Brandon & the Old, Old West
Westerns produced before 1964, pre Sergio Leone & Clint Eastwood
Being a fan of the Western for years now, I’ve long been aware of Sergio Leone’s impact on the genre with his Clint Eastwood “Man with no name” films. Not to mention the 1968 masterpiece “ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST”, which is easily one of my favorites of all time. But, before the sparse dialogue, epic locations, and the power close-ups- the genre typically acted more like standard television fare…with a few exceptions.
Now, I’m not going to start my list off with 10 John Ford/John Wayne films, because I’m not filled with blind love for their old romps, however a few of their collaborations do make the cut. I’ll try to rank these old western gems . . .
3:10 TO YUMA (1957)
I saw this movie for the first time last year, shortly after starting at Reckless Video and I was blown away by this hidden gem. Then six months ago I found out Hollywood is slated to remake it. Initially, Tom Cruise was rumored to star in Glenn Ford’s role, but that has recently been dismissed . . . thank goodness. Heath Ledger wouldn’t be a bad choice. Anyway, check it out before they trash it.
THE OX-BOW INCIDENT (1943)
Just like 3:10 TO YUMA, this Henry Fonda western is wonderful. It is exactly what a western should be . . . a very good morality play. Save this one for an afternoon you have off . . . a rainy Sunday afternoon later this fall?
WINCHESTER ’73 (1950)
I’ve always been a fan of Jimmy Stewart and director Anthony Mann. They collaborated on 8 westerns over their careers and this one is my favorite. It’s beautiful black & white photography is striking and the shootout in the end is what old movies are made of. A lovely film.
HIGH NOON (1952)
A classic everyone has heard about. But, HIGH NOON is well-crafted western and actually plays kind of low key to me . . . I really like this picture. We also carry the Tom Skerritt remake if you’d like to compare the two. Seriously, they remade it!
STAGECOACH (1939)
To me this is the Ford/Wayne collaboration that stands the test of time. It has a real charm about it their other films don’t have in my opinion. THE SEARCHERS is brilliant in some ways, annoying to me in other ways.
MY DARLING CLEMENTINE (1946)
This is simply a great, old popcorn flick. And the town of Tombstone is an awesome location . . . oh, and Henry Fonda was born for westerns.
ONE-EYED JACKS (1961)
Stanley Kubrick was originally slated to produce & direct this Marlon Brandon film, but the two great minds butted heads and Stanley’s career never recovered (well, maybe for just a few weeks). But, in the end a nice, solid 3-star film came out of it and Karl Malden gives a commanding supporting role. Shot beautifully on location in Monterey . . . but, Mr. Kubrick’s eye wouldn’t have hurt.
THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE (1962)
One thing I dislike about pre-Leone westerns is those darn opening credit songs. And LIBERTY VALANCE offers one of the more goofy ballads in cinema history. Beyond that it’s a very competent western. Lee Marvin steals his share of scenes.
SHANE (1953)
Guilt is what makes me put this on the list. That, and I do respect this film. Yes, it is a classic and yes we should all watch it. But, I notice the kid whines. So, check it out if you haven’t or see it again if it’s one you love.
I’m trying to find some copies of a few other titles that we currently don’t carry that I believe to be essentials . . . some of those old titles are as hard to find as whiskey in dry, one-horse town.