‘Yur Durn Tootin’

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The Monday morning (February 10, 1969) edition of the San Fernando Valley Times announced the passing of an 83-year-old gentleman at the St. Joseph’s Hospital just north of Los Angeles, California. Very few readers would have noticed if the obituary hadn’t included the man’s nickname: Gabby.

George Francis “Gabby” Hayes was born in Stannards, New York, on May 7, 1885, although he always claimed the village of Wellsville as his birthplace. Reason unknown, but curious since the two towns are only three miles apart about 140 miles east of Erie, Pennsylvania. One clue that may explain the difference is that his father owned a hotel in Stannards and it is believed that George and his siblings were born in that hotel.

Gabby achieved his fame in the 1930s and 1940s because of the unique way he portrayed sidekick characters in Westerns. With his trademark beard and jovial demeanor, Hayes became a beloved fixture in Hollywood and by acting the way the people wanted and using catchphrases like “Yur Durn Tootin’ (that weren’t in the script), brought his fans to box offices by the score.

Hayes began his career in show business as a vaudeville performer and later transitioned in the 1920s to silent films. His early roles were varied, but with the advent of the “talkies” he found his niche. His big break came when he starred alongside Buck Jones in the film “The Arizona Kid.” This role not only showcased his comedic timing but established him as a reliable sidekick, a role he would reprise often.

Gabby’s partnership with the cowboy star Roy Rogers cemented his legacy. Hayes appeared in many films alongside Rogers, including the popular “The Cowboy and the Senorita.” Their on-screen chemistry was obvious, and Hayes’s ability to balance humor with loyalty made him a fan favorite. He played the role of “Gabby,” a character that was comic relief as well as a source of wisdom.

British advertising card for the movie, “Heldorado.”

Throughout the 1930s and ‘40s, Hayes’s popularity soared. He appeared in over 40 films during this period. His signature catchphrases and unique delivery added a distinct flavor to the Western genre, making him a key figure in American cinema. Some notable critics have suggested that Hayes’s performances soon became an essential part of the mythology of the Hollywood westerns that had audiences who idolized the bravery and adventure associated with cowboy life.

Gabby on Horseback
Gabby on Horseback, address side

In the mid-1950s, as the popularity of Westerns began to wane, Hayes transitioned to television, where he continued to entertain audiences with his warm personality and rustic charm. He hosted “The Gabby Hayes Show,” starting on Saturday, May 12, 1956, allowing him to stay relevant in the entertainment industry.

Gabby started the show by saying “Howdy buckaroos. This is yer old pal Gabby Hayes.” “Yer darn tootin, yes sirree bob!” In each episode Gabby related a tall tale about one of his uncles with names such as Lariat Hayes, Sail Fish Hayes, and Silver Skate Hayes. In one segment Gabby is relating a tall tale about the hero jumping on his horse. The queue-card writer in error wrote the word “on” instead of “off.” Gabby knew the story by

Gabby Hayes, circa 1966

memory and knew that was wrong, so without missing a beat, Gabby said, “I mean ‘off’ his horse.” And the show went on, no need for retakes in early television. The best part of this series was Gabby’s tall tales although too brief at only a couple of minutes, they were quite memorable. It would be great to have a compilation of all his tall tales. Gabby Hayes was a master storyteller of the tall tale humor – a type of humor that is now unfortunately passé.

George “Gabby” Hayes’s career symbolizes the golden age of Hollywood Westerns but sadly the echo of his achievements is now gone, but one thing is for certain, if there ever is a symposium of Western storytelling, someone will certainly mention the name Gabby.

Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, & Gabby
circa 1950
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Among the actors Hayes served as a sidekick were Gene Autry, Randolph Scott, and John Wayne.

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