TWO FOR TUESDAY - GEORGE HEARST

GEORGE HEARST

'DEATH VALLEY DAYS'

"THE PAPER DYNASTY"

George Hearst (September 3, 1820 – February 28, 1891) was a wealthy American businessman and United States Senator, and the father of newspaperman William Randolph Hearst.

His son insisted on taking control of one of his father's holdings, the San Francisco Examiner, which became the foundation of the Hearst publishing empire. Hearst bought the newspaper as a sign of loyalty to his friends by accepting it as payment for a gambling debt owed to him. Hearst primarily used the Examiner to promote the interests of the Democratic Party, and to laud the party’s initiatives, especially when they were under public attack.

He was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for Governor of California in 1882. Until this point, Hearst had a political relationship with Central Pacific Railroad. However, when the railroad’s leadership backed the other Democratic nominee, Hearst joined Christopher Augustine Buckley and Stephen M. White in developing the Anti-Monopoly Coalition.

He was appointed as a Democrat to the United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the death of John F. Miller, and served from March 23, 1886 to August 4, 1886, when a successor was elected. In 1887 he was elected to the Senate as a Democrat and served from March 4, 1887 until his death. As senator, Hearst focused on reducing Central Pacific’s power in American commerce.

The actor Barry Kelley portrayed George Hearst in the 1964 episode "The Paper Dynasty" of the syndicated western television series 'Death Valley Days', hosted by Stanley Andrews. James Hampton played William Randolph Hearst and James Lanphier (1920-1969), Ambrose Bierce.

Gerald McRaney portrayed Hearst on the HBO television series 'Deadwood'. Hearst is depicted in season 3 as a ruthless and sociopathic robber baron.

It's my opinion that both portrayals of George Hearst can remain in Earth Prime-Time.  As played by Roy Roberts lookalike Kelley, Hearst was seen from the perspective of his son William.  He knew his old man for what he was, but still his view was softened by paternal affection.  On the other hand, the ruthless sociopath played by McRaney was closer to the mark for the historical televersion.

For the full Wikipedia story, click here.

Happy trails to you!