There's something about the scenery and the laid back attitude of westerns that appeals. Give me a decent western and I'm pretty happy. Of course finding a decent one isn't always easy...
The Sons of Katie Elder
Starring: John Wayne, Dean Martin
Original release:1965
Synopsis: Four brothers return home for their mothers funeral
I've lost count on how many John Wayne western's I've watched and I've
still haven't found one I've liked. Are they really all this long and
boring?
Rio Bravo
Starring: John Wayne, Dean Martin... again
Original release:1959
Synopsis: A sheriff tries to bring a murderer to justice
In keeping with my trend of finding John Wayne's westerns so far being
all a bit long and slow, here's another one to add to the pile of "kind
of boring and why did I bother".
Gunfight at the OK Corral
Starring: Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas
Original release:1957
Synopsis: Earp, Holliday and that gunfight
The
romantic fantasy version of "the gunfight' of the Old West with ton of
male testosterone running rampant and women knowing their place.
The
fact that I find Kirk D rather dashing in this is probably seriously
twisted. I blame it all on my love for a bad boy with a gun and snarky
attitude.
Paint Your Wagon
Starring: Clint E and Lee Marvin
Original release:1969
Synopsis: The hunt for gold
Clint sings.
Yeah
I know that's a bit of a shocker. But if you can overlook that and some
of the other singing then as a comedy western it kind of works.
Really though I only watched it for "They call the wind Maria" musical interlude.
Cat Ballou
Starring: Lee Marvin and Jane Fonda
Original release:1965
Synopsis: A woman hires a gunfighter
Jane Fonda when she was going through her Brigitte Bardot phase; all
long blonde hair, dewy eyes and glossy lips. Somehow it just doesn't
seem to belong in a western. Then again there is also singing so maybe
it does.
Shotgun
Starring: Sterling Hayden
Original release:1955
Synopsis: A Marshall hunts a deadly gang
Sterling Hayden shirtless and shaving... well that's reason enough to watch this.
The Last Wagon
Starring: Richard Widmark
Original release:1956
Synopsis: Survivors of an Indian attack have to rely on a man wanted for murder to get them to safety.
I could watch Richard Widmark throw axes at people all day. The 'kids' on the other hand were kind of annoying.
The Man from Laramie
Starring: James Stewart
Original release:1955
Synopsis: Apaches
James Stewart has become my western hero. Who knew that could even be a thing...
Bend of the River
Starring: Jimmy... again
Original release:1952
Synopsis: Two men lead a wagon train to Oregon.
Why are James Stewart's western always so much better The Duke's... and shorter. Whatever the answer is I'm a fan.
The Far Country
Starring: Jimmy yet again
Original release:1954
Synopsis: The Alaskan gold rush
Jimmy Stewart being an anti-social loner and annoying people left, right and center and I can so relate.
The Canadian scenery is an added bonus.
