that the beating heart of a fighter for truth lives on forever. Maybe the worst fate we ever face is not our own mortality, perhaps it is to be no longer remembered. So, even tonight, as we remember these men, these struggles of yesterday, we are reminded of the very things that made them special. Perhaps the best way to remember these men is to embody the same values that made them the heroes they were. In this way we may not only keep their spirits alive, but we may just one day find ourselves being long remembered as well. So tonights challenge to Green Hornet fans to learn more about their favorite rolling arsenal has come to an end, but the bigger challenge to carry on the valiant battle in the manner of these fine men seems to have only just begun. 36 years ago, in a faraway unnamed fictional city, some make-believe doors slid open and an amazing machine called Black Beauty charged forward. I remember so clearly the vision I felt at that precise moment, and the comment I made to my family "I think I was inside that car". I had no idea at the time why I felt that way. Tonight, ironically it seems so clear. It is now 36 years later, and while the TV show and its stars are gone from view, their spirit...and the legend live forever. One year ago, after visiting Black Beauty in Los Angeles Sept.9-10 for the TV show's 35th anniversary (see Amazing Black Beauty), I flew home across the country on a redeye flight overnite. I landed in Ft. Lauderdale at 7:05 a.m. on Sep't 11. Less than 2 hours before the terrorist attacks that changed America. Now the same history that remembers the TV show on Sep't 9 will also remember this terrible day two days later. So the story is always just a bit ahead, you might say, of tradgedy in its making, in it's telling, and ironically in its memory as well. This is my story, my way of remembrance to those who came before, those who came along with me and those yet to come. A little remembrance at a certain time of year, a small but strongly dedicated following. A legend. Yesterday, today and forever. My thanks to all the very special people who are a part of this story, and part of my life. I call this story, "Inside Black Beauty". "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" - Keats |
 |
| This photo, shared with fans, is one Dean sent me. It has come to replace one Bruce himself sent me as a 12-year old kid. Some pictures are worth a thousand words. |
|