May 13, 2007

by Jan Lucas

A 1960’s fan magazine credited suave Henry Darrow with “bringing romance back to Hollywood” for his portrayal of tall, dark and amorous Manolito Montoya. Although Henry lent his own charisma to Manolito, he credits the character’s enduring appeal to gentleness and humor. “He was filled with humor,” Darrow said, describing Manolito as a “semi-comedic” mix of Shakespearian characters he played on stage. “I could be a little dark like Iago from Othello. Mercutio, Romeo’s friend, was comedic and had a flair for words, so I combined a little bit of Mercutio with a little bit of Iago.”

Henry Darrow as Manolito

His multifaceted character’s love affairs sometimes ended badly, but the role “brought out the fun” in Henry Darrow. He recalled, “It was like all of a sudden I had a license to steal. I was on camera.  I was wearing a great outfit. A black hat. White pearl-handled gun.” Adding enjoyment was a twenty-eight inch waist — and friendship with others in the cast.

“That was a wonderful part of the show, the relationship with all the guys off-camera. And then all of a sudden it just translates to on-camera,” he said. Strong on-screen rapport with Cameron Mitchell resulted in exceptional episodes. According to Henry, after A Piece of Land and Friends and Partners a spin-off series was considered.

While camaraderie on the set translated well to the screen, poker know-how didn’t. Manolito Montoya and Buck Cannon both played a mean hand, but not Henry Darrow and Cameron Mitchell.

“He stunk at poker,” Darrow said of Mitchell.  “So did I. He had a lot of bravado and he would tell people his hand. I was sort of chicken and conservative. It was like ‘when Henry bets look out’ and everyone would get out of the pot because I only bet with a good hand. Cam would say ‘I’ve got a pair of deuces and I’m going to beat you’ and they’d believe him and would raise and he would stay and of course he would lose. They couldn’t wait for Cam to show up and play poker.”

Henry Darrow & Don Collier

Despite rapport on the set, Mitchell ‘was a loner” and the two didn’t socialize much. However, Darrow’s friendship with Don Collier and Bob Hoy turned into a connection spanning forty years.

Off-camera fellowship coupled with good professional relationships made High Chaparral a pleasure.  Henry Darrow speaks highly of his colleagues, recalling Rudy Ramos’ musical talent and subtle acting style which was well-suited to the show.  Working with Frank Silvera was fun, Darrow said.  “It was good with him.  He was solid.”  Most of all, he appreciated scenes with Linda Cristal, especially when called upon to improvise. “Whenever they were short a little bit time-wise they would say ‘Linda, you and Henry add a little Spanish, will you?’  Stretch the scene a bit. They’d let us ad-lib in Spanish. She trusted me when we rehearsed something like that.”

After High Chaparral, Darrow had an active career in television, stage and film. These days, he and his wife, vivacious actress Lauren Levian, call Wilmington, North Carolina home.  “I moved there to retire,” Darrow said, but it’s a busy retirement of television parts, stage productions ( That Certain Cervantes), teaching at the state university and movie roles (most recently, Primo and From Bubba With Love).

Henry Darrow with fan Vickie at the 2005 Reunion

When his schedule allows, Darrow loves attending fan events like the 2003 High Chaparral Reunion and Western festivals across the country.  The handsome silver-haired actor continues to captivate with his wit, genial manner, dimpled smile and silky voice.  And how does he like to be greeted by fans? “With a kiss and a hug!”

Start lining up now.  Henry Darrow not only brought romance back to Hollywood, he takes it along wherever he goes.