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Miniatures Adventure => Old West => Topic started by: Heisler on January 01, 2015, 10:20:03 PM

Title: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Heisler on January 01, 2015, 10:20:03 PM: So I'm looking to expand my western movie collection. While I know we all have our favorite western films this time around I'm looking for those definitive western films. Along the lines of a director's best western film, an actor or actress' best western film. The only restrictions are:
1) You have to tell me why you picked that film so state whether its for the director or the actor. You can only name a director, actor or actress once. So for instance you could name Clint Eastwood twice, once for his best (or defining) western role and once for the best (or defining) western film he directed. He could still appear in other films you have selected.
2) Don't just throw a list out there, I want to know why I should consider hunting down that film.
3) You can name as many movies as you like as long as they fulfill the 1st restriction.

Ready......Go!
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Steve63 on January 01, 2015, 10:44:01 PM: The Big Country Gregory Peck delivers a masterful performance with a superb monologue, a lesson in acting for anyone who thinks that the special effects make a good film.
Once Upon a Time in the West, Sergio Leone at his best and Henry Fonda gets to play a bad guy.
Unforgiven staring and directed by Clint Eastwood, the definitive cowboy actor in his definitive cowboy role.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: NickNascati on January 01, 2015, 11:14:12 PM: Definitely "Unforgiven" as the previous poster said, raw and grity. Eastwood at his best
"Open Range" one of the best Westerns of recent years, a well done Kevin Costner movie
"The Ox-Bow Incident", a powerful film.
"Warlock", Fonda and Quinn, classic re-telling of the Earp legend.
"Tombstone", it may have flaws, but it is a great movie.
"The Searchers", Wayne at his best.
"High Noon", watch it just for Cooper's expression at the end.

The Western is America's contribution to cinema, as Jazz is our contribution to music.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: sundayhero on January 01, 2015, 11:20:35 PM: There is a one called Red Sun, with french actor Alain Delon (the bad guy), a famous japanese actor Thosiro Mifune, and Charles Bronson (the good guy).

The story is pretty simple, a bandit (alain delon) stole a precious japanese sword of a ambassy japanese group, and Charles Bronson and the surviving japanese go chase him.

There is also the beautiful Ursula Andress (who is almost as beautiful as she was in 007 vs Dr No ;D, but it's probably the bikini effect lol).

It's a classic western, in term of iconography, landscapes, characters behaviour and western sterotypes (the saloon with prostitutes, the bad mexicanos, etc...), but the contrast of the japanese Ronin and his code of Honor and the quite brutal Charles Bronson outlaw are really interesting.

Overall it's also very entertaining, if you like classic "action" movies.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: maxxon on January 02, 2015, 07:11:43 AM: I don't go for directors or actors. I go for stories.

- Rio Bravo is western classic and also a good example how to set up chained scenarios in a town.
- Searchers by John Ford is another classic and surprisingly realistic for its time.
- True Grit for frontier action. I prefer the John Wayne version, but the Coen brothers remake is ok too.
- The Quick and The Dead is a hidden gem. Just try to ignore Sharon Stone as much as possible.
- McCabe and Mrs. Miller for gritty disillusioned 70's realism.
- La Grande Silenzia. Brutal spaghetti western, and it doesn't end the way you thought it would.
- Nevada Smith for the wisdom about peaches.
- Quiqley Down Under is very borderline, but the final shootout is a gem. You could basically ignore the rest of the film.
- Well, you can't have western list without the Wild Bunch.
- The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean. Worth it for the Bad Bob scene alone. I used to rewatch this constantly when I was a kid.
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is another transitional film. It's a bit overlong if you ask me, but the final scene is a cinema classic and the piece they nipped off Jelly Bryce is good too.
- The Last Hard Men. If she can take it, so can you.
- Last Train From Gun Hill. Surprisingly modern for a film made in 1959. Also good for the surviving in a hostile town aspect.

Hmmm... looking at that list it seems I tend to favor the gritty side of things. And there's a lot of films about the end of the west there too...

I realize this is not what everyone is looking for in a western. And I do like the classics and genre films too, it's just that the films that differ from the norm are the ones that are more memorable.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Sardoo on January 02, 2015, 08:40:43 AM: Quote from: sundayhero on January 01, 2015, 11:20:35 PM
There is a one called Red Sun, with french actor Alain Delon (the bad guy), a famous japanese actor Thosiro Mifune, and Charles Bronson (the good guy).

At last, someone else who thinks Red Sun is a great movie! No one I know has ever heard of the film which I saw in the cinema as soon the very week as it came out. Brilliant movie!

I would also agree with The Searchers which shows Wayne moving from barely being able to stand the presence of what he describes as a "half breed" at table with him to working with the lad to finding - and more importantly, accepting- his abducted neice. The film starts with the the frontier cabin door opening and ends with it closing - a simple device but one which perfectly frames the genuinly iconic story we see unfold?
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: cdm on January 02, 2015, 08:59:51 AM: The Shootist with John Wayne, Lauren Becaull and Ron Howard. An ageing gunfighter learns he is dieing of cancer and faces his end with determination. The interplay between the boyish Howard and the famous gun slinger, and between Becaull as the widow who thinks the shootist must be a bad man but comes around to seeing his humanity in the end are both touching in their way. Wayne's death is predetermined, but he goes out his way in the end facing three chosen gunmen in a saloon shootout that ends with Wayne winning but then gunned down in the back by the bartender who is then gunned down by the heart broken Howard. A touching film about fame, courage, money grubbing and prejudiced assumptions.

Pale Rider with Clint Eastwood. A touching story about a group of miners being run off their digs by a greedy big corporate miner. The interplay between Eastwood as the wandering preacher and the miner's spokesman and his girlfriend and her daughter set some interesting relationship dynamics. After getting courage from the preacher's presence, the miners stand up to the big miner who of course hires gunmen to clear them out. This ends up with a town shoot out where we find the preacher isn't just any normal reverend but has a chequered gun toting past that has crossed the path of these gunmen before. Eastwood takes out the 6 gunmen in an pacey - hooray for the good guys - kind of shootout before he rides off into the mountains with the world all set to rights.

3:10 to Yuma with Russell Crowe - though the original is also good but now dated and you may feel it is a little slow. The remake is a slick, pacey show about a famous gunman and the group of men who must escort him cross country to the Yuma train so he can go to trial for his evil train robbing ways. The show is really the journey of the down on his luck rancher who sees a way out of his troubles by getting the gunman to the train for the money he needs to save his family from debt. The interaction between Crowe and the rest of the characters is always interesting and psychological. Crowe can read them all and you can feel him slowly pulling the threads of the personalities of his captors along the journey. I feel the characterisation in this is very strong, the interplay well done as you would expect from the original story, which was very good for it's day. The final shootout where the rancher dies, along with all of Crowe's sidekicks, moves along at a cracking pace and has a very sad though feel good ending where the rancher's son finally gets respect for his father. Crowe plays a very bad man who is also very likable in a roguish way.

I would also recommend Eastwood in Unforgiven as already mentioned, and the Coen version of True Grit.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Harry Faversham on January 02, 2015, 10:25:11 AM: :'( Monte Walsh... nobody gets to be a Cowboy forever. :'(
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: lethallee61 on January 02, 2015, 10:28:34 AM: The Outlaw Josey Wales - great story, brilliant acting and a fantastic Native American character in Lone Watie. Probably my equal favourite Western with Rio Bravo.

Silverado - I dare you to not play a game of Dead Man's Hand after watching this. Great fun film with lots of action and good characterisation. Kevin Kline and Brian Dennehy at their best.

The Magnificent Seven - as if you needed a reason.

The Long Riders - interesting that they used real acting brothers to play brothers. And it's a reasonable take on the James/Younger gang.

Also +1s for Rio Bravo, The Shootist, Unforgiven, The Quick and the Dead and Red Sun.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Romark on January 02, 2015, 11:05:20 AM: I'd like to add Valdez is Coming to the list.Burt Lancaster is terrific in the title role,he plays a humble Mexican sheriff who is treated with disdain by all the American characters in the movie little knowing about his previous life.When he tries to right a wrong done to a Buffalo soldier and his native American wife all is revealed to their cost.Brilliant.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Faustulus on January 02, 2015, 02:38:28 PM: "Seven Men from Now" dir Budd Boetticher. Any list of westerns is incomplete without at least one Boetticher film. Sort of overlooked today, But during the 40s and 50s he made some of the best action movies around. It is a hard choice between this, "the Tall T" and "Ride Lonesome" but I think this tale of vengeance edges the others.

John Ford's "Stagecoach" birthed the golden age of the western. A cliched tale, even at the time, Ford's masterful storytelling turned it into art. It raised the genre and paved the way for more mature takes.

Such as "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance". James Stewart would make his mark on westerns from "Winchester '73" "The Man from Laramie" and "Two Rode Together", but it was his portrayal of frontier lawyer turned senator who built his life on a lie that makes this film one of the best movies around.

A common thread through these past few films of course has been a star almost synonymous with the western, John Wayne. He played in dozens of oaters ranging from terrible to sublime, but his greatest work was in "The Searchers". This is arguably the greatest western ever made, it is certainly the most beautiful. The years-long search for a stolen girl earns the title of "epic". And Wayne's portrayal of bigoted Civil War vet Ethan Edwards is perfect. You are never sure if he is hunting Natalie Woods' character to save her or kill her. It is as close to perfection as the genre ever achieved.

"Shane" is a Rorschach test. What you make of its ending, and the fate of Alan Ladd's titular character says a lot about how you view the world. It seems like a simple tale of a gunman trying to hang up his arms, but that just is the reflection of a surface that belies a deeper, more nuanced film.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about the western genre is that it isn't s genre at all. It is a canvas on which you can tell almost any story you wish. Fred Zimmerman realized this when he cast Gary Cooper in a thinly disguised allegory of America's communist hunt. "High Noon" had more to do with the headlines of the day than the 1880s. In fact, it upset John Wayne so much he and Howard Hawkes made "Rio Bravo" in answer.

If "Stagecoach" birthed the golden age of the western, then Sam Peckinpah's "Ride the High Country" sounded its death knell. Already a new generation of film makers was forever changing the genre. Europeans and those on this side of the pond influenced by them, were twisting the conventions of the genre and rebuilding to work in a post-modern world.

One of those Europeans, Sergio Leone was dragging the genre, kicking and screaming into the new world. But as groundbreaking as he was in the end it was his homage to the classic western which proved his greatest accomplishment. "Once Upon a Time in the West" didn't have Clint Eastwood, but it still retained the mysterious "man with no name". Leone mixed Monument Valley and Spain to create something entirely new, acknowledging the old, but not beholden to it. A slick marriage of "A Fistful of Dollars" and "The Searchers".

Europe wasn't the only continent usurping America's mythology. In post-war Japan the western took a decidedly eastern turn. Legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa borrowed the trappings of the western for several of his films, including "Seven Samurai" and "Yojimbo". Guns may have given way to swords and Cowboys to samurai, but the western's mark was unmistakable, especially once the films were remade as westerns.

While the western would never return to its glory days, Hollywood never truly abandoned it. Modern classics like Clint Eastwood's "Unforgiven" keep the western in the conversation. But other, less obvious films also preserve the western for modern audiences. Perhaps one of the best examples of westerns in modern media is found on the small screen. Though set in modern times, there is little doubt that FX's brilliant "Justified" is a western through and through. Timothy Olyphant, is just a change of clothes and an attitude adjustment from his Bullock character in HBO's "Deadwood" (probably the closest television writing ever got to The rhythms of Shakespeare). And Laim Neeson in ant Taken movie? Just a cowboy on the trail of revenge.

Ok this was longer than I meant it.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Heisler on January 02, 2015, 03:40:02 PM: I think that was an awesome look at the whole western genre. I don't think it was long enough.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: rumacara on January 02, 2015, 04:39:41 PM: Major Dundee - with Charlton Heston. Why? it has all in one movie - ACW, mexicans, apaches, french US cavalry.

Wild Bunch - already mentioned but a director missing - Sam Peckinpah (also the same director as Major Dundee).

Ride With the Devil - one of the best ACW films but touches a theme less explored - Jayhawkers against Buchwackers in Kansas and Missouri.

Several others mentioned here. The list is endless. I have more than 250 westerns.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on January 02, 2015, 04:51:58 PM: +1 for Liberty Valance - I'm not a fan of B&W westerns but watched this to see if it was as good as its supposed to be. It truly is a classic - watch it.

From an older western to two newer ones - "Blackthorne" tell the story of what happened after "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" itself a great film. It's beautifully shot, well acted and has a great script.

Another suggestion would be "The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford" - again it's brilliantly shot, in all seasons and the acting and importantly the charactisation, is superlative.

My last suggestion is to watch both versions of "True Grit".
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: NickNascati on January 02, 2015, 05:19:07 PM: Since we expanded to Australia with Quigley, I have to add "The Proposition". A brutal, stunning "western" set in the Outback.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: THE CID on January 02, 2015, 05:45:36 PM: Mckennas Gold plenty of baddies and Apaches and sexy woman, could you ask for more?
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: goon3423 on January 02, 2015, 06:39:35 PM: "Once Upon a Time in the West"- Bronson doing his best quiet cool & Fonda has one of his very few villian roles. Plus the opening scene is one of the best ever in a western in my humble opinion.

"Django"- Again the opening with Nero dragging the coffin across the desert is a great visual, the rest of the movie is pretty fun too.

"The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"- Do I really have to explain that one?

Those three, "Open Range" & really either version of "True Grit" are usually my go-to's.

On the guilty pleasure front I love "The Burrowers", western & horror are not combined nearly enough! On the horizion I'm looking forward to "Bone Tomahawk" & "The Thicket" which are both in the pipeline for release at some point.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: gary42 on January 02, 2015, 06:47:37 PM: "Cat Ballou"! Love Lee Marvin in it! Fonda is my alltime scariest villain in "Once Upon A Time...". Big fan of "The Cowboys" too. Can't forget "The Long Riders" for it's grit. GREAT movie!
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Vanvlak on January 02, 2015, 07:02:48 PM: Quote from: goon3423 on January 02, 2015, 06:39:35 PM

"The Good, The Bad & The Ugly"- Do I really have to explain that one?

Ditto - together with 'For a Fistful of Dollars' and 'For a fistful of dollars more' - all three for the Direction of Sergio Leone, and the characterful Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef; the long, drawn-out shoot outs (especially the one with the pocket watch tune); and, in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' for Eli Wallach's grand performance. And the Civil War river scene!

Once upon a time in the West (also Sergio Leone's) has also been mentioned, and it takes the spaghetti Western to it's limit.

I also have to admit a soft spot for 'The Magnificent Seven' - for Yul Brynner's Chris, Robert Vaughn's Lee, and the story (which in the credits acknowledges Kurosawa's original). AND the soundtrack:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XDB7GMnbUQ[/url

P.S. - Ennio Morricone's tracks to the three Eastwood-Van Cleef-Leone spaghetti films are also brilliant.
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XDB7GMnbUQ)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: frank xerox on January 03, 2015, 02:10:41 PM: Ulzanas Raid, Apache on the warpath trailed by Burt Lancasters weary scout, gritty stuff with some great lines "apache warparties come in all sizes lieutenant, there's the kind with a hundred braves and there's the kind with just one". Great stuff.
Also, Wild Bill with Jeff Bridges, episodic but beautifully filmed & acted - "don't never touch another man's hat!"
And third Apaloosa, good acting, good script a nice take on "town taming" and the only film you'll rate renee zellwegger in. Though casting her as a sex symbol is stretching it if you ask me...
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Romark on January 03, 2015, 02:16:30 PM: Yep,I'll second Ulzana's raid,Lancaster's character is great,only omitted it from my favorites because of the first restriction lol.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: frank xerox on January 04, 2015, 03:29:09 PM: Yup, Burts contribution to the genre has been sadly overlooked - I'm just watching the Hallelujah Trail right now and laughing like a hyena. And I've just remembered the Scalphunters too.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Elbows on January 04, 2015, 04:43:52 PM: I'll be honest...as much as I love the Old West, very few films really strike a chord with me. Some have some cool characters, but most are mediocre movies at best (yes, even the old Eastwood ones!). They'd entertaining, but almost in a b-movie style sometimes.

Now, I love Tombstone as much as the next guy - because it's simply good entertainment. I really enjoyed Open Range. I like the characters from Appaloosa but I didn't enjoy the movie much. The old Sergio Leone films I've mostly watched because I felt I "had to". I've never been a mean-n-grumpy Eastwood fan, so the films just scratch the surface of really entertaining me.

All the films have some great lines and moments, but don't really make me fall in love with them. I do prefer the old True Grit to the new one. 3:10 to Yuma is pretty bad, but has some fun characters. I'd say just watch whatever you like and enjoy yourself.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: doowopapocalypse on January 04, 2015, 07:08:53 PM: Appaloosa
The Shootist
Joe Kidd
The Professionals
Vera Cruz
The Great Silence
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: FramFramson on January 05, 2015, 07:18:11 AM: Can't believe it came to the second page before The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly was mentioned.

I know sometimes people don't want to go with the "popular" option, but to me it comes as close you get to the distilled essence of the post-Black-and-white-era western.

Westerns are very mythological, which is why I enjoy them, and TGTB&TU is about as mythological as Westerns get.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Blackwolf on January 05, 2015, 07:28:28 AM: Clint Eastwood's" High Plains Drifter." If I were clever I would write a thesis about this film,one of my favourite films of any genre.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: oldbear1962 on January 05, 2015, 10:32:52 AM: Two that I don't believe have been mentioned yet but are well worthy of attention:

1. Duel at Diablo. What's not to like? Great cast, a black gunslinger who isn't actually a naff stereotype, a great theme tune. Even a Scottish cavalry officer! Getting to see the uncut version has become difficult though.

2. The Glory Guys. This should not work at any level, yet it does (at least it does for me). A cavalry western headed by Tom Tryon (exactly) yet despite its late 60s mentality it manages to be gritty and entertaining, even when being obvious. It's hard to say why I like this one, but I'd encourage you to give it a go. Far better, in my opinion, than Soldier Blue, even allowing for the lack of Candice Bergen!
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: goon3423 on January 05, 2015, 12:31:46 PM: Quote from: Scurv on January 05, 2015, 07:34:25 AM
I found the proposition quite awful. Very slow and insane. Red hill though another aussie western I thought was excellent. Classic story of man seeking justice with a gun.
Love me some Red Hill.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: traveller on January 05, 2015, 01:47:47 PM: Lots of goodies mentioned :o

Dont forget the recent western series:

-Deadwood
-Hell on wheels

Not sure the following were mentioned:

-Seraphim Falls - Liam Neeson in great shape
-Young Guns - Billy the Kid
-Hatfields and McCoys - family feud with Kevin Costner
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Mike Blake on January 05, 2015, 04:44:55 PM: Pretty much all of the films mentioned would be in my Top 100 but one not mentioned is an often overlooked classic Ride The High Country/Guns In The Afternoon - my all time favourite Western.

An early Peckinpah it is an elegy for the end of the Old West. Stars Joel McCrea and Randaloph (I know, just joshin' - he's a great favourite of mine) Scott as two old gunfighters 'friends' making one last roll of the dice.

Before filming began they swapped roles - Scott had never played the 'bad' character (tough, hard, merciless, revengeful yes, but never an outlaw)and so he took the role intended for McCrea, who had.

No over-explicit violence but some nasty moments, and a great story which the director allows to be told at a steady pace. And of course a final climatic shoot-out with a nice twist ending.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: maxxon on January 06, 2015, 10:15:39 AM: Allegedly Randolph Scott once applied for membership in a club and was told that actors were not eligible.

He replied: "I'm not an actor, you can watch any of my films to verify that."
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: juergen c. olk on January 07, 2015, 01:46:51 AM: "Gunfight at the Ok-Corral-"My Darling Clementine"-"Big Jake"-"Yellow Sky"-But I agree w/ many "Ulzanas Raid" is that diamond in the rough.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: 6milPhil on January 09, 2015, 05:24:46 PM: Having seen loads of Westerns on TV as a lad I got quite bored with them, however I've found some of the modern remakes really good, like True Grit, 3:10 to Yuma, Texas Rangers, etc. I admit a bias for any film with good facial hair though.

Of older films I think my fave is Little Big Man, not to everyone's tastes I know but I liked the mad portrayal of Custer. Similar in a way to "Flashman and the Redskins", and although they're books not cinema I'd recommend those books which are in the states - the research is inspiring.

I've always wanted to see "Soldier Blue", hell of a fuss about it when it released, but never had the chance.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: HerbyF on January 09, 2015, 05:59:07 PM: Many of my favorites have already been mentioned including "The Professionals" with Lee Marvin, late western era. Another favorite of mine is "The Undefeated" John Wayne & Rock Hudson, post ACW in Mexico during the Maximilian period. No one has mentioned "Dances with Wolves" with Kevin Cosner, losts of good background there. I also like "Little Big Man" with Dustin Hoffman. I may have missed it but I didn't see "A Man Called Horse" mentioned here. And for comic relief I have always found the Trinity series entertaining, "They Call Me Trinity", "They Still Call Me Trinity", "The Brothers Trinity" etc.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Vanvlak on January 09, 2015, 07:13:15 PM: Blazing Saddles - for a number of reasons ;D
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: The Gray Ghost on January 09, 2015, 07:16:43 PM: I'm a big fan of the Trinity films and Support Your Local Sheriff.
Chisolm, John Wayne at His most Waynest
A lesser known favorite is The Deserter by Dino De Laurentiis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXQoLlegZDM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXQoLlegZDM)
Never really liked The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, always felt Jimmy Stewart was the bad guy in it.
Rio Lobo is a pretty standard John Wayne film but I like it
From tv The Shadow Riders with Sam Elliot
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Cory on January 09, 2015, 07:29:28 PM: Gary Ghost, Eastern attorneys trying to civilize the west are always the bad guy.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Admiral Benbow on January 11, 2015, 07:51:48 PM: Very nice collection of Wild West Films!

Will make it sticky. :)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Valerik on January 12, 2015, 12:49:23 PM: The Cheyenne Social Club - The ultimate horse opera road picture with Henry Fonda & Jimmy Stewart

How The West Was Won - Cinerama, the original widescreen!!
What base doesn't it touch, long, yet leaves you wanting more, of everyone & everything

ANYTHING James Warner Bellah had a hand in:

Sergeant Rutledge - Woody Strode as Top Soldier, "Sergeant Buffalo!!"

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon the best of John Ford's Cavalry Trilogy

Jeremiah Johnson Man versus himself, and the rest of the West

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean another brilliant look at the West's roots, and ultimate, unfortunate, gentrification.

Glad to see others share my admiration for these gems:

Valdez Is Coming
Little Big Man
Major Dundee
Silverado
Cat Ballou
Blazing Saddles

all under-valued glimpses of truth in The Old West

There are, and will be, more, but wage slave as I am, duty beckons...

Valerik

"When an old man dies a library burns to the ground"
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: hentzau on January 13, 2015, 02:44:35 PM: I find myself an unabashed Duke fan. As a kid, I hated westerns and I hated John Wayne in particular. My dad would turn one on and I would quickly leave the room. But then, in my 20's, we used to have movie marathon days, where one of our group would host and we would watch 3-4 movies, usually with a theme tying them together. One afternoon, one of my buddies did a classic western marathon. I groaned when he read off the titles:

Stagecoach
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon
The Searchers

Six hours later, I was sold. I was a lifelong western and John Wayne fan from that point forward. And I find myself leaning more towards the classic westerns over the spaghetti and modern westerns.

A favorite John Wayne western that hasn't been mentioned here is "The Sons of Katie Elder." A notable cast with John Wayne, Dean Martin (playing his brother? That part always kind of bothered me. Maybe he was adopted.) Earl Holliman (of Police Woman fame), James Gregory, George Kennedy, and a young Dennis Hopper. There is one scene in this movie that always makes me laugh (and it probably shouldn't) where George Kennedy is holding the blacksmith's head under water to try and get information from him, and John Wayne sneaks up on Kennedy, grabs an axe handle, says "HEY!" and when Kennedy turns around just SMASHES him across the face with the axe handle. The idea of someone getting his face smashed by an axe handle shouldn't amuse me, but damn if it doesn't.

And thanks to YouTube, you can enjoy this little gem too. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUUrUrCYTd4)

So while we are talking about westerns, does anyone have a favorite on Amazon Prime or Netflix they can recommend? I like to have a western playing in the background on my tablet while I'm painting or working on buildings. I've run through all of the "big name" westerns and am down to a lot of the chaff. Am I missing any hidden gems in the older stuff?
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Heisler on January 13, 2015, 06:57:35 PM: I need to go through and compile a list but there are plenty of older films appearing in these posts.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: 6milPhil on January 13, 2015, 10:09:47 PM: How about "El Topo"?

(http://static.fnac-static.com/multimedia/images_produits/ZoomPE/7/5/0/3700301013057.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uqb4Jy0GTg
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: hentzau on January 14, 2015, 03:39:13 AM: While we're talking westerns, my dad was trying to remember a movie when I was down visiting over the holidays. He thinks it was a John Wayne movie, but the thing he remembered the most from the movie was that there was a duel between John Wayne (he thinks) and another guy, and the duel was with tar covered mops. This movie ring a bell with anyone? It would be a major coup for me if I can figure out what the movie was.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Heisler on January 14, 2015, 02:17:08 PM: Quote from: 6milPhil on January 13, 2015, 10:09:47 PM
How about "El Topo"?

(http://static.fnac-static.com/multimedia/images_produits/ZoomPE/7/5/0/3700301013057.jpg)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uqb4Jy0GTg

What about it? I want to know why I should watch it, who's in it, who directed it, what makes it a must have/watch western film?
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: frank xerox on January 26, 2015, 10:45:33 PM: Having looked at the trailer, nope you don't need to watch it Pard. Jest ride on by.
Though I'd like to know, why all the pigs?

And...errm...no one's mentioned Rango have they?
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on January 27, 2015, 06:08:53 AM: I like Rango too! Because it is, underneath, an homage to old Westerns - and it's a hoot. It's what I called my western town lol.

Watched Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid on a long haul flight last week - if it's not here already it should be.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: frank xerox on January 27, 2015, 06:48:24 PM: Yup, Rangos my background music when I'm painting cowboys - it's not quite got me into mariachi but it's been close.

Seen pat Garrett years ago but didn't really enjoy it; I 'll revisit in the hope Bob Dylan gets shot this time.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Vermis on February 24, 2015, 11:03:32 PM: I don't have much to add to this topic, and it might seem like an easy choice, but I've got to add my vote to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. I used to watch a few westerns with my dad when I was little (his favourite is The Magnificent Seven), but watching GB&U a few years later really cemented my liking for the genre. Deserves the description of 'epic', I think. Ennio Morricone's composition Ecstasy of Gold (the music of the mad dash round the cemetery) is well named. The two previous films are also excellent.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. The fury and pain of both John Wayne and James Stewart are palpable in this. (Also has the best medical diagnosis (https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xzK0mO6TI5E) in any film before or since.) I have a lot of time for any Wayne or Stewart western: The Searchers, Big Jake, The Shootist, True Grit, The Rare Breed, Winchester '73, Bend of the River, etc. etc. etc. (Got a sneaking liking for the Duke's The Fighting Kentuckian, 'cos it also stars one Oliver Norvell Hardy! One of another Hollywood pair I'm a fan of.)

One that I think hasn't been mentioned, probably because it's pretty borderline: A Fistful of Dynamite. (or Duck, You Sucker!) James Coburn's IRA fugitive and Rod Steiger's bandito caught up right in the middle of the Mexican Revolution. Fantastic.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: FifteensAway on March 24, 2015, 03:37:31 AM: Maybe it is the same film and just misspelled by an earlier poster but Chisum is a must. One of John Wayne's best. I also rather like The Sons of Katie Elder - and not just because of whose in it, neither.

And not strictly a western but a great film, Jimmy Stewart in Shenandoah.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: 6mmfan on July 16, 2015, 10:25:55 AM: I'm not sure if mini-series count but I watched Lonesome Dove again recently and it was good. Also watched The Virginian and it wasn't bad for a modern version
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Skaville on July 16, 2015, 11:12:25 AM: Not generally a fan of the western, but these are three that did it for me;

Aung Lee's Ride with the Devil was a good look at the civil war as an actual, brutal civil war, and the personalities of desperadoes fighting on the losing side.
(The book was even better)

Wild Bill with Jeff Bridges was an absolute marvel, with Bridges nailing the damaged, cartankerous gunfighter facing his end of days.

And i really liked The Missing with Tommy Lee Jones, going up against apache bandits in the badlands.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: mdauben on July 24, 2015, 07:54:39 PM: Four pages and no one has mentioned Mel Brooks classic Blazing Saddles? lol

Seriously, I think all my favorites have been mentioned at least once except El Dorado with John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Filled with great characters and snappy dialog as expected from director Howard Hawks. Some dismiss it as a remake of Rio Lobo but I've always thought El Dorado was the superior movie of the two.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on July 24, 2015, 11:59:14 PM: Watched Heavens Gate tonight....

Don't.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: WallShadow on August 10, 2015, 06:19:11 PM: I haven't seen mention of a few of my Duke favorites: The War Wagon, McClintock!, The Three Godfathers (1948).
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: FifteensAway on October 31, 2015, 02:01:57 AM: Revisited this and saw Rango several times. To each their own, naturally. But that movie was shit. Really. No, not a Tarantino fan, neither. But why. That shootout in the house where, literally, a dozen new shooters show up after more than the whole plantation crew (male, anyway) has been sliced and diced by flying lead. Sure, if you thinks its fun, fine. But that scene made me want to throw up.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: wulfgar22 on October 31, 2015, 09:29:50 AM: Quote from: FifteensAway on October 31, 2015, 02:01:57 AM
Revisited this and saw Rango several times. To each their own, naturally. But that movie was shit. Really. No, not a Tarantino fan, neither. But why. That shootout in the house where, literally, a dozen new shooters show up after more than the whole plantation crew (male, anyway) has been sliced and diced by flying lead. Sure, if you thinks its fun, fine. But that scene made me want to throw up.

You're thinking of Django.

(http://cdn.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/rango_movie_poster_02.jpg)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on October 31, 2015, 11:45:22 AM: Another one to miss.....Meeks Cutoff.
Good atmosphere, probably spot on for accuracy etc, just ........dull....
Helped me doze off flying back from Kazakhstan !!!

Looking out for Slow West on download soon....quite fancy that.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: FifteensAway on November 01, 2015, 05:38:26 AM: Yikes, quite right, Django - never seen Rango. Goes sheepishly off to properly chastise self.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Argonor on November 01, 2015, 05:47:34 AM: Quote from: FifteensAway on November 01, 2015, 05:38:26 AM
Yikes, quite right, Django - never seen Rango. Goes sheepishly off to properly chastise self.

Just watched Django - Unchained couple of days ago on a late show.

As usual with Tarantino, lots of unnecessarily blatant violence, but one exchange of lines made me chuckle:

"What's your name?"
"Django."
"Can you spell it for me?"
"D-j-a-n-g-o - the D is silent!"
"I know!" (Exit Franco Nero)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: dflament on December 03, 2015, 06:39:22 AM: Open Range i like it alot, the shootout in the end is pretty realistic if you ask me, close range revolver shooting with almost no accuracy ;) and i like the athmosphere of the movie
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: mdauben on December 08, 2015, 04:52:11 PM: Quote from: dflament on December 03, 2015, 06:39:22 AM
Open Range i like it alot, the shootout in the end is pretty realistic if you ask me, close range revolver shooting with almost no accuracy ;) and i like the athmosphere of the movie
I'm not a huge Kevin Costner fan, but I have to say I really enjoyed this movie. ;)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Heisler on December 09, 2015, 03:29:33 PM: I like Open Range too, this is one of my favorite westerns at this point. The gunfight sequence at the end is one of the best fights ever filmed.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on December 09, 2015, 07:49:26 PM: Update - Slow West - very good.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Elbows on December 09, 2015, 07:56:26 PM: Quote from: mdauben on December 08, 2015, 04:52:11 PM
I'm not a huge Kevin Costner fan, but I have to say I really enjoyed this movie. ;)

I have to say...while I used to despise Kevin Costner, I think he really shines now that he's older and more relaxed. The Guardian, 3 Days to Kill, etc. He's way easier to watch now and I also think Open Range is fantastic (the gun fight being the highlight by far).
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: HerbyF on June 08, 2016, 04:43:37 AM: http://a.msn.com/0C/en-us/BBtuzQp?ocid=sf (http://a.msn.com/0C/en-us/BBtuzQp?ocid=sf)Just saw this on MSN.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Vindice on October 07, 2016, 06:57:52 AM: Some lovely building, layout and costume ideas in Westorld, I Thought.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Elbows on November 01, 2016, 01:00:33 AM: I suspect we've discussed this here on the forum before, but it is worth mentioning again.

Bone Tomahawk

Disclaimer: Not for the feint of heart.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZbwtHi-KSE

This is a beautifully written film. It's 80% Western. The other 20%? You can figure that out on your own. Some beautiful acting, wonderful characters, and even better script. Jenkins delivers one of the best acting performances I've seen in years. Couple that with Kurt Russel's fantastic slow-burn methods and I fell in love with this. Arguably one of the most unique/best films I've seen in 10-15 years. Absolutely worth a watch.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: WallShadow on May 15, 2017, 04:02:45 AM: Good Heavens! Five pages of responses and we have not mentioned one of the Duke's subtler efforts, headlining the risks of a cattle drive and of passage into manhood--"The Cowboys"!
Favorite line:
Jebediah Nightlinger: [praying to God before he's about to hanged by Asa Watts and his gang] "I regret trifling with married women. I'm thoroughly ashamed at cheating at cards. I deplore my occasional departures from the truth. Forgive me for taking your name in vain, my Saturday drunkenness, my Sunday sloth. Above all, forgive me for the men I've killed in anger [eyes shifting to Asa Watts] ... and those I am about to."

At which point, the rustlers discover their fatal error in underestimating a bunch of boys and the chuck wagon driver....
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Patrick R on August 03, 2017, 03:34:52 PM: In no particular order :

- Magnificent Seven
- High Noon
- The Searchers
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- 3:10 to Yuma (both the original and the 2007 version)
- Unforgiven
- The Great Silence
- Little Big Man
- Blazing Saddles
- She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
- Johnny Guitar
- El Topo
- Corbucci's Django
- The Outlaw Josey Wales
- Stagecoach
- Winnetou
- The Sons of the Great Bear
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Luddite on September 14, 2017, 06:11:14 PM: In no order...

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
Its just a seminal work that influenced most Westerns and established the tropes that came after it.

Unforgiven
A masterpiece of film, that deconstructs the glamour of a "shootout" and renders it for the grubby affair that it was, and the final showdown is bone-chilling.

True Grit (remake)
A joyful remake that in my view surpasses the original. The main actress is amazing, and Rooster Cogburn is irascible, unlikable, and wonderful!

Wyatt Earp (Costner)
A very good movie indeed, which is worth watching for Dennis Quaid's portrayal of Doc Holliday alone.

Young Guns
OK its cheesy but it is actually pretty close to the real events of the Lincoln County War

Hatfields & McCoys
More a TV thing, but really a must watch for its portrayal of the brutal pointlessness of old west feuding.

Little Big Man
Its just a lot of fun.

Outlaw Josey Wales
For the excellent characters around Clint Eastwood's Josey Wales character. A great ensemble piece.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Westbury on November 13, 2017, 09:45:03 PM: Anyone seen The Salvation with Mads Mikkelsen and Eva Green. Excellent modernist western. Has a real 'feel' to it, one of those 'I'd like to game this'. Danish director and star mainly filmed in South Africa I think.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Antonio J Carrasco on December 10, 2017, 09:40:22 PM: Godless Not a movie per se, but a miniseries. In Netflix. It is a great series. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Panama on April 14, 2018, 09:24:26 AM: Chisum With John Wayne has just about everything you want in a western movie.

Two Mules for Sister Sara Clint Eastwood & Shirley Maclaine who is fantastic as Sister Sara.

They Died with their boots on, Errol Flynn as a dashing Custer

A Fist Full of Dynamite aka Duck you Sucker James Coburn as an Irishman in Latin America got up in a revolution

Shane with Alan Ladd, its a slow burner like High-noon but a wonderful movie none the least.

A Bit late adding to the list & maybe some are already on it but didn't see them as I went through the posts.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Johnno on April 14, 2018, 12:37:47 PM: I second Bone Tomahawk and Godless from Netflix.
Hickok and In A Valley Of Violence are also good (available on Netflix).
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: majorsmith on November 21, 2018, 10:56:13 PM: The ballad of buster scrubbs on Netflix, a great little film
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Ramirez Noname on November 22, 2018, 08:01:14 AM: Quote from: majorsmith on November 21, 2018, 10:56:13 PM
The ballad of buster scrubbs on Netflix, a great little film

Got to agree, there ...

RMZ
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Luisito on December 22, 2018, 10:25:42 PM: I saw yesterday Hostiles with Christian Bale. A very good movie.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Freelancer on December 29, 2018, 03:04:24 AM: For the Old West of the East there is: The Good The Bad and the Weird

Its inspired quite a few Back of Beyond/Western games at our club
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: spect_spidey on December 29, 2018, 02:17:42 PM: Quote from: majorsmith on November 21, 2018, 10:56:13 PM
The ballad of buster scrubbs on Netflix, a great little film

I didn't care for it. I made it through the first two stories and then turned it off. It just wasn't what I was looking for and I lost interest.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: DS615 on January 15, 2019, 04:15:06 PM: "Outlaw Justice", with Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Travis Tritt.
It's not going to have you pondering existance or anything, but man is it a fun movie.
Great for miniatures scenario ideas too.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Ironhead on January 15, 2019, 04:18:29 PM: Quote from: lethallee61 on January 02, 2015, 10:28:34 AM

The Long Riders - interesting that they used real acting brothers to play brothers. And it's a reasonable take on the James/Younger gang.

Always been my favorite. Love many others, but Riders is my go to.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: boywundyrx on January 15, 2019, 04:41:01 PM: Man, this is a great thread, I'm going to be copying and pasting suggestions into a master file.

I don't have much to contribute, most of the ones I'd suggest have been listed, but I will say I always have a soft spot too for The Professionals as a good actioner, and I'm not at all biased by Claudia Cardinale. Borrowing from Wikipedia: 'Grant calls Fardan a bastard, to which Fardan retorts: "Yes, sir, in my case an accident of birth. But you, sir, you are a self-made man."'

Recently watched John Wayne's Alamo too, liked it for what it was, rousing 1950s mythology.

Chris
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: El Aguila on November 21, 2019, 07:11:18 AM: For a few dollars more , my favorite of the Leone trilogy. ( I love all 3 films )

Winchester 73 , the original with Jimmy Stewart

Gunfighter , Gregory Peck.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: NickNascati on July 04, 2020, 04:17:16 PM: Warlock, with Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda and Anthony Quinn.
Open Range, Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall. Good film, maybe the best gunfight in any western movie.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: wds0855 on August 24, 2020, 09:49:59 PM: Lots of great films already mentioned - here are some of my favorites I do not think were covered yet:

1. The Culppeper Cattle Company - Billy Greenbush, Bo Hopkins,
Really depicts what it takes to make it on a cattle drive.
Young farmboy who always wanted to be a cowhand talks a tough trail boss into hiring him on a cattle drive.
https://www.imdb.com/video/vi2520760089?playlistId=tt0068435&ref_=tt_ov_vi

2. The Big Country - Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston, Burl Ives, Chuck Connors.
A New Englander arrives in the Old West, where he becomes embroiled in a feud between two families over a valuable patch of land.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051411/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_94

3. Cowboy - Jack Lemmon, Glen Ford
An idealistic tenderfoot Chicago hotel clerk is taken on a cattle-drive to Mexico by famous trail boss Tom Reece but
discovers that cowboy life isn't what he expected.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051496/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_71

4. Hombre - Paul Newman, Richard Boone. One of Newman's best.
John Russell, disdained by his "respectable" fellow stagecoach passengers because he was raised by Native Americans, becomes their only hope for survival when they are set upon by outlaws.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061770/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Walt
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Westbury on February 21, 2022, 05:21:23 PM: Loved Godless hated Buster Scrubbs
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: tin shed gamer on February 21, 2022, 07:01:28 PM: Whilst there's a bunch of western fans all in one place.
Doe's anyone know the name of a Western Horror (I'd have seen it in the late 80's in the Naafi.)
It was in premise similar to the ww1 Death Watch.
A bunch of Chaps travelling through the High Country come across a wagon that appears to have been attacked by a war party.
With only one near catatonic female survivor. As the party tries to leave the valley they're harassed by unseen natives arrows flying from nowhere.
As the movie progress it dawns on the party that the survivor isn't what she seems ultimately ending in a show down with her.As the groups guide realise her true nature.
The film ends with the woman repositioning her self amongst the carnage back around the wagon from the start of the film.
Whilst off in the distance you can just see and hear a new group of travellers approaching the wagon site.
It made quite the impression but I had to go on duty so the name slipped me. It still does.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: frank xerox on February 21, 2022, 07:29:48 PM: I really want to see this now!
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: has.been on February 21, 2022, 09:09:04 PM: Quote
I really want to see this now!

Plus one to that. :)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: carlos marighela on February 23, 2022, 01:21:18 AM: Possibly a wee bit off topic but few here would likely be aware that there is specifically Brazilian genre or perhaps genres of the Western. Mostly set in the sertão of the North-east of the Brazil the storylines typically cover the banditry prevalent in the first half of the last century. If you are looking for some gaming inspiration with a very different setting then these might fire your imagination.

O Cangaceiro (The Bandit) is a stock '50s style Western but quite entertaining. It's the sort of fare you can imagine Randolph Scott popping up in, were he Brazilian. Not exactly John Ford but diverting enough.

Lampião O Rei do Cangaço is a fictionalised biopic of Brazil's most (in)famous bandit, someone who enjoys the status of a Robin Hood or Ned Kelly figure. Again it's watchable fare and might provide some inspiration for some exotic off the beaten track game inspiration.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_exh8NqFlTs

Interestingly enough, Lampião is that rarest of breeds, a notorious outlaw of whom actual documentary footage exits.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmqd-ijH2cQ

Glauber Rocha is one of Brazil's most famous directors and in the early to mid 'sixties made a couple of films which might be described as 'westerns'. They aren't straight up shoot out cowboy flicks, blending a political commentary on contemporary Brazil with folk elements of the North-east. Interestingly they feature an anti-hero in the form of Antonia das Mortes, a hired killer who is not unlike Eastwood's Man With No Name. Made at the same time as the first of Leone's spaghetti westerns.

Full copies of Deus e o Diabo na Terra do Sol (titled in English as Black God, White Devil) and the companion piece O Dragão da Maldade contra o Santo Guerreiro ( English Title Antonio da Mortes) can be found on Youtube, albeit with slightly dodgy subtitling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyTnX_yl1bw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSEnlffMB5s

It doesn't hurt to have an understanding of the political and artistic context of '60s Brazil or some of the local folk traditions but both can we watched as Western fare. Martin Scorcese is a big fan if that says anything.

Currently on Netflix, there's a quite decent and recently made straight western entitled O Matador (The Killer) which is worth a watch if you subscribe to the service.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3A-jyHG5ado

Might just turn you on to possibilities beyond the High Chapparal.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Kilgorelee on March 26, 2022, 08:36:52 PM: Quote from: tin shed gamer on February 21, 2022, 07:01:28 PM
Whilst there's a bunch of western fans all in one place.
Doe's anyone know the name of a Western Horror (I'd have seen it in the late 80's in the Naafi.)
It was in premise similar to the ww1 Death Watch.
A bunch of Chaps travelling through the High Country come across a wagon that appears to have been attacked by a war party.
With only one near catatonic female survivor. As the party tries to leave the valley they're harassed by unseen natives arrows flying from nowhere.
As the movie progress it dawns on the party that the survivor isn't what she seems ultimately ending in a show down with her.As the groups guide realise her true nature.
The film ends with the woman repositioning her self amongst the carnage back around the wagon from the start of the film.
Whilst off in the distance you can just see and hear a new group of travellers approaching the wagon site.
It made quite the impression but I had to go on duty so the name slipped me. It still does.

A quick perusal shows maybe "Eyes of Fire"?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eyes_of_Fire_(film)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Ampersand Andy on March 27, 2022, 08:27:44 PM: Tin Shed Gamer's mystery movie is The Curse of Demon Mountain or Demon Mountain or Thunder Mountain or Wishbone Cutter or The Ballad of Virgil Cane or The Shadow of Chikara, all starring Sondra Locke and Joe Don Baker and some very convincing falling horses. Versions cut for TV where you have to insert your own cuss words but they don't cut the falling horses. Oh no, they leave that right in!
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Emir of Askaristan on July 30, 2022, 03:54:21 PM: Have to say I am very much enjoying the series "1883" that is currently on Paramount.

I think it's the "origin" story for the modern series "Yellowstone" but it is a series in its own right with no direct connection to the latter.

Oh and Sam Elliot is in it - what's not to like!
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Harry Faversham on July 31, 2022, 10:26:03 AM: I'm about to watch the last episode in a minute. In my 'umble opinon, it's every bit as good as the first series of 'Lonesome Dove'.

:)
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: Elbows on August 04, 2022, 07:48:23 PM: I remember seeing ads for '1883', but I ignored it after seeing Paramount+ pop up, etc. I don't do many (occasionally zero!) streaming services, so all of these shows behind various paywalls aren't on my "to do" list, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: thebinmann on August 05, 2022, 10:07:31 PM: Open Range is GREAT, everything is good but the final gunfight is better than almost anything I've seen. But if I had to say what was stand it would be Robert Duvall and Michael Gambon.

Wyatt Earp is too, longer but better than Tomestone (?).

You should also watch Deadwood (and the first two seasons of Hell on Wheels).

And of course: Warrior, it was "written" by Bruce Lee and whild be back for a third season.
Title: Re: Definitive or Must Have Western Films
Post by: terrement on November 29, 2023, 06:51:45 PM: Maybe not Definitive or Must Have flicks, but perhaps worth a look

The Sacketts - Miniseries on TV that nicely weaves together several story threads regarding each of the several main characters. Sam Elliot, Tom Selleck, Glen Ford, Jeff Osterhage, Ben Johnson, Jack Elam, Slim Pickens and more. Really liked the gunfight between Carney and Tyrell Sackett at the end of the trail drive.

Hang 'Em High - another Clint Eastwood tale of revenge wearing a badge

Joe Kidd - another Eastwood western

There was a crooked man - Fonda and Kirk Douglas squaring off

Evil Roy Slade - just for laughs. Takes a number of cliches and weaves them together (sort of) to make fun of westerns. John Astin as Roy, Dick Shawn as singing cowboy detective Bing Bell (is somebody at the door?) Mickey Rooney, and Pamela Austin as the love interest that is going to turn Roy straight.

The Missouri Breaks and One Eyed Jacks - both featuring Marlon Brando in somewhat over the top performances and Jack Nicholson in Missouri Breaks in a role where he isn't playing Jack Nicholson.

Destry Rides Again - Jimmy Stewart and Destry - Audie Murphy. Both well done stories about a new lawman who doesn't carry a gun coming to a crooked town and the inevitable final battle. Saloon singer with the heart of gold in both of them.
Audie Murphy was in a load of westerns. No "Tombstone" level flicks but most are worth watching.

Also web search westerns with "usual suspects" like Lee Van Cleef, Yul Brynner, Charles Bronson, Ben Johnson, Kirk Douglas, Anthony Quinn, plus there are all of the silent stars like Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson, etc.