Check this dude out:

Meet Orlando Camilla Hanks (not the most prepossessing name for a Wild West outlaw). He went by “Deaf Charley” due to his habit of cocking his head to one side to favor his good ear. He was a brief but very valuable associate of the consortium of outlaws headed up (sort of) by Butch Cassidy and “Kid” Curry who congregated around the Hole-in-the-Wall country in Wyoming (better known as the “Wild Bunch.”) Fittingly, his only known photo is this mugshot, lovingly taken as he entered the Deer Lodge penitentiary in Montana in 1894.

I love this photo…I’ve always said that he looks like someone who would enjoy playing with something until it breaks. The prison haircut does nothing to dissuade that impression.

Those of you who know your history understand what the connection is between this fella and Nashville. Those who don’t are in for a treat: check out my new article in the October issue of the Nashville Retrospect to learn about Hanks and the merry chase he led around this quiet Southern city some one-hundred-and-fifteen years ago.

He had some post-mortem coolness that he really didn’t deserve. He showed up in the 1979 western Butch and Sundance: The Early Years (Days), played by the uber-awesome Brian flippin’ Dennehy.

Supporting cast or not, he even ended up with his own action figure!

 

And if anyone is looking for the perfect Christmas gift for me this year (hint, hint).

 

 

Talk to you soon. Big things getting ready to happen ’round here.