Posted on 01/17/2006 6:58:39 AM PST by laney
Went to see this movie with my Mom when I was about 7 years old. First movie theater experience I can remember. It made a lasting impression on me and must have been a factor in why I chose life as a soldier (John Wayne's "The Green Berets" was another). It's still one of my favorite movies to watch. Good vs. evil plot, talking softly, innovative, drawing fast, and deadly shooting men brought together as a team to protect innocence, each with their own strengths and weaknesses- all riding horses. GREAT, MAGNIFICENT STUFF!
A few years ago I finally found Lancaster's Unforgiven on VHS. Burt was a lib, but Audie Murphy was a great American and gave one of his best performances.
Look for Jeff Hathcock's latest motion picture,
"Three Bad Men", with Academy Award winner
George Kennedy.
Will I get zotted if I mention "Cat Ballou"?
I really liked it. Lee Marvin was hysterical.
11. The Westerner (Gary Cooper/Walter Brennan)
12. My Darling Clementine
13. Ride The High Country
14. Stagecoach
15. Ride Lonesome
16. The Ox Bow Incident
17. Will Penny
18. Four Faces West
19. Open Range
20. Gunsmoke (the entire TV series)
Sorry, but I had to include Gunsmoke. It was (and still is) the greatest TV show ever presented. To the one gentleman who mentioned that to be a great Western the theme had to be 'doing what's right', Gunsmoke personified that theme.
Four Faces West starred Joel McCrea, Francis Dee (his wife in real life) and Charles Bickford (as Pat Garrett). This is another movie that personifies 'doing what's right'. McCrea is a cowboy who robs a bank right under Garrett's nose, to send money back home to his father. During the ensuing chase he meets/falls in love with Dee, sees to it that the balance of the money is returned to the bank he robs, and halts his escape to help a family suffering from dyptheria. I don't believe a shot is fired during the entire movie.
It's at least a couple of dozen.
Me too! Also, "High Anxiety" and "History of the World". I must admit, I started to watch the original "Producers" with Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel the other day, but couldn't quiet get into it. I WILL rent the current on when it comes on pay-per-view. I love Nathan Lane.
That's a great one. Starts off kind of slowly, but steadily builds suspense toward the very end. Good examination of the character of men (both good and bad).
In 2005, I had a chance to see both this movie and Comanche Station on the big screen at the Film Forum in NYC. (Okay, I guess it's more of a "medium" screen.... but considering that these movies came out before I was born, I was fortunate to see them on any kind of screen!)
from Blazing Saddles:
Sheriff: "You'd do it for Randolph Scott"
People (singing like a choir): "Ran-dolph Scott!"
Seven Men From Now
Decision At Sundown
Ride Lonesome
The Tall T
Buchanan Rides Alone
Comanche Station
These have come to be considered among the finest "B" westerns of the genre. They also became vehicles for early performances of a couple later stars: Lee Marvin and James Coburn. Marvin's role in 'Seven Men From Now' was an early take on his ruthless character in 'Who Shot Liberty Valance'. Interestingly, it is said John Wayne was initially asked to be the star but he was knee deep in 'The Searchers' at the time and suggested Randolph Scott instead.
All except 'Seven men From Now' have been presented on the Westerns Channel over the past few years. 'Seven Men From Now' has just recently been redigitized and released on DVD. It's not only the first, but arguably the best of the series (a tough call). It was also shown on TCM in November. I have all but 'Buchanan Rides Alone' on DVD, and hope to get that one soon.
If you get a chance to see any of the others it's worth the time. There are some interesting storyline comparisons between movies.
(John Wayne stands alone in a class of his own; so his movies shouldn't count.)
I submit for your consideration as the best Western, Texans Never Cry starring Gene Autry (I think). In World War II Gene Autry was a flight officer for the Army Air Force; flew in bombers (I think). This was not the safe option.
Oh! How we yearn for the good old days when all entertainers, Hollywood, Radio, or Vaudeville were Patriots, and I don't mean fans of some defunct football team.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.