Ask nearly anyone if they've heard of Tom Mix and the answer is usually, "Of course!" Alas, too few have heard of his closest rival, cowboy star Fred Thomson.

Fred's initial western series, made for FBO (Joseph Kennedy's forerunner of RKO Radio), was patterned after the successful Mix formula: lighthearted entertainment filled with stunt action. And since Thomson was such a a splendid athlete, doubles were rarely needed.

Fred was not only handsome and athletic, he epitomized the qualities we feel Freds stand for. Because had had once studied for the priesthood, he stressed strong moral values and wanted his films to be a good influence on the youngsters he entertained. He often worked in subplots, like one involving Boy Scouts, which he felt would be meaningful to kids.

His career, which had begun with straight dramatic roles, (including one opposite Mary Pickford in "The Love Light"), was tragically brief. After the expiration of his FBO contract, he move to Paramount to star in Western specials as a replacement for William S. Hart. He's best remember for Paramount's "Jesse James," a highly fictionalized nine-reeler that white-washed the outlaw's exploits. Sadly, Thomson died at the peak of his popularity.