Biographies: Bob Gates, 1977, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: June 29, 1977 Winn Parish Enterprise News-American

WSHS Grad of 1953

Bob Gates Produced "Boggy Creek" Movie

The "Return to Boggy Creek" premiered recently in a Lafayette theater. 
According to a local critic the Lafayette residents did their best to make
their premiere come up to Hollywood standards.  Cadillacs pulled up in front
of the theater discharging actors in dark tuxedos and actresses in formal
gowns, all amidst the popping of flashbulbs.

But the real star of a premiere is always the producer.  He is the one
responsible for putting the movie together in the first place.  For Bob Gates,
a Winnfield native, now living in Lafayette, it was the second time around.

A 1953 graduate of Winnfield High School, Gates 20 year career in TV and
movies reached a new height when he produced "The Town That Dreaded Sundown,"
the true story of a Midwestern town terrorized by a murderer who was never
apprehended.

Gates' second film which takes place in Louisiana Cajun country is a sequel to
the "Legend of Boggy Creek".  That film grossed $20 million.  Martha Aycock, a
reviewer for the "Lafayette Advertiser", praised the film saying:

"Beautiful photography and color, the unusual scenery of the swamp and the
stirring music contributed greatly.  And for once a film shows the Cajuns for
what they are, hard-working, genial, regular-sort-of-folks, that have adapted
themselves to the environment."

Many local people had parts in the movie, and according to Aycock, they
applauded during the premiere when seeing each other on screen.  Aycock said
the locals sometimes did a better job than their professional counterparts. 
Dawn Wells and Dana Plato were the film's professional stars.

As for Gates, he is the son of Mrs. Clyde Richards of Winnfield and Hershel
Gates, formerly of Sikes, now of Las Vegas, Nevada.  Gates is married to Gale
Bourque of Lafayette.