Lash of the West

1 9 5 3 (USA)
15-minute episodes

Cowboy movie star Alfred “Lash” LaRue – who resembled and spoke like Humphrey Bogart – hosted this short-lived series from ABC.

Lash demonstrated the tricks and stunts he had performed in low-budget Western films of the 1940s and early 1950s when he was known for his mastery of the 18-foot bullwhip (hence his stage name) and his dazzling daredevil manner.

Occasional guests also appeared, usually an actor who had appeared with Lash in one of more of his pictures.

After battling personal problems for many years (he was reportedly married at least ten times), Lash LaRue finally became a missionary and was a popular guest at Western film conventions in the Southern US states.

Alfred “Lash” LaRue died of emphysema in 1996 at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, having recently undergone triple-bypass surgery.  and suffered from emphysema. He was cremated at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, California.