#161
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Stagecoach (1939) John Ford's classic western must have been spectacularly exciting viewing back in the late thirties. Even now the Monument Valley scenery is breathtaking and the Apache assault on the stagecoach at high speed remains utterly thrilling over eighty years later. Claire Trevor, who actually has lead billing is superb as prostitute Dallas, looked down upon by most of the other passengers, except of course by John Wayne in a superstar making turn as the Ringo Kid. The only thing that takes away it's status of genuine five star movie is Andy Devine's whiny, wailing, bugle like voice and John Carradine, who at times seems to be performing in a totally different movie to anyone else. |
#162
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They Came to Cordura (1959) Disappointing western set during the battle between Pancho Villa and the US cavalry. Following what is described as the last ever cavalry charge on a bandit stronghold, Gary Cooper's Major is assigned with recommending Medal of Honor recipients following the battle. Upon picking six men he is asked to lead then to Cordura along with alleged prisoner Rita Hayworth (Sadly underused) where they will be given their citations. Whilst the initial cavalry assault is nicely staged the film quickly begins to plod as Cooper and co set off for Cordura. Heroes aren't what they seem and neither is Cooper's Major quite the honorable officer he's made out to be. There's an incessant amount of squabbling throughout without much in the way of action taken and by the halfway stage it becomes a little tedious mainly because nobody is particularly likeable, even the usually heroic Cooper. The final reels are a battle of both wills between factions in the group and a grueling trek through the desert and whilst it passes the time much of the ideas in the film have been done before and also in infinitely more interesting movies |
#163
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Lawman (1971) "Do you know what they call you, Jared?" "The widow maker" So says Sheree North to Burt Lancaster's marshal Jared Maddox in Michael Winner's revisionist western. Also starring Robert Ryan, Lee J Cobb and Robert Duvall, this certainly questions the idea of the lawmen of the wild west with Lancaster morally correct but ruthlessly unforgiving whilst rancher Lee J Cobb (and his gang) who Maddox is trailing following a murder shows unexpected humanity meaning Lawman isn't a typical shoot em' up. The idea of getting away with murder is certainly floated about and the fact Lancaster by the end is preparing to walk away from it all without the need for bloodshed is quite thought provoking. But hey, enough of this meditating on the rights and wrongs of killing. It's a Michael Winner film. Folks do get shot. In bloody fashion. Thought i'd better mention that. |
#164
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Along Came Jones (1945) Bizarre comedy western starring Gary Cooper as the bumbling Melody Jones, traveling with friend William Demarest who is soon mistaken for outlaw Monte Jarrad (Dan Duryea). It's not long before Jones who is enjoying his new found fame hooks up with Jarrad's girl (Loretta Young) as confusion reigns over who is actually who. There are some delightful scenes as Cooper pretends to play it tough and lords it over the local townsfolk who believe him to be the notorious Jarrad and he delivers a fun performance opposite the lovely Young even though she practically steals every scene she's in with her lively enthusiasm. Along Came Jones isn't what you'd call a gripper but it is an enjoyable watch and at under an hour and a half certainly doesn't out stay it's welcome with both the easy going Cooper and Young delightfully watchable. |
#165
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Man of the West (1958) Anthony Mann's story of redemption sees Gary Cooper inadvertently linking up with the gang he used to ride with led by father figure Dock Tobin (A very shouty Lee J Cobb). Having to regain their trust in order to keep them from killing him he agrees to work one last bank job with them. Quite violent for it's time, Man of the West features one hell of a fist fight between Cooper and Hawaii Five-0's Jack Lord which was as exhausting to watch as it must have been to film and is a highlight of what is a riveting western. Perhaps this was just me but Dock's gang living out in the backwoods with the gruff old patriarch, Lord's sadistic younger sibling and also a pistol packing mute among their unholy clan made me think of seventies horror movies as much as classic Hollywood westerns especially when for half the film they are seemingly only moments away from raping Julie London's singer caught up in the whole affair. A far more cruel movie than you might imagine and a more memorable performance from the excellent Gary Cooper than High Noon. Last edited by Demdike@Cult Labs; 26th April 2021 at 10:22 PM. |
#166
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Brimstone. Thoroughly miserable tale about a psychopathic preacher who enjoys abusing his family. Straight into the charity bag. |
#167
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Invitation to a Gunfighter (1964) An intriguing western starring the great Yul Brynner as a Creole gunfighter hired by a New Mexico town banker (Pat Hingle) to kill Confederate veteran George Segal whom he basically stole his ranch from when he was fighting in the Civil War. A film that has a lot to say about race relations. Both Brynner is deeply troubled by his own dealings with racism being Creole and his assignment to kill Segal becomes rather hazy indeed as the towns folk are as hypocritical and racist as they come towards the local Mexicans. Brynner quickly takes advantage of the Hingle and his cronies desperation to get rid of Segal by doing exactly as he wants, targeting the saloons, stores and gambling joints of the town bigots whilst winning over those that aren't , so much so that i feel this probably had a direct influence on the classic Clint Eastwood morality western High Plains Drifter (1973). This isn't an action packed romp by any means, despite it's title there aren't any actual gunfights and is quite talky, but it's a well written and socially relevant script and the smooth talking and elegant Brynner is always a delight to watch. |
#168
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#169
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Quote: Damned Hot Day of Fire sounds good. That poster art...looks like it's been swiped from elsewhere. |
#170
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One bit of the art work looks like its from Django. Well for €11 its worth a punt.
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