There's Only One Race Bannon by Dave Goode

Actor Jeff Chandler...the perfect Race Bannon

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I was seven years old when JONNY QUEST premiered in prime time on September 18 , 1964. At the time I thought it was the coolest cartoon I had ever seen. And there has been nothing in the ensuing decades to challenge that opinion. Sure SPACE GHOST was cool. But it wasn't Jonny Quest cool. After all ,as any fan-boy will tell you ,the real star of JONNY QUEST was Race Bannon. Much in the same way Pat Ryan was the true star in the early days of Milton Caniff's classic adventure comic strip TERRY & THE PIRATES.

Race Bannon

JONNY QUEST followed the pulp-like adventures of 11 year-old Jonny who travelled the world with his scientist father Dr.Benton Quest , adopted brother Hadji and bodyguard Roger "Race" Bannon. Because of the nature of Dr. Quest's work and it's importance to world security Bannon was assigned by " Intelligence I " as a permanent bodyguard to the Quests as well as a tutor for Jonny and Hadji. By the way publicity material claimed that Hadji was adopted by the Quests. But this was never mentioned in any of the original 26 episodes.

Race Bannon's "voice" Mike Road

EAST OF SUMATRA 1953 Universal

As far as Race Bannon he was a secret agent , expert pilot , and expert with firearms. He is also a martial arts expert with a third degree black belt in judo. He was voiced on the series by actor Mike Road. And his physical design was based on Hollywood he-man actor Jeff Chandler. I can't watch a Jeff Chandler movie like EAST OF SUMATRA without imagining it's a Race Bannon adventure prior to his assignment with the Quests.

THE LADY TAKES A FLYER 1958 Universal-International

Chandler was born Ira Grossel in Brooklyn NY where he attended Eramus Hall High School. After the U.S. entered WW Two Chandler entered the army and served for four years earning the rank of lieutenant. After being discharged from the army and began a notable film career. He was even nominated for the Academy Award for portraying the Apache chief Cochise in BROKEN ARROW (1950) . When fan-boys think of casting a JONNY QUEST movie their first choice is Jeff Chandler as Race. Unfortunately Chandler would die tragically young at age 42 three years before JONNY QUEST first aired. I suppose Peter Graves might have been a good second choice. But as Race's love interest on the cartoon, Jezebal Jade, said "There's only one Race Bannon."

JONNY QUEST is available on DVD

 

Faux book cover idea by Dave Goode - graphics by Vance Capley

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