Western Film #7: Tombstone Canyon Review - 1932

Film #7:  Tombstone Canyon Review - 1932

 Rated: Unrated   

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Filmed in 1932, Tombstone Canyon is a unique and intriguing horror western film starring Ken Maynard as the cowboy “Ken”.  Ken and his horse, Tarzan, make the frightening discovery that a masked killer is traveling through the west and murdering with his piercing, banshee shriek!  Ken soon finds himself in hot water when a notorious gang tries to rough him up.  Out of nowhere, a beautiful woman comes to his rescue and joins him on his journey.  Soon they find themselves connected to the phantom killer in such a way that you will need to see it to believe it!  A golden gem from the 1930s, this western is a unique look at the horror subgenre.  Although tame by today’s standards, this film delivers some chilling moments and intriguing plot twists!

created by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #6: Death Rides A Horse Review - 1967

Film #6:  Death Rides A Horse Review - 1967

 Rated: Unrated   

Death Rides a Horse, also known as Da uomo a uomo or As Man to Man, is a spaghetti western (Italian produced western) made in 1967.  The film is about a boy named Bill Meceita who survives the brutal robbery and murder of his family and sets out on a quest for revenge years later.  Bill meets up with an ex-convict named Ryan, played by Lee Van Cleef, who was double crossed by the same gang that murdered Meceita’s family.  The two cross paths often as they are on a similar quest, cooperating occasionally, but more often at odds.  The film holds up well against many American westerns and outshines a lot of other spaghetti westerns.  The film contains solid, often amusing, dialogue and action.  I actually found the music in this film to be fairly enjoyable as well, adding to the mood of many scenes.  Overall I found the film a worthwhile experience, one I could definitely recommend to a fan of westerns, or even action films in general.

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #5: The Great Train Robbery (2 versions) - 1903

Film #5:  The Great Train Robbery (2 versions) - 1903

 Rated: Unrated   

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The Great Train Robbery was released in 1903 and is one of the first westerns ever produced, even though it was shot in Miltown, New Jersey.  The film, as the name gives away, details the efforts of several bandits in robbing a train, and their escape.  The film has been widely thought of as a milestone in film making, as it incorporates many innovative film making techniques.   The film was very influential and many modern films pay tribute to it.  It is a fast paced, silent film that relies heavily on action to tell the story.  Clocking in at less than twelve minutes, the film makes for a short and engaging watch, that is sure to entertain both fans of western films or the casual viewer.

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #4: The Sundowners Review - 1950

Film #4:  The Sundowners Review - 1950

 Rated: Unrated   

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The Sundowners, starring Robert Preston, Robert Sterling, and John Drew Barrymore, is a western film released in 1950 portraying three brothers in a feud with neighboring ranchers.  The film details the conflict with the ranchers as well as the conflict between the Cloud brothers on how to handle the situation.  The film explores one brother’s fight for what he believes in and the unscrupulous means in which he uses to get his way.  Unfortunately, his actions end up influencing the youngest brother.   The third brother sees how the youngest is turning out and intervenes by trying to stop the other brother.  The film tends to be less reliant on action than other traditional westerns, but makes up for it in many ways including well written dialog and superb delivery.  The film was shot on location in Texas, and the scenery certainly adds to the likeability of the film.  Don’t pass this one up!

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #3: The Outlaw Review - 1943

Film #3:  The Outlaw Review - 1943

 Rated: Unrated   

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Controversial in its time, The Outlaw was released in 1943 and focuses largely on a love triangle between Billy the kid, Doc Holliday, and a woman named Rio.  Doc Holliday arrives in the town of Lincoln while trailing his stolen horse, Red, and meets up with his old friend Pat Garret.  Red was stolen however by none other than Billy the Kid.  Doc ends up befriending Billy who is the nemesis of Pat and the conflict truly starts here.  While wounded in a fight with Pat, Billy is looked after by Rio, Doc’s girl, who falls for Billy.  The film took a long time to receive a wide release due to controversy surrounding the showcasing of actress Jane Russell’s breasts in both the film and promotional artwork.  The film would turn Russell into a national sex symbol, but only after some of the film was trimmed in order to pass regulation by the Hollywood Production Code Administration.  The film itself became a hit, in part because of the controversy, as well as the action and character drama.  Seize the opportunity to view this star making classic today!

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #2: The Arizona Kid Review - 1939

Film #2:  The Arizona Kid Review - 1939

 Rated: Unrated   

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Released in 1939, The Arizona Kid is a B western film starring Roy Rogers.  The film, one of many westerns starring Rogers, is largely about Rogers’ relationship with his childhood friend Dave.  Dave is a reckless and rebellious soul who joins up with a pack of raiders despite Roy's attempts to stop him.  The film details their conflict after Roy joins the confederate army and is ordered to stop the raiders.   The film displays some solid acting from Rogers that is sure to evoke some emotion from the viewer.  The film seems more serious and somewhat darker than many other of Rogers’ films, and there is less singing than what is standard for one of his films.  If you are looking for an action packed, adventurous ride, this film is for you.

created by RJA for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com

Western Film #1: My Pal Trigger Review - 1946

Film #1:  My Pal Trigger Review - 1946

Rated: Unrated   

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My Pal Trigger is a 1946 musical set in the American Wild West and stars Roy Rogers with his famous horse, Trigger.  This film gives the back story of Trigger and is the first Roy Rogers film to feature the horse.  The film begins with Rogers, a local horse salesman, loking for a mate for his mare.  After finding a suitable stallion and the two horses successfully mating, the stallion is accidentally killed by his owner and Rogers is blamed for the crime!  After fleeing from persecution, Rogers' horse gives birth to a baby colt who is named "Trigger".  Trigger quickly becomes Rogers' favorite horse.  However, the companionship between the two is soon cut short!  Rogers is forced to pay for a crime he didn't commit and the guilty man has gotten his hands on trigger!

A classic Roy Rogers musical with all the western film aspects you have come to expect.  Trigger is excellent in the film and really demonstrates why he was known as the "Smartest Horse in the Movies".  Check out this classic western today and every day this week!

created by DAW for openfilmden.com and openflimden.blogspot.com