"“He pulled Francie through the crowd” Frantic Frontier illustration"   Lot no. 3922

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Story illustration for “Frantic Frontier” by Mosser Mauger for The American Magazine, published February 1956, pages 32-33.

 

The “Frantic Frontier” story, promoted with the tagline "He's strong as an ox, brave as a lion, and a pushover for a pretty girl. Meet Petey Brockett, king of the Frantic Frontier,” centers on Matt Fraaker. Matt, a famous actor known for his "Petey Brockett" persona, has a chance encounter with Francie, the niece of a prominent senator. Their connection quickly blossoms during a magical evening of a movie date and a walk under the stars, evolving from innocent flirtation into a deep infatuation. Matt initially keeps his identity as the "Explorer-of-the-Wild-Frontier" hidden from Francie, though she later reveals she recognized him from their first meeting.

 

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Robert Meyers’ accompanying illustration captures a pivotal scene at the airport. Dressed in his “Petey Brockett” costume of a fringed buckskin suit and carrying a long rifle, Matt is being escorted through a chaotic crowd. The throngs of his adoring fans blend with those cheering on the senator, as both well-known figures are boarding the same plane. In the midst of this surging crowd, a barrier collapses, and Francie is caught in the crush.

 

Matt immediately sheds his carefully constructed public persona, driven by a desperate need to protect her. He powerfully pushes through the mass of people, grabs Francie, and half-drags, half-pushes her up the plane's steep ramp, all while holding his prop rifle high. The illustration's published caption perfectly captures the intensity of the moment: "'Killing b'ars was nothing like this,' Matt told himself as he pulled Francie through the crowd." Safely inside the plane's galley, a shaken Matt comforts a trembling Francie. The Senator soon arrives, expressing his gratitude for Matt’s heroic act in saving his niece. Amidst the lingering chaos, Matt and Francie share a look, a silent acknowledgment that they have discovered true love.

 

Magazine Included

Explore related art collections: Newly Researched / Magazine Stories / Romance / $100 - $5,000 / 1950s

See all original artwork by Robert Meyers

ABOUT THE ARTIST

 

Robert Meyers, painter and illustrator, was born in New York City in 1919. While working on his Cody, Wyoming ranch, Meyers was murdered by an unknown sniper in 1970. His paintings often depicted western landscapes and cowboy genre painting.