Hired gunman Cole Thornton (John Wayne) turns down a job with Bart Jason (Edward Asner) as it would mean having to fight an old sheriff friend (Robert Mitchum). Some months later, he finds out the lawman is on the bottle and a top gunfighter (Christopher George) is heading his way to help Jason. Along with young Mississippi (James Caan), handy with a knife and now armed with a diabolical shotgun, Cole returns to help.
I recently watched this again, and realised how great these films were back in the day: almost 60 years ago.
The story is a typical western, all the same stories but in different settings with different people, but always seemingly fresh. With names like Wayne and Mitchum and Asner the film employed some of the best -or at least the most loved- actors of the day. James Caan also starred and he was making a huge name for himself even after just a few years in the business.
The quality of the film is amazing considering it's age. The lighting, direction, dialogue are all great and while acting has moved on in many ways, you don't seem to notice much difference when you watch these classic films.
Some of these old films are classics now and it's very refreshing to take a look back in time and rid yourself of the unnecessary technicalities and vagaries of modern cinema.
I give this a solid 7 for pure entertainment.
I recently watched this again, and realised how great these films were back in the day: almost 60 years ago.
The story is a typical western, all the same stories but in different settings with different people, but always seemingly fresh. With names like Wayne and Mitchum and Asner the film employed some of the best -or at least the most loved- actors of the day. James Caan also starred and he was making a huge name for himself even after just a few years in the business.
The quality of the film is amazing considering it's age. The lighting, direction, dialogue are all great and while acting has moved on in many ways, you don't seem to notice much difference when you watch these classic films.
Some of these old films are classics now and it's very refreshing to take a look back in time and rid yourself of the unnecessary technicalities and vagaries of modern cinema.
I give this a solid 7 for pure entertainment.