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[RC] LA Times Hopkins Story: Long trail of lies - Linda B. MerimsThe LA Times and Bobbie Jo Lieberman said: When Disney spun the movie 'Hidalgo' as 'based on a true story,' questions began to fly. Was its hero, Frank T. Hopkins, for real -- or a total fraud? By Bobbie Lieberman For the Times February 17 2004 In the deep shadows of the stippled dunes, a solitary figure silentlyprepares for an epic journey that will begin at first light. Frank T. Hopkins has brought his plucky mustang, Hidalgo, across the ocean to compete against the world's finest Arabian horses on their own ground. All around him, pale robes that shield the Bedouins from dust, sand and heat swirl like butterflies. But doughty Hopkins wears the clothes of the Old West: dungarees, jacket, boots and Western hat. Hidalgo carries a stout Western saddle and gear.The complete article can be viewed at: http://www.latimes.com/features/outdoors/la-os-hidalgo17feb17,1,2236558.stor y?coll=la-headlines-outdoors Well, I read it. It is wonderful, Bobbie Jo. Absolutely wonderful. You *nailed* it! I particularly like how you avoided falling into the trap of doing nothing but quoting the O'Reilly's. I hadn't heard of the research that the Kellogg Ranch Library had done into the story. Their curator put it exactly right: the *only* primary source for Frank Hopkins' story is Frank Hopkins! You done good, girl! Disney still clearly thinks they can keep up the "true story" promotional angle with impunity. I don't think they are taking into account the reaction of the Arab press. "It's a small world, after all!" ;-) Linda B. Merims lbm@xxxxxxxxx Norris, TN ============================================================ ...but then, I do ride my horses a lot more than most people ~ Karen Chaton ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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