Hombre (1967) – It’s hard to believe that this film was made three years after Fistful of Dollars. While few of the main characters here are without a rough edge, there is still an obvious Hollywood sensibility throughout. I suppose we should be grateful that the film ends in the fashion in which it does and we don’t see the Newman & Celino riding off into the sunset together.
The film was adapted by screen writer, Irving Ravtech, from the novel of the same name, written by Elmore Leonard. Four years previously, Newman, Ravtech and director Martin Ritt had all worked together on Hud, a more contemporary western. That one based on Larry McMurtry’s Horseman Pass By.
John Russell (played by Paul Newman) is the son of a white family, kidnapped and raised by the Apache Indians for years until he was adopted, by the Russell family. Finding life among the white settlers unsuitable he returned to the reservation to work as an Indian policeman. When his adopted father passes away he comes to town to sell his father’s rooming house, run by Jessie (Diane Celino). Deciding to leave the area after the sale he finds himself sharing a stagecoach, driven by an old acquaintance Henry Mendez (Martin Balsam), with a number of questionable characters, including Grimes (a great villain role for Richard Boone), Dr. Favor (Frederick March) and his wife Audra (Barbara Rush), along with Jessie, and several other folks. When bandits stop the coach the travelers must fend for themselves and fight off the bandits to protect the money that Dr. Favor had swindled. Mendez and Russell are the only two of the passengers who really have a chance of getting out of the situation alive, but stay with the others for reasons of their own.
Not a great film, but certainly an enjoyable movie for western fans. Boone especially seems to be having a good time in his role, with most of the other members of the cast doing professional if unspectacular jobs. Frank Silvera, as the Mexican bandit, seems to have been studying Alfonso Beldoya in Treasure of the Sierra Madre, in preparing for the role. Two and a half stars.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Friday, January 28, 2005
American Western Magazine
I've added a link to the American Western Magazine feed over on the right. You'll be able to check out articles appearing at that website on the Old West, plus link to the homepage as well. AMW is an incredible resource for those folks interested not only in western fiction, but in the history and legacy of the American frontier. You'll find fiction, poetry, articles and interviews by and about contemporary writers and entertainers.
For those of you interested in Western style fashion, recipes or information on rodeos it is all available at this one site. Like most places of interest on the web, I discovered AMW while doing a search on Larry McMurtry. If you have any interest in some of the things that I post on here, I'm sure you'll find yourself spending a good hour just looking around.
Happy trails!
For those of you interested in Western style fashion, recipes or information on rodeos it is all available at this one site. Like most places of interest on the web, I discovered AMW while doing a search on Larry McMurtry. If you have any interest in some of the things that I post on here, I'm sure you'll find yourself spending a good hour just looking around.
Happy trails!
Review: Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry
DEAD MAN’S WALK by Larry McMurtry – For those folk already familiar with the characters of Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call, from McMurtry’s LONESOME DOVE, all you need to know is that this book is a prequel. Here we meet Gus & Call as young men, just having met but already forming the bond which will last them all their lives. We also meet the Comanche war chief, Buffalo Hump, the horse thief Killing Wolf and the love of Gus’ life Clara.
McMurtry shows us just how it was that Gus & Call first became Texas Rangers. We see them on their very first adventure where Buffalo Hump almost kills both of them. Here Call earns the hatred of the Comanche chief, barely escaping with his life and discovering just how much he himself can hate. McMurtry introduces us to a large cast of characters in this novel, some of whom we will meet again in the series, and others who will quickly meet their individual fates.
I first became familiar with McMurtry via his novel THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, which was adapted into film by Peter Bogdanovich. Other folks might know him better for the novel TERMS OF ENDEARMENT which was also adapted for the screen. Besides these contemporary novels, McMurtry is considered by many as one the great writers of American westerns. The four novels in the LONESOME DOVE series, his “Berrybender Narratives” (that tells the story of the Berrybender family in the Old West) and a number of stand-alone novels are all prime examples of western adventure.
Young Gus & Call, bored with life in town, hear about an upcoming expedition into Mexico to ‘liberate’ Santa Fe. Under the leadership of Caleb Cobb, a former pirate already well-known to the Spanish/Mexican military, close to two hundred former Rangers and others begin a doomed journey across the desert and into the homeland of Buffalo Hump. It soon becomes apparent that Cobb is incapable of carrying out this adventure as the elements and the Comanches begin taking their toll. Ill-equipped and ill-trained the members of the expedition fall prey to all manner of misfortune. Along with Gus & Call are their comrades Shadrach, Bigfoot and Long Bill, men who have seen their share of folly and lived to tell the tale. McMurtry also gives us the wonderful Matilda Jane Roberts, the whore known as Great Western, who goes along with the expedition in hopes of finally making enough money to buy her own whorehouse in California.
Once I started the book it was difficult to put it down and twice I actually missed my subway stop, so engrossed was I in the story. If that isn’t praise, I don’t know what is?
To be honest, I’ve never read LONESOME DOVE, being familiar with the story only from the television mini-series. I decided it was time to finally read it, but felt that since two novels act as prequels, I would start with those. Having finished DEAD MAN’S WALK, I’m going to start on COMANCHE MOON as soon as I can.
As you can tell, I can’t recommend this book enough. Four stars.
McMurtry shows us just how it was that Gus & Call first became Texas Rangers. We see them on their very first adventure where Buffalo Hump almost kills both of them. Here Call earns the hatred of the Comanche chief, barely escaping with his life and discovering just how much he himself can hate. McMurtry introduces us to a large cast of characters in this novel, some of whom we will meet again in the series, and others who will quickly meet their individual fates.
I first became familiar with McMurtry via his novel THE LAST PICTURE SHOW, which was adapted into film by Peter Bogdanovich. Other folks might know him better for the novel TERMS OF ENDEARMENT which was also adapted for the screen. Besides these contemporary novels, McMurtry is considered by many as one the great writers of American westerns. The four novels in the LONESOME DOVE series, his “Berrybender Narratives” (that tells the story of the Berrybender family in the Old West) and a number of stand-alone novels are all prime examples of western adventure.
Young Gus & Call, bored with life in town, hear about an upcoming expedition into Mexico to ‘liberate’ Santa Fe. Under the leadership of Caleb Cobb, a former pirate already well-known to the Spanish/Mexican military, close to two hundred former Rangers and others begin a doomed journey across the desert and into the homeland of Buffalo Hump. It soon becomes apparent that Cobb is incapable of carrying out this adventure as the elements and the Comanches begin taking their toll. Ill-equipped and ill-trained the members of the expedition fall prey to all manner of misfortune. Along with Gus & Call are their comrades Shadrach, Bigfoot and Long Bill, men who have seen their share of folly and lived to tell the tale. McMurtry also gives us the wonderful Matilda Jane Roberts, the whore known as Great Western, who goes along with the expedition in hopes of finally making enough money to buy her own whorehouse in California.
Once I started the book it was difficult to put it down and twice I actually missed my subway stop, so engrossed was I in the story. If that isn’t praise, I don’t know what is?
To be honest, I’ve never read LONESOME DOVE, being familiar with the story only from the television mini-series. I decided it was time to finally read it, but felt that since two novels act as prequels, I would start with those. Having finished DEAD MAN’S WALK, I’m going to start on COMANCHE MOON as soon as I can.
As you can tell, I can’t recommend this book enough. Four stars.
Monday, January 24, 2005
MostlyFiction.com
I've added a link to the MostlyFiction.com website over to the right. The link actually goes directly to their "Wild Western" page, since that ties in with my main interest in this blog. However, the site also links to pages related to thrillers, mysteries, current fiction and humorous fiction, among other genres. They also have a 'bookshelf' for current non-fiction books which may be of interest.
The great thing about the site is that not only do they review a wide range of books, but they also have bibliographies and brief bios for some authors. In addition, you can find excerpts of some novels which will give you a taste of a particular author's work. You won't find just bestsellers and you won't have the range of a Barnes & Noble, but you can easily spend a few hours checking out the work of writers you might not normally choose to read.
Happy trails & Happy Reading!
The great thing about the site is that not only do they review a wide range of books, but they also have bibliographies and brief bios for some authors. In addition, you can find excerpts of some novels which will give you a taste of a particular author's work. You won't find just bestsellers and you won't have the range of a Barnes & Noble, but you can easily spend a few hours checking out the work of writers you might not normally choose to read.
Happy trails & Happy Reading!
Friday, January 21, 2005
Roger Ebert
While I don't always agree with Roger Ebert's reviews I do appreciate the thought and wit he puts into each one. Even some films which you'd think he could simply ignore, he will spend time telling you just what it is that went wrong or those small things which actually went right in an otherwise forgettable film. That's one thing that I've always liked about Ebert, and equally his late former collegue, Gene Siskle.
Their movie review show was necessary viewing for years at Chez Chaput, especially in those times when I was trying to put together semi-literate commentary in the movie apa, CAPRA. They would quite often make me re-evaluate my own opinions on a particular film, or decide to take a chance on a director or project which I normally would have ignored.
I've put a link to Ebert's website over on the left and recommend you give it a try. Not only will you find Roger's comments on new releases, but also an archive of material on older films. Add to those his "Little Movie Glossary" and "The Answer Man" columns, plus essays & interviews, you'll discover yourself easily spending an hour or more clicking here or there.
In my opinion, Roger is harsher on some genre films than he should be, but he's rarely seen a foreign film that he didn't absolutely love. Still he's probably one of the best reviewers you find on line or in print.
Their movie review show was necessary viewing for years at Chez Chaput, especially in those times when I was trying to put together semi-literate commentary in the movie apa, CAPRA. They would quite often make me re-evaluate my own opinions on a particular film, or decide to take a chance on a director or project which I normally would have ignored.
I've put a link to Ebert's website over on the left and recommend you give it a try. Not only will you find Roger's comments on new releases, but also an archive of material on older films. Add to those his "Little Movie Glossary" and "The Answer Man" columns, plus essays & interviews, you'll discover yourself easily spending an hour or more clicking here or there.
In my opinion, Roger is harsher on some genre films than he should be, but he's rarely seen a foreign film that he didn't absolutely love. Still he's probably one of the best reviewers you find on line or in print.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Owlhoots of the Old West
While surfing the net to find information on the 'owlhoot' term I discovered this fun page (link over on the right). There are some stories of several notorious figures from the west, along with a couple of games to waste your time.
Happy Trails!
Happy Trails!
Desperadoes: a book review
DESPERADOES (Berkley paperback) – Just finished another anthology of western stories. Like the previous one (TIN STAR) this book has a theme with the editors utilizing new stories and reprints to focus on those on the opposite side of the law.
The first item is a reprint of a Louis L’Amour tale, which gets things off to a nice start. Also included are works by Loren Estleman, Bill Prozini, Frank Gruber and Ed Gorman, among others. I’m more familiar with the mystery/detective fiction of Prozini and Estlemen, but both prove themselves more than adept at the western tale. Estleman, of course has garnered a few awards for his stories of the old west. I’m really becoming a fan of both Frank Gruber and Ed Gorman, so I’ll be trying to pick up a few of their western novels when I get the chance.
The individual writers each put their own spin on the idea of the men and women who find them selves riding the ‘owlhoot trail’, as they say in these books. I remember first encountering that term back when I was reading western comics as a kid, but didn’t really understand the concept until I began reading actual western fiction. I’ve tried to discover the origin of the term, but can’t seem to find it listed in any of the dictionaries or encyclopedias I check. I’m going to make it a project to actually try and hunt down the origin. If I do, I’ll let you know.
Like most anthologies of this type there are some weaker stories, but for the most part the editors have chosen some fine examples that cover several decades of western fiction. Maybe I’m just easy to please, but I recommend the book for those who enjoy short story writing, no matter the genre.
The first item is a reprint of a Louis L’Amour tale, which gets things off to a nice start. Also included are works by Loren Estleman, Bill Prozini, Frank Gruber and Ed Gorman, among others. I’m more familiar with the mystery/detective fiction of Prozini and Estlemen, but both prove themselves more than adept at the western tale. Estleman, of course has garnered a few awards for his stories of the old west. I’m really becoming a fan of both Frank Gruber and Ed Gorman, so I’ll be trying to pick up a few of their western novels when I get the chance.
The individual writers each put their own spin on the idea of the men and women who find them selves riding the ‘owlhoot trail’, as they say in these books. I remember first encountering that term back when I was reading western comics as a kid, but didn’t really understand the concept until I began reading actual western fiction. I’ve tried to discover the origin of the term, but can’t seem to find it listed in any of the dictionaries or encyclopedias I check. I’m going to make it a project to actually try and hunt down the origin. If I do, I’ll let you know.
Like most anthologies of this type there are some weaker stories, but for the most part the editors have chosen some fine examples that cover several decades of western fiction. Maybe I’m just easy to please, but I recommend the book for those who enjoy short story writing, no matter the genre.
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Happy New Year!
If I don’t have a chance to post later today, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy New Year!
Donna and I are currently planning on staying home tomorrow night, possibly having dinner with her mother and one of her cousins. Not sure what we’ll be watching come midnight, although it may just be the insides of our eyelids. :-)
Hey, it will be strange not to see Dick Clark this year, won’t it? I like Regis, but it will still seem odd.
On New Year’s Day we are having about a half dozen folks over for a late lunch/early dinner (or “dunch”, as Donna and I have dubbed this particular meal time). We expect our guests to come along pretty early so we can watch the Rose Parade together, than have enjoy a pork roast that Donna picked up the other day.
If you’re going to be out driving, either get one of those designated drivers or take a taxi/car-service home. You also might want to just spend the night at friends or stay at a nearby motel/hotel. Sadly, there are going to be way too many folks who won’t be taking this advice and will be behind the wheel after drinking way too much. If you must be out on the road be especially cautious, since I’d like to see you all back again next week.
Happy Trails!
Donna and I are currently planning on staying home tomorrow night, possibly having dinner with her mother and one of her cousins. Not sure what we’ll be watching come midnight, although it may just be the insides of our eyelids. :-)
Hey, it will be strange not to see Dick Clark this year, won’t it? I like Regis, but it will still seem odd.
On New Year’s Day we are having about a half dozen folks over for a late lunch/early dinner (or “dunch”, as Donna and I have dubbed this particular meal time). We expect our guests to come along pretty early so we can watch the Rose Parade together, than have enjoy a pork roast that Donna picked up the other day.
If you’re going to be out driving, either get one of those designated drivers or take a taxi/car-service home. You also might want to just spend the night at friends or stay at a nearby motel/hotel. Sadly, there are going to be way too many folks who won’t be taking this advice and will be behind the wheel after drinking way too much. If you must be out on the road be especially cautious, since I’d like to see you all back again next week.
Happy Trails!
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
What I got for Christmas!
Well, I certainly hope that everyone enjoyed the holiday and am preparing themselves for the New Year celebrations. I had a very nice time in California, celebrating Christmas with Donna's daughter Kristina.
We flew out of JFK last Thursday (12/23) and were picked at LAX by Donna's ex-husband (and Kristina's father) Michael. Michael acted as our host and chauffeur for the next few days, taking us around to some of the places where Donna used to live and to several restaurants. We were joined for most of the weekend by Kristina's friend, Devin.
I have to recommend both Mimis Café in Laguna Niguel for breakfast. The fresh baked muffins and raisin carrot-cake log are to die for. Also, the price is very reasonable. This used to be one of Donna's favorite places and I can understand why. Be prepared to wait a while depending on when you arrive. If you're curious: http://www.mimiscafe.com/
I have been hearing about In-n-out Burger for a while now. Kristina raves about it and when Donna's sister came back after a visit, her husband was also a fan. We had a chance on Sunday, before heading to the movies (where we saw MEET THE FOCKERS, which is a must for anybody who liked MEET THE PARENTS). The great thing about the place is the very limited menu. You'd think that would be a down side, but the choice of a burger or cheeseburger makes life very simple. The place was packed when we got there, which goes to show you that in spite of the hundreds of other restaurants and fast-food places around they must be doing something right! If you like hamburgers you have to give the place a try. I thought the fries were a bit salty, but not too bad and definitely a step above most fast-food fries. Oh, you might want to check out the "secret menu", which you can find over at their website: http://www.in-n-out.com/
By the way, there are other stories told about the place, but check out the bottom of the soda cups to understand where they may be coming from. :-)
Anyway, we had a nice day on Christmas, with Donna and the girls putting together a delicious meal, which included honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes and Donna's homemade cheesecake. Yummy!
Every year my Christmas gifts run along a theme. We've gone through SOUTH PARK & THE SIMPSONS so that I'll end up with books, t-shirts or other related items. I have Simpson editions of both LIFE & CLUE, which we enjoy playing. This year I made mistake of sitting around with my wife's nieces & nephews watching SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS. I actually enjoy the show and now find myself with a SPONGEBOB t-shirt, 2005 15-month calendar, six-inch inflatable doll and a mini-lunch pail filled with SPONGEBOB sour candies. If you haven't really sat down and watched the program, you might be surprised to find yourself enjoying it. The recurring MERMAID MAN & BARNACLE BOY characters are wonderful examples of super-hero spoofs which are clever enough to appeal to comic fans of all ages.
About the only 'western' related things I saw were seeing the Saddle Back Mountains, where some low-budget westerns were filmed. Also, passed the exit to Gene Autry Way which made me smile as I passed the sign.
Happy Trails!
We flew out of JFK last Thursday (12/23) and were picked at LAX by Donna's ex-husband (and Kristina's father) Michael. Michael acted as our host and chauffeur for the next few days, taking us around to some of the places where Donna used to live and to several restaurants. We were joined for most of the weekend by Kristina's friend, Devin.
I have to recommend both Mimis Café in Laguna Niguel for breakfast. The fresh baked muffins and raisin carrot-cake log are to die for. Also, the price is very reasonable. This used to be one of Donna's favorite places and I can understand why. Be prepared to wait a while depending on when you arrive. If you're curious: http://www.mimiscafe.com/
I have been hearing about In-n-out Burger for a while now. Kristina raves about it and when Donna's sister came back after a visit, her husband was also a fan. We had a chance on Sunday, before heading to the movies (where we saw MEET THE FOCKERS, which is a must for anybody who liked MEET THE PARENTS). The great thing about the place is the very limited menu. You'd think that would be a down side, but the choice of a burger or cheeseburger makes life very simple. The place was packed when we got there, which goes to show you that in spite of the hundreds of other restaurants and fast-food places around they must be doing something right! If you like hamburgers you have to give the place a try. I thought the fries were a bit salty, but not too bad and definitely a step above most fast-food fries. Oh, you might want to check out the "secret menu", which you can find over at their website: http://www.in-n-out.com/
By the way, there are other stories told about the place, but check out the bottom of the soda cups to understand where they may be coming from. :-)
Anyway, we had a nice day on Christmas, with Donna and the girls putting together a delicious meal, which included honey-glazed ham, sweet potatoes and Donna's homemade cheesecake. Yummy!
Every year my Christmas gifts run along a theme. We've gone through SOUTH PARK & THE SIMPSONS so that I'll end up with books, t-shirts or other related items. I have Simpson editions of both LIFE & CLUE, which we enjoy playing. This year I made mistake of sitting around with my wife's nieces & nephews watching SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS. I actually enjoy the show and now find myself with a SPONGEBOB t-shirt, 2005 15-month calendar, six-inch inflatable doll and a mini-lunch pail filled with SPONGEBOB sour candies. If you haven't really sat down and watched the program, you might be surprised to find yourself enjoying it. The recurring MERMAID MAN & BARNACLE BOY characters are wonderful examples of super-hero spoofs which are clever enough to appeal to comic fans of all ages.
About the only 'western' related things I saw were seeing the Saddle Back Mountains, where some low-budget westerns were filmed. Also, passed the exit to Gene Autry Way which made me smile as I passed the sign.
Happy Trails!
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Happy Holidays!
Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday. I hope that you'll find the days filled with joy and fulfillment.
I'll be back sometime next week, after a few days visiting my step-daughter in California. I'll let you know what transpires when I get back.
My hope is that I can start adding more links and perhaps some photos to this site in the coming New Year.
Happy Trails!
I'll be back sometime next week, after a few days visiting my step-daughter in California. I'll let you know what transpires when I get back.
My hope is that I can start adding more links and perhaps some photos to this site in the coming New Year.
Happy Trails!
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Western reprints from AC Comics
Publisher Bill Black is a fan of westerns and is one of the good folks who have put his money behind his hobby. His AC Comics, which began reprinting Golden Age super-hero stories, added a few western titles to their publication schedule over a decade ago. To many comic fans Black & Co. may be better known for their ‘good girl’ super-hero comic FEM FORCE. Unfortunately, for this reason Black has a bad rep in some circles, which I think is unfortunate, due to the remarkable effort he has demonstrated in allowing modern fans to discover the comics and heroes of the past.
For a short time, probably no more than a year or so, Black had the rights to use the Charlton 'action heroes'. AC under the AmeriComics imprint published several books featuring new adventures of the Blue Beetle, Captain Atom & others. There was even a team title called 'Sentinels of Justice' which had to be quickly revamped once DC comics officially acquired the rights to the Charlton stable.
In the comic book field, where the western was once a mainstay, there are few examples of this genre still to be found. Sadly, many of the so-called ‘westerns’ which some companies put out are generally re-imagined takes on classic western heroes or supernatural tales told with a frontier backdrop. There have been some very good titles, such as Marvel’s SUNSET RIDERS & DC’s THE KENTS (which mixed real life events with the fictional story of Jonathan Kent’s family during the American Civil War era), and some alternative/independent publishers have put out miscellaneous issues here and there.
The books from AC tend to be reprints of western comics previously published by Magazine Enterprises (ME) a now defunct publisher, which put out an amazing group of licensed titles. Black has also acquired the licensed rights to such western heroes as Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Tom Mix, among others. ME published licensed and original material for several decades which allows AC to put together some fantastic reprints. If you check on eBay or go to conventions it would cost you hundreds of dollars to acquire some of the comics, and in some cases it would be almost impossible to find them in more than fair condition. Black allows fans of this type of material to read or re-read stories which have been unseen since they were originally published a generation ago.
If you click on the link over to the right you’ll find the official AC website which will give you more information on the books and some of the heroes whose stories you can read. While you’re there you can even click to buy some of the AC books which you may not be able to otherwise locate. It has been my experience that many comic shops won’t carry or order these titles unless you pre-order them.
For those interested in non-western comics, you might want to check out the AC home page to see what other comics they publish. They continue to publish FEM FORCE, along with several spin-offs and specials, plus reprints of Golden Age heroes from a half dozen long-gone publishers.
Happy Trails & Happy Holidays!
For a short time, probably no more than a year or so, Black had the rights to use the Charlton 'action heroes'. AC under the AmeriComics imprint published several books featuring new adventures of the Blue Beetle, Captain Atom & others. There was even a team title called 'Sentinels of Justice' which had to be quickly revamped once DC comics officially acquired the rights to the Charlton stable.
In the comic book field, where the western was once a mainstay, there are few examples of this genre still to be found. Sadly, many of the so-called ‘westerns’ which some companies put out are generally re-imagined takes on classic western heroes or supernatural tales told with a frontier backdrop. There have been some very good titles, such as Marvel’s SUNSET RIDERS & DC’s THE KENTS (which mixed real life events with the fictional story of Jonathan Kent’s family during the American Civil War era), and some alternative/independent publishers have put out miscellaneous issues here and there.
The books from AC tend to be reprints of western comics previously published by Magazine Enterprises (ME) a now defunct publisher, which put out an amazing group of licensed titles. Black has also acquired the licensed rights to such western heroes as Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Tom Mix, among others. ME published licensed and original material for several decades which allows AC to put together some fantastic reprints. If you check on eBay or go to conventions it would cost you hundreds of dollars to acquire some of the comics, and in some cases it would be almost impossible to find them in more than fair condition. Black allows fans of this type of material to read or re-read stories which have been unseen since they were originally published a generation ago.
If you click on the link over to the right you’ll find the official AC website which will give you more information on the books and some of the heroes whose stories you can read. While you’re there you can even click to buy some of the AC books which you may not be able to otherwise locate. It has been my experience that many comic shops won’t carry or order these titles unless you pre-order them.
For those interested in non-western comics, you might want to check out the AC home page to see what other comics they publish. They continue to publish FEM FORCE, along with several spin-offs and specials, plus reprints of Golden Age heroes from a half dozen long-gone publishers.
Happy Trails & Happy Holidays!
Friday, December 17, 2004
Gene & Roy: a few more reviews
(These were originally posted on 10/10/03. I haven't changed these as much as some previous reviews.)
Riders of the Whistling Pines (1949) Gene Autry plays a forest ranger who has recently retired. While on his way to take over a campground he has purchased he shoots at a mountain lion, only to apparently shoot a fellow ranger (Ranger Carter played by Jason Robards, Sr., father of the better known Oscar winner). Even though the death is ruled a 'hunting accident' many of the town's residents, including the man's daughter Helen (played by Patricia White, who continued working in television & film into the early 1990s).
Naturally, we all know that the ranger was actually killed by Bill (Damian O'Flynn), a henchman for the local logging company. It seems that Ranger Carter had discovered that many of the trees were infested with a destructive moth and logging had to be stopped. Once cleared of the crime Gene is put in charge of spraying the forest, which puts him at odds with the loggers. Of course in the end, Gene wins the day and the girl.
Plenty of singing by Gene and others along the way, plus Clayton Moore (known for his long-time role as The Lone Ranger) does a nice turn as another logging company henchman. Moore actually displays a comedic side in a scene involving a ringing phone, Moore does a 'slow burn' rivaling Edgar Kennedy at his best. This is typical Autry fare, but fun and actually touching in some scenes with a Jimmy Lloyd as a fellow pilot who mourns his late wife.
King of the Cowboys (1943) This wartime flick exists in two versions. The DVD has the version shown in general release, followed by the additional scenes filmed for the Armed Forces. In the general release film the head saboteur (Lloyd Corrigan) is the governor's secretary, while in the 'government' version he is an unnamed industrialist. Why they change the occupation of his character doesn't make any sense to me, since he meets the same fate in both films. My guess is that the DOD didn't think our fighting forces should see a film in which a government employee (even a male secretary) is working against the best interests of the U.S.
Anyway, Roy and sidekick Smiley Burnette are asked by the governor to bring in a group of saboteurs, who have been blowing up warehouses and otherwise disrupting the war effort. The gang is never said to be working for the Nazis, nor is there more than a few mentions of the ongoing war (mostly shown in newspaper headlines or in posters on walls talking about buying bonds, etc.). Roy finds himself in enough life threatening circumstances to fill your typical Republic serial, but he's able to take down the gang, plus sing a number of songs all in a single feature. No wonder the guy was so popular!
My Pal Trigger (1946) Roy & Dale Evans had already appeared in close to a dozen films together at this point. Here they are joined by George "Gabby" Hayes, this time playing rancher Gabby Kendrick, the father of Susan (with Dale in this role) and owner of Golden Sovereign. Roy seeks to mate the Sovereign with his own mare in hopes of raising the offspring, but Gabby refuses the request and insults Rogers while doing so. When Sovereign is killed later by the rancher who first rustles the horse from the Kendrick ranch, Roy is found at the scene and arrested. We then follow Roy as he first escapes and later turns himself in, along with Trigger who had been born during his travels.
It is a convoluted tale, but entertaining and it gives Roy a chance to sing, ride and get into several fights (all of them with multiple antagonists) which he doesn't always win. A fictionalized tale of how Roy got Trigger and I doubt that anyone, even the kids in the audience, took it for the truth. A solid Rogers/Evans effort and you can never have too much of that.
Riders of the Whistling Pines (1949) Gene Autry plays a forest ranger who has recently retired. While on his way to take over a campground he has purchased he shoots at a mountain lion, only to apparently shoot a fellow ranger (Ranger Carter played by Jason Robards, Sr., father of the better known Oscar winner). Even though the death is ruled a 'hunting accident' many of the town's residents, including the man's daughter Helen (played by Patricia White, who continued working in television & film into the early 1990s).
Naturally, we all know that the ranger was actually killed by Bill (Damian O'Flynn), a henchman for the local logging company. It seems that Ranger Carter had discovered that many of the trees were infested with a destructive moth and logging had to be stopped. Once cleared of the crime Gene is put in charge of spraying the forest, which puts him at odds with the loggers. Of course in the end, Gene wins the day and the girl.
Plenty of singing by Gene and others along the way, plus Clayton Moore (known for his long-time role as The Lone Ranger) does a nice turn as another logging company henchman. Moore actually displays a comedic side in a scene involving a ringing phone, Moore does a 'slow burn' rivaling Edgar Kennedy at his best. This is typical Autry fare, but fun and actually touching in some scenes with a Jimmy Lloyd as a fellow pilot who mourns his late wife.
King of the Cowboys (1943) This wartime flick exists in two versions. The DVD has the version shown in general release, followed by the additional scenes filmed for the Armed Forces. In the general release film the head saboteur (Lloyd Corrigan) is the governor's secretary, while in the 'government' version he is an unnamed industrialist. Why they change the occupation of his character doesn't make any sense to me, since he meets the same fate in both films. My guess is that the DOD didn't think our fighting forces should see a film in which a government employee (even a male secretary) is working against the best interests of the U.S.
Anyway, Roy and sidekick Smiley Burnette are asked by the governor to bring in a group of saboteurs, who have been blowing up warehouses and otherwise disrupting the war effort. The gang is never said to be working for the Nazis, nor is there more than a few mentions of the ongoing war (mostly shown in newspaper headlines or in posters on walls talking about buying bonds, etc.). Roy finds himself in enough life threatening circumstances to fill your typical Republic serial, but he's able to take down the gang, plus sing a number of songs all in a single feature. No wonder the guy was so popular!
My Pal Trigger (1946) Roy & Dale Evans had already appeared in close to a dozen films together at this point. Here they are joined by George "Gabby" Hayes, this time playing rancher Gabby Kendrick, the father of Susan (with Dale in this role) and owner of Golden Sovereign. Roy seeks to mate the Sovereign with his own mare in hopes of raising the offspring, but Gabby refuses the request and insults Rogers while doing so. When Sovereign is killed later by the rancher who first rustles the horse from the Kendrick ranch, Roy is found at the scene and arrested. We then follow Roy as he first escapes and later turns himself in, along with Trigger who had been born during his travels.
It is a convoluted tale, but entertaining and it gives Roy a chance to sing, ride and get into several fights (all of them with multiple antagonists) which he doesn't always win. A fictionalized tale of how Roy got Trigger and I doubt that anyone, even the kids in the audience, took it for the truth. A solid Rogers/Evans effort and you can never have too much of that.
"Song of Texas"
(Originally posted 10/16/03, I’ve only made a few changes.)
Song of Texas (1943) Dale Evans is nowhere in sight, so Roy finds himself attracted to Sue Bennett (played by Sheila Ryan), the daughter of Roy’s one time idol Sam Bennett (Harry Shannon). Roy and the Sons of the Pioneers are working for crooked rodeo owner Jim Calvert (Barton MacLane, who would go on to play Gen. Peterson in I DREAM OF JEANNIE), until they discover he has fixed a race that leads to Sam being injured. When Roy and the boys quit, trying to start their own rodeo, Calvert does all he can to sabotage their efforts. As usual Roy and the Sons drop everything to sing a few songs, including “Mexicali Rose” and “Rainbow Over the Range”.
This is a typical Rogers film with the only surprise the appearance of Arlene Judge, in the role of Sue’s friend. Ms. Judge, was a delightful comedian, who starred in the ‘classic’ exploitation film “Girls in Chains”, the granddaddy (or grandmother) of all women-in-prison flicks.
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Song of Texas (1943) Dale Evans is nowhere in sight, so Roy finds himself attracted to Sue Bennett (played by Sheila Ryan), the daughter of Roy’s one time idol Sam Bennett (Harry Shannon). Roy and the Sons of the Pioneers are working for crooked rodeo owner Jim Calvert (Barton MacLane, who would go on to play Gen. Peterson in I DREAM OF JEANNIE), until they discover he has fixed a race that leads to Sam being injured. When Roy and the boys quit, trying to start their own rodeo, Calvert does all he can to sabotage their efforts. As usual Roy and the Sons drop everything to sing a few songs, including “Mexicali Rose” and “Rainbow Over the Range”.
This is a typical Rogers film with the only surprise the appearance of Arlene Judge, in the role of Sue’s friend. Ms. Judge, was a delightful comedian, who starred in the ‘classic’ exploitation film “Girls in Chains”, the granddaddy (or grandmother) of all women-in-prison flicks.
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Thursday, December 16, 2004
Old Time Radio
When I was a kid my family used to go to my maternal grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner almost every week. One of the highlights of those days came in the early evening when my father would let me have the car keys and I would sit in the front seat listening to the radio. While there may have been other shows on the only one which sticks in my mind is one called “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.” I was probably between ten and twelve years old during this period, since the program aired its final episodes in 1962.
I bring this up not only to reveal what an old coot I am, but to show that my love of Old Time Radio (OTR) wasn’t one of those things I came upon only in later life. When I was young there were still a few live radio programs around, though many were even then on their last legs. Most stations were switching over to all-music formats, with some news and community affairs programs thrown into the mix. Radio could no longer compete economically with television, with both sponsors and creative talent switching over to the newer medium.
When I was in my early twenties some FM stations and a few AM ones began re-broadcasting the old shows. Generally they were things like THE SHADOW and THE GREEN HORNET, but they would also occasionally toss in individual episodes of other shows. If you were in the New York metropolitan area, or had decent reception in the evenings you might be able to hear Joe Franklin broadcasting some of the old radio variety and comedy shows during his late-night program. In the 1980s I began collecting OTR programs on cassette, either taping them myself or buying from several dealers in the field.
The link to Old-time.com which I’ve added over on the side will bring you to a great site which includes a lot of information on the shows, links to other OTR sites and dealers. The folks over there call themselves the “Original Old Time Radio WWW Pages”, and I’m not going to argue the point. It will take an OTR fan hours to just begin skimming some of the wonderful material over there, but I highly recommend that you at least take a peek.
I bring this up not only to reveal what an old coot I am, but to show that my love of Old Time Radio (OTR) wasn’t one of those things I came upon only in later life. When I was young there were still a few live radio programs around, though many were even then on their last legs. Most stations were switching over to all-music formats, with some news and community affairs programs thrown into the mix. Radio could no longer compete economically with television, with both sponsors and creative talent switching over to the newer medium.
When I was in my early twenties some FM stations and a few AM ones began re-broadcasting the old shows. Generally they were things like THE SHADOW and THE GREEN HORNET, but they would also occasionally toss in individual episodes of other shows. If you were in the New York metropolitan area, or had decent reception in the evenings you might be able to hear Joe Franklin broadcasting some of the old radio variety and comedy shows during his late-night program. In the 1980s I began collecting OTR programs on cassette, either taping them myself or buying from several dealers in the field.
The link to Old-time.com which I’ve added over on the side will bring you to a great site which includes a lot of information on the shows, links to other OTR sites and dealers. The folks over there call themselves the “Original Old Time Radio WWW Pages”, and I’m not going to argue the point. It will take an OTR fan hours to just begin skimming some of the wonderful material over there, but I highly recommend that you at least take a peek.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
"Boots and Saddles" with Gene Autry
(This was previously posted on 10/3/03. I have made a few changes.)
Boots and Saddles (1937) – Gene Autry plays the manager of a ranch owned by a British nobleman. When his Lordship passes away the land is bequeathed to his only son, Edward (played by Ronald Sinclair, later to give up acting to become a film editor), who is only about 12 or 13 yrs old. Arriving in America the young lord is ready to sell his father’s ranch, until Gene convinces him that it would be better to preserve his father’s estate by selling horses to the Army, thereby paying off any debts.
Not one of Autry’s best films, but he certainly did lesser fare in his long career in the saddle. As a kid I usually preferred non-singing cowboys, but Autry (like Roy Rogers) always seemed to be on the air, so I grew fond of him. Personally, Autry always struck me as a singer who learned how to ride a horse, but never seemed a ‘real’ cowboy and he never really convinced me that he was even comfortable out on the range. Still I find that I enjoy his films when I get a chance to view them. With their action and humor it’s easy to see how kids, and even adults, would warm to the star and his films.
Of course things never go smoothly in these things and Autry finds himself in competition with an unscrupulous horse trader who wants the Army contract for himself. As usual, Gene finds time to sing a few songs and even to get involved with some tricks involving his horse Champion. Of note here is Bill Elliot (listed as “Gordon Elliot” in the credits) in a small role. Elliot went on to play first “Wild Bill Saunders”, then “Wild Bill Hickok” and eventually “Wild Bill Elliot” in several western series during the 1940s into the mid-1950s. Elliot is perhaps best known for his role of “Red Ryder” (in which he co-starred with a young Robert/Bobby Blake as Little Beaver, his Indian companion) a series of movies based on the comic-strip character (created by Fred Harman). Elliot’s career began in silent movies (often as an uncredited extra) and ended in the late-1950s when he played a Los Angeles sheriff’s department detective in a series of films.
Gene’s sidekick in this film (as in dozens of others) is Lester “Smiley” Burnette, who teamed up first with Gene and later Charles Starrett in the ‘Durango Kid’ series. Burnette also wrote and performed country western/cowboy songs, meeting Autry while the entertainer was touring and becoming part of his backup group.
The Autry films are pretty predictable and you know that they will end with Gene getting the girl or just riding Champion and singing. They are harmless fun for a quiet afternoon, which is of course, what they were meant to be.
Boots and Saddles (1937) – Gene Autry plays the manager of a ranch owned by a British nobleman. When his Lordship passes away the land is bequeathed to his only son, Edward (played by Ronald Sinclair, later to give up acting to become a film editor), who is only about 12 or 13 yrs old. Arriving in America the young lord is ready to sell his father’s ranch, until Gene convinces him that it would be better to preserve his father’s estate by selling horses to the Army, thereby paying off any debts.
Not one of Autry’s best films, but he certainly did lesser fare in his long career in the saddle. As a kid I usually preferred non-singing cowboys, but Autry (like Roy Rogers) always seemed to be on the air, so I grew fond of him. Personally, Autry always struck me as a singer who learned how to ride a horse, but never seemed a ‘real’ cowboy and he never really convinced me that he was even comfortable out on the range. Still I find that I enjoy his films when I get a chance to view them. With their action and humor it’s easy to see how kids, and even adults, would warm to the star and his films.
Of course things never go smoothly in these things and Autry finds himself in competition with an unscrupulous horse trader who wants the Army contract for himself. As usual, Gene finds time to sing a few songs and even to get involved with some tricks involving his horse Champion. Of note here is Bill Elliot (listed as “Gordon Elliot” in the credits) in a small role. Elliot went on to play first “Wild Bill Saunders”, then “Wild Bill Hickok” and eventually “Wild Bill Elliot” in several western series during the 1940s into the mid-1950s. Elliot is perhaps best known for his role of “Red Ryder” (in which he co-starred with a young Robert/Bobby Blake as Little Beaver, his Indian companion) a series of movies based on the comic-strip character (created by Fred Harman). Elliot’s career began in silent movies (often as an uncredited extra) and ended in the late-1950s when he played a Los Angeles sheriff’s department detective in a series of films.
Gene’s sidekick in this film (as in dozens of others) is Lester “Smiley” Burnette, who teamed up first with Gene and later Charles Starrett in the ‘Durango Kid’ series. Burnette also wrote and performed country western/cowboy songs, meeting Autry while the entertainer was touring and becoming part of his backup group.
The Autry films are pretty predictable and you know that they will end with Gene getting the girl or just riding Champion and singing. They are harmless fun for a quiet afternoon, which is of course, what they were meant to be.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Elbow Creek Magazine
ELBOW CREEK MAGAZINE was an attempt to produce an online magazine which made available (free of charge) articles, poems and fiction about the American west. Sadly, it only was able to complete five issues before the realities of Internet publishing (we assume, since the last issue was obviously not scheduled to be the final one, so no explanation is given) brought the venture to a close.
I have to give Thomas A. Rice (who signed the editorial page) and his cohorts credit for a very nice try. The material they produced is very good and it would have been interesting to see where they would have gone if allowed to continue.
One of the things they were attempting was the creation of a 'shared universe' centered around the fictional Elbow Creek, CO. It was their hope that a number of writers would populate this town with characters and give it a history upon which others could build. There are only three stories which take place there at the magazines closing, two of which were written by Rice himself.
Even though there are only a few samples over on the website, I thought it was important enough to add a link to it so other fans of this literature might take a look.
Happy Trails!
I have to give Thomas A. Rice (who signed the editorial page) and his cohorts credit for a very nice try. The material they produced is very good and it would have been interesting to see where they would have gone if allowed to continue.
One of the things they were attempting was the creation of a 'shared universe' centered around the fictional Elbow Creek, CO. It was their hope that a number of writers would populate this town with characters and give it a history upon which others could build. There are only three stories which take place there at the magazines closing, two of which were written by Rice himself.
Even though there are only a few samples over on the website, I thought it was important enough to add a link to it so other fans of this literature might take a look.
Happy Trails!
Friday, December 10, 2004
Lone Ranger on the Web
Courtesy of the fine folks at Endeavor Comics, I've added a link to their Lone Ranger website. It has some nice stuff (including a bit of the William Tell Overture & photos), plus further links to other LR sites.
It would be impossible to have grown up, as I did, in the mid-1950s and not been aware of the television show featuring Clayton Moore as the Ranger. He along with Roy, Gene and Hoppalong Cassidy helped form my earliest TV viewing habits. When I began reading the comics strips in the various newspapers to which my parents subscribed, it was also natural to immediately begin following the adventures of the Ranger and his Indian companion. Once I started buying comicbooks the LR titles from Dell were among the first non-funny animal comics I read. It was only later that I began to take an interest in the super-hero books.
There is something noble about the Ranger, his selfless struggle to bring justice to a lawless era. Like Batman, when he was closer to his roots, the Ranger began as someone seeking to bring to justice those who had destroyed his earlier life. Witnessing the murder of his brother and fellow Texas Rangers, the youngest Reed sibling vows to defend law abiding citizens against those who oppress them. Check out the "Lone Ranger's Creed" to see where the Ranger is coming from.
Via the Largent's page you'll find links to other sites (including the Old Corral) dedicated not only to the Lone Ranger, but to other fictional western heroes. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
It would be impossible to have grown up, as I did, in the mid-1950s and not been aware of the television show featuring Clayton Moore as the Ranger. He along with Roy, Gene and Hoppalong Cassidy helped form my earliest TV viewing habits. When I began reading the comics strips in the various newspapers to which my parents subscribed, it was also natural to immediately begin following the adventures of the Ranger and his Indian companion. Once I started buying comicbooks the LR titles from Dell were among the first non-funny animal comics I read. It was only later that I began to take an interest in the super-hero books.
There is something noble about the Ranger, his selfless struggle to bring justice to a lawless era. Like Batman, when he was closer to his roots, the Ranger began as someone seeking to bring to justice those who had destroyed his earlier life. Witnessing the murder of his brother and fellow Texas Rangers, the youngest Reed sibling vows to defend law abiding citizens against those who oppress them. Check out the "Lone Ranger's Creed" to see where the Ranger is coming from.
Via the Largent's page you'll find links to other sites (including the Old Corral) dedicated not only to the Lone Ranger, but to other fictional western heroes. Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
TIN STAR: a book review
Tin Star: a book review
This anthology of western short stories has nothing to do with the movie of the same name, starring Henry Fonda & Anthony Perkins. Then again since the stories and the film have to do with those who carry a badge in the Old West, I guess in that way they do have similarities.
Edited by Robert J. Randisi, himself a writer of mystery and western fiction, the book contains twelve short stories by some well known (and lesser known) writers. Perhaps the most familiar to western fans would be Elmer Kelton and Loren Estleman, both multi-award winners in western fiction. Along with their work are ones by Ed Gorman, Wendi Lee, Tim Champlin, Douglas Hirt, Deborah Morgan, Marthayn Pelegrimas, James Reasoner, Frank Roderus and L.J. Washburn. Between them these writers have won numerous awards both in the western and mystery genres. In fact, I have been surprised as I begin reading westerns and checking on the writers the number of them who seem to cross over between the two. I suppose in someway there is a common theme of the ‘good guy’, often a loner, out to right some wrong or bring the ‘bad guy’ to justice. I can see why both would attract certain writers.
The theme of the collection involves the men, and in one case a woman, who put their lives on the line to bring law and order to a region of the country just beginning to make the change from frontier to nation. The stories range from shortly after the Civil War (or War Between the States, if you will) until the very beginning of the Twentieth Century. While most of the characters are on horseback, you will find a few automobiles and even a telephone or two making an appearance. They remind me of many of the Roy Rogers & Gene Autry films in which it was sometimes impossible to figure out exactly when a particular story took place, generally unless the characters entered a large town they could have taken place at almost any time period.
Like any anthology the contributions range from ones which deserve award consideration to simply decently told tales. Estleman, Gorman and Washburn create new stories featuring series characters that have appeared previously, while Deborah Morgan introduces the fascinating former Buffalo Soldier Archie Law in a terrific story which begs to be continued. The writers all focus on the individual behind the badge; in a couple of cases the badge itself plays an important part in the story.
I’m hoping that sales and popular reaction to the book urges Randisi (and the good folks at Berkley Publishing to turn TIN STAR into an on-going series.
This anthology of western short stories has nothing to do with the movie of the same name, starring Henry Fonda & Anthony Perkins. Then again since the stories and the film have to do with those who carry a badge in the Old West, I guess in that way they do have similarities.
Edited by Robert J. Randisi, himself a writer of mystery and western fiction, the book contains twelve short stories by some well known (and lesser known) writers. Perhaps the most familiar to western fans would be Elmer Kelton and Loren Estleman, both multi-award winners in western fiction. Along with their work are ones by Ed Gorman, Wendi Lee, Tim Champlin, Douglas Hirt, Deborah Morgan, Marthayn Pelegrimas, James Reasoner, Frank Roderus and L.J. Washburn. Between them these writers have won numerous awards both in the western and mystery genres. In fact, I have been surprised as I begin reading westerns and checking on the writers the number of them who seem to cross over between the two. I suppose in someway there is a common theme of the ‘good guy’, often a loner, out to right some wrong or bring the ‘bad guy’ to justice. I can see why both would attract certain writers.
The theme of the collection involves the men, and in one case a woman, who put their lives on the line to bring law and order to a region of the country just beginning to make the change from frontier to nation. The stories range from shortly after the Civil War (or War Between the States, if you will) until the very beginning of the Twentieth Century. While most of the characters are on horseback, you will find a few automobiles and even a telephone or two making an appearance. They remind me of many of the Roy Rogers & Gene Autry films in which it was sometimes impossible to figure out exactly when a particular story took place, generally unless the characters entered a large town they could have taken place at almost any time period.
Like any anthology the contributions range from ones which deserve award consideration to simply decently told tales. Estleman, Gorman and Washburn create new stories featuring series characters that have appeared previously, while Deborah Morgan introduces the fascinating former Buffalo Soldier Archie Law in a terrific story which begs to be continued. The writers all focus on the individual behind the badge; in a couple of cases the badge itself plays an important part in the story.
I’m hoping that sales and popular reaction to the book urges Randisi (and the good folks at Berkley Publishing to turn TIN STAR into an on-going series.
Friday, December 03, 2004
"To The Last Man"
(This was previously posted on 8/7/03.)
Not that anyone is keeping count but, since I do this blog to amuse myself anyway, I'm going to review another Randolph Scott western.
TO THE LAST MAN (1933) adapts a Zane Grey novel by the same name. The story was filmed previously in 1923, that silent starred Richard Dix in the role of the returning son, played later by Scott. The basic plot concerns a long-time feud between southern families who take their hatred out west and end up poisoning another generation. Of course, you can't have this type of thing without the Romeo and Juliet scenario cropping up, can you?
The Scott film takes liberties with Grey's novel, chiefly the names of the characters and the opening of the film which sets up the history of the main characters, whereas in the novel two of the books main characters meet and everything is explained in their conversation. Where the feuding families in the original story are the Isbel and Colter clans (as they are in the '23 film), Scott is a member of the Hayden family while his romantic interest Ellen (played by Esther Ralston)is the daughter of his father's sworn enemy, the head of the Colby clan(Ned, played by Noah Berry).
Just as an aside: I notice that in several of Scott’s films the names of characters are changed (for no reason I can understand) from those in the novels and stories from which they are adapted. I wonder it this was something the studio heads demanded, once they had the rights to particular properties.
The movie is predictable, but it sort of funny seeing Buster Crabbe and Fuzzy Knight together, as they both appeared in the TV show "Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion" more than twenty years later. The film is also notable as being the first feature film in which a young Shirley Temple appears, as one of the Hayden children. She doesn't sing or dance, but does slap & punch a pony (rather viciously, I thought) in one scene, before having her doll's head shot off by one of the bad guys.
Coincidentally, when I noted the film’s title I went to my comics and discovered that I had a reprint of the Dell Four Color adaptation of the same Zane Grey story. The comic (published in b&w by ACG several years ago) takes some liberties with the story as well, which is understandable, since it had to pass the Comics Code and the novel ends with the near rape of Colby's daughter by the villainous Jim Coulter. In the Scott film Berry's chief henchman (who leers at the very, lovely Miss Ralston through the entire film) is called Jim Daggs (played by Jack La Rue, who made his career playing villains and shady characters). Now I don't know a lot about the Hayes Code, but Daggs sleazy advances towards Ellen (including one as Ralston goes skinny-dipping, and she certainly seems nude or nearly so in the film) are pretty obvious and even young kids in the theatre would not have been unsure of his desires. The camera also seems to love focusing in on Ralston's posterior, as often as possible. It has almost as many close-ups as some of the major characters.
Not one of your classic films, but certainly enjoyable and with enough action during its 70 min. running time as director Henry Hathaway (who went on to direct the John Wayne films, THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER & TRUE GRIT, as well as Marilyn Monroe's NIAGRA) could cram in.
Not that anyone is keeping count but, since I do this blog to amuse myself anyway, I'm going to review another Randolph Scott western.
TO THE LAST MAN (1933) adapts a Zane Grey novel by the same name. The story was filmed previously in 1923, that silent starred Richard Dix in the role of the returning son, played later by Scott. The basic plot concerns a long-time feud between southern families who take their hatred out west and end up poisoning another generation. Of course, you can't have this type of thing without the Romeo and Juliet scenario cropping up, can you?
The Scott film takes liberties with Grey's novel, chiefly the names of the characters and the opening of the film which sets up the history of the main characters, whereas in the novel two of the books main characters meet and everything is explained in their conversation. Where the feuding families in the original story are the Isbel and Colter clans (as they are in the '23 film), Scott is a member of the Hayden family while his romantic interest Ellen (played by Esther Ralston)is the daughter of his father's sworn enemy, the head of the Colby clan(Ned, played by Noah Berry).
Just as an aside: I notice that in several of Scott’s films the names of characters are changed (for no reason I can understand) from those in the novels and stories from which they are adapted. I wonder it this was something the studio heads demanded, once they had the rights to particular properties.
The movie is predictable, but it sort of funny seeing Buster Crabbe and Fuzzy Knight together, as they both appeared in the TV show "Captain Gallant of the Foreign Legion" more than twenty years later. The film is also notable as being the first feature film in which a young Shirley Temple appears, as one of the Hayden children. She doesn't sing or dance, but does slap & punch a pony (rather viciously, I thought) in one scene, before having her doll's head shot off by one of the bad guys.
Coincidentally, when I noted the film’s title I went to my comics and discovered that I had a reprint of the Dell Four Color adaptation of the same Zane Grey story. The comic (published in b&w by ACG several years ago) takes some liberties with the story as well, which is understandable, since it had to pass the Comics Code and the novel ends with the near rape of Colby's daughter by the villainous Jim Coulter. In the Scott film Berry's chief henchman (who leers at the very, lovely Miss Ralston through the entire film) is called Jim Daggs (played by Jack La Rue, who made his career playing villains and shady characters). Now I don't know a lot about the Hayes Code, but Daggs sleazy advances towards Ellen (including one as Ralston goes skinny-dipping, and she certainly seems nude or nearly so in the film) are pretty obvious and even young kids in the theatre would not have been unsure of his desires. The camera also seems to love focusing in on Ralston's posterior, as often as possible. It has almost as many close-ups as some of the major characters.
Not one of your classic films, but certainly enjoyable and with enough action during its 70 min. running time as director Henry Hathaway (who went on to direct the John Wayne films, THE SONS OF KATIE ELDER & TRUE GRIT, as well as Marilyn Monroe's NIAGRA) could cram in.
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Howard Hughes' THE OUTLAW
Before getting to the reprinted review I wanted to take a moment to explain the term 'apa' found in the first paragraph.
Depending on whom you ask it stands for either Amateur Press Association or Alliance. These are groups of fans dedicated to a particular hobby or interest who ban together and publish individual newsletters (generally referred to as 'zines'), running any where from two to a dozen or more pages. A Central Mailer/Overall Editor will then collect the zines and mail them out to all members of the apa.
These groups are believed to have been started by science fiction/fantasy fans in the era of the pulps, but now hundreds of apas covering just about any type of interest are active. The "golden age" of the apa was probably from around the early 1970 until the mid-1980s when the Internet with its various electronic bulletin boards and message boards led many apa members to jump ship for the immediate gratification of the online community.
(This was previously posted back on 8/21/03, but some changes have been made.)
After thinking about this review (which I'm also running in an apa I belong to) I wonder if I should have talked more about really being bothered by the 'rape' scene and the fact that the woman seems pretty forgiving. There is a scene a while later where the viewer is not sure if Rio is going to kill Billy, but after that it's apparent that she is more than happy to put such things as sexual assault behind her and fall in love with her rapist. A nyway, I just didn't want folks to think that the whole thing didn't bother me, since it did.
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THE OUTLAW (1943) I'm sure that I must have seen this film at some point on television, but you would think that I would have had some memory of it. It certainly has a few scenes that should have stuck in my mind, but I honestly cannott recall anything other than seeing various clips. Most of those, naturally, were of Jane Russell's ample and heaving bosoms be honest the shot often showed of Russell with her torn dress falling from her shoulder doesn't actually appear in the movie. At least not in the version I have on the DVD collection.
Also, just to point this out to anyone interested in buying said collection this film contains the only major glitch that I have discovered in either disk. About three-quarters of the way through there is a flutter and for the next twenty minutes or so the audio track is several seconds ahead of the video. Annoying, but it does make for some funny scenes when Russell begins lip-synching Walter Houston. It goes back to normal in the final reel, so I can't say that it totally ruined the film for me.
There are, according to Leonard Malton's book, a couple of versions of this film around including a 117 min. "uncensored" version. I can certainly see why the censors at the time may have had some problems with the film, especially a rape scene that takes place in shadow. Or rather, it's implied as Billy the Kid (played by first timer Jack Buetel) pulls Rio (Jane Russell, also in her first screen role) down into the hay, after she has tried to kill Billy for the murder of her brother. Their conversation and revelation of this plot point is shown clearly, but then when Russell attempts to shove a pitchfork into Buetel the two of them roll into darkness. You hear Rio tell Billy to get off her, but he responds with something along the lines of, "Stop struggling lady or I'll rip all your dress off." Music swells and camera fades to the next morning with Billy talking to Doc Holliday (nicely acted by Walter Houston). Whoa!!
There is a later scene where the now more than willing Rio is about to fall once again into Billy's arms, only to be interrupted by her aunt. This scene is shot from such an angle that Russell seems about to perform oral sex on the camera lens, so maybe it was good that they cut away at that point! This would certainly have the ladies in the audience getting up and heading for the exits in some theatres, I'm sure. I also have to wonder what the kids in the audience might have made of all this on some Saturday matinee. (On further reflection I doubt this movie would have been shown to audience of kids. I think the Catholic League and other such groups would have frowned on that.)
Actually, the film isn't as bad as some folks seem to find it, in my humble opinion. It would have been interesting to see what Howard Hawks (who is reported to actually have directed this, with Howard Hughes taking credit) would have done without Hughes butting in. No doubt Hughes wanted to ensure that Russell, his then current lady friend, came off well. There are certainly stories of Hughes using his well-known engineering ability to construct a bra suitable for Russell's full figure all the double-crosses and back stabbing going on in this film it is amazing that it actually has a happy ending (at least for two of the characters), although I'm sure that historians would be tossing their popcorn long before the final credits rolled.
I rather doubt that any surviving estates that Billy, Doc Holliday or Pat Garrett (played here by Thomas Mitchell) may have had would have been overly happy with the portrayal of any of their ancestors. Although Holliday certainly comes across as the best of the lot, not counting several cold-blooded murders along the way. A fun and entertaining film, and certainly one that has its own notoriety in cinematic circles. Would have been interesting to see what Joel or Mike and the bots would have thought of the whole thing.
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As I said, I did have some problems with the assault scene, but in general I didn't find the film isn't as bad as some other reviewers. An odd film, more notable for the behind the scenes activity and the association with Hughes than a movie to be sort out as a classic.
Depending on whom you ask it stands for either Amateur Press Association or Alliance. These are groups of fans dedicated to a particular hobby or interest who ban together and publish individual newsletters (generally referred to as 'zines'), running any where from two to a dozen or more pages. A Central Mailer/Overall Editor will then collect the zines and mail them out to all members of the apa.
These groups are believed to have been started by science fiction/fantasy fans in the era of the pulps, but now hundreds of apas covering just about any type of interest are active. The "golden age" of the apa was probably from around the early 1970 until the mid-1980s when the Internet with its various electronic bulletin boards and message boards led many apa members to jump ship for the immediate gratification of the online community.
(This was previously posted back on 8/21/03, but some changes have been made.)
After thinking about this review (which I'm also running in an apa I belong to) I wonder if I should have talked more about really being bothered by the 'rape' scene and the fact that the woman seems pretty forgiving. There is a scene a while later where the viewer is not sure if Rio is going to kill Billy, but after that it's apparent that she is more than happy to put such things as sexual assault behind her and fall in love with her rapist. A nyway, I just didn't want folks to think that the whole thing didn't bother me, since it did.
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THE OUTLAW (1943) I'm sure that I must have seen this film at some point on television, but you would think that I would have had some memory of it. It certainly has a few scenes that should have stuck in my mind, but I honestly cannott recall anything other than seeing various clips. Most of those, naturally, were of Jane Russell's ample and heaving bosoms be honest the shot often showed of Russell with her torn dress falling from her shoulder doesn't actually appear in the movie. At least not in the version I have on the DVD collection.
Also, just to point this out to anyone interested in buying said collection this film contains the only major glitch that I have discovered in either disk. About three-quarters of the way through there is a flutter and for the next twenty minutes or so the audio track is several seconds ahead of the video. Annoying, but it does make for some funny scenes when Russell begins lip-synching Walter Houston. It goes back to normal in the final reel, so I can't say that it totally ruined the film for me.
There are, according to Leonard Malton's book, a couple of versions of this film around including a 117 min. "uncensored" version. I can certainly see why the censors at the time may have had some problems with the film, especially a rape scene that takes place in shadow. Or rather, it's implied as Billy the Kid (played by first timer Jack Buetel) pulls Rio (Jane Russell, also in her first screen role) down into the hay, after she has tried to kill Billy for the murder of her brother. Their conversation and revelation of this plot point is shown clearly, but then when Russell attempts to shove a pitchfork into Buetel the two of them roll into darkness. You hear Rio tell Billy to get off her, but he responds with something along the lines of, "Stop struggling lady or I'll rip all your dress off." Music swells and camera fades to the next morning with Billy talking to Doc Holliday (nicely acted by Walter Houston). Whoa!!
There is a later scene where the now more than willing Rio is about to fall once again into Billy's arms, only to be interrupted by her aunt. This scene is shot from such an angle that Russell seems about to perform oral sex on the camera lens, so maybe it was good that they cut away at that point! This would certainly have the ladies in the audience getting up and heading for the exits in some theatres, I'm sure. I also have to wonder what the kids in the audience might have made of all this on some Saturday matinee. (On further reflection I doubt this movie would have been shown to audience of kids. I think the Catholic League and other such groups would have frowned on that.)
Actually, the film isn't as bad as some folks seem to find it, in my humble opinion. It would have been interesting to see what Howard Hawks (who is reported to actually have directed this, with Howard Hughes taking credit) would have done without Hughes butting in. No doubt Hughes wanted to ensure that Russell, his then current lady friend, came off well. There are certainly stories of Hughes using his well-known engineering ability to construct a bra suitable for Russell's full figure all the double-crosses and back stabbing going on in this film it is amazing that it actually has a happy ending (at least for two of the characters), although I'm sure that historians would be tossing their popcorn long before the final credits rolled.
I rather doubt that any surviving estates that Billy, Doc Holliday or Pat Garrett (played here by Thomas Mitchell) may have had would have been overly happy with the portrayal of any of their ancestors. Although Holliday certainly comes across as the best of the lot, not counting several cold-blooded murders along the way. A fun and entertaining film, and certainly one that has its own notoriety in cinematic circles. Would have been interesting to see what Joel or Mike and the bots would have thought of the whole thing.
**********************
As I said, I did have some problems with the assault scene, but in general I didn't find the film isn't as bad as some other reviewers. An odd film, more notable for the behind the scenes activity and the association with Hughes than a movie to be sort out as a classic.
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