I return to most often. I think that may be true for a lot of people of my generation... having grown up on all those old 50's and 60's western TV shows.
If I were forced to name my all time favorite my head would explode... I could NOT do it. So many. I can say the one I've seen the most is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid... but calling it my 'favorite' I would be hesitant to do... OR not do, for that matter.
A theory of mine... when the 'big bucks' in Hollywood decide to make a western, (since the genre faded some years ago), they do it GREAT. Yes, lots of very bad westerns made these days but I'm talking about the "MAJOR" financed and backed ones... like Tombstone, Unforgiven, 3:10 To Yuma, they are amazingly good.
I'm VERY reluctant to do what I'm about to do... because I'm going to kick my butt after posting this for having left out some of the best westerns, (when they come to mind)... but western in my personal "INCREDIBLY GOOD" category include:
"Shane" - so ahead of it's time that it's stunning to watch today.
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" - I could watch this movie back to back all day long and be as captured by it every single viewing.
"Stagecoach"... but admittedly this is the 'movie making nerd' coming out in me.. nothing wrong with story, AT ALL, but the film making innovation? WOW
"The Outlaw Josey Wales" - incredibly I did NOT see this movie for YEARS after it came out. No excuses... but when I did see it... WOW.
"High Noon" - Just thinking of Cooper in this role and hearing in my head the theme song gives me chills.
"The Searchers" - John Wayne's greatest role
"The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly"... nuff' said. Watching the Magnificent Seven last night Eli Wallach was foremost on my mind... who stars in both. The man was incredible. Yes, he outshined Clint. (and I love Clint)
Cheyenne Social Club - now WHY did I include this movie? Because it's the most FUN of them all, or I guess I should say 'feel good'. James and Henry were best friends, quite different in political persuasion, vastly different in fact... but the closest of friends... and that fact, (their friendship) comes across so well in this movie that I'm not sure any movie give me more hope for the world than this one. - JamesJM
