By John W. Whitehead
February 20, 2006

In our maniacally multi-cultured and politically correct society, there is nothing more American than the western film. And even though this is a genre that seems to have faded over time, it continues to surface in a modern context. These re-interpretations of the western range from the Star Wars epics to the Quentin Tarantino films and even the films of sci-fi master John Carpenter. And with the praise and awards being heaped on Brokeback Mountain, it seems that the western flick may be making a comeback. Indeed, several new westerns are set to hit theaters this year.

Thus, as long as there are movies, there will be westerns. This is because the most important attribute of the western is something inherent in American culture—that is, the need for a set of values by which one lives. In fact, the western hero, despite the often taciturn appearance, is civilized in that his life is patterned after a gentlemanly code. Even the “dirty western,” such as The Wild Bunch, remains true to that ethic—the members of the gang or bunch have their own strong code of honor based on personal loyalty. “We’re gonna stick together, just like it used to be,” says Pike in The Wild Bunch.

Unfortunately, with the passage of time and the glut of modern entertainment distractions, many Americans have never seen the classic westerns—classic films are the ones that continue to resonate and offer different readings to different generations. And, us usual, most of these films were passed over by the Academy Awards.

The following are ten of my favorite western classics:
 

My Darling Clementine

(1946)

Recounting the events leading up to and including the gunfight at the OK Corral, this is one of the best westerns ever made. Directed by the legendary John Ford and with Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, the film has plenty of true grit and old-fashioned values. Great cast, including Victor Mature and Walter Brennan. No Academy Awards.

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Red RiverRed River

(1948).

This classic Howard Hawks film is an epic that focuses on a grueling cattle drive which foments a battle of wills between father (John Wayne) and son (Montgomery Clift). A great film and cast, including Walter Brennan. Wayne should have won the Oscar for best actor hands down. No Academy Awards.

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Shane

(1953).

A retired gunfighter (Alan Ladd) helps a homestead family. Considered by some as the best western ever made, Ladd’s performance was Oscar worthy (but he wasn’t even nominated). Great supporting cast, including Jack Palance and Van Heflin. Remade by Clint Eastwood in 1985 as Pale Rider. One Oscar for cinematography.

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The SearchersThe Searchers

(1956).

Another great John Ford film starring John Wayne as a hard-driving man who pursues his niece who has been kidnapped by the Indians. A much-imitated film and remade in various forms such as Paul Schrader’s Hardcore (1979). Another great performance by John Wayne, with Jeffrey Hunter strong in support. No Academy Awards.

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Rio BravoRio Bravo

(1959).

This revered and much-imitated Howard Hawks film centers on a sheriff (John Wayne) who takes a murderer into custody and faces a siege of the jail by a powerful cattle baron. Great acting, especially by Walter Brennan. A fine moment in the film is the duet by Ricky Nelson and Dean Martin. A favorite of Quentin Tarantino and remade in different forms over the years, most notably by John Carpenter in 1976 with Assault on Precinct 13. No Academy Awards.

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Magnificent SevenThe Magnificent Seven

(1960).

This epic western is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s classic The Seven Samurai (1954). Mexican villagers hire gunmen to protect them from bandits who ravage their homes. Most of the actors, who at the time were unknown, became film legends—Steve McQueen, James Coburn and Charles Bronson. This film is replete with interesting characters, including Coburn as a knife-wielding cowboy. No Academy Awards.

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Liberty ValanceThe Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

(1962).

A tough cowboy (John Wayne) and an idealistic lawyer (James Stewart) join forces to battle a vicious outlaw (Lee Marvin) and his gang. At heart a love story, this is the last great western by John Ford. Strong on values and sacrifice. Oscar-worthy performance by Lee Marvin. No Academy Awards.

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The ProfessionalsThe Professionals

(1966).

This precursor to The Wild Bunch is an action-packed ride. Four mercenaries are hired by a cattle baron to rescue his young wife from Mexican kidnappers. An amazing cast of Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Jack Palance and Robert Ryan. But Woody Strode steals many scenes as a bow-and-arrow-wielding sharpshooter. No Academy Awards.

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The Wild BunchThe Wild Bunch

(1969).

One of the most controversial films ever made. A group of aging outlaws, being true to their code, take on a Mexican gang that greatly outnumbers them in order to save a comrade. Highly influential and much-analyzed film that helped open the door to realistic violence in movies. Another great cast, including William Holden, Ernest Borgnine and Warren Oates, among others. This assured director Sam Peckinpah a place in film history. Remade by Walter Hill in 1980 as The Long Riders. No Academy Awards.

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Open RangeOpen Range

(2003).

Kevin Costner, as director and actor, revives the glory of the classic western. Two cowboys peacefully graze their cattle on the open range until they run up against a land-grabbing cattle baron. Old-fashioned values and a love for the western make this the best modern adaptation of western genre. Fine cast, including Robert Duvall and Annette Bening. No Academy Awards.

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