Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Just finished watching the 2010 Cohen Bros. version of True Grit. A couple of weekends ago I watched the 1969 John Wayne version. (I am not sure which is better.) So, I now want to have a son and name him Rooster Cogburn. Either that or legally change my own name to Rooster Cogburn.
Anyways, Westerns are something I never really have gotten in to. However, our Western mythology is pure American, and I (being a glutton for all things) want more more more more more.
I am perfectly willing to accept that True Grit, being superlative, has probably completely wrecked my appreciation curve, because it seems to me to be utter perfection: Alcoholism, guns, horses, untamed land, trains, Civil-War vets, more guns, Indian Territory, a Texas Ranger, men being hanged, a guy with an eye patch named Rooster [expletive] Cogburn, and of course, the quest for vengeance in its purest and most just form.
However, I am willing to entertain suggestions for other superlative Western novels or films (preferably the latter being streamable on Netflix).
So, friends, I turn to you. Please suggest some other Westerns I might enjoy.
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Comments:
Jul '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
I'm biased towards John Wayne, but my list would include:
Classics:
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (John Wayne/Jimmy Stewart)
McClintock (John Wayne)
The Sons of Katie Elder (John Wayne/Dean Martin)
El Dorado (John Wayne/Robert Mitchum)
Big Jake (John Wayne)
Five Card Stud (Dean Martin Western/murder mystery)
MacKenna's Gold (Gregory Peck/Omar Sharif)
Once Upon a Time in the West (Henry Fonda as the bad guy!)
The Professionals (Burt Lancaster/Lee Marvin)
Major Dundee (Charlton Heston/Richard Harris)
Modern:
Silverado
Tombstone
Comedies:
Blazing Saddles (Mel Brooks)
Cat Ballou (Jane Fonda/Lee Marvin)
Evil Roy Slade (John Astin as a hilarious crook)
Support Your Local Sheriff (James Garner)
Support Your Local Gunfighter (James Garner)
Paleface (Bob Hope/Jane Russell)
Son of Paleface (Bob Hope/Jane Russell)
May '12
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
http://ricochet.com/main-feed/Your-Movie-Recommendations-Please-Westerns
Edited on May 9, 2012 at 5:33amMay '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
I really like The Magnificent Seven, Stagecoach, and High Noon.
May '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Magnificent Seven
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Drew from Wisconsin asked for Western recommendations a few months back. Overwhelming response. Must be a favorite genre of the Ricochetoisie.
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Cylon: http://ricochet.com/main-feed/Your-Movie-Recommendations-Please-Westerns · 3 minutes ago
Edited 1 minute ago
You beat me to it!
May '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Unforgiven (1992) Oscar for picture and director Clint Eastwood
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) John Wayne & James Stewart
Red River (1948) John Wayne & Montgomery Clift
And for fun McClintock! (1963) A comedy with the Duke and his best costar (and possibly his best friend) Maureen O'Hara
May '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Deadwood is Western Shakespeare, but it has quite a bit of swearing
Edited on May 9, 2012 at 5:58amJul '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
"The Man Who Voted Gary Johnson". A lone warrior leaves a burning town to claim moral high ground. :).
Oct '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
This list will be endless, add John Wayne in Big Jake.
Rather like the films with Randolf Scott, they never get mentioned. Also Death Hunt with Charles Bronson or Jeramia Johnson with Redford.
Edited on May 9, 2012 at 6:31amJul '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Randolf Scott! Key music.
Jun '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
I love John Wayne so much that I consider The Sands of Iwo Jima a western. Western Pacific.
I also have a real soft spot for Silverado and High Noon.
Edited on May 9, 2012 at 6:38amMay '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
DocJay Johnson is right! Now, if only the kids were here so that Gabby Johnson could treat them to some authentic frontier gibberish!
Jul '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Rarrrrrny!
Edited on May 9, 2012 at 9:42amMar '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
I just watched Rio Bravo tonight. Outstanding Howard Hawks movie about human character. The west was just the setting. Wonderful performances by John Wayne as the Sheriff, Dean Martin as a man trying to shake off his alcoholic demons, and a very young Angie Dickinson and Ricky Nelson as the young lady and young gun
Edited on May 9, 2012 at 8:08amMar '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Howard Johnson agrees with Gabby Johnson.
Jun '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
Books: Anything by Elmore Leonard. He's better than Louis L'Amour. He has a superb style and rollicking stories. He transitioned quite well with the same type of characters into crime fiction for which he is now better known.
Movies: Short but flawless list:
I like the True Grit by the Coen Brothers better. All three top actors are simply superb. Five Stars. The early courtroom scene sets the stage so perfectly and Matt Damon really comes through on the role that Glen Campbell wasn't quite up for.
Apr '11
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
How about the classic John Wayne flick, "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon."
May '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Pure art -- plus the most clever and beautiful score ever.
Dec '10
Re: Can You Suggest Any Superlative Westerns?
I've never been a big fan of Kurt Russell or Val Kilmer, and I'm not a huge Western fan either. But Tombstone is one of my all time favorite movies. Kilmer as Doc Holliday is simply fantastic. I think it wrecked his career since there was no way he'd ever be able to top it.