Bob Steele rode many horses during his 'oaters' movie career in which he made some 120 films, but his favorite pony was a big roan named "Cattle." Starting his career by doing silent movies, he tried singing in one of the earliest sound movies, "Ridin Fool," where next to a romantic camp fire, he sang horsey love songs to his then mount, "Fool".
Steele was born 1907, and his real name was Robert Bradbury, Jr. Because "Bob Bradbury and Cattle" didn't have sex appeal, his Hollywood agent had him change his name to Bob Steele; thus, "Bob Steele and Cattle."
He did several movies with George "Gabby" Hayes, who was better known for his roles with Hopalong Cassidy. Steele also appeared with John Wayne later in his career.
Bob Steele and Cattle will be given appropriate honors in next year's Oscars ceremony by the Motion Picture Heritage Division.
