Dick Foran

Biography

Dick Foran was the matinée idol of the B movies. He started as a band singer and then sang on the radio. He was hired by Warner Brothers as a supporting actor who could croon a tune when called upon. His good looks and good natured personality made him a natural choice for the supporting cast. His first starring role was in the western Treachery Rides the Range (1936) which was Warner Brothers answer to Gene Autry. In the westerns that followed, he would sing the tune while riding the horse or romancing the gal. Whether it was Song of the Saddle (1936) or California Mail (1936), his character name may be different, but 'The Singing Cowboy' tag was always the same. While at Warner's he also played straight dramatic roles, supporting the star. In 1940, Dick headed for Universal where he was, again, in the supporting cast. He worked in serials, Rangers of Fortune (1940); horror, The Mummy's Hand (1940); to comedy, Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942). His signature theme "I'll Remember April" was introduced in Ride 'Em Cowboy (1942). After that, roles were sporadic. He made a half dozen films in the late fifties and did some Television. His last film role was in Donovan's Reef (1963) with his longtime friend John Wayne.