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Notice: Due to the massive redesign and creation of Burckhardt Books, some internal links in blogs posted before January 24, 2022 may no long be active. If you find a broken link, please send us an email and let us know which blog it is in. We will do our best to go back and check links in previous blogs as time permits. But let's be honest, it's going to be slow going. 

Monday Movie Madness: Kansas Raiders

Updated: Jan 26, 2022


Hello, Posse!


I hope you all had a wonderful week. I think my pulse is finally back to normal after that Chief's game last night. I swear Mahomes is like a magician sometimes the way he managed to get that ball in the receiver's hands even if he had to go up, over, around, or under the arms and bodies of the other team. Plus, his own touchdown . . . loved it!


I had planned to share with you the made for TV western mini-series with Sidney Poitier, Children of the Dust, as part of my tribute to his work since his passing earlier this month. It was the third and final western that I am aware of him appearing in. Honestly, I wish he had more. I think he would have made a great Bass Reeves in a TV series. Ah, what might have been . . .


I decided to save that mini-series for a later date and share today's movie, Kansas Raiders, instead. This what what I had originally on my schedule before Poitier passed away. January 29th is Kansas Day in the U.S. On this day in 1861, Kansas became the 34th state in the Union. It seemed fitting to have this movie now. After the Chiefs crushed that win last night, I knew I had to put this film back on the schedule just to celebrate Kansas. I will always be a Kansan at heart no matter where I live.


Kansas Raiders was released in 1950. It is an American Western directed by Ray Enright, starring Audie Murphy, Brian Donlevy, Marguerite Chapman, Scott Brady, Tony Curtis, Richard Arlen, Richard Long, James Best, John Kellogg, Dewey Martin, George Chandler, Charles Delaney, Richard Egan, and David Bauer.


The movie follows Jesse (Murphy) and Frank James (Long) and their gang during the American Civil War. Jesse and Frank's parents are killed by Union soldiers. The brothers go to Kansas looking for William Quantrill (Donlevy) they want to join forces with him and his Raiders to get revenge against the Union soldiers. Quantrill's Raiders are planning to take Kansas for the Confederacy and Jesse wants to join them, but the more time he spends around Quantrill, the more he realizes that something is very wrong.


Movie Snack Recipe


In keeping with the Kansas theme, I wanted to share a snack that is weirdly very popular in Kansas. Seriously, this was at almost every party I remember from high school and even some that happened more recently. I am of course referring to Puppy Chow.


However, in keeping with celebrating the Chiefs win, I'm going to share a special Puppy Chow mix today from the Three Olives Branch's website. They have a great simple recipe for a Kansas City Chiefs Puppy Chow mix. (<--- click for recipe) With only five ingredients and about 40 minutes, you can have a great movie snack to celebrate Kansas Day this January 29th (take that Quantrill!) and the Chiefs win (sorry Bills . . . but not really).


Great Entertainment


If you are looking for more wholesome entertainment, why aren't you reading my Into the West Saga Serial Collection (<---click to view books). Parts one through six are available now on Amazon.com and BN.com. I'm currently writing the final installment of this saga, part seven, Into the West: Family Ties. It is currently set for a Spring 2022 release.


Don't forget, you can join my mailing list and never miss out on news or upcoming release dates. Just go to our subscribers page (<--- click here) and give us your name and email address. When you join up, you get to read the first chapter of Into the West: The Orphan Train for free. If you haven't read my books this is a great way to try them out with no risk to you or if you have Kindle Unlimited, the entire Into the West Saga Serial is available to read free with your subscription.


The mailing list is free to join, quit anytime, no strings attached . . . ever!


What have you got to lose? Join us today and start reading!


You know what time it is now, posse! It's time to grab your snacks and settle in for another great western movie!


Enjoy,

Stephen


Please note: Due to the massive website redesign, some links in blog posts before January 24th, 2022 may no longer work. If you come across one, please send us an email. We will be trying to go back and reconnect things as we have time. Thank you!


Kansas Raiders (1950) Original Trailer




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