I’m practically giddy as I type this. Just saw what’s coming from Warner Archives on Tuesday. (I don’t do the Twitter thing, and I haven’t received my usual email update, so thanks to Laura for passing this along.) On the way are:
Stars In My Crown (1950) — Not really a Western, but who cares when it’s as wonderful as it is? Joel McCrea said this was his personal favorite of his films, and when you’ve appeared in films by Alfred Hitchcock, Preston Sturges, Frank Capra, Sam Peckinpah and others, that’s really saying something. I can’t recommend this picture highly enough. If I won the lottery, I’d buy you all a copy.
The Outriders (1950) — McCrea again, backed by an incredible cast (Barry Sullivan, Arlene Dahl and James Whitmore), gorgeous Technicolor and the kind of gloss MGM gave its Westerns.
Ambush (1950) — Robert Taylor didn’t make many Westerns, but when he did saddle up, the results were always worth checking out. If you haven’t, you really need to see Devil’s Doorway (1950) and Westward The Women (1951).
Ride, Vaquero! (1953) — Taylor again, along with Anthony Quinn, Ava Gardner and Howard Keel.
Wild Rovers (1971) — This falls outside the confines of this blog (and my book), but it’s a terrific film. Blake Edwards was sickened by the studio’s treatment of this film, and Warner Archive is righting that wrong by treating us to the full-length version, complete with its overture and exit music. It stars William Holden and Ryan O’Neal, and provides the underrated Joe Don Baker with one of his best roles. I hope Blake Edwards knew this was in the works when he passed away.
Tim Holt Western Classics, Volume 1 — This is promised to be the first of a few collections that will eventually put all 40-plus films on our shelves. Though the post-war films are the better ones, I hope they’re organizing them in chronological order — which will make volumes 3 and 4 outstanding. I posted on Holt in Trail Guide (1952) earlier this week.
Back in December, I posted a “wish list” compiled from the wants of a number of this blog’s frequenters. Stars In My Crown and Ambush made the list — along with a collection of the Tim Holt RKOs.
Thanks Toby, that’s great news about the new Archive titles, but like most UK readers, I’m now crying in my beer, especially regarding the Tim Holt set.
When is something going to happen to give us overseas collectors a change to buy them at a reasonable price ? I wish Warners and Columbia had plans to offer their films from an official outside USA site.
Here are the titles of the first 10 Holts — to be found in the first Warner Archive set:
RENEGADE RANGER 1938 – Western star George O’Brien passes the torch to Tim Holt, also featuring Rita Hayworth.
LAW WEST OF TOMBSTONE 1938 – Tim Holt backs up Harry Carey,playing a con man become law man, in this unconventional Western.
ALONG THE RIO GRANDE 1941 – In order to avenge their boss, three cowhands pose as bank robbers. With Ray Whitley.
BANDIT TRAIL 1941 – A bank robber poses as a Town Marshal, only to find the law growing on him. With Roy Barcroft.
ROBBERS OF THE RANGE 1941 – Framed for murder, a rancher assumes a dead man’s identity in his quest for justice. With Virginia Vale.
DUDE COWBOY 1941 – A federal agent investigates a counterfeiting ring at a dude ranch. With Marjorie Reynolds.
COME ON DANGER 1942 – Holt takes the lead in this new take on the Renegade Ranger tale. With Ray Whitley.
BANDIT RANGER 1942 – A young rancher is framed for the murder of a ranger. With Cliff Edwards.
PIRATES OF THE PRAIRIE 1942 – A Deputy U.S. Marshall investigates two towns ruled by vigilantes. With Nell O’Day.
FIGHTING FRONTIER 1943 – Special Investigator Kit Russell discovers that a gang of robbers has a secret master. With Ann Summers.
Gee, do you suppose somebody saw your ‘wish list’?
Maybe you should do it more often.
I recently watched a Tim Holt B-Western for the first time (there’s a couple at Internet Archive) and enjoyed it.
I dont know about making my day;this announcement has
made my year!
Stars In My Crown is incredible;in fact Jacques Tourneur
considered it his personal favourite out of all his films.
Scene where McCrea shames the KKK is one of the truly
great moments in American cinema;chokes me up everytime
I see it.
The Outriders is a fun ride check out the slightly subversive
scene where McCrea helps Arlene Dahl on with her footwear in front of the whole wagon train! For fans of such
diversions it even outdoes the similar scene involving
Cornel Wilde in The Big Combo!
Toby,
I just stumbled upon your site and I just wanted to thank you for keeping people aware of these great movies and actors. I’m 25 years old and a recent grad of the University of Oklahoma Film & Video Studies program, where I learned to love these oldies. The McCrea/Scott film Ride the High Country is one of my all-time favorites…even if it is the end of the “classic western.” Also, thank you for informing me about the Tim Holt collection that was just released. Tim is my grandpa, and I really enjoy seeing all his films, not just the A pictures.
I am a recent discoverer of Tim Holt. I recently purchased the first Warner Archive set-a great set of films! I am very happy to read that there will be more of his films available. He has quickly become one of my favorite actors.