The Western III Hall of Fame

[edarsenal]

https://media.giphy.com/media/xxAPpzFfT1LFe/giphy.gif

Time to saddle up, kick up your spurs and ride hard one final time
before the Western Countdown Stage coach leaves town!!

So, WELCOME
TO

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b9bb73aa-af8f-4ce6-acdc-5314a385ab02/ddq5qin-bf7fb9d7-8e03-4982-8675-388ea05259b1.jpg/v1/fill/w_400,h_517,q_75,strp/western_3_hof_by_edarsenal_ddq5qin-fullview.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNh NWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7 ImhlaWdodCI6Ijw9NTE3IiwicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvYjliYjczYWEtYWY4Zi00Y2U2LWFjZGMtNTMxNGEzODVhYjAyXC9kZHE1cWlu LWJmN2ZiOWQ3LThlMDMtNDk4Mi04Njc1LTM4OGVhMDUyNTliMS5qcGciLCJ3aWR0aCI6Ijw9NDAwIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpz ZXJ2aWNlOmltYWdlLm9wZXJhdGlvbnMiXX0.LXaHugIF3Wk5gN3Z5NDbEc9qoF2Yja-5Z3HZqzDRTWE

Alias: D@mmit I NEED TO SEE THIS
BEFORE I SEND IN MY LIST!!

Alrighty then, as we all know, The Deadline to get a List in for the Western Countdown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=60358#) is May 15, 2020 so we've been lucky enough to slip in one final Hall of Fame before hand. And, to repeat myself (again):
"I would like to make this coincides with that Last Minute Scenario and suggest that we all go with a nomination that is one that you really wanted to see before finalizing your List of 25, or, even a Blind Grab that has caught your interest but has not fit into your viewing schedule.
This isn't mandatory, just a suggestion for Nomination Consideration. I'm sure a lot of us have already gone through the "Big Name" Westerns and are now in search of those gems in the rough to fill in the gaps of a Voting List.
Now, of course, should a Big Name STILL remain unseen and a true need to see by anyone joining in, that'll be just fine.
We had done this when I hosted the 30's II HoF with a quick draw that brought out a lot of great unknowns worthy of the Countdown that did show up ON the Countdown. So I'd like to repeat that."

Since a lot of folks are really looking for films that they haven't seen yet, I'd like to accommodate those of that state of mind by doing an early reveal of everyone that signs up quickly. Say, maybe Friday -- That's February 14th; and then keep Entry Open for another week after that. Which should be around February 21th for all late comers who, having seen what's been nominated, hanker to join up and thrown down, while the rest of us git ta watchin.

Since we're all pretty familiar with the RULES regarding Hall of Fames I won't bother printing them up.
All I ask is:
Play Nice,
Have Fun,
No Spitting,
No Shooting within Town Limits,
If you're going to Gamble -- PAY YOUR D@MN DEBTS,
Tip Your Bartender,
Don't Tip the Cows, they don't like it and it's HELL getting them back up again,
Clean Up after Your Horse,
And One Final Thing. . . We're plumb proud of our Brothel and anyone disrespecting it or the fine ladies (and gents) that work, play and cohabit it's premise. . .
Well, visit our local cemetery and the answer will become apparent.

[edarsenal]

DEADLINE: MAY 8, 2020


Gunslingers

Citizen Rules (BALLOT SENT)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2065867#post2065867)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066008#post2066008)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066912#post2066912)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2069126#post2069126)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2069753#post2069753)
McCabe & Mrs Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2069876#post2069876)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2070960#post2070960)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2071077#post2071077)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2071453#post2071453)

edarsenal (BALLOT SENT IN)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2073004#post2073004)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2073022#post2073022)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2073026#post2073026)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2075462#post2075462)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2075476#post2075476)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2077366#post2077366)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2085823#post2085823)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2086953#post2086953)

ahwell (BALLOT SENT IN)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066013#post2066013)
McCabe & Mrs Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2067328#post2067328)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2067329#post2067329)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2067330#post2067330)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2068516#post2068516)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2069133#post2069133)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2069134#post2069134)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2071453#post2071453)

John-Connor (BALLOT SENT IN)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2065830#post2065830)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2065840#post2065840)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066052#post2066052)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066334#post2066334)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066417#post2066417)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066527#post2066527)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2068558#post2068558)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2068578#post2068578)

neiba (BALLOT SENT IN)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2073244#post2073244)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2073299#post2073299)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2074456#post2074456)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2076136#post2076136)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2077084#post2077084)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2086025#post2086025)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2086324#post2086324)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2087070#post2087070)

Wyldesyde19 (BALLOT SENT IN)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066582#post2066582)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2073365#post2073365)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2072491#post2072491)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2082472#post2082472)
McCabe & Mrs Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2087408#post2087408)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089386#post2089386)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089604#post2089604)
Dirty Little Billy

Zotis (BALLOT SENT IN)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2065824#post2065824)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066050#post2066050)
The Big Gundown
(https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066222#post2066222)Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066238#post2066238)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089721#post2089721)
McCabe & Mrs Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089681#post2089681)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089849#post2089849)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089946#post2089946)

Siddon (BALLOT SENT IN)
Bone Tomahawk (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2068543#post2068543)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2069772#post2069772)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2078665#post2078665)
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2078730#post2078730)
The Big Showdown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2083161#post2083161)
McCabe & Mrs Miller (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2084873#post2084873)
Red River (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2084970#post2084970)
The Grey Fox (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2086330#post2086330)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2089590#post2089590)




Bounty Hunters

cricket
The Scalphunters (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2066190#post2066190)
Meek's Cutoff (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2068140#post2068140)
The Big Gundown (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2075836#post2075836)
Dirty Little Billy (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2081077#post2081077)

[edarsenal]

MOVIE NOMINATIONS

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRrljBIChYF1pj_NYN2dbakBLADX_AK52Ls-ULmp0NYnNQ-cehO

Meek's Cutoff (2010) Director: Kelly Reichardt 1h 44min
Nominated by Citizen Rules


https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/60990ce6-497f-40e3-bb34-9e2b5df4e844_1.e6eba146e1540fd3b9e038b181a80625.jpeg?odnWidth=450&odnHeight=450&odnBg=ffffff

The Grey Fox (1982) Director: Phillip Borsos 1h 50min
Nominated by edarsenal


https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/d899ec40-45a6-40e4-be5e-75de3b46f19b_1.40da75384cdc75ecc3472b9bf4f69e5a.jpeg?odnWidth=450&odnHeight=450&odnBg=ffffff
Red River (1948) Directors: Howard Hawks, Arthur Rosson (co-director) 2h 13min
Nominated by ahwell



https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/7669ae6c-f8da-4dfc-85d8-34eb2643ec34_1.45aabb0d1774e975eb8818dddf018ee8.jpeg?odnWidth=450&odnHeight=450&odnBg=ffffff

The Big gundown (1966) Director: Sergio Sollima 1h 50min
Nominated by neiba


https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/5f3880bd-15de-4025-b5bb-21e07ba73a80_1.2b60fbaf58ccafa1f9ac05c2b38daef7.jpeg?odnWidth=450&odnHeight=450&odnBg=ffffff

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) Director: Robert Altman 2h
Nominated by John-Connor


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a6/7c/be/a67cbef1351c4fe6f571827655aa78f4.jpg

The Scalphunters (1968) Director: Sydney Pollack1h 42min
Nominated by Wyldesyde19


https://dyn1.heritagestatic.com/lf?set=path%5B1%2F0%2F9%2F1%2F1%2F10911785%5D%2Csizedata%5B850x600%5D&call=url%5Bfile%3Aproduct.chain%5D

Dirty Little Billy (1972) Director: Stan Dragoti 1h 33min
Nominated by Zotis


https://media-cache.cinematerial.com/p/500x/mcjccxaa/bone-tomahawk-british-movie-poster.jpg?v=1456061258

Bone Tomahawk (2015) Director: S. Craig Zahler 2h 12min
Nominated by Siddon

[Citizen Rules]

Not reserved:)

[Wyldesyde19]

I’m in. Give me a few to pick my nomination.

[Citizen Rules]

Sent my nom in. I'm pretty sure most all of you have not seen it, but I truly believe it's a worthy film.

[cricket]

Once again I will watch anything I haven't seen.

[Citizen Rules]

Once again I will watch anything I haven't seen. Then you'll be watching my nom:) If your MoFo list are up to date, and I betcha they are.

[cricket]

Then you'll be watching my nom:) If your MoFo list are up to date, and I betcha they are.

Wow there's only 3 choices there. Unless it's not on the westerns list hmmmm. Either way I'm liking it because one of the things I like to do for these countdowns is to watch anything I haven't seen from the current lists that are eligible.

[edarsenal]

I'm doing the same as well. Not exactly sure if it's something up your alley, cricket, but it's a lesser known that caught my eye from the Western Countdown Thread

[neiba]

I'm in

[John-Connor]

Nom sent pilgrims

[edarsenal]

Thank you AND Thank you!!

And the gems in the rough keep on a-comin!!!

[Wyldesyde19]

I’m in, but I’m trying to think up a nomination. Will figure it out tonight

[edarsenal]

I'll just put your name in, meanwhile wylde

[Wyldesyde19]

I'll just put your name in, meanwhile wylde
I’m not a big fan of blind noms, but there’s one I’ve been itching to see and this would provide a good chance to do so.
Nomination incoming.

[Citizen Rules]

Nom sent pilgrims:up: for joining...and :up: for a cool avatar. I so need me a western avatar:p

[John-Connor]

I so need me a western avatar:p
Maybe one of the shots with hat in The Third Man, could pass as a western avatar?

[edarsenal]

I went looking for Orson in a cowboy hat as well. The closest was the one he wears in F for Fake

https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/styles/event_image_detail_phone/public/39_the-essential-orson-welles_f-for-fake_2.jpg?itok=3glXOQ12

which, if you sepia tone it, splash a desert mountain ranch in the back. . . it MIGHT be passable. . .


something along these lines:

https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/b9bb73aa-af8f-4ce6-acdc-5314a385ab02/ddqa87j-1407013d-6c7b-44a7-a7b1-f4b994abf53c.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQz NzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6 W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcL2I5YmI3M2FhLWFmOGYtNGNlNi1hY2RjLTUzMTRhMzg1YWIwMlwvZGRxYTg3ai0xNDA3MDEzZC02Yzdi LTQ0YTctYTdiMS1mNGI5OTRhYmY1M2MuanBnIn1dXSwiYXVkIjpbInVybjpzZXJ2aWNlOmZpbGUuZG93bmxvYWQiXX0.nYpi1IBH SMvCQB4g48QCBG343CyEFXZe316nmCihvIM

[edarsenal]

or shrink this one down, CR

https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00064lldNuoGFgSTECfDrCWvaHBOcxODD/matt-clark-from-the-great-western-ranges...-(illus.-for-swifts-meats-advertisement).jpg

[Wyldesyde19]

Nomination sent. Never seen it but it has an established actor (not Wayne or Eastwood) and an established director (not Ford or Hawks).
I’ve been wanting to see it for about a month now and it isn’t on the westerns list provided on the site. Looking forward to it.

[Siddon]

I'm 50/50 on this hall I'll wait and see the noms

[Citizen Rules]

or shrink this one down, CR

https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00064lldNuoGFgSTECfDrCWvaHBOcxODD/matt-clark-from-the-great-western-ranges...-(illus.-for-swifts-meats-advertisement).jpgThat one was cool! I went with my favorite character actor and it's from a western, which I've never seen but will have to now that I'm sporting the image:p

[edarsenal]

That one was cool! I went with my favorite character actor and it's from a western, which I've never seen but will have to now that I'm sporting the image:p

Looks like a great Wanted Poster shot!

VERY nice!

[Wyldesyde19]

We’ve got 6 with 1 maybe in the wings. Anyone else we can think of who might be interested? I figure at least 7 or 8 would be a nice total.

[Zotis]

I sent in a nom. I want to participate again. I promise to finish. I won't drop out no matter what. And, I'm also going to make an effort to be nicer and not bash other people's nominations or insult people. I was talking with Yoda about it, and I think a lot of things I said were insensitive and arrogant.

My nom is a movie that I hear a lot of great things about and really want to see, but haven't seen yet. I think a couple people may have already seen it though.

[Citizen Rules]

I sent in a nom. I want to participate again. I promise to finish. I won't drop out no matter what. And, I'm also going to make an effort to be nicer and not bash other people's nominations or insult people. I was talking with Yoda about it, and I think a lot of things I said were insensitive and arrogant.

My nom is a movie that I hear a lot of great things about and really want to see, but haven't seen yet. I think a couple people may have already seen it though.That's good to hear Zotis thanks for posting that and I think we can all get along here:) So let's start anew and forget about anything in the past. I'm looking forward to your nom and can't wait for the reveal of the movies. I hope some will like my nom:p

[ahwell]

I sent in a nom. I want to participate again. I promise to finish. I won't drop out no matter what. And, I'm also going to make an effort to be nicer and not bash other people's nominations or insult people. I was talking with Yoda about it, and I think a lot of things I said were insensitive and arrogant.

My nom is a movie that I hear a lot of great things about and really want to see, but haven't seen yet. I think a couple people may have already seen it though.
I’m also happy you’re joining, and I’m sure this HoF will run smoother!

[Zotis]

I'm actually glad that my first nomination was already nominated by someone else. It gives me a chance to go with something more obscure.

[Citizen Rules]

I'm actually glad that my first nomination was already nominated by someone else. It gives me a chance to go with something more obscure.I bet your first choice, was what I picked. I guess we'll see when Ed does the reveal.

BTW, I had a half dozen really good westerns that I was considering for my nom. I have my fingers crossed that some of them got chosen, probably not.

[Citizen Rules]

We’ve got 6 with 1 maybe in the wings. Anyone else we can think of who might be interested? I figure at least 7 or 8 would be a nice total.Yeah, I'd like to see more join. Hey Fredrick was in the last one, maybe he might join?

[Zotis]

I hope so, wasn't Hey Fredrick's nom, The Shooting?

[Citizen Rules]

I hope so, wasn't @Hey Fredrick (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=95709)'s nom, The Shooting?It was. Maybe he'll see this thread and come up with another cool nom for us.

[edarsenal]

I'm thinking once the reveal is done there'll be a few more joining in afterward, through the week.

So we do have Zotis with another film I was intrigued by and didn't go with so we definitely have a solid list of rarities to comb through.


Oh, and CR, it wasn't your nomination :)

[Hey Fredrick]

I'm going to sit this one out.

[Miss Vicky]

Will wait for the reveal before I decide for sure, but am leaning towards no.

[edarsenal]

Citizen Rules, ahwell, John-Connor, neiba, Wyldesyde19, Zotis

Figured I'd toss out the REVEAL (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2064850#post2064850) the night before:

Meek's Cutoff (2010) Director: Kelly Reichardt 1h 44min
Nominated by Citizen Rules

The Grey Fox (1982) Director: Phillip Borsos 1h 50min
Nominated by edarsenal

Red River (1948) Directors: Howard Hawks, Arthur Rosson (co-director) 2h 13min
Nominated by ahwell

The Big gundown (1966) Director: Sergio Sollima 1h 50min
Nominated by neiba

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) Director: Robert Altman 2h
Nominated by John-Connor

The Scalphunters (1968) Director: Sydney Pollack1h 42min
Nominated by Wyldesyde19

Dirty Little Billy (1972) Director: Stan Dragoti 1h 33min
Nominated by Zotis

[Wyldesyde19]

Meeks cutoff has long been on my radar.
So glad to see it nominated.
A lot of interesting choices here.
In particular, Neiba and Zotis nominations really intrigue me. I haven’t heard of either of them. Looking forward to them.

Seen McCabe and Mrs Miller and Red River previously, and liked then both.
Great nominees

[cricket]

I'm surprised, there's more I haven't seen than I have. Mccabe, Red River, and The Grey Fox are all excellent. Meek's Cutoff was already on my watchlist. I haven't heard of the other 3 but will watch them.

[Citizen Rules]

Interesting noms to say the least! I haven't even heard of some of them.

Meek's Cutoff (2010) Director: Kelly Reichardt 1h 44min
Nominated by Citizen Rules
This is a very subtle film. It doesn't force feed the emotions. It's all about the essences of the moment and the feeling of isolation. It's the kind of film that needs one's full attention and if you miss some of the dialogue which is already sparse and hard to hear at times, it won't have the impact and it won't make sense. So I suggest using sub titles so you don't miss what's said...and I suggest if possible watch on a bigger screen in a nice darken room with no disturbances. It takes some focus to get the most out of the film.


The Grey Fox (1982) Director: Phillip Borsos 1h 50min
Nominated by edarsenal
I just watched this a few weeks ago. Excellent film. It's hard to find a good copy, but worth finding the best copy you can.

Red River (1948) Directors: Howard Hawks 2h 13min
Nominated by ahwell
Perfect as I'm on a John Wayne kick and Wayne is quite different here than his usual persona. Very happy to rewatch this.

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) Director: Robert Altman 2h
Nominated by John-Connor
I had wanted to rewatch this before sending in my Countdown list, so glad to see it here.

Never heard of these, but they sound interesting.

The Big Gundown (1966) Director: Sergio Sollima 1h 50min
Nominated by neiba

The Scalphunters (1968) Director: Sydney Pollack1h 42min
Nominated by Wyldesyde19

Dirty Little Billy (1972) Director: Stan Dragoti 1h 33min
Nominated by Zotis

[John-Connor]

Meek's Cutoff
Only heard about this one and watch-listed it since yesterday, CR must be tracking my laptop :p

The Grey Fox
Looking forward to seeing this one, 80's is my era!

Red River + The Big gundown
Both very good Westerns and very recently viewed, so easy write-ups.

The Scalphunters
Never seen it but Three Days of the Condor, Tootsie, Jeremiah Johnson are all favorites of mine so expectations are high, can't wait to see it.

Dirty Little Billy
Never seen this dark spaghetti, I'll be happy to explore this unknown title.

[John-Connor]

Also, I found out why our host only rides into town come nightfall :D
60453

[Zotis]

This list looks great. I predict I'll end up giving Red River 3 stars. It looks like one of the better John Wayne's. I think it won Best Picture didn't it? The Grey Fox looks great, it's been on my radar. The Scalphunters looks interesting, I hadn't heard of it before. I like Lee Van Cleef, so The Big Gundown should be good.

I can see why you thought Meek's Cutoff was my nom, Citizen, but I wanted a blind pick for this HoF. Meek's was definitely in my mind when you said it was probably my first pick, but I wasn't quite sure. My first pick was McCabe & Mrs Miller. That movie looks so incredible, and I've been meaning to watch it for a long time now.

Dirty Little Billy is a movie that I've been looking for, but so far haven't been able to find. I may have to order it online just to see it.

Here's my Westerns to-watch list. I want to watch as many of these before the countdown as I can:

The Long Riders (1980)
Will Penny (1967)
The Professionals (1966)
Day of Anger (1967)
Deadly Companions (1961)
Barbarosa (1982)
Bad Company (1972)
Jeremiah Johnson (1972)
The Kentuckian (1955)
Ride Lonesome (1959)
The Shootist (1976)
The Ballad of Little Joe (1993)
Black Jack (1979)
No Name on the Bullet (1959)
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
Shane (1953)
The Wild Bunch (1969)
Death Rides a Horse (1967)
My Darling Clementine (1946)
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
3:10 to Yuma (1957)

[Zotis]

https://debravega.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/greyfox8.png

The Grey Fox (1982)
Nominated by: edarsenal

I'm happy to be the first to complete a film in this HoF. The Grey Fox was a slow burner based on the real life story of the legendary Bill Miner, a famous stage coach robber who performed Canada's first train robbery in 1904. A classic bandit from the Old West, released from prison in his old age to a world that had all but forgotten the cowboy. But Miner just couldn't settle for a normal life, his ambitions lead him back towards his old life of crime. But he was honorable and smart, and would see where this new life would take him. Richard Farnsworth delivered a powerful performance in this character driven story. Jackie Burroughs was also a strong supporting role. I enjoyed the emphasis on realism.

3.5

[John-Connor]

The Grey Fox 1982 Directed by Phillip Borsos

60459

'In 1901 after 33 years in San Quentin Bill Miner "The Gentlemen Bandit" was released into the twentieth century.'

Watched this in VHS-quality, it was pretty hard to find. But that didn't take away from enjoying some of the very nice landscape, railway, and moving train shots. There is also some nicely done editing with footage of The Great Train Robbery 1903.
The story and atmosphere are somewhat reminiscent of Robert Redford's recent film The Old Man & the Gun.
Although we kind of know how the story is going to unfold, it's always interesting to see the final chapters of infamous heist figures. In this film I found the ending,ending very well done. Great lead performance by Farnsworth, pacing is on the slow side but fitting to the story and the run-time is just fine. Very relaxing and enjoyable first watch of this HoF.

[John-Connor]

Red River 1948 Directed by Howard Hawks
60467

"STAMPEDE!!"
We follow tough self-made cattle ranch owner Thomas Dunson and his protege an orphan named Math Garth on a very risky and dangerous first cattle drive from Texas to Kansas.
Big traditional classic Western, features some impressive epic monochrome cinematography. Great story telling by Howard Hawks who succeeded in taking me along for the ride on this adventurous, dangerous and incident filled journey. Conflicts involving pride, leadership and loyalty are very well conveyed through strong performances by lead actors John Wayne and Montgomery Clift. The finale however was very abrupt, unfitting, anti climactic and silly in my opinion. And I'm curious how other HoF participants experienced it. Aside from the ending it's evident why this film is considered a classic in the genre and on many Western viewers favorite list.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=59421
The Grey Fox (1982)


An award winning, biographical Canadian film, that's not like other westerns. The Grey Fox is an introspective, personal tale of a 'gentleman bandit' who robbed stage coaches in the 19th century and eventually was caught and set to prison for 33 years. When The Grey Fox (Richard Farnsworth) finally gets out of prison, it's the 20th century and he's now a senior citizen. The film is done in a subtle manor and mostly non violent with the emphasize on the aged outlaw trying to cope with the changing times. I liked the personal tale style of the movie and the more low key approach which fits the filming style of the movie. The filming sites were in British Columbia Canada and in my state of Washington, which I thought was cool and gave the film a much different look and feel than the typical hot, dry and dusty western.

rating_3_5++

[Wyldesyde19]

Red River 1948 Directed by Howard Hawks
60467

"STAMPEDE!!"
We follow tough self-made cattle ranch owner Thomas Dunson and his protege an orphan named Math Garth on a very risky and dangerous first cattle drive from Texas to Kansas.
Big traditional classic Western, features some impressive epic monochrome cinematography. Great story telling by Howard Hawks who succeeded in taking me along for the ride on this adventurous, dangerous and incident filled journey. Conflicts involving pride, leadership and loyalty are very well conveyed through strong performances by lead actors John Wayne and Montgomery Clift. The finale however was very abrupt, unfitting, anti climactic and silly in my opinion. And I'm curious how other HoF participants experienced it. Aside from the ending it's evident why this film is considered a classic in the genre and on many Western viewers favorite list.
In regards to the ending, I seem to remember reading. That the producers stepped in and forced it, as they were unhappy with the original ending. Can’t remember all the details, but Hawks himself was unhappy with what he seemed a “Hollywood” ending as a result

[John-Connor]

In regards to the ending, I seem to remember reading. That the producers stepped in and forced it, as they were unhappy with the original ending. Can’t remember all the details, but Hawks himself was unhappy with what he seemed a “Hollywood” ending as a result That's got to be one of the worst things that can happen to a director/artist/creator when producers limit your creative freedom like that.

[Holden Pike]

Watched this in VHS-quality, it was pretty hard to find. But that didn't take away from enjoying some of the very nice landscape, railway, and moving train shots...
60468

The great news is that a brand new 4K restoration of The Grey Fox is coming to BluRay from Kino/Lorber sometime in 2020! The disappointing news is that it isn't going to be out in time for MoFos to watch it before the Westerns lists are due.

Oh, well.

[Miss Vicky]

I may check out some of these films on my own time, but I've decided not to join this HOF.

[Siddon]

I'll join...my nominee


https://imagesvc.meredithcorp.io/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fewedit.files.wordpress.com%2F2015%2F05%2Fbone-tomahawk.jpg&w=400&c=sc&poi=face&q=85

[Wyldesyde19]

In regards to the ending, I seem to remember reading. That the producers stepped in and forced it, as they were unhappy with the original ending. Can’t remember all the details, but Hawks himself was unhappy with what he seemed a “Hollywood” ending as a result That's got to be one of the worst things that can happen to a director/artist/creator when producers limit your creative freedom like that.
Wait. I think I’m remembering it wrong. I think it had something to do with Howard Hughes suing them over the ending...

[Holden Pike]

This list looks great. I predict I'll end up giving Red River 3 stars. It looks like one of the better John Waynes. I think it won Best Picture didn't it?

No, Red River did not win Best Picture. It wasn't even nominated. That year Olivier's Hamlet won Oscar's Best Picture (John Huston won Best Director for Treasure of the Sierra Madre). The only two Academy Awards Red River was up for were Best Writing and Best Editing. It won neither.

The only Westerns to win Best Picture to date are Cimarron (1931), Dances with Wolves (1990), and Unforgiven (1992). Plus No Country for Old Men (2007) if that fits your definition of a modern Western. Red River was not nominated. Nor was The Searchers. Of that classic era of the '40s and '50s the only Westerns nominated for Best Picture were Stagecoach, The Ox-Bow Incident, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, High Noon, Shane, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Friendly Persuasion, and Giant. The Alamo, How the West Was Won, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were the only nominees in the '60s, there were none in the '70s or '80s, and since the two wins in the early '90s there has only been Brokeback Mountain, True Grit, Django Unchained, The Revenant, and Hell or High Water.

There are a few big acting wins from Westerns: Gary Cooper as Best Actor for High Noon, Wayne got his Best Actor for True Grit, DiCaprio got his for The Revenant, and Daniel Day-Lewis' Daniel Plainview towers above them all in There Will Be Blood. Lee Marvin won Best Actor for his dual role in the comic Western Cat Ballou and going back to the first couple years of the Oscars Warner Baxter was named Best Actor for playing The Cisco Kid in In Old Arizona. There were a bunch of winners for Best Supporting Actor from Westerns, too: Thomas Mitchell in Stagecoach, Walter Brennan in The Westerner, Walter Huston in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Anthony Quinn in Viva Zapata!, Burl Ives in The Big Country, Melvyn Douglas in Hud, Jack Palance for City Slickers, and Christoph Waltz for Django Unchained (plus Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men).

Patricia Neal's Best Actress for Hud is the only female role in a Western to earn an Oscar. There have only been a handful of nominees including Julie Christie for McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Mary McDonnell for Dances with Wolves, Irene Dunne for Cimarron, Mercedes McCambridge for Giant, Lillian Gish and Jennifer Jones for Duel in the Sun, Hailee Steinfeld for True Grit, and Madeline Kahn for Blazing Saddles.

60476

[Citizen Rules]

Red River 1948 Directed by Howard Hawks
...The finale however was very abrupt, unfitting, anti climactic and silly in my opinion.

And I'm curious how other HoF participants experienced it...
The ending of Red River was a hot topic of discussion on the first Western HoF. It starts with my review and criticism of the ending and then we proceed to discuss it.


https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1502109#post1502109

[Wyldesyde19]

Red River 1948 Directed by Howard Hawks
...The finale however was very abrupt, unfitting, anti climactic and silly in my opinion.

And I'm curious how other HoF participants experienced it...
The ending of Red River was a hot topic of discussion on the first Western HoF. It starts with my review and criticism of the ending and then we proceed to discuss it.


https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1502109#post1502109

Yeah, reading this confirms Hughes stepped in and caused havoc

[John-Connor]

The ending of Red River was a hot topic of discussion on the first Western HoF. It starts with my review and criticism of the ending and then we proceed to discuss it.


https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?anchor=1&p=1502109#post1502109

Thanks for clearing that up CR, Hawks stole Hughes 'The Outlaw' ending, like Matt stole Dunson's cattle. :p

[Citizen Rules]

Meek's Cutoff
Only heard about this one and watch-listed it since yesterday, CR must be tracking my laptop :pNot only tracking your laptop;) I copied your avatar too:p

Thanks for clearing that up CR, Hawks stole Hughes 'The Outlaw' ending, like Matt stole Dunson's cattle. :pDid you think Cherry Valance died or lived at the end of the movie?

[John-Connor]

Did you think Cherry Valance died or lived at the end of the movie?
In his last second of the movie 3 men tend to 'a shot Valance' not 'a dead Valance'. Half hour after the scene he could be dead or patched up 50/50 outcome possibility.

[Citizen Rules]

In his last second of the movie 3 men tend to 'a shot Valance' not 'a dead Valance'. Half hour after the scene he could be dead or patched up 50/50 outcome possibility.Thanks I'll have to pay close attention to that scene when I watch the movie.

[Wyldesyde19]

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it but I always thought he survived.
I never liked the ending and how it just wipes away all that tension in one fell swoop, and ignored Valance being shot.
Felt not only abrupt, but disingenuous.

[edarsenal]

Citizen Rules, ahwell, John-Connor, neiba, Wyldesyde19, Zotis, Siddon

ANNND one more to the round up!

Bone Tomahawk (2015) Director: S. Craig Zahler 2h 12min
Nominated by Siddon

WELCOME Siddon!!

[edarsenal]

Also, I found out why our host only rides into town come nightfall :D
60453

WHAAAAA??? NOOO
That's not me! Can't be!! Doesn't even look like me -- clearly I have blue eyes and this guy has. . . what is that? Sepia? Is that even an eye color?
And where the hell is Bolivia?!? Is that south of 110th Street? I don't know -- I'm not from that neighborhood.
Fake News! FAKE NEWS!!



only a $1000, puh-lease. Better add another zero, at least

[GulfportDoc]

The Grey Fox (1982)


An award winning, biographical Canadian film, that's not like other westerns. The Grey Fox is an introspective, personal tale of a 'gentleman bandit' who robbed stage coaches in the 19th century and eventually was caught and set to prison for 33 years. When The Grey Fox (Richard Farnsworth) finally gets out of prison, it's the 20th century and he's now a senior citizen. The film is done in a subtle manor and mostly non violent with the emphasize on the aged outlaw trying to cope with the changing times. I liked the personal tale style of the movie and the more low key approach which fits the filming style of the movie. The filming sites were in British Columbia Canada and in my state of Washington, which I thought was cool and gave the film a much different look and feel than the typical hot, dry and dusty western.

rating_3_5++
I love this film, and it's in my top 10 favorite film group. It's a unusual but light-hearted film with wonderful cinematography, and Irish music from the Chieftans that just blew me away. It's also likely Farnsworth's premier portrayal of his lengthy career. It won best Canadian film in Canada, but it should have easily won Best Foreign Film in the U.S. Farnsworth too.

~Doc

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=59336
Meek's Cutoff (2010)
Western

Dir. Kelly Reichardt


In 1845 a small group of immigrants on their way to the Oregon Territory become hopelessly lost in the vast openness of the prairie, after taking a chance on a shortcut....Meek's Cutoff.


What struck me about this film is the way it completely embodies an emotion, while capturing a specific moment in time. That emotion is one we all can relate to, the feeling that one has made a horribly wrong turn and now all is hopelessly lost. The moment in time was real, this is based on a story of a group of early pioneers heading to the Oregon Territory in 1845. That's some 30-40 years earlier than the time frame most western films take place. In 1845 these people would have been literally charting new territory. And a wrong turn could spell doom.

It's the underlying emotion of uncertainty as one heads into the unknown, that Meek's Cutoff captures. The film takes us on a journey and comes as close as any film ever has to giving us the experience these early pioneers would've felt.

I loved that image I used, the film uses spacial distances to make one feel the vastness of the journey these people took. Meek's Cutoff is a subtle film, it never spoon feeds it's message with cinematic cues and overly high drama. It allows the viewer to have their own experience...and that is something quite different than the average movie.

rating_4_5+

[ahwell]

Dirty Little Billy

Well, that Billy sure was Dirty and Little ;)

Pretty much a mess. The acting was pretty good actually, there wasn't a bad performance for such an unknown movie. However, the entire plot had no direction at all. The middle especially was so tiresome and pointless, it was literally the prostitute getting slapped around and called a "bitch" by Goldie.

This felt a lot like Joker actually. It was an innocent enough kid, Billy, who tries to make a name for himself in the world and ends up getting corrupted by "society" and turning into a criminal. Except it's in the old west, and somehow even worse than Joker. The production value/budget is just pretty awful, unless it's the low quality version I watched.

Hey, that main tune is fun, though! I'm sure it'll be stuck in my head for days now :)

1-

[edarsenal]

Helluva start, going in. Great job!!

Loving what I'm hearing about Grey Fox. It's definitely turning into a real find. I've been wanting to see it since Holden Pike recommended it, along several others in the Countdown and I'm pretty excited about seeing it. He had also recommended Dirty Little Billy so I'm pretty happy to see that here as well.
In fact, I nearly did, tonight, but went with Red River instead. Great film and I see what others were talking about the abrupt ending. I'm going to check out the thread about the discussions in the first Western HoF.

[Zotis]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/cTaHqPwz-ME1mYK_WmMF1LYnd6Av8iCctkPXraanVPZSJQ5DTwLjevDXFBtF1Ydv6ctleO1yd2oaF5xzsdHPounJ0aAxLmzIe5mFwFze_zBNh N9xOg6xm640JgUrxg

The Scalphunters (1968)
Nominated by: Wyldesyde19

I wasn't a fan of this one. It was a little cheesy for my taste. Burt Lancaster played Joe Bass, a fur hunter who also happened to be a crack shot. Tagging along for the ride was Joseph Lee, a runaway slave with a goofy nature and sorely lacking principles. He was played by Ossie Davis. Telly Savalas played Jim Howie, a generic villain. And Shelly Winters played Kate, Jim Howie's nagging annoying mistress. I found the plot to be dry, and oversaturated with flat comic relief.

2

[John-Connor]

Meek’s Cutoff 2010 Directed by Kelly Reichardt*
60500

Nontraditional Western road movie, that allows the viewer to join a group of settlers and be part of a grueling migration journey in 1845. Very realistic and immersive look at a specific moment in time. Facing conflicts and confrontations involving trust, instinct and survival. Great acting by Rod Rondeaux (The Indian) and strong out of comfort zone performances by Bruce Greenwood and Michelle Williams.
With yet another very interesting, risky and discussion worthy ending. (Unless we all interpret the ending in the same way of course).
Meek's Cutoff is probably one of the best looking Westerns nominated in this Hall of Fame. I suggest watching it in the best possible picture quality you can find, it really looked stunning on my 4K TV. The camera angles were unorthodox and experimental but it all worked for me.
A film not intended for the masses, all involved from director to actors, took a risk with this film, for me the risk paid-off. Beautiful nomination, currently sitting pretty high on my ballot.

*You can scratch this one off your MoFo Top 100 Films Directed By Women list.

[cricket]

Big fan of Bone Tomahawk

[neiba]

This will be so easy to preview: Haven't heard of any of them, except from my nom,which is one of my favourite non-Leone Spaghetti westerns, just behind The Great Silence and Django!

[Zotis]

This will be so easy to preview: Haven't heard of any of them, except from my nom,which is one of my favourite non-Leone Spaghetti westerns, just behind The Great Silence and Django!

You haven't heard of McCabe & Mrs Miller, Red River, and Meek's Cutoff? I'm surprised...

[Citizen Rules]

I need links for these movies, I can't afford to buy them and I didn't see them on youtube and there not at my library.

The Big Gundown (1966) Director: Sergio Sollima 1h 50min
Nominated by neiba

The Scalphunters (1968) Director: Sydney Pollack 1h 42min
Nominated by Wyldesyde19

Dirty Little Billy (1972) Director: Stan Dragoti 1h 33min
Nominated by Zotis

[Wyldesyde19]

I need links for these movies, I can't afford to buy them and I didn't see them on youtube and there not at my library.

The Big Gundown (1966) Director: Sergio Sollima 1h 50min
Nominated by neiba

The Scalphunters (1968) Director: Sydney Pollack 1h 42min
Nominated by Wyldesyde19

Dirty Little Billy (1972) Director: Stan Dragoti 1h 33min
Nominated by Zotis
Scalphunters are available to watch on Amazon prime

[edarsenal]

I need links for these movies, I can't afford to buy them and I didn't see them on youtube and there not at my library.

The Big Gundown (1966) Director: Sergio Sollima 1h 50min
Nominated by neiba

The Scalphunters (1968) Director: Sydney Pollack 1h 42min
Nominated by Wyldesyde19

Dirty Little Billy (1972) Director: Stan Dragoti 1h 33min
Nominated by Zotis
sent you links for the first two, gonna have to look a little harder for Dirty Billy, let you know when I find one

[Citizen Rules]

Scalphunters are available to watch on Amazon primeI don't do Amazon prime, but Ed sent me two good links. I still need to find;

Dirty Little Billy (1972)

[Wyldesyde19]

Scalphunters are available to watch on Amazon primeI don't do Amazon prime, but Ed sent me two good links. I still need to find;

Dirty Little Billy (1972)

You should 😜
No seriously, Amazon is better then Netflix. Better selection from past decades. Think of all the older westerns and noir that would be available to you.

[edarsenal]

You should 😜
No seriously, Amazon is better then Netflix. Better selection from past decades. Think of all the older westerns and noir that would be available to you.

tried amazon about a year or two ago. The majority of films I went looking for only had links to purchase them off amazon. :rolleyes:

[Wyldesyde19]

You should 😜
No seriously, Amazon is better then Netflix. Better selection from past decades. Think of all the older westerns and noir that would be available to you.

tried amazon about a year or two ago. The majority of films I went looking for only had links to purchase them off amazon. :rolleyes:

It’s different now, plenty to view for free

[edarsenal]

It’s different now, plenty to view for free

Very glad to hear that

[Wyldesyde19]

It’s different now, plenty to view for free

Very glad to hear that
I mean, you still have to pay for the streaming service

[ahwell]

edarsenal if i could have the links you gave to Citizen Rules that would be much appreciated as well.

[ahwell]

Also the Grey Fox, can't find that anywhere.

[cricket]

The Scalphunters

3

https://www.thefilmyap.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/The-Scalphunters-inside.jpg

There's a lot to like in this movie but I thought it was a little too uneven for me to love it. Burt Lancaster and Telly Savalas both do their thing and do it well, but I thought this movie belonged to Ossie Davis. He was fantastic. Also great in a supporting role was Shelly Winters who stole every scene she was in. Everything works to an extent, the performances, dialogue, action, cinematography, and humor, but sometimes the mix didn't work good enough. The movie seems to want to be a lot of things. Sometimes the race angle comes into play on a serious note and it's really good, and sometimes the comedy is really good, but the mix can be jarring. It's a common issue for this viewer but it's not that way for every viewer. I thought it was pretty good overall.

[Wyldesyde19]

Fair notice to all regarding my nomination: it was a blind pick. I apologize in advance 😑

[edarsenal]

Fair notice to all regarding my nomination: it was a blind pick. I apologize in advance 😑

Blind Grabs are always a roll of the dice. I've come out on both sides, but it's always worth while to play.

[edarsenal]

edarsenal if i could have the links you gave to Citizen Rules that would be much appreciated as well.

Also the Grey Fox, can't find that anywhere.

just sent them

Also, if anyone else needs them, let me know

[cricket]

Fair notice to all regarding my nomination: it was a blind pick. I apologize in advance 😑

Zotis not liking it was not unpredictable but it will do ok.

[Zotis]

I don't have a link for Dirty Little Billy. The link I watched for The Grey Fox wasn't very good quality, a little blurry. So you may want a better quality link. I generally just google search "Watch (the name of the movie) full free" and look at the google video tab.

I think for Dirty Little Billy I'm actually going to have to pay for it, which I don't mind doing.

Edit: I did find a link.

[Zotis]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/RzdBKxPhAneZjdcHguCShh58-rjTMGCk2EvNIsXWy94-Q2ZvpXC2qxqK26EK4tKKhmmTrFP0k4I6APOEKmUzYKELzuU1Q-2BPFKOvHujGeO4uSMfpJX-9ctKFleWtKI

The Big Gundown (1966)
Nominated by: neiba

The title didn't seem to suit this movie. This was a fairly typical Western, with a hint of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, but a little more realistic. It gave me a lot of the same vibes as The Scalphunters, but fortunately was more serious and didn't have as much comic relief. It still had a bit of quirky, unfunny, comedic elements, but they weren't too cheesy to ruin the vibes. I found this movie mildly enjoyable. Lee Van Cleef played a cool anti-hero. I was hoping for something a little more interesting from neiba, so I was a little dissapointed.

3

[Zotis]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmUzYmZhMjQtNGU2OC00ZjM3LTkxNmEtNmY5YmVmN2QyYWQyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjUyNDk2ODc@._V1_.jpg

Dirty Little Billy (1972)
Nominated by: Zotis

I was thoroughly pleased by this blind nomination of mine. It was gritty, realistic, and unconventional. Not too long into the grimy disorienting story did I find myself sympathetically drawn to the character, Berle, played by Lee Purcell. She was charming in the most delightfully criminal sort of way. This movie was so dirty, with mud smeared everywhere, it was the antithesis to Hollywood class. Towards the end my heart was shattered. It was a doomed romance from the start, but I still didn't want to accept it. I wanted the happy ending, but I didn't get it. I had to accept it though, it was meant to be. It was tragic, but I couldn't do anything about it. I really enjoyed this movie. Billy, played by Michael J. Pollard was an earnest character with a lot of spunk. He wasn't the toughest, but he had enough grit to survive and enough character to be liked. I enjoyed this subtle gritty tale in a backwater town with little to no law except the guns held by a few delinquents. Berle was the girlfriend of the resident thug who Billy ended up falling for. It was a gritty romance in the grimiest of settings. I especially liked the mud and dirt that substituted for make-up. Berle was beautiful even in rags and caked with a nice thick layer of dried dirt.

4

[John-Connor]

The Scalphunters 1968 Directed by Sydney Pollack

60528

Starring Burt Lancaster, Ossie Davis, Shelley Winters and Kojak.
Burt Lancaster is a great actor who stars in some of my favorite movies like The Killers and The Leopard. And I recently saw Ossie Davis in Sidney Lumet's The Hill where he gave an excellent performance alongside Sean Connery, I recommend that one. But.. if Scalphunters wasn't a nominated HoF movie, I would have posted it in the 'movies you couldn't even finish' thread. I did like the location, the stunt-work, the scenes with the rocks, and the loco'd horses and some of the scenes and dialogue between Lancaster and Davis's characters. Other than that I wasn't really feeling it. I think the main reason for this is the sudden switches between serious and comical tones, like Cricket said in his write-up.

[edarsenal]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZmUzYmZhMjQtNGU2OC00ZjM3LTkxNmEtNmY5YmVmN2QyYWQyXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjUyNDk2ODc@._V1_.jpg

Dirty Little Billy (1972)
Nominated by: Zotis

I was thoroughly pleased by this blind nomination of mine. It was gritty, realistic, and unconventional. Not too long into the grimy disorienting story did I find myself sympathetically drawn to the character, Berle, played by Lee Purcell. She was charming in the most delightfully criminal sort of way. This movie was so dirty, with mud smeared everywhere, it was the antithesis to Hollywood class. Towards the end my heart was shattered. It was a doomed romance from the start, but I still didn't want to accept it. I wanted the happy ending, but I didn't get it. I had to accept it though, it was meant to be. It was tragic, but I couldn't do anything about it. I really enjoyed this movie. Billy, played by Michael J. Pollard was an earnest character with a lot of spunk. He wasn't the toughest, but he had enough grit to survive and enough character to be liked. I enjoyed this subtle gritty tale in a backwater town with little to no law except the guns held by a few delinquents. Berle was the girlfriend of the resident thug who Billy ended up falling for. It was a gritty romance in the grimiest of settings. I especially liked the mud and dirt that substituted for make-up. Berle was beautiful even in rags and caked with a nice thick layer of dried dirt.

4

This is what I was expecting when I saw it, and glad to see it is. Should be a good watch and I've enjoyed Pollard in the little bit I've seen: Bonnie & Clyde, an episode in the original Star Trek where everyone over (I think) 21 dies.
I totally see him as a punk Billy the Kid.

[Wyldesyde19]

I feel like I need to keep apologizing to everyone for nominating The Scalphunters. 🥺

[Citizen Rules]

This is what I was expecting when I saw it, and glad to see it is. Should be a good watch and I've enjoyed Pollard in the little bit I've seen: Bonnie & Clyde, an episode in the original Star Trek where everyone over (I think) 21 dies.
I totally see him as a punk Billy the Kid.I've seen him in that Star Trek episode (Miri) so many times that I can totally see him as an obnoxious punk Billy the Kid. I'd be disappointed if he was anything other than obnoxious:p

[John-Connor]

Dirty Little Billy 1972 Directed by Stan Dragoti

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Dirty Little Billy is a grimy, gritty origin story of the notorious outlaw Billy The Kid.
Dark, low budget Western with a sinister style and atmosphere, deliberately portraying the uglier side of the old West.
'The Kid' is well played by Michael J. Pollard, the beautiful Lee Purcell who plays 'Berle' a girl forced into prostitution, really shines in this role. The underlying romance between her and Billy delivered the much needed emotional layer to the story. It also features brief appearances by both very young looking Gary Busey and Nick Nolte.
It's a unique and realistic approach to the Billy The Kid character. Original for telling the tale of Billy The Kid before he got famous. Interesting nomination, it's cool to explore different styles during this Hall of Fame.

[pahaK]

Seems that I need to check this Dirty Little Billy before the countdown. Based on the reviews this far, it seems quite interesting.

[John-Connor]

The Big Gundown 1966 ‘La resa dei conti’ Directed by Sergio Sollima
(Extended US edition Blu-Ray)
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Bounty hunter John Corbett (Lee van Cleef) tries to bring in wanted man Cuchillo Sanchez (Tomas Milian) in this great non-Sergio Leone spaghetti Western. With a bad ass lead actor, poster, and soundtrack.
Ennio Morricone is one of my favorite composers of all time. Love the way he incorporated the melody from the title song in different tones throughout the whole film, strengthening the cinematography.
Apparently this is one of three spaghetti westerns made by Sergio Sollima, I haven't seen the other two yet.
Because there are so many great spaghetti western films, The Big Gundown doesn't make my top five of the sub-genre but it is pretty close. A strong nomination, entertaining and enjoyable watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I91GEjoIHS0

[Wyldesyde19]

Meeks Cutoff
A true story of an actual expedition that claimed many lives due to the hardship they faced.
Meek was a frontiersman who offered passage for emigrants, for a few of course. Pay him and he’ll take you through the Oregon Trail to reach your destination. But one fateful day, he diverts then from the usual pass through the Oregon desert in an attempt at a shortcut, one that would come to be called Meeks Cutoff. He assured them he knew where he was going and had traveled here previously.
It quickly becomes apparent that was a lie.
Low on supplies, and more importantly, water, they come upon a native following them. They capture him, and Meeks is quick to suggest killing him. The settlers have a better idea. Take them to water and they shall let him free.
What unfolds is a story reminiscent of The Ox Bow Incident. There are no shootouts. No duels. It is a story of morality.
Meeks, played by Bruce Greenwood who completely vanishes into the role, has nothing but contempt for the Indians, and admits to his acts of barbarism towards them almost with glee. He excuses his actions as necessary.
But they need the Native. And he understands this.
Emily Tetherow, played by the winsome Michelle Williams, is no shrinking violet. She is capable of defending not only herself, but her beliefs. She’s capable of shooting and reloading a gun in rapid succession. She readily speaks her mind to her husband and verbally spars with Meeks. She sees him not so different from the supposed bloody native.
The camera captures wonderful views of the land, and magnified the harsh landscape they are lost in. If there is one issue, it is set at a deliberate slow pace that often times causes the film to suffer. Ox Bow got around this by getting straight to the point, with no preamble.
The dialogue helps set up the tension, and the inevitable clash of wills between Meeks and Mrs. Tetherow.
A solid movie and nomination.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=60588
The Scalphunters (1968)

Now that's a stunt! The stuntman is actually jumping over the chasm! OMG how crazy is that. And that's what I love about older movies, you get real stunts & real locations.

I liked The Scalphunters. I know I liked it because I never checked the time remaining while watching it. It was good fun, exciting and with stunts galore... I loved the odd looking rock formations in Mexico, I'd never seen anything quite like that before. Watching a movie like this is almost like taking a vacation and seeing the countryside of some exotic locale...and all from the comfort of you home.

I know some of us didn't seem to like The Scalphunters. It's a comedy-action-western and so it has it's lighter moments at times, which for me was fine.

I thought Burt Lancaster was perfectly suited to an action comedy, his colorful personality made the film go. So did the actor who played the runaway slave, Ossie Davis. He really held his own whenever he and Lancaster had scenes together. I'm not the biggest fan of Telly Savalas and I never did like his TV show Kojak, but he did fine here. Still I wish we could've had someone more colorful to pair with Shelley Winters, say like Strother Martin. And I wish the scalp hunter crew could've had a few choice character actors who got to say a few lines.

But overall it was a good movie and a good nom...and something I'd never even heard of so thanks to Wlydesyde for finding it.

[ahwell]

McCabe and Mrs. Miller
I'm trying to come up with words for this, describing how I felt, but it's hard. This was a dark, gritty, depressing, bleak, movie. Beatty and Christie give stellar performances - in fact, all the performances are stellar, and of course Robert Altman's direction is superb.

This is my first Altman, actually, and I hope his other movies are as good as this. McCabe and Mrs. Miller is a revisionist Western, a tragedy that hits you in the gut and asks questions about businesses/independence/morality of ownership. It's true cinema, is what I'm trying to say :).

While maybe a bit too dark and muddy visually, it's also constantly thrilling and keeps you engaged right up until the climactic and violent ending.

This review didn't have much substance, but I just need to think about this film. Currently my 3rd favorite Western, and right on the heels of The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.

4+

[ahwell]

The Scalphunters

"I watched this like 8 hours ago and I legit cannot remember a thing.... ugh, some dude named Burt Lancaster was in it, though, pretty good actor huh?

Kinda crazy that this ****e was coming out the same time as the great Spaghetti Westerns.

Uh,,,,,,, write a review of substance. Just do it. I CAN"T THERES NOTHING TO SAY, then don't even write a review, just log it, YEAH BUT, um, I just gotta go to bed, imma read this tomorrow and cringe. Good night everyone!"
^My review from Letterboxd, and I don't have much to add. It's a "fine" story, but it's just forgettable, the humor dated, and the characters flat that I just got pure boredom out of it. No hard feelings, though Wyldesyde19, I'm still glad I watched it and i Loooooove Burt Lancaster.

1.5+

[ahwell]

The Grey Fox

Not an awful movie, but not something I care about in any way, shape, or form. I think the premise was interesting, an aging robber, finally released from prison, who then goes and robs trains.

But it was just all around very meh. Nothing interesting happened, especially when we get to the sappy romance with the feminist (who's entire philosophy about never marrying is then discarded as she falls in love with this robber).

The film simply doesn't understand its characters either. The main robber dude (oh **** already forgot his name) is often violent and brutal, but most of his conversations are calm and relaxed. He's not a character I could see existing, and I'm sure that's not how the person was in real life.

That said, it was cool seeing The Great Train Robbery! One of the early American silents, and throughout this movie all I could think about was how that short film did it much better.

2-

[Wyldesyde19]

The Scalphunters

"I watched this like 8 hours ago and I legit cannot remember a thing.... ugh, some dude named Burt Lancaster was in it, though, pretty good actor huh?

Kinda crazy that this ****e was coming out the same time as the great Spaghetti Westerns.

Uh,,,,,,, write a review of substance. Just do it. I CAN"T THERES NOTHING TO SAY, then don't even write a review, just log it, YEAH BUT, um, I just gotta go to bed, imma read this tomorrow and cringe. Good night everyone!"
^My review from Letterboxd, and I don't have much to add. It's a "fine" story, but it's just forgettable, the humor dated, and the characters flat that I just got pure boredom out of it. No hard feelings, though Wyldesyde19, I'm still glad I watched it and i Loooooove Burt Lancaster.

1.5+
No worries, I don’t get bent out of shape of someone doesn’t like my picks, indeed not even with my favorite movies.
Scalphunters was a blind pick, because I wanted to go with something less obvious then the usual fare. I instantly regretted it, however. Lesson learned. Don’t step out of my comfort zone for picks.
I prefer to have actually seen them previously before nominating them.

[Citizen Rules]

No worries, I don’t get bent out of shape of someone doesn’t like my picks, indeed not even with my favorite movies.
Scalphunters was a blind pick, because I wanted to go with something less obvious then the usual fare. I instantly regretted it, however. Lesson learned. Don’t step out of my comfort zone for picks.
I prefer to have actually seen them previously before nominating them.Don't feel bad in the Pre 1930s HoF (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?t=59471) I chose a blind nom Marianne (1929) that everyone hated, including me! It came in last place and I made HoF history by voting my own nom last. I thought that was kind of cool.:p

[neiba]

AHAHAH I just realized I made a mistake and nominated the wrong spaghetti! xD Somehow, I totally mixed The Big Gundown (which I enjoy too) with Il Mercenario! :p I stay behind my nom, cause I think it's still solid but if someone wants to watch a few spaghetti before the Countdown I strongly advise Il Mercenario!

[Wyldesyde19]

I’ll be able to see Bone Tomahawk and The Scalphunters in the next week. Work cut into my free time

[John-Connor]

AHAHAH I just realized I made a mistake and nominated the wrong spaghetti! xD Somehow, I totally mixed The Big Gundown (which I enjoy too) with Il Mercenario! :p I stay behind my nom, cause I think it's still solid but if someone wants to watch a few spaghetti before the Countdown I strongly advise Il Mercenario!
lol, + co-sign The Mercenary is my #4 spaghetti western of all time!

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[Citizen Rules]

Has anybody been able to find Dirty Little Billy without the Spanish sub-titles? I tried watching the movie but it was real for me to focus on the story as the damn subtitles were so big and so high up on the screen.

[edarsenal]

Has anybody been able to find Dirty Little Billy without the Spanish sub-titles? I tried watching the movie but it was real for me to focus on the story as the damn subtitles were so big and so high up on the screen.

not without the subtitles, sorry. I watch a lot of things with subtitles so it wasn't bothersome for me. But, yeah, they were pretty huge lol

[Citizen Rules]

not without the subtitles, sorry. I watch a lot of things with subtitles so it wasn't bothersome for me. But, yeah, they were pretty huge lolI watch a lot of things with subs too, even sometimes American or British films with hard to understand dialogue...I'll turn on the subs. But for me with Dirty Little Billy, the combination of the extra large font (and it's big), the higher than usual placement on the screen, both are distracting for me. But most of all I keep trying to read the subs, but I can't read Spanish! So all that then makes it really hard for me to focus on the film. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep trying:p

[edarsenal]

I watch a lot of things with subs too, even sometimes American or British films with hard to understand dialogue...I'll turn on the subs. But for me with Dirty Little Billy, the combination of the extra large font (and it's big), the higher than usual placement on the screen, both are distracting for me. But most of all I keep trying to read the subs, but I can't read Spanish! So all that then makes it really hard for me to focus on the film. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep trying:p

Good Luck!!

[cricket]

Meek's Cutoff

https://media.timeout.com/images/81433/630/472/image.jpg

This was my third film from the director after Night Moves and Wendy and Lucy, both of which I thought were average. I fell asleep 15 minutes into this one, partly because it is very slow, but mostly because I was very tired. I restarted it after waking up, and it was at about the same 15 minute mark when I really started to get into it. This is a very minimalist movie and you practically can't breathe because you have to use every bit of focus to get into it. I understand the less than impressive IMDb rating, but it is unwarranted. There's no outlaws, gunfighters, or wild Indian tribes, just basic problems that are potentially horrific. It all felt very real, and that includes the performances. There was a water main break in my neighborhood and my water was down while I watched this, quite the coincidence. Anyway I was very impressed and for much of the movie I felt like I was watching a masterpiece. I didn't like how it ended, and I normally don't like it when movies end that way. People will defend it, and I get it. I just wish there were more, and part of it is because of how much I was enjoying it. An extra 10 minutes probably would have earned an extra half popcorn from me. One more thing, this felt like a post apocalyptic movie, very unique I think.

3.5

[John-Connor]

Meek's Cutoff
An extra 10 minutes probably would have earned an extra half popcorn from me.

3.5
What would you like to have seen in those 10 min. ?

[cricket]

What would you like to have seen in those 10 min. ?

Anything as long as there was an outcome.

[cricket]

Cache ended like that and there's others I can't think of right now. I don't mind if I don't like the movie and just want it to end.

[John-Connor]

Anything as long as there was an outcome.
From what I've seen in the last scene and can conclude; she/they follow the Indian, who is walking in a straight line to his 'home' with 'gifts' a mirror or something in his hand. But what happens after they get there idk.

[Citizen Rules]

From what I've seen in the last scene and can conclude; she/they follow the Indian, who is walking in a straight line to his 'home' with 'gifts' a mirror or something in his hand. But what happens after they get there idk.

I thought the ending was fitting as it continued the feeling of uncertainty in a desperate situation in unfamiliar surroundings. And as the film is more about the feeling of the moment, than a conventional story, I thought the ending was a perfect fit. Had the ending been definitive, as in they all die, or are all saved..then to me that would've been a typical Hollywood ending. So I'm glad it wasn't resolved and the director made the right choice IMO.

[ahwell]

Meek's Cutoff

I'm glad this was nominated, since I'm looking forward to watching First Cow by the same director, Kelly Reichardt. But this movie did nothing for me, unfortunately.

I want to start off positive, and I'll say that, much like Gandhi, this movie had incredibly cinematography, costumes, and use of color. We had a distinct color differences between the clothing the women wore (bright, colorful dresses) and the men (brown, dirty, dull), which made them pop out more. And that is what essential this movie is about, a twist on the "male Western" trope to make it about women.

Which is great. But then you gotta make it interesting. And it wasn't. At 1 Hour and 42 minutes, this movie dragged. I was counting down the minutes, and at the "climactic" final moments it just... died. There was no ending. I don't really see the point in this movie? Like, what was it trying to say? Perhaps a statement about the portrayal of women and Native Americans in westerns. I don't understand why you would make an entire movie about that, though.

The acting was fine. The script - when there was one - was pretty dull, and I felt that none of the characters actually were real, they were simply pawns in this film of Reichardt. If you like Westerns, go for it. It might be for you. I prefer my Westerns to have a little more story and little less artsy cinematography shots, no matter how beautiful they were.

2+

[cricket]

That's interesting. Despite it being directed by a woman, I didn't perceive the movie to be saying anything about women or men. Maybe it was and it slipped past me.

[Citizen Rules]

Meek's Cutoff

I'm glad this was nominated, since I'm looking forward to watching First Cow by the same director, Kelly Reichardt. But this movie did nothing for me, unfortunately.

I want to start off positive, and I'll say that, much like Gandhi, this movie had incredibly cinematography, costumes, and use of color. We had a distinct color differences between the clothing the women wore (bright, colorful dresses) and the men (brown, dirty, dull), which made them pop out more. And that is what essential this movie is about, a twist on the "male Western" trope to make it about women.

Which is great. But then you gotta make it interesting. And it wasn't. At 1 Hour and 42 minutes, this movie dragged. I was counting down the minutes, and at the "climactic" final moments it just... died. There was no ending. I don't really see the point in this movie? Like, what was it trying to say? Perhaps a statement about the portrayal of women and Native Americans in westerns. I don't understand why you would make an entire movie about that, though.

The acting was fine. The script - when there was one - was pretty dull, and I felt that none of the characters actually were real, they were simply pawns in this film of Reichardt. If you like Westerns, go for it. It might be for you. I prefer my Westerns to have a little more story and little less artsy cinematography shots, no matter how beautiful they were.

rating_2+Ouch, but I'm still going to rep you:p I love Meek's Cutoff, it's a perfect movie for me, but it's understandably that people like different things, so all's cool. Have you seen any other of Reichardt's films?

[ahwell]

Meek's Cutoff

I'm glad this was nominated, since I'm looking forward to watching First Cow by the same director, Kelly Reichardt. But this movie did nothing for me, unfortunately.

I want to start off positive, and I'll say that, much like Gandhi, this movie had incredibly cinematography, costumes, and use of color. We had a distinct color differences between the clothing the women wore (bright, colorful dresses) and the men (brown, dirty, dull), which made them pop out more. And that is what essential this movie is about, a twist on the "male Western" trope to make it about women.

Which is great. But then you gotta make it interesting. And it wasn't. At 1 Hour and 42 minutes, this movie dragged. I was counting down the minutes, and at the "climactic" final moments it just... died. There was no ending. I don't really see the point in this movie? Like, what was it trying to say? Perhaps a statement about the portrayal of women and Native Americans in westerns. I don't understand why you would make an entire movie about that, though.

The acting was fine. The script - when there was one - was pretty dull, and I felt that none of the characters actually were real, they were simply pawns in this film of Reichardt. If you like Westerns, go for it. It might be for you. I prefer my Westerns to have a little more story and little less artsy cinematography shots, no matter how beautiful they were.

rating_2+Ouch, but I'm still going to rep you:p I love Meek's Cutoff, it's a perfect movie for me, but it's understandably that people like different things, so all's cool. Have you seen any other of Reichardt's films?
I’m sorry :(, no I haven’t seen any of her films, maybe this was a bad starting point.

[Wyldesyde19]

That's interesting. Despite it being directed by a woman, I didn't perceive the movie to be saying anything about women or men. Maybe it was and it slipped past me.
Oh yeah, there was a bit of social commentary being drawn between the women and men in so far as to how they handled adversity. Notice the women walked alongside the wagons while the men were either horseback or steered the wagon.
Williams character in particular spoke her mind, when the others kept their thoughts to themselves.

[Siddon]

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/502c4e50e4b0d8e7719a5f39/1520046492186-FYNP09E5325WEF5T98Q1/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kNH6OYFBFthZ_-vFWNgoawB7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QHyNOqBUUEtDDsRWrJLTmoJKo7K 7P-K3iDKcb1IjyB9j0IWnNx_gLgDbRUPxLGKAZroJeMK7sYplrS2L--Akz/BONE-TOMAHAWK-WHEELER.jpg?format=1500w


"Say goodbye to my wife, I'll say hello to yours"


Bone Tomahawk (2015) was released by one of my favorite filmmakers Craig Zahler, it tells the story of four men who ride off into the west to track down the kidnappers of three townspeople, the deputy, doctor, and the drifter. It's a film that walks that fine Western balance of hyper literate and incredible visuals.


I want to start off talking about how great these characters are. Richard Jenkins is the backup deputy...Chicory and what I like about Chicory is that he's old not necessarily wise. He's the backup deputy but he's also the backup doctor and while it's clear he's over his head he does have this strong personality.



Arthur is a cowboy and much like Chicory he's constantly emasculated. He's the husband of the town doctor..a woman. He broke his leg so he's just stumbling along everyone is keeping an eye on him because he's a liability.


Then you've got the Sheriff Hunt who is the leader but he's well over his head. When they go onto this mission he makes it clear that they are only going to win because they are smarter than the savages (guess what they aren't).



Finally we've got Matthew Fox's character who is straight out of a Chaplin film as a villain.

https://moviepaws.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/bonetomahawk_foxhorse.jpg


He's got this gorgeous white horse, this expensive tools (I love how they react to the spyglass...it's like an 1899 IPHONE) and in a lesser film he would betray his comrades or demonstrate cowardice but that's not really what this film is about.


I always say the best westerns are the ones that are about something deeper...a moral choice. And Bone Tomahawk is basically the story of Orpheus descending into Hades. You telling the story of men going into hell to rescue the innocents and it's a long journey where it just gets worse and worse and you notice the landscape changes it starts off in this garden and then it descends into this dusty pit of hell. The film is shot cinamatatically but the horror is very quick and brutal. A hallmark of Zahler's films is on second and third watch you'll catch these scenes in the background that are terrifying.

[Citizen Rules]

Meek's Cutoff
...And that is what essential this movie is about, a twist on the "male Western" trope to make it about women...I didn't see it as being a male western troupe but with women instead. It's not really a western troupe at all. Now, The Quick and The Dead with Sharon Stone as the mysterious outsider gunslinger come into a western town for a gunfight, was certainly a woman in a typical male western role. But I don't feel that's what Meek's Cutoff was aiming for. I mean if you had everyone in the movie being all men, it would still be a non-western western movie.

That's interesting. Despite it being directed by a woman, I didn't perceive the movie to be saying anything about women or men. Maybe it was and it slipped past me.I didn't perceive any kind of a gender message coming from the movie either.

Oh yeah, there was a bit of social commentary being drawn between the women and men in so far as to how they handled adversity. Notice the women walked alongside the wagons while the men were either horseback or steered the wagon.
Williams character in particular spoke her mind, when the others kept their thoughts to themselves. That doesn't have to do with social commentary. Pioneers crossing the plains did just that, they got out and walked to spare the horses. The men aren't walking as they're driving the wagons or riding horseback.

[Wyldesyde19]

Oh yeah, there was a bit of social commentary being drawn between the women and men in so far as to how they handled adversity. Notice the women walked alongside the wagons while the men were either horseback or steered the wagon.
Williams character in particular spoke her mind, when the others kept their thoughts to themselves.
[/quote]That doesn't have to do with social commentary. Pioneers crossing the plains did just that, they got out and walked to spare the horses. The men aren't walking as they're driving the wagons or riding horseback.[/QUOTE]
Perhaps social commentary wasn’t the right word. But there is a stark contrast between the two sexed in the film, as the men are ALWAYS on horseback or starring the wagon while the women are walking. Yes, pioneers did just that, but the women seemed condemned to walk through the whole trek.
You’d think they’d take turns.
Unless I am not remembering some scenes where they had. But my memory seems to recall they didn’t.

[John-Connor]

McCabe & Mrs Miller 1971 Directed by Robert Altman

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2h | Drama | Western
Writers: Edmund Naughton (novel), Robert Altman (screenplay)
Soundtrack: Leonard Cohen
Stars: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Rene Auberjonois, Keith Carradine, Shelley Duvall, William Devane

Included on the following lists:
- John Connor's Top 250 of All Time
- BFI Screen Guide's 100 Westerns
- Roger Ebert's Great Movies
- Movie Forums: Top 100 of the 1970s

(Read a review here where there was a complaint about the lighting. But I watched the Blu-Ray version and the lighting was perfect and every detail clearly visible.)

The film starts with a lone stranger riding into a small mining town on a grim and rainy day. When the stranger reaches the town’s shabby saloon we find out the stranger is the infamous cigar smoking gambler John McCabe. Played by Warren Beatty in one of his best performances. McCabe intends to move into town, he has a vision and a plan to establish his own saloon and brothel. He starts off very small time and amateurish until the arrival of the experienced and streetwise Mrs. Constance Miller. Played by the beautiful and talented Julie Christie. She offers her much needed professionalism and female touch to McCabe’s business for a share of the profits. The business deal results in a successful and luxurious whorehouse. A special chemistry starts to develop between McCabe & Mrs Miller and business is thriving. However an aggressive major corporation has their own plans with the town and offers to buy McCabe out. When McCabe refuses, the drama unfolds..

Engaging, believable, and poetic take on the Old West by Altman. Provides a pleasant change from cinematic Western stereotypes. Shot in authentic looking West Vancouver and Squamish, Canada.

Really enjoyed this re-watch and the atypical complex romantic chemistry between McCabe and Mrs. Miller. The script is fun, smart and heartfelt. High on my all time favorite western list and Hall of Fame ballot.

4


60845

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Trivia:
Before casting Warren Beatty and Julie Christie, Robert Altman originally wanted George C. Scott and Patricia Quinn for the lead roles.

[John-Connor]

Bone Tomahawk 2015 Directed by S. Craig Zahler (Re-watch)
60851

*mild spoilers..

Bone Tomahawk is a well made film and an interesting mixture of genres; Western, Mystery, Action and Horror.
So far I'm pretty impressed by both films I've seen by Craig Zahler. This one and Dragged Across Concrete.

Great casting job on all the characters involved. Big Kurt Russel fan, so can’t go wrong with him as the tough heroic Sheriff. Lili Simmons who was absolutely amazing in the TV show Banshee as the town doctor and Mathew Fox I think we all know as Jack from Lost as a brave Indian killing dapper Dan bachelor. And last but not least Richard Jenkins as the colorful and humorous deputy Chicory.
The film also features a brief appearance by Captain Spaulding. :D
60852

The final showdown with the savages and the terrifying imagery in the last couple of scenes were pretty gruesome but it did do the trick for me, and gave the film a memorable and climactic grand finale.
Good nomination and enjoyable re-watch!

[ahwell]

That's interesting. Despite it being directed by a woman, I didn't perceive the movie to be saying anything about women or men. Maybe it was and it slipped past me.
It just seemed to me like Reichardt was making a point of showing how the women had to look on as the men made all the decisions and got them into trouble. I may have been reading too far into it.

[Citizen Rules]

It just seemed to me like Reichardt was making a point of showing how the women had to look on as the men made all the decisions and got them into trouble. I may have been reading too far into it.That might have been to some extent. Though I think these days we're conditioned to see tribalism in every aspect of life, especially movies. IMO the director was striving for a much more realistic film than most westerns. That's why the women don't make the decisions as in 1845 they wouldn't have...except for a few individuals like Michele Williams character. I just never got the feeling the director was trying to inject 21st century social politics into the movie.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=60942
Dirty Little Billy (1972)

Trapped in the muddy confines of Coffeeville, Billy a kid faced teen, languishes with no direction and zero motivation. He ends up forcibly ejected from his own home by an abusive stepfather and takes up living in a run down shack-of-a-sallon with a crazed pimp and his angelic faced prostitute girlfriend. Thus raw circumstances and a lack of personal hygiene starts the career of one of the old west most notorious outlaws.

I dug this indie style, coming of age film. It reflects the journey that the young adult, baby boomers were taking at the time. With it's psyche of non conformity and un-traditionalism it embodies the hallmark of the counter culture of the late 60s and early 70s.

Dirty Little Billy is a unique, non-hollywood western that brings much realism into this deep character study of Billy the Kid. I loved the slow paced, deeply introspective style of film making. The film is about the ambiance and the in-between moments that makes up a life. And in between the violent climax of the film where Billy becomes an outlaw, and the bleak start where he's forced out into the world on his own...we have all the lost moments that go to make up the individual that we call Billy the Kid. I thought that was fresh film making and I quite enjoyed it. and the style of the film making reminds me of my nom Meek's Cutoff.

One cool nom.

[ahwell]

The Big Gundown

Much, much, better than I was expecting, I actually quite enjoyed this movie! There were a lot of issues with continuity of editing, some stiff acting, and overall tropes that a lot of Westerns in this era had, but it was legitimately super fun!

The main reason I took this movie down two stars was because it's really nooooot a good portrayal of women in this time period - the premise is a 12-year old girl got raped and killed by a Mexican. Then the main character - a bounty hunter - is payed to go pay the guy that did it, until he founds out that he's being payed to kill a witness to the rape. The killer and rapist does get killed in the end... but it's just... weird. The rape is seen as a super trivial thing, and multiple times the main character says he doesn't really care about the rape, he just wants money. It's seen as a proponent of the plot, some law that some guy broke for some random reason, is what I'm trying to say, and not something that's legit an issue that they go into detail about. This is all coming from someone who usually gets annoyed when old movies are criticized for being sexist/racist.

But aside from that, this was honestly pretty amazing. The structure and pacing was smooth and confident, Ennio Morricone's score is absolutely excellent, and we just got some great Western outside atmosphere. Reccomended!

3+

[ahwell]

Red River

My third Howard Hawks film cements him as one of My Favorite Directors. The man is just legendary at getting a good plot, amazing characters, and sharp dialogue into an often stereotypical genre (in this case, the Western).

It's a classic for a reason; beautifully shot, wonderfully written, yada yada. The black and white is crisp and almost makes the title ironic, as obviously there is zero red in this thing. This is my 6th John Wayne film, he gives great performances and wasn't a let down here.

While the story admittedly has pacing issues, such as the terrible ending- actually, yeah, let's talk about that ending.

What? The ending was so abrupt, unsatisfying, frustrating. It had the potential to be a climax along the lines of The Searchers or The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Instead, the men hassle for two minutes, get yelled at by Matt's girlfriend, and make up. And what about the poor kid John Wayne's character had just shot two minutes before? Nah, he'll be fine, who cares...

Well, whatever. It's not a big complaint since most of the movie is fantastic. Just not the ending I would have wanted. Seriously, check this one out, especially if you're a Hawks fan! It's a good one, although my least favorite Hawks at the moment.

3.5-

[cricket]

I agree^^terrible ending to an otherwise excellent movie.

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=61055
The Big Gundown (1966)

This was pretty good as far as spaghetti westerns go, though I don't actually care for spaghetti westerns. I guess with the in your face tropes and dubbed dialogue they remind me of Tarantino's films and I'm not a fan of his. So I'm not surprised to learn that The Big Gundown is actually one of Quentin Tarentino's favorite spaghetti westerns. He'll probably remake it someday.

The twist ending was cool and I didn't see that coming. But I'm just not into a film where a bounty hunter rides into a ranch run by a woman and all of her male employees take it upon themselves to try and kill the bounty hunter instead of letting him take the wanted man. I mean why would they risk their lives for him, when in an earlier scene they had scorned him for being Mexican and whipped him.

[Siddon]

https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KjzP3KdSr-c/Tc1jHeutYKI/AAAAAAAAENA/NaQthxJZs4g/s1600/Bruce+Greenwood+in+Meek%2527s+Cutoff.jpg

Meeks Cutoff (2010)


Can we just take a moment to talk about how fake Meek's beard looks...holy low budget Batman!. Meek's Cutoff is a film that has promise but fails to deliver on that promise. This is the story of a group of settlers lost in the desert attempting to get to the sea...or California honestly I kinda just rolled my eyes to the back of my head and just absorbed the journey. I don't understand why nobody can make a thrilling Donner party or Oregon Trail film and why every one of these films has to be slow. The strength of the film to me was the insertion of the native american and how you have this group trying to use him...but also some of them want to kill him. Westerns are always at their best when they are presenting us with moralistic choices. I also enjoyed how the night shots were pitch black..it was something different which I liked. End of the day this was a rewatch and it didn't grab me the first time and it didn't grab me the second time.

[Citizen Rules]

I watched McCabe & Mrs Miller for the second time last night. The first time I watched it was for the first Western HoF. My opinion didn't really change but I do have a deeper respect for the director Robert Altman's artistic and technical expertise. Instead of writing another review, I just now rewrote my old review and updated it.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=61071
McCabe & Mrs Miller (Robert Altman, 1971)


I loved the shooting location in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. It gave a really authentic look to the town, with all the mud, rain and evergreen trees. The small, rustic town built on a step mountainside also added to the film's ambiance. One beautiful movie to look at!

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=61069

Great sets too...I loved the look of the film and the cinematography choices. The entire film was expertly handled by Altman. It's really near flawless. I especially liked the scene of the man dancing on the ice, which reminded me of one of the greatest movie scenes ever filmed.

I liked the story premise too, it was an interesting subject matter and I did enjoy watching it. Overall there's a lot to like here, unfortunately there's a few things that didn't work for me:

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=61070

The theme song that played over and over, drove me nuts. It took me out of the film and was distracting as I kept focusing on it instead of the film.

Also I couldn't make out what was being said half the time. The words were so mumbled that I actually had to use subtitles to know what they were saying. This made it hard to connect to the film emotionally. The sound mix needed to be done differently.


The interior shots were to dark at times and hard to see, but they sure looked authentic. Just a tiny bit more light would have helped. I read other reviews that mentioned the darkness and sound quality so I know it just wasn't me. I also read Robert Altman deliberately 'frosted' the negative of his film so that it would have a dark slightly hazy look, that could not be corrected later on by the studio. An artistic choice that I liked.

But I don't like Warren Betty, I never have. His movie star fame didn't last long and he's not much of an actor either. Though I will say he's perfectly cast here as a successful but clueless business man. And true to Altman's style he spends a lot of time on colorful dialogue and yet doesn't give us much insight or development on the characters (or maybe I just couldn't hear it!) I felt like I didn't even know what Julie Christie's character was about. Nor did we get much on the momentous task of building a thriving town out of the wilderness mud.

McCabe & Mrs Miller is the kind of film that can grow on you and takes more than one viewing to get it's full effect. However as I already knew what was coming at the ending, the rewatch wasn't emotional rewarding and the last 20 minutes with the hired guns dragged.

[John-Connor]

Gunslingers

edarsenal (0 out of 8)
neiba (0 out of 8)
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AppropriateRingedBasilisk-size_restricted.gif

Ballot sent! :cool:

[Citizen Rules]

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AppropriateRingedBasilisk-size_restricted.gif

Ballot sent! :cool: Tumble weeds are so cool! Congrats for being the first to finish:p Think I'll watch a western tonight and then watch my last nom real soon so I can be done...then I'll finish off my last two Best Picture noms for that HoF.

[edarsenal]

https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AppropriateRingedBasilisk-size_restricted.gif

Ballot sent! :cool:

LOL

I've actually seen 3 films, Dirty Little Billy, Red River and McCabe & Mrs Miller and haven't posted ANY reviews for them :rolleyes:


ALSO, along with John we have ahwell's Ballot as well!

[Citizen Rules]

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=61186
Bone Tomahawk (2015)

This reminded me of The Salvation from the last Western HoF, both films have a direct to video feel about them. People talk about old 40s and 50s movies having stiff acting, but damn this had some of the worst acting I've seen. I mean if felt like a day time soap opera in the way they delivered their overwritten lines. And the dialogue wasn't as clever as the writer might have thought it would be. Especially in the saloon scene where all the cast is gathered to discuss going on the hunt for the missing girl, just the way they deliver there lines sounded like they just didn't care. The one character I liked and who I thought was good was David Arquette. Sadly he didn't get much air time as he was eaten off camera:p

Shortly after I joined MoFo someone told me about this film and I tried to watch it back then:

From the thread: Movies you couldn't even watch
Bone Tomahawk (2015) was the last one, I hate that current style of film making with over done irrelevant dialogue and ultra violence/gore for the sheer thrill of it. I made it to 15 minutes and off it went.

So after watching this the dialogue never got better, it was as fakey as a monopoly money and the violence while gory was fakey cheesy gory. But I was totally surprised that this was about zombie like cannibal troglodytes, wow! I never knew that. I always thought this was a regular western.

As a so bad it's good type of movie I could see people enjoying this with a six pack of Red Bull and a big bag of Slim Jims. But it's not my type of movie and not well done.

[cricket]

I even enjoyed it as a western before it changed over.

[pahaK]

Oh yes, I was waiting for Citizen Rules to review Bone Tomahawk :D Totally not surprised that he didn't like it. I think it's OK but like all the films by Zahler, it's way too long for its contents. Drop that stupid leg injury and with it 30 minutes of limping across the desert and it could even be good.

[Citizen Rules]

I even enjoyed it as a western before it changed over.Even the dialogue between the guy with the bad leg and his girl...and Kurt Russell and his wife, sounded to me so fakey and so obviously overwritten like the writer was trying to emulate Pulp Fiction. And the phrases they used was to modern sounding to me. But like I said I could see people having fun with it.

[Citizen Rules]

Oh yes, I was waiting for @Citizen Rules (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84637) to review Bone Tomahawk :D Totally not surprised that he didn't like it. I think it's OK but like all the films by Zahler, it's way too long for its contents. Drop that stupid leg injury and with it 30 minutes of limping across the desert and it could even be good.Yeah it did take a long time for the group to find the troglodytes.

I prefer Joan Crawford's Trog (1970):p

[CosmicRunaway]

Other than the ridiculously violent turn the film takes, I don't remember too much about Bone Tomahawk. But CR's issues with the dialogue sound like the exact same problem I had with Zahler's last film, Dragged Across Concrete. Maybe that kind of writing works better in his novels, but I don't think it translates well to the screen.

[Citizen Rules]

I watched Red River last night for the third time. I decided to watch the colorized version just to compare it to the original b&w. I love b&w movies btw...the color version was fun to see but I still prefer Red River in b&w.

This is my old review of Red River which I updated with my thoughts from last nights viewing.

https://www.movieforums.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=61202
Red River (Howard Hawks 1948)




Red River does a lot of things right and there's a few things I wish it had done differently. Overall it's a fine and powerful western.
First the good stuff:

John Wayne, he's a bastard in this film and a damn good one! He got my 'dander up' and that's a sign of a strong actor. Some people think that he can't act because he always plays the same roles. BS! The man can definitely act and he does vary his performances. He's in top form in Red River.

Montgomery Clift, they could have easily made his character an arch type, wimpy guy, who couldn't do anything right. But here he's tough enough, but fair...He's a quick draw and will use his gun, but he's not cold blooded. He's fleshed out and three dimensional and makes the movie work. He's a unique actor, I like him in the films I've seen him in.

Walter Brennan, Brennan lightens the mood so our senses have a chance to reset and be ready for the next tension filled scene. I always liked him, he adds a lot.

Quo the Native American, yes I'm even going to review him! He paired well with Brennan and also added a lighter touch when it was needed. Thumbs up to the script writer for respecting his character and not making him look foolish.

Cherry Valance, cool name for a character. John Ireland rocks this role. Good story element as he appears to be the antagonist and a direct threat to Montgomery Clift. This really adds tension and excitement. The way his character finally turns out is a sign of an intelligent script.

I loved! the on-location shooting. The film looks so rich and vast with the wide angle shots at the start of the film of the wagon train. Later there's nice wide angle shots of 1000s of cattle on the open range. Very impressive and a hallmark of Howard Hawks, he goes big here!

61203

What I didn't like: The wagon train scene when the girl is shot through the shoulder with an arrow, she doesn't even flinch...she actually smiles. Say what?

The happy ending didn't work for me. We have this huge buildup with Dunson, half crazed with revenge comes into Abilene to kill Matt. After a dramatic fight sequence, the girl (Joanne Dru) gives a speech and then almost automatically they're friends again.

And that seemed cold heartened, Cherry Valance is 'killed' and laying there and they just forget him....and everyone ends on a happy note.

Though, the ending was a forced change thanks to billionaire Howard Hughes threatening director Howard Hawks with legal claims of plagiarism, as Hughes claimed the movie's ending was similar to his movie The Outlaw. Thus the ending was re-edited and changed so that it's unclear if Cherry lives or not. I suspect in the original ending Cherry died as it was written that Cherry kills Dunson in a gun fight. The happy ending might intended to have Cherry still alive, but without re-filming the shoot out there's not an establishing shot showing Cherry alive and well. I blame Howard Hughes for the ambiguous happy ending and not the director or the film.

Still Red River is one of the all time great Westerns.

[ahwell]

Bone Tomahawk

The Western element in this and the horror element in this are actually both pretty stereotypical/follow the guidelines. It's just the fact that they are combined that makes this movie stand out.

And it does certainly stand out, I can't deny it's a well made, written, and engaging film. I never had to check the run length, and it was over two hours long! The acting was good (although Lili Simmons is very stiff as Samantha... I found it hard to believe her part), and score was chilling.

I think the look of this film seemed a little too dark and musty, but at the same time too polished. The gore scenes at the end were shot with a light filter that just looked so fake to me, and I wanted it be more real.

It's certainly an interesting idea, I did for the most part love this... the first half is definitely closer to a 4 or 4.5, but the second half in which we leave all character development behind, drags it down to that (still solid) 3.5.

3.5-

[ahwell]

So I'm all done now :)

[Wyldesyde19]

Watching The Scalphunters tonight. Will hopefully get to Red River this Sunday.
Time to dig into this and finish off Best Picture

[edarsenal]

I actually four of these watched and need to write their reviews and, yeah, knock out Best Picture as well

[Wyldesyde19]

I actually four of these watched and need to write their reviews and, yeah, knock out Best Picture as well
Slacker!
Meanwhile, I have to do my write up for The Scalphunters 😏

[edarsenal]

Slacker!
Meanwhile, I have to do my write up for The Scalphunters 😏

oh my god YES - TOTALLY

[Wyldesyde19]

The Scalphunters

Bass just wants his furs back. Joseph Lee just wants his freedom. jim Howie just wants to scalp Indians. Kate? Well, I’m not really sure what she really wanted.
Each character are caught up in said possession of the furs.
This is a fairly pedestrian films that doesn’t do any justice to the talent involved.
Burt Lancaster and Ossie Davis are the only standouts here. Shelley Winters isn’t given anything worthwhile to do, and seems bored with her role.
In the end, the dynamic between Lee and Bass is the only interesting part of the film.
Bass looks down on Lee. They’re both different from each other in terms of personalities. Bass is a gruff hunter who lives by the land. Lee is a intelligent black man who knows his history. Both feel more superior then the other. In the end they have a fist fight where Lee finally stands up for himself, finally earning Bass respect.
He finally shares a bottle with Lee and allows him to ride his horse with him. But unfortunately what proceeds it ruins it.

This was a blind pick that I thought looked interesting because of the cast and the director involved. I should have stuck with my first instinct and stuck with what I was familiar with.
And again....I’m so sorry, guys!

[Citizen Rules]

The Scalphunters
...This was a blind pick that I thought looked interesting because of the cast and the director involved. I should have stuck with my first instinct and stuck with what I was familiar with.
And again....I’m so sorry, guys! No worries, I liked it. Just curious what else were you considering?

[Wyldesyde19]

The Scalphunters
...This was a blind pick that I thought looked interesting because of the cast and the director involved. I should have stuck with my first instinct and stuck with what I was familiar with.
And again....I’m so sorry, guys! No worries, I liked it. Just curious what else were you considering?

I had considered The usual Ford films and Wayne films, but I wanted to go with something Different this time. And I came across this on Amazon and thought it looked interesting. Odds of most people having Already seen it seemed low.
I was very hesitant picking a blind nom, but I was really at a loss of what to choose.
Also, this and the previous HOF have made me realize I need to broaden my westerns horizons. Starting that up with quite a few selections in the next month.

[Citizen Rules]

I had considered The usual Ford films and Wayne films, but I wanted to go with something Different this time. And I v and across this on Amazon and thought it looked interesting. Odds of most people having Already seen it seemed low.
I was very hesitant picking a blind nom, but I was really at a loss of what to choose.
Also, this and the previous HOF have made me realize I need to broaden my westerns horizons. Starting that up with quite a few selections in the next month.See I like watching obscure westerns. I just watched one tonight, Copper Sky (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050265/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) it's so obscure it only has a 138 rating votes on IMDB and only 13 reviews. It wasn't the best but I'd never seen another western quite like it.

[Wyldesyde19]

Also, reading your western reviews for the countdown has also gotten my attention.

[Wyldesyde19]

I had considered The usual Ford films and Wayne films, but I wanted to go with something Different this time. And I v and across this on Amazon and thought it looked interesting. Odds of most people having Already seen it seemed low.
I was very hesitant picking a blind nom, but I was really at a loss of what to choose.
Also, this and the previous HOF have made me realize I need to broaden my westerns horizons. Starting that up with quite a few selections in the next month.See I like watching obscure westerns. I just watched one tonight, Copper Sky (1957) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050265/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1) it's so obscure it only has a 138 rating votes on IMDB and only 13 reviews. It wasn't the best but I'd never seen another western quite like it.
There are a bunch of obscure Spaghetti Westerns on Amazon that have my attention. Sabata, and Sartana series. Also, a few I haven’t heard of such as Support your Local Gunfighter and Support your love Sheriff. A Man Called Horse.
April, I have decided, is when I’m going to sit down and watch a lot of these (assuming they aren’t removed by then) and maybe put forward a list for the countdown.

[Citizen Rules]

Also, reading your western reviews for the countdown has also gotten my attention. Cool, I'm glad somebody reads it:p I want to watch a bunch more westerns before the Countdown voting deadline is up. We have two months left now.

[Wyldesyde19]

Also, Hulu has some really older Westerns:
The Tall Stranger
The Furies
The Hangman
Warpath
Pony Express
The Lonely Man

Any of those sound familiar?

[gbgoodies]

There are a bunch of obscure Spaghetti Westerns on Amazon that have my attention. Sabata, and Sartana series. Also, a few I haven’t heard of such as Support your Local Gunfighter and Support your love Sheriff. A Man Called Horse.
April, I have decided, is when I’m going to sit down and watch a lot of these (assuming they aren’t removed by then) and maybe put forward a list for the countdown.


Support Your Local Sheriff and Support Your Local Gunfighter are both great movies, especially if you like western comedies.

.

[gbgoodies]

Cool, I'm glad somebody reads it:p I want to watch a bunch more westerns before the Countdown voting deadline is up. We have two months left now.


I've been reading your Western Movie Log. I've added a few movies to my watchlist from that thread. :)

[Wyldesyde19]

There are a bunch of obscure Spaghetti Westerns on Amazon that have my attention. Sabata, and Sartana series. Also, a few I haven’t heard of such as Support your Local Gunfighter and Support your love Sheriff. A Man Called Horse.
April, I have decided, is when I’m going to sit down and watch a lot of these (assuming they aren’t removed by then) and maybe put forward a list for the countdown.


Support Your Local Sheriff and Support Your Local Gunfighter are both great movies, especially if you like western comedies.

.
GBGoodies approves. Can’t say no to watching them now!

[gbgoodies]

Also, Hulu has some really older Westerns:
The Tall Stranger
The Furies
The Hangman
Warpath
Pony Express
The Lonely Man

Any of those sound familiar?


I haven't heard of any of those movies, but if you're looking for more western movies, there are a lot of them on YouTube and DailyMotion that you can watch for free.

[gbgoodies]

GBGoodies approves. Can’t say no to watching them now!

I'm looking forward to your reviews of them. (At least one of those two movies will probably make my Top Westerns List. :))

[Wyldesyde19]

GBGoodies approves. Can’t say no to watching them now!

I'm looking forward to your reviews of them. (At least one of those two movies will probably make my Top Westerns List. :))
If you had joined us you could have selected one of them for me to watch in the recommendations 😏
I’ll definitely be starting more westerns up in April. I’ll add those two to my selection for sure.

[gbgoodies]

If you had joined us you could have selected one of them for me to watch in the recommendations 😏
I’ll definitely be starting more westerns up in April. I’ll add those two to my selection for sure.


I'm not sure which HoF you're referring to, but I thought about joining this westerns HoF, but I'm not a fan of spaghetti westerns, and I was pretty sure that some would be nominated. I've been watching a bunch of westerns, but I'm carefully picking movies that sound like they're more "my type" of westerns.

If you're talking about the Personal Recommendations HoF, I don't think either of those movies is on the MoFo lists (hopefully yet), so they wouldn't have been eligible.

[Wyldesyde19]

If you had joined us you could have selected one of them for me to watch in the recommendations 😏
I’ll definitely be starting more westerns up in April. I’ll add those two to my selection for sure.


I'm not sure which HoF you're referring to, but I thought about joining this westerns HoF, but I'm not a fan of spaghetti westerns, and I was pretty sure that some would be nominated. I've been watching a bunch of westerns, but I'm carefully picking movies that sound like they're more "my type" of westerns.

If you're talking about the Personal Recommendations HoF, I don't think either of those movies is on the MoFo lists (hopefully yet), so they wouldn't have been eligible.
Yep, the personal recommendations HOF.
Support Your Local Sheriff is on the list, I don’t think Support Your Local Gunfighter is however.
Buuuuut.....if it makes the final list it will become eligible for future ones.
Just saying 😏

[gbgoodies]

Yep, the personal recommendations HOF.
Support Your Local Sheriff is on the list, I don’t think Support Your Local Gunfighter is however.
Buuuuut.....if it makes the final list it will become eligible for future ones.
Just saying 😏


Maybe, but by then you will have already watched it for the MoFo Westerns List, right? ;)

[Citizen Rules]

Also, Hulu has some really older Westerns:
The Tall Stranger
The Furies
The Hangman
Warpath
Pony Express
The Lonely Man

Any of those sound familiar?Sorry for the late reply, I went to bed...But now it's breakfast time...I've seen The Furies and that film gets a lot of respect. And I seen The Lonely Man that's decent.

I'm glad you posted that list because I'm going to try and watch many of those. I've not used Hulu before, is that a pay-per-stream site?

[Wyldesyde19]

Also, Hulu has some really older Westerns:
The Tall Stranger
The Furies
The Hangman
Warpath
Pony Express
The Lonely Man

Any of those sound familiar?Sorry for the late reply, I went to bed...But now it's breakfast time...I've seen The Furies and that film gets a lot of respect. And I seen The Lonely Man that's decent.

I'm glad you posted that list because I'm going to try and watch many of those. I've not used Hulu before, is that a pay-per-stream site?
It is, yes.
Anthony Mann I recognize. I think I remember you mentioning him in your westerns thread when you reviewed a film of his. He’s a director I’m not overly familiar with however.

[Citizen Rules]

It is, yes.
Anthony Mann I recognize. I think I remember you mentioning him in your westerns thread when you reviewed a film of his. He’s a director I’m not overly familiar with however.Anthony Mann isn't a name that comes up on MoFo often but he made a lot of great films and a lot of really solid westerns. I've seen many of his westerns and I have a few more to watch in the next two months. I've seen these and all are prime considerations to make my voting list:

1958 Man of the West (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051899/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_6)
1957 The Tin Star (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051087/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_8)
1955 The Man from Laramie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048342/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_12)
1954 The Far Country (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048055/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_14)
1953 The Naked Spur (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044953/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_17)
1952 Bend of the River (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044413/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_18)
1950 The Furies (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042490/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_22)
1950 Winchester '73 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043137/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_23)

[gbgoodies]

Anthony Mann isn't a name that comes up on MoFo often but he made a lot of great films and a lot of really solid westerns. I've seen many of his westerns and I have a few more to watch in the next two months. I've seen these and all are prime considerations to make my voting list:

1958 Man of the West (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051899/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_6)
1957 The Tin Star (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051087/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_8)
1955 The Man from Laramie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048342/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_12)
1954 The Far Country (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048055/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_14)
1953 The Naked Spur (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044953/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_17)
1952 Bend of the River (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044413/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_18)
1950 The Furies (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042490/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_22)
1950 Winchester '73 (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043137/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_23)


The only one of these movies that I've seen is Winchester '73, and it's currently on my potential list for the westerns list, but several of them are already on my watchlist.

[Wyldesyde19]

Hi ...
nice collection and I like it ...
Thank you
Hi....
If this looks interesting, you should consider joining future HOF.

[neiba]

Hey you all!

Just saying that I'm still in this and as of today, I'm in quarantine due to the spreading of the new Coronavirus, so next two weeks will be very good to this HoF! :p

[edarsenal]

https://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/great-movie-red-river-1948/EB19980301REVIEWS08401010355AR.jpg


Red River

Sims Reeves: Plantin' and readin', plantin' and readin'. Fill a man full o' lead, stick him in the ground an' then read words on him. Why, when you've killed a man, why try to read the Lord in as a partner on the job?

This is a pretty solid western. Even with the quick wrap up ending that was not initially intended when Hawks made this film. Though, in a way, I can let it by knowing full well how an angry woman yelling at two men in a fight and everyone knows everyone, just how quickly the wind gets knocked out of both men's sails and they go from roaring to mewing, pretty d@mn quick. :D

But, let's get to the full film itself.

This has all the trappings of a d@mn good, ole time western. Starting with two iconic actors that would become synonymous with Westerns; Walter Brennan and John Wayne and adding on, playing the next generation of "building up something great', Montgomery Clift. Who sets out to, not only prove himself, but to finish the job. His butting heads with Wayne's Dunson as well as the "sizing up" between him and John Ireland's Cherry Valance (f@ckin cool name) that turned into a mutual respect, were some of the best situations in this film.
Add in the tough, seasoned prairie lady, Tess Milay, played with a cagey warmth by Joanne Dru, you have a great cast as well as a strong list of characters to enjoy and get caught up in.

And I was very much caught up in it. From the beginning when Dunson leaves the wagon train and a woman he loves to set out on his own, and finding Clift's Matt, as a tough youngster and together with Brennan's Groot, setting up a ranch of Dunson's own. we move a decade or so later to when he must move his cattle and horse herd a thousand miles to Missouri. With all the conflicts, internal and external that could and would occur. Making for some great western style scenery and scenarios.

A definite Must See for anyone who loves Westerns

[Citizen Rules]

Red River
...I was very much caught up in it. From the beginning when Dunson leaves the wagon train and a woman he loves to set out on his own... That woman was Coleen Gray and even though she had only a minute or two on screen, she really hit all the emotions during her close up shot...she's really good in this.

[edarsenal]

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMDY2ZGQ5ODMtMDJhNS00NmE0LWExNTAtMjE5ZGVkZmUyNzhiXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjUyNDk2ODc@._V1_.jpg


Dirty Little Billy

Ben Antrim: All right, Billy. All right. You still haven't answered my question. What do you want to do?
Billy Bonney: . . . Nothin'.

This was everything I was expecting and hoping for when I first saw this being nominated. It was also one I was considering from the recommendations made by Holden Pike in the Westerns Lists (https://www.movieforums.com/community/showthread.php?p=2047602#post2047602) Thread.
I've seen a very large amount of Billy the Kid films and pretty much enjoyed them all and each of their glamorized renditions of The Kid. What really sets this apart from them is that it is more of a realistic, and extremely dirty, aka muddy version of that formative time prior to his arrival into the Lincoln County Wars and into the infamous legends of the West.

When I say realistic, I speak of a "no account" delinquent that becomes an outlaw and not the "Prince of Pistolliers" that legend has glamorized him into. Which I'm not knocking at all, but I truly did enjoy this more unique, mud encrusted version that is portrayed perfectly by Michael J. Pollard. Along with the dangerously bent Goldie, played by Richard Evans that Billy easily falls in with as the very kind of trouble-maker that Billy would associate with.
There was a lot here that made for an excellent "origin" story. How, when picked on or rushed at in the street, while Billy would dodge away, he would refuse to runaway. And that would become a trademark of his in his short life.
There was so much of this I found refreshing and entertaining to watch regarding such an iconic person and bringing a more down to earth rendition of him. Making the violent ending far more of an impact. Signalling the birth of the outlaw.

I am SOO happy I got a chance to see this one!

[edarsenal]

That woman was Coleen Gray and even though she had only a minute or two on screen, she really hit all the emotions during her close up shot...she's really good in this.

Oh I agree. She did an amazing job for such a short, but very important, role.

[edarsenal]

https://s3.amazonaws.com/criterion-production/images/7667-542bce00a8008f8933450694510ce095/Current_28032id_165_medium.jpg


McCabe & Mrs. Miller

John McCabe: If a frog had wings, he wouldn't bump his ass so much, follow me?

For whatever insane reason, it has been far, FAR too long before I have finally sat down and watched this film.
In fact, regarding that reason, there was even an unfounded trepidation on how it was going to go. Which is kinda silly since my very first Altman film, M*A*S*H when I was but pre-teen, is a huge favorite of mine and a great introduction into the styling of Robert Altman. Seeing many of those aspects in other films as well as this one.
Such as the opening scene in the bar as everyone is talking over everyone else, put me right at home, thinking of the first scene at the mess hall in M*A*S*H as introductions were being made and throughout that film and some of this.
This style of Altman's also features more focus on incidents than a specific story line. Which could cause some confusion at times, like the above line I quoted. Causing you take a moment before truly "getting" things as they play out.
Not a negative, merely a FYI for a first timer, like myself for this film. Or even for an Altman film in general. Much like remarking how a secondary (or more) viewing(s) is an enjoyable necessity. One I'll be doing somewhere in the future with this film.

The location shooting of this was truly ideal and put to excellent use. Even the initial darken interior of the bar of McCabe's arrival into town, to the final ending in the snow, there is some very gorgeous and well done scenes in this film. In fact, the building of the town was actually incorporated into the film and that brings a nice layer to the overall cinematic experience.

Also, I thoroughly enjoyed Warren Beatty's equal measure of confidence and awkwardness of a man looking to make a profit without actual business knowledge of how to get it done. That assistance comes in the strong, independent Mrs. Miller played very well by Julie Christie.
I must say, I do enjoy the roles of women in the few Altman films I have seen. They are not incomplete or dependent on their male counterparts but are complete on their own. And Christie's Mrs. Miller is very much one of those women.

Also, in regards to instances, I really enjoyed the naive, affable Cowboy (Keith Carradine). A sad, but great little side story and that final scene of him on the bridge was filmed with just the right amount of tragic tension.

So, another great unseen gem for this fan of Westerns -- f@ckin YAY

[neiba]

McCabe & Mrs. Miller

It's my first Altman so I didn't know what to expect, and though it took me a while to understand what was going on it ended up a very pleasant surprise!

It's quite an unconventional western! It doesn't focus so much on the plot, but tries to paint a painting with moods, just peeking into the lives of the people portrayed here. And it succeeds amazingly at that. The man dancing on ice, the hooker using a vacuum cleaner, the snow, the furs and the atmosphere at the bar, all tied up with the amazing and somehow not surprinsigly perfectly chosen soundtrack by Leonard Cohen - it's like this movie was the natural habitat for that music. Everything here is beautifully ugly and rough, in a way only westerns can be. In that sense, McGabe and Mrs. Miller might be the ultimate western.

3 +

[edarsenal]

Agree totally!

ANNND
NICELY concise :)

[neiba]

Bone Tomahawk

I didn't know what this was about before watching, so it came as a surprise this was a western themed horror film. It's pretty good at what it's trying to do, doesn't try to be anything else, and I can respect that. I just wish it didn't take so long to develop. We are let with a very solid last act, filled with tension and gore but the film could have gotten here faster.
Solid perfomances by the whole cast, with the obvious prominence of Kurt Russel [edited]
Nice film!

3 -

[John-Connor]

Kurt Reynolds.


https://media0.giphy.com/media/2ZKdNaalq1xoQ/giphy.gif


https://media1.giphy.com/media/EziKyNYBBddx6/giphy.gif

[neiba]

https://media0.giphy.com/media/2ZKdNaalq1xoQ/giphy.gif


https://media1.giphy.com/media/EziKyNYBBddx6/giphy.gif

dafuq, i don't know what was I thinking! Thanks for the correction. fixed!

[Wyldesyde19]

Red River

It has been said that John Ford remarked after seeing this film, starring John Wayne as Tom Dunson, that he never knew Wayne could act. It’s a sentiment many here probably share. To be sure, Wayne could be limited, but maybe it was more of a testament towards Howard Hawks as a director? Or maybe he recognized he needed to step up his acting since Montgomery Clift, as his adopted son Matt Garth, was so good in this?
Whatever the case, this is a real standout for Wayne.
The story is bare bones, really. A cattle herd of 10, 000 “beef” need to be brought to Missouri, traveling 1.000 miles to do so. Along the way, they risk Border gangs and Indian attacks.
But the the real focus is on the tension that developed between father and adopted son. Dunson becomes fanatical about completing the drive, willing to whip or punish any who quit. Garth finally leads a revolt against which leads to a confrontation.
The acting is great between the two, as is Walter Brennan as Groot and John Ireland as Cherry Valance.
It’s the interaction between these characters that drives the film. In Dunson I see shades of Bogart in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, Aguirre, Fitcarraldo, and Captain Bligh.
This isn’t as good a film as I’d like it to be, unfortunately. It’s overlong, introduces a woman that isn’t necessary who in turn has some badly written scenes, and it has a sudden and abrupt ending that we all have discussed already. For me the ending works, somewhat. I can’t buy Dunson suddenly not caring about his vengeance.
But to watch the characters almost makes up for those flaws. Almost. A fine selection, but caught up in overdevelopment with Dunston, as if it wants us to feel sympathy for him.
Second time viewing it.

[edarsenal]

Citizen Rules, ahwell, John-Connor, neiba, Wyldesyde19, Zotis, Siddon

I realized I never actually put an official Deadline to this.
Now, if I went with the usual, one week per nomination it would be April 10, but I'm in no rush and instead of cracking the whip on us slow doggies, I'm thinking just before the deadline for the Westerns Countdown for putting Lists; making it the Friday before, which is May 8.

Would that work for everyone?
If so, I'll post the final decision on a Deadline on the Front Page.

[Siddon]

It is what it is, if you can send me links to



Grey Fox
Scalphunters
Dirty Little Billy
and

The Big Gundown


I've got physical copies of Red River and McCabe and Mrs Miller so I'm good with those.

[Wyldesyde19]

I am fine with either date.
I have 5 to watch now. Will get to Bone Tomahawk in the next week.
Is Zotis still in this?

[cricket]

I could use a link for Dirty Billy and The Big Gundown

[Citizen Rules]

@Citizen Rules (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84637), @ahwell (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=101613), @John-Connor (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=102242), @neiba (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=85193), @Wyldesyde19 (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=104656), @Zotis (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=84264), @Siddon (http://www.movieforums.com/community/member.php?u=95448)

I realized I never actually put an official Deadline to this.
Now, if I went with the usual, one week per nomination it would be April 10, but I'm in no rush and instead of cracking the whip on us slow doggies, I'm thinking just before the deadline for the Westerns Countdown for putting Lists; making it the Friday before, which is May 8.

Would that work for everyone?
If so, I'll post the final decision on a Deadline on the Front Page.I've been done for a long time, so doesn't matter to me.

[edarsenal]

It is what it is, if you can send me links to



Grey Fox
Scalphunters
Dirty Little Billy
and

The Big Gundown


I've got physical copies of Red River and McCabe and Mrs Miller so I'm good with those.

I could use a link for Dirty Billy and The Big Gundown

sent links to both of you for everything except Dirty Little Billy. Can't remember where I originally found that, so I'll have to look a little more.

[edarsenal]

I am fine with either date.
I have 5 to watch now. Will get to Bone Tomahawk in the next week.
Is Zotis still in this?

Considering he's beating the rest of us that are still in it, at this juncture, I'm sure he is.

Zotis (4 out of 8)
edarsenal (3 out of 8)
neiba (2 out of 8)
Siddon (2 out of 8)
Wyldesyde19 (2 out of 8)

[Wyldesyde19]

I am fine with either date.
I have 5 to watch now. Will get to Bone Tomahawk in the next week.
Is Zotis still in this?

Considering he's beating the rest of us that are still in it, at this juncture, I'm sure he is.

Zotis (4 out of 8)
edarsenal (3 out of 8)
neiba (2 out of 8)
Siddon (2 out of 8)
Wyldesyde19 (2 out of 8)
I’m actually at 3. Missing my review for Scalphunters.
I only ask about him because he hasn’t posted a review in a long time. 4 weeks to be exact. I’ll save his for last, to be safe.

[edarsenal]

I’m actually at 3. Missing my review for Scalphunters.
I only ask about him because he hasn’t posted a review in a long time. 4 weeks to be exact. I’ll save his for last, to be safe.

I understand.
I'll look into it later this week.

And I'll get your scalphunter's review on the front page - sorry I missed it

[Wyldesyde19]

I’m actually at 3. Missing my review for Scalphunters.
I only ask about him because he hasn’t posted a review in a long time. 4 weeks to be exact. I’ll save his for last, to be safe.

I understand.
I'll look into it later this week.

And I'll get your scalphunter's review on the front page - sorry I missed it
No problem. I’ll let it slide...this time. 😏

[edarsenal]

No problem. I’ll let it slide...this time. 😏

LOL
Oh How you spoil me! ;)

[neiba]

Red River (1948)

A nice classical western beautifully shot and masterfully acted. John Wayne lends the perfect amount of roughness and self-made autonomy, it's almost pitiful seeing him turn like that. Montgomery Cliff offers the right counter balance so it becomes a very powerful dynamic between the two. Cherry Valance is also a good addition to this dynamic, though I wished I'd seen more of him.

However, the whole thing needed a different resolution. It's like the first act of the film sets the things perfectly, we get to know the characters, then there's the mutiny and a great build up, but then everything is ruined. Valance's character is discarted way too underwhelmingly and the fight between Dunson and Matt ends in such a weak way. Even the lines delivered by Tess are poorly written and badly executed.

The ending leaves it quite a few holes below other films I've seen by Hawks and ends up hurting what would have been a fine western otherwise.

2.5 +

[Citizen Rules]

Red River (1948)
The ending leaves it quite a few holes below other films I've seen by Hawks and ends up hurting what would have been a fine western otherwise.

rating_2_5 + Did you read what I and others said about the ending? It was forced onto Hawks by a threat of legal action. Originally the ending was to be much darker. I agree with you that the ending how it is, is weak.

[neiba]

Did you read what I and others said about the ending? It was forced onto Hawks by a threat of legal action. Originally the ending was to be much darker. I agree with you that the ending how it is, is weak.

Didn't know that! Damn suits, ruining cinema since 1888...

[Citizen Rules]

Didn't know that! Damn suits, ruining cinema since 1888...Yup!

[Wyldesyde19]

Did you read what I and others said about the ending? It was forced onto Hawks by a threat of legal action. Originally the ending was to be much darker. I agree with you that the ending how it is, is weak.

Didn't know that! Damn suits, ruining cinema since 1888...
Specifically Howard Hughes in this case

[edarsenal]

https://obscuretrainmovies.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/grey23.jpg


The Grey Fox

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/61/fe/91/61fe9126fc9141efe0fa9faf701dee75--bone-cancer-prostate-cancer.jpghttps://www.cowboycountrymagazine.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/bill%20miner%202.jpg

There are times that a blind grab brings forth a thoroughly enjoyable experience; which is why I continually thank Holden Pike every time I mention this film since it was one of his recommendations in the Westerns Countdown Thread and its only right and only fair, no matter HOW redundantly repetitive I may be.

While the Gentleman Bandit is a bit of trope when it comes to modern films, seeing a film based on an actual Gentleman Bandit and portrayed BY a gentleman himself was an utter delight.
A seasoned thief with a strategic mind and the patience to see things through - properly, Bill Miner was a person, and in this film, a character, I very easily got behind from the get go and cheered for to the end.
A well made film who's pacing equaled the genteel demeanor of it's major character, and getting the job done when called upon we have a wonderful story played out with some great actors doing a splendid job across the board.

Will this be on my Voting List for the Countdown??

That's a plumb darn silly-ass question.
Course it is!

[edarsenal]

https://static0.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Bone-Tomahawk-1.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=740&h=366


Bone Tomahawk

Chicory: Mr. Brooder just educated two Mexicans on the meaning of Manifest Destiny.

Now, I've pretty much seen just about every kind of Western and cross-over there is throughout my life. Even more so in these recent years being a part of this diverse website. And while I was a bit hesitant about this one, I was very much pleased by it all. Even the incredibly gory ending which was incredibly done and kept me on the edge of my seat for the entire time of the remaining act of this film.

While everyone did a really great job, I thought Richard Jenkins did an even more exceptional job with some great nuances involving gestures, expressions and dialogue. I have seen him in countless films where he usually played a more cowardly, almost weasel-like character but here he really embraced and ran with the "back up assistant deputy" with such sincere flair and a genuine tip of the hat to the old sidekick while creating his own rendition at the same time. I really loved him in this.
The matching of him along with the hard-nosed sheriff played by Kurt Russell who, in my opinion, while doing what he's already known for countless times before, really put in the effort on this one; the old film caricature of a dapper gunslinger done with actual depth by Matthew Fox and, finally, the tenacious rancher (Patrick Wilson) who struggles with a bad leg and refuses to give up trying to rescue his wife, who also brings a lot more than the usual damsel in distress by a very beautiful Lili Simmons; is a great blend of western characters done well.
Their trek through the plains is a credit to many past traveling plots of past westerns with a great mix of inner conflicts and begrudging respect.
All of which climaxing in a tense, truly gory ending that stays with you -- whether you wish it to or not.

Quite the intense and very well done western nomination, Siddon. BRAVO!!

[Zotis]

Don't worry, I'm still in, and either deadline is fine with me. I have McCabe & Mrs Miller lined up next.

[edarsenal]

Don't worry, I'm still in, and either deadline is fine with me. I have McCabe & Mrs Miller lined up next.

sweet, I think you'll enjoy McCabe & Mrs. Miller

[cricket]

The Big Gundown

3.5

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/hldGC7Ok0gbr6P9J9chEbIkXzrVjFWB203joavZoCkMWnEMiTyhKRUuex-rRhL7JsdMVGiqtTxDLAS7VpP65Kkqq-HpCF_xErxy7JxglTsnDetZwRciK2pc

I wasn't expecting much from this and the opening few minutes did nothing to change my mind. Then suddenly it just got good. That had a lot to do with Tomas Milian and the support he would provide the always reliable Lee Van Cleef. Milian's character first appeared as an annoying sleaze bag but he grew into quite the likable character. I enjoyed the back and forth between the two, and also how the movie never stayed in one place and was always on the go. The movie looks good and has a great score and I just really enjoyed it.

[neiba]

Does someone have a link for The Scalphunters?

[Citizen Rules]

Does someone have a link for The Scalphunters?Yes, check your PM

[neiba]

The Scalphunters (1968)

You know Hollywood had moved on from Westerns when they do this.
I get the ideia: to introduce a new sense of morality to an old style with some comic elements. The thing is, the jokes didn't work, and I didn't care for the bad guys. The dynamic between Lee and Bass is pretty much the only thing good here and even that has some boring moments.
It's a shame because I had high expectations for this one, being Burt Lancaster one of my favourite actors.

2 -

[Citizen Rules]

It's official...I'm the only one who liked The Scalphunters:D

[mark f]

I do.

[cricket]

I liked it too

[edarsenal]

It's official...I'm the only one who liked The Scalphunters:D

I do.

I liked it too

I imagine I should make this my next watch just to find out :)

[Citizen Rules]

I imagine I should make this my next watch just to find out :)When you watch The Scalphunters try to put yourself in the mindset of a mid 1960s audience where civil rights were on the fore front and movies that covered that topic were fresh and poignant.

[Wyldesyde19]

Going to start hammering away at these in a few days.

[neiba]

The Big Gundown a.k.a. La resa dei conti (1966)

This was my first spaghetti western not directed by Sergio Leone. It's by another another Sergio - Sollima. Although the style changes a little bit, what I like the most about this whole genre is how much so many films have so much in common. And that's usually because of one man: Ennio Morricone, in my opinion, the greatest soundtrack composer of all time, and still almost criminally underrated, and the biggest name of the spaghetti western.
I got to know this film due to one of Morricone's biggest embassadors - Tarantino. He used at least two of songs from this in Unglorious Basterds in 2 of the best scenes in his movie.
In The Big Gundown, this two songs also frame 2 amazing scenes, two duels, very similar to regular duels in spirit but quite original in its execution. In the first one, Cuchillo refuses a pistol to face the stand off, choosing a knife instead. Then, we arrive to the second duel, at a bigger distance, in which Lee van Cleef's character is shot first but rolls over and shoots again, killing his opponent. Right after it, we have a 3rd smaller duel, that Cleef resolves fast with a rifle. The most amazing thing about all these duels is that they happen in the same 8 minutes, one after another.
The movie ends how it started, with yet another amazing piece of music. This film is in fact, one of the best works by Morricone.

The characters are all extremely cool, with a great mixture of nationalities, making justice to the nature of spaghetti westerns, films that were shot by Italian directors, in Spain, with German money and often American movie stars. Globalisation at its finest.

You probably have guessed by now how much I love these films and, not surprisingly, my list to the Western Countdown will be, without a doubt, composed mosty by them.

3.5

[edarsenal]

I'm looking forward to checking out The Big Gundown and listening to Morricone's music.

[edarsenal]

https://es.web.img3.acsta.net/medias/nmedia/18/83/50/22/19694907.jpg


The Scalphunters

Joe Bass: You ever fight twelve drunk Indians?
Joseph Lee: No, sir, but I'd like to see it done.

That was actually kind of fun; sort of reminded me of The Frisco Kid (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079180/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) in style and character content. Though this one had a more comedic approach to its drama while Frisco had a dramatic approach to its comedy, they seem to have the same focus on switching up the racial relations.
Scalphunters doing it in a more subtle avenue that mixes some clever witticisms along with changing up the usual tropes and, at times, adding a little satire to those tropes.
Such as Savalas as the somewhat henpecked villain that has more bark than bite. I also kept seeing Lancaster consistently going into preacher mode that continually reminded me of my recent watch of Elmer Gantry (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053793/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_54). That's merely an observation only.
And of course, Ossie Davis was a great watch as he did his best, being passed along as a captive throughout the film and using his wits to obtain some sort of ground as he went along.

Citizen Rules suggested that: "When you watch The Scalphunters try to put yourself in the mindset of a mid 1960s audience where civil rights were on the fore front and movies that covered that topic were fresh and poignant." and its an excellent perspective to watch, and more thoroughly enjoy this film. THANKS!

[Citizen Rules]

I liked how when Burt Lancaster and Ossie Davis got out of the mud after their long fight, they were both gray skinned...an analogy for saying they were equal to each other.

[Wyldesyde19]

I liked how when Burt Lancaster and Ossie Davis got out of the mud after their long fight, they were both gray skinned...an analogy for saying they were equal to each other.
That was a good scene.

[Siddon]

https://onceuponatimeinawestern.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Charles-Aidman-as-Ben-Antrim-and-Michael-Pollard-as-Bill-Bonney-in-Dirty-Little-Billy-1972.jpg

Dirty Little Billy (1972), in 1972 we were near the tail end of the Western years normally when a genre starts running out of steam we get bad films but with Westerns they seem to go in the opposite direction. This was one of those revisionist style dark westerns and man is this movie dark. When you have a scene with a hooker being tipped in rice or bread because she's so hungry and dirty you know you are watching something special.



Michael Pollard was always the character actor to me so I was very surprised to see him carry the lead and do such a great job with it. He definitely has a take on Billy the Kid that is unique but also profound. What I also really enjoyed about this one is how the violence just kind of sneaks up on you. The movie feels like a drama for 75% of it and then bam last act all violence, stuff that Peckinpah would have enjoyed.

[Wyldesyde19]

I’m watching The Grey Fox, Bone Tomahawk, and McCabe and Mrs Miller in the next few days.

[cricket]

I've been waiting to see if Zotis finishes before I watch Dirty Billy but I'm just going to watch it soon. It sounds like something I'd really like.

[Citizen Rules]

I've been waiting to see if Zotis finishes before I watch Dirty Billy but I'm just going to watch it soon. It sounds like something I'd really like.Most all of us liked it, I sure did.

[ahwell]

Most all of us liked it, I sure did.
I don’t know why but I really hated it, probably the dirty look/tone of it, which I know was the point of the movie... I just personally didn’t enjoy.

But glad most of you did!! :) I feel like I missed something from it now lol

[Citizen Rules]

I don’t know why but I really hated it, probably the dirty look/tone of it, which I know was the point of the movie... I just personally didn’t enjoy.

But glad most of you did!! :) I feel like I missed something from it now lolYou seen the copy with Spanish subs right? I wonder if you seen a nicely restored copy if it might improve your view of it?

[ahwell]

You seen the copy with Spanish subs right? I wonder if you seen a nicely restored copy if it might improve your view of it?
Uh no I did not haha. that’s a thought, yeah in a couple years I may check it out again...

[Citizen Rules]

Uh no I did not haha. that’s a thought, yeah in a couple years I may check it out again...You didn't see the version with the Spanish subs? I couldn't find the movie without them. Wish I could've.

[ahwell]

You didn't see the version with the Spanish subs? I couldn't find the movie without them. Wish I could've.
Yeah I found some random link, and iirc there weren’t subtitles??? But that just might be my bad memory.

[Wyldesyde19]

Speaking of Dirty little Billy, can I get a link to watch it? Thank you in advance.

[Siddon]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/-H_4HWtLq4GGWHuQdLBYGiKeY61pWCJhEvqX58VmIq13W-JYfMSJ7ujEBKEDAaFEfQlWih8jPjd-xaamBzKFjlU3id_goIUe6M1IeuSKwGZObfAu8q4xOIHPtMEvwA

When I watch a film like Scalphunters I often wonder just who is this film for. Why did these actors and directors sign up for this film, I think that after Cat Ballou certain people tried to make their own take on the film. The good...well Sydney Pollack is the star of the film because it's shot really well. Pollack has a strong vision for the film and the action scenes are very well blocked. I suppose Ossie Davis wanted to play a strong character in this film and his humor though toothless is still good..I suppose. But after that Burt Lancaster just did nothing for me and just kinda dragged the film down. I wonder which Joe was supposed to be the star of the film. The racial politics and humor just didn't age well to me. I don't know if this is going to be in last place for me but I didn't care for it.

[edarsenal]

Could someone, please send me a link for The Big Gundown. I cannot locate one with English. Though I have found a few with occasional English in it.
THANK YOU in advance!!

[Citizen Rules]

Could someone, please send me a link for The Big Gundown. I cannot locate one with English. Though I have found a few with occasional English in it.
THANK YOU in advance!!Sent, check your PM

[edarsenal]

Sent, check your PM
I use the same site, it's mostly in Italian with one a scene or two where Van Cleef speaks English. Which seems a bit strange. Unless I'm mistaken and they're actually speaking Spanish.

Or is that how this movie goes?

[Citizen Rules]

I use the same site, it's mostly in Italian with one a scene or two where Van Cleef speaks English. Which seems a bit strange. Unless I'm mistaken and they're actually speaking Spanish.

Or is that how this movie goes?Maybe I sent you the wrong one? It was in English when I watched it.

[edarsenal]

Maybe I sent you the wrong one? It was in English when I watched it.

It's weird, They'd speak a line or two in english, then several more in spanish(?). But it seems like they speak more in spanish than in english

[Citizen Rules]

It's weird, They'd speak a line or two in english, then several more in spanish(?). But it seems like they speak more in spanish than in englishI just watched a bit of the movie from that link, you're right about speaking in Spanish, it's weird and that's not how it was when I watched it. I can only guess that link changed? If you can't find another I will look some more tomorrow.

[neiba]

It's weird, They'd speak a line or two in english, then several more in spanish(?). But it seems like they speak more in spanish than in english


That's actually how these movies were shot, because they had actors from so many nationalities and most of them didn't speak English. So they were dubbed after.


I'm pretty sure there has to be a copy in English , let me try and find it

[Wyldesyde19]

I know I planned on reviewing a few films this past week. It didn’t happen. I’ve been exhausted lately due to work, but I plan on getting caught up starting tonight

[cricket]

Dirty Little Billy

3+

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/IaKbbm8s8JjRMCDWbIj3_1q4Mr8LRJdIuv2ZOfyxEmzNLcNkeXhB8IMMWkf0eeq0-XyPplJqDKBxNTCk71y2bBS1XIdAxzgopUIgxYeRkqRFAPiOtkzwR345_cnF

There's not a whole lot to this movie as it has a short runtime yet the scenes go on for a while, but I really liked it. I agree with Siddon about Michael Pollard; strange to see him in the lead but it worked out well. Funny to also see Gary Busey and some other dude I recognized from television. Echoing Siddon again, the violence was exceptional. Not a great movie but a great nomination.

[Wyldesyde19]

Watched Bone Tomahawk last night. Will write a review later on today or tonight.

[Wyldesyde19]

Bone Tomahawk


Weird mix of western and horror elements that don’t mesh well. This doesn’t even feel or really look like a proper western.
With the exception of Russell, no one even looks the part.
And why for the love of god do they let the crippled man join them?! I know it’s his wife, but the sheriff should have said no and grabbed more men rather then 4. One of whom is crippled!
And you just think to yourself “Well that’s going to bite them in the ass.”
Spoilers......it does. Yet somehow the cripple is the most effective. Go figure. 🤷
The gore is dumb, Not over the top, just dumb. Maybe I’m just jaded. Idk.
And after the bandits steal the horses I’m wondering “why didn’t you leave someone awake to guard after the last confrontation?!” And what happened to his alarm system?!
Ugh. This movie made me wish I could reach in and punch them.
And then the ending arrives and I’m so elated but it’s also so disappointing.
So I’m torn. Because it should have ended a good 20 minutes earlier.

[Citizen Rules]

Is this HoF still going on? I plumb forgot about it.

[Wyldesyde19]

Is this HoF still going on? I plumb forgot about it.
It is as far as I’m aware of. Just watched Bone Tomahawk and plan on hitting The Grey Fox and maybe another this week

[Citizen Rules]

It is as far as I’m aware of. Just watched Bone Tomahawk and plan on hitting The Grey Fox and maybe another this weekOK thanks. You'll probably like those two movies pretty well I'm guessing.

[Wyldesyde19]

OK thanks. You'll probably like those two movies pretty well I'm guessing.

I was pretty harsh on Bone Tomahawk in my review above.
Have high hopes for The Grey Fox

[Citizen Rules]

I was pretty harsh on Bone Tomahawk in my review above.
Have high hopes for The Grey FoxOh yeah, I'm so tired I'm not making sense today:p I had read your review of Bone Tomahawk too, so I don't know what the hell I'm talking about:eek:

[Wyldesyde19]

Oh yeah, I'm so tired I'm not making sense today:p I had read your review of Bone Tomahawk too, so I don't know what the hell I'm talking about:eek:
I know I liked McCabe and ants Miller when I first saw it, which was 10 years ago or so. Looking forward to seeing that again as well.
Need to finish this one up and move onto Noir and the Personal Recc this month.