I usually dodge questions about the 50 Westerns to be covered in 50 Westerns From The 50s. The reason I’ve avoided the issue is that the list changes so often. Or it used to change often. Lately, it’s settled down quite a bit.
I’ve been really excited about some of the recent progress on the thing (and some recent back-and-forth on Dragoon Well Massacre), so I felt like sharing the list, with the disclaimer that it could still fluctuate some.
1950
Wagon Master
The Gunfighter
Trail Of Robin Hood
Rocky Mountain
1951
Man In The Saddle
Apache Drums
Saddle Legion
Westward The Women
1952
Son Of Paleface
Bend Of The River
Rancho Notorious
Fargo
The Duel At Silver Creek
Lawless Breed
1953
Jack Slade
Last Of The Pony Riders
The Lone Hand
1954
Hondo
Masterson Of Kansas
Vera Cruz
Phantom Stallion
Johnny Guitar
Silver Lode
1955
A Lawless Street
Stranger On Horseback
1956
Reprisal!
Seven Men From Now
Red Sundown
Stagecoach To Fury
Gunslinger
A Day Of Fury
Fury At Gunsight Pass
The Fastest Gun Alive
1957
Hell Canyon Outlaws
Quantez
The True Story Of Jesse James
Fury At Showdown
Night Passage
Forty Guns
1958
Dragoon Wells Massacre
The Lone Ranger And The Lost City Of Gold
Frontier Gun
Fort Dobbs
Gunman’s Walk
The Left-Handed Gun
1959
Curse Of The Undead
Rio Bravo
Last Train From Gun Hill
Face Of A Fugitive
The Horse Soldiers
You might notice that things are skewed a bit toward smaller pictures — and that some “key” titles are missing, namely, High Noon, Shane and The Searchers. A few pre-1950 and post-’59 films will also be included (One-Eyed Jacks was gonna be one of those, but it ended up with its own book).
Hopefully, you’re as stoked about these films as I am. (Thanks to a few of you who’ve helped shape this list over the years.) Looking forward to hearing what you think — and to a winter spent wrapping this thing up.
50 Westerns From The 50s. 
Great choices. But what are the reasons for NOT including the mentioned “key” titles?
Pick up any book on “great” movies, and those will be written up. Sometimes it seems only three Westerns were made in the 50s. So if the point is to shine a light on terrific films that are overlooked, such as Dragoon Wells Massacre, then I’d rather use those three chapters to cover other movies.
Besides, what could I possibly say about High Noon that hasn’t been said already?
You are so right 🙂 Thx.
Toby, great list and it could be longer, but I know that you want to finish the book and get it out there so that we can read it. You could always have a Volume II with another Fifty titles. FOUR GUNS TO THE BORDER(1954), THE RIDE BACK(filmed 1956, released 1957), NO NAME ON THE BULLET(filmed 1958, released 1959), and so many more.
Some great choices, Toby. I am especially to see some B-western favourites in there too (Roy, Tim, Rex, Wild Bill).
Out of the list above, I have selected these:
The Gunfighter, Man in The Saddle, Westward the Women, Bend of The River, Johnny Guitar, Vera Cruz, Seven Men From Now (minus the awful song), Dragoon Wells Massacre. As for Rio Bravo, far from Howard Hawks at his best, which we never get again. At the same time, anything with Ricky Nelson as a gunfighter is unacceptable.
That is a very interesting list, as others have remarked. When you do get it all done and dusted, and have made any tweaks you feel are necessary before signing off on it, I’m guessing you’ll be adding an intro that explains your rationale. I can well imagine reviewers will comment on the omissions as well as the inclusions, which is inevitable in any list based publication.
Personally, I quite understand your reasoning there, although it is something that ought to be addressed in order to head off any criticism in that direction.
Have you thought of maybe working in a short addendum (a kind of “honorable omissions” section to briefly cover some of those well-trodden trails?
By the way, I think I would have swapped The Left-Handed Gun, which I really don’t like at all, for Lewis’ Terror in a Texas Town for 1958. If it’s a question of a B&W title with a quirk, then I reckon the latter is a far better movie overall.
I’m with ya, I like Lewis’ movie better, too.
Terror was in the mix for years, and just recently fell out. I had Hayden covered in Johnny Guitar and Lewis with Lawless Street.
Came across some great stuff in my research on LHG and hated to see it go to waste. But you might’ve changed my mind.
This is the kind of feedback I was hoping to get, and my list of not final by any means, so thank you!
Figured people would scratch their heads at some of the choices — some are completely selfish (for instance, I really like The True Story Of Jesse James and included it even though Ray is covered in Johnny Guitar).
I reckoned you ere going with the 1 per director rule in general, but then noticed the two for Ray and Ford (which is certainly justified, in my opinion) and thought I’d put a word in for Terror.
If you’re not happy with two Lewis titles, how about Saddle the Wind for ’58? I don’t think yo have another Parrish movie on there, have you? I reckon it’s a great movie that gets nowhere near as much attention as it deserves. The same director’s The Wonderful Country might be a bit better but there’s not much in it, and anyway it’s a 1959 movie.
Wonderful Country was on the list, but ended up coming off. What a movie.
I tried to stick with one picture per director, but it didn’t hold up. Beginning and ending with Ford showed how the movie business changed in the 50s. He went from being a powerhouse with his own production company (Wagonmaster) to relying on Wayne to get a movie going (Horse Soldiers), even though he’d made stuff like The Quiet Man and The Searchers between those films.
You convinced me, Colin — I’m yanking Left-Handed Gun and putting Terror In A Texas Town back.
Wagonmaster and The Horse Soldiers are not at the same price point. As for depending on stars, that is what they all do, when Ford had half a star, Henry Fonda in The Fugitive, nothing but debt occurred while with Clark Gable and Wayne, business boomed. Hitchcock was the same, Cary Grant and James Stewart cover a lot of territory.
Good move, that’s a western that not even the very good John Dehner could save. The Dell comic is better because Paul Newman’s method acting is lost in a comic book! I should add that l really like most of Paul Newman’s later films.
Surprised that Left Handed Gun was picked! Like Colin, I have never like it.
A New York western.
Interesting list, hurray for ” JACK SLADE”, “DRAGOON WELLS MASSACRE”, ” FURY AT SHOWDOWN”. What about :
” Joe Dakota “(1958), ” the silver star” (1955), ” a man alone”(1955), ” the vanishing american”(1955), ” man from Del Rio” (1956), ” decision at Sundown” (1957), ” apache drums “(1951), ” stranger at my door”(1956), “face of a fugitive”(1959), ” gun fever” (1958), ” the wonderful country ” (1959)
Apache Drums and Face Of A Fugitive ARE on the list. Both are excellent.
A Man Alone and Wonderful Country were there at one point, but got bumped along the way. (I did a commentary for the Kino Lorber Blu-Ray of Man Alone, by the way.)
Decision At Sundown will be mentioned in the Seven Men From Now chapter. Settling on a Scott-Boetticher movie was really hard.
Fond though I am of the “big titles” it is the “little movies” that capture my imagination. The list may still fluctuate but when it settles in this way, it will only get better.
When I first started this, there were loads of bigger stuff in there, but as time went one, and I really wallowed in all these movies, I saw that the gems were the smaller ones — which are often way overlooked.
So the goal became to make someone seek out something like Face Of A Fugitive or Jack Slade, not reinforce the thought that The Searchers is one of the finest movies ever made. It’s gonna make for a much more interesting (and useful) book in the end.
100%! I’m just catching up after a loooong week and this list is putting a big smile on my face. Wonderful list. The titles that didn’t fit, like A MAN ALONE, will make a great sequel book. 😉
Will enjoy re-reviewing this list more carefully and even more — enjoy the book when it’s ready!
Best wishes,
Laura
I think you are absolutely right in that concept, Toby.
There might be one or two I would leave out (“Left-Handed Gun”, “Rancho Notorious”) but largely I think you have made a lot of well-conceived choices.
Toby, now that I’m back from our medical trip to St. Louis. I’m taking a closer look at your very interesting continuing work in progress fluctuating list. First of all I commend you for taking on this daunting task of picking fifty out of all the Western Movies released in the 1950’s(700-800?). I applaud your choosing to write about the lesser known and lesser written about. In picking only fifty, too me this entails some hard choosing. Everyone has their own personal favorites and I(my above comment) mentioned three others and could name more. I know that you will explain why you chose the movies that you did in a forward to your book and I hope an afterward with some “honorable mentions.” I think your list will bring forth some very interesting discussions, which is always a good thing.
Your list of Westerns has B’s, comedy, horror, noir, psychological, romance, singing cowboy/musical, revisionist, and traditional. By deciding to yank THE LEFT HANDED GUN(filmed 1957, released 1958), you no longer have an example of a revisionist Western among your list of fifty. THE LEFT HANDED GUN love it, hate it, or middling is a forewarning of what was to come later on during the late 1960’s and 1970’s, good and bad. As you said, Sterling Hayden is covered in JOHNNY GUITAR(filmed 1953, released 1954) and Joseph H. Lewis in A LAWLESS STREET(1955). You must have really come across some good information on THE LEFT HANDED GUN, which I know would be interesting to me and others. Yes, I realize that a lot of THE LEFT HANDED GUN is self-absorbed actors studio, but I think it should be included in the list as an example of a revisionist Western of the 1950’s. Also, I really like TERROR IN A TEXAS TOWN(filmed 1957, released 1958) and respect Colin’s viewpoint very much.
Another revisionist Western from the 1950’s is WARLOCK(filmed 1958, released 1959), which is a lot different than MY DARLING CLEMENTINE(1946), both starring Henry Fonda. I wonder if anyone will have anything to say about RANCHO NOTORIOUS(filmed 1951, released 1952) and THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES(filmed 1956, released 1957). Toby, again, a great list of 1950’s Western Movies. Look forward to reading your book.
Nice list. Some of my most-wanted for Blu-Ray release are missing: RIDE VAQUERO and WICHITA, due to the one title per director rule, and SADDLE THE WIND, TRIBUTE TO A BADMAN, and THESE THOUSAND HILLS, evidently for other reasons.
You had me at TRAIL OF ROBIN HOOD. In the spirit of that wonderful film, Happy Holidays to you, Toby, and your readers.
It’s definitely time to pull that one out! Hope you have a great holiday!
I commend you for adding the Rogers, Autry and Rex Allen films to the list. A look at the “winding down” of the traditional B western era should be interesting.
It is an interesting part of the whole thing, but I sure miss movies like that.
MY LIST:
1950:
wagonmaster
rocky mountain
high lonesome
the savage horde
1951:
rawhide
apache drums
westward the women
1952:
the Cimarron kid
1953:
Jack Slade
arrowhead
war paint
city of bad men
the last posse
1954:
Johnny Guitar
four guns to the border
riding shotgun
Silver lode
dawn at Socorro
1955:
the silver star
a man alone
the vanishing american
shotgun
the naked dawn
the return of Jack Slade
1956:
rebel in town
the rawhide years
7 men from now
the burning hills
stranger at my door
a day of fury
man from Del Rio
reprisal
1957 :
dragoon wells massacre
fury at Showdown
the ride back
outlaw’s son
Joe Dakota
decision at Sundown
1958 :
gunman’s walk
the saga of Hemp Brown
gun fever
fort Dobbs
the sheepman
fort massacre
the last of the fast guns
1959 :
the wonderful country
face of a fugitive
good day for a hanging
no name on the bullet day of the outlaw
With all due respects to dear departed Mr Nesmith Toby’s list
is far from your “Standard Ranch Stash”
Chip’s list is pretty darn cool too I too have lobbied for
THE NAKED DAWN apart from anything else,how sensational to have
Mr Ulmer featured in a 50’s Western book.
I was interested to see Chip’s choice of THE BURNING HILLs
(is Stuart Heisler popular in France ?) I’m a fan and were it not for a dreadful
leading man the film the film could have been a minor classic;which perhaps
it is in France.
The only film I’ve liked Hunter in was GUNMAN’S WALK.
Barry Lane is a far braver man than I I’ve never had the balls on these pages
or anywhere else to voice my dislike for RIO BRAVO even less so for the two
“unofficial” remakes. I adore Ricky (Rick) Nelson as a singer but not as a
gunslinger.
What really destroys the film for me was Brennan’s “old coot” portrayal
a performance that wat outstays it’s welcome.
For me the film is an OK potboiler and I was rooting for John Russell and
Claude Akins all along.
Any other FWOTF fans got an all time classic they would like to deconstruct.
At the end of the day I’m more of a Raoul Walsh type of guy a director who
SHOULD garner the respect and often worship afforded to Hawks.
Rick Nelson snippet….during the early 70’s Rick with his Stone Canyon Band
was appearing at a low rent gig,a schoolhouse,I believe.
A poster on the wall proclaimed appearing next week week Ray Charles.
Rick amazed said to a band member “Gee I just cannot believe Ray Charles
appearing at a venue like this” to which the band member replied “Well
you’re appearing here”
Now the Western community have dis owned me Adios!
BTW I’d take THE PROUD ONES over RIO BRAVO any day a film that
would certainly make my list.
John, it’s the differences of opinion that make such a list so much fun. While Rio Bravo is my favorite 50s Western, I can understand why some people have trouble with it. I won’t tell you which one it is, but I also have a dislike for one of the big classic 50s Westerns.
Raoul Walsh was one of the hardest directors to pin down for this book, being that he made what I consider one of the greatest Westerns ever in 1949 (one of the reasons I cheated with a few pre- and-post decade pictures outside the regular 50).
The Naked Dawn was on the list once, along with several of Chip’s picks, but as I started working to include specific folks, some things has to go. It was really hard! There are several that really hurt that they aren’t on the list anymore.
Now you have me intrigued about the classic 50’s Western you had
a strong dislike for HIGH NOON perhaps as RIO BRAVO was the response
to a picture The Duke loathed.
I guess most if not all of us Western fans have an all time great Western that
just does not tick our individual box.
For me RED RIVER was Hawks’ Western masterwork
I hope your book sells a whole bundle Toby and live in hope some
progressive video outfit will perhaps issue a few titles on Blu Ray
with the much discussed/wanted DRAGON WELLS MASSACRE at the top of
the heap.
Unless I’ve had a brainstorm I note no Delmer Daves on your list
surely this just cannot be,
THE LAST WAGON would make my list any day of the week as would
RUN OF THE ARROW a film that certainly divides opinion but I love it.
As we all delve deeper your choices get more and more difficult.
Thanks so much Toby for throwing your list open to us fans but I guess
I do not envy you in nailing the final 50.
At one point, both The Last Wagon and The Hanging Tree were on the list. I’ll need to find a way to get Daves back on the list.
The one I really regret taking off was Day Of The Outlaw.
50 is a lot, but it’s also not enough. Shows how rich the whole 50s Westerns thing is.
Chip’s List is a great list. I knew that Toby’s List would start some good discussions. I don’t think that I can make a list of fifty from the “Glory Years” of Western Movies, fact is I don’t think I could stop at an one hundred list. 700-800
Western Movies to pick from.
Everyone has their favorites, because we all enjoy our freedom of individuality. Every individual has their likes and dislikes and that all adds up to one’s personal opinion. That is the beauty of it all.
I like RIO BRAVO(filmed 1958, released 1959) a lot. I like Walter Brennan’s “old coot,” because he reminded me of some “old timers” that I knew as a youngster and they had great stories to tell. Ricky Nelson, well I think Elvis Presley would have been a better choice, but he was in the army at the time. Johnny Cash could have pulled it off, but we have Ricky Nelson, so be it. I do like John K’s Ricky Nelson story.
John K, regarding “an all time great Western that just does not tick our individual box.” I’ll have to think about that one, especially if you’re talking about the time period of 1946-1962. There are some things that bother me in some of the “Great Westerns,” but that has to do with the accuracy of what is presented, but I generally separate the “Real West” from the “Reel West.”
John K, I hope your recovery from hip surgery is going well.
I like RIO BRAVO, although it’s not one of my very favorites. I don’t mind the Brennan character even though he was something of a throwback. Ricky Nelson looked a bit out of place.
As far as throwbacks, cliches, cheap production, comedic excess, and over wrought performances, one must look far and wide among A list westerns to find a better example than THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, yet it’s now considered a classic. I assume younger critics can’t appreciate how stale it seemed in 1962, because for them there’s not much difference between the 1930s and the early 1960s—everything is just grouped together as part of the glorious days of old.
Mike, I like the five Western Movies that you listed above. Also, it sounds like I like THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE(filmed 1961, released 1962) more than you do, although it’s not one of my very favorites. Two other 1962 releases that I like a lot more are RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY and LONELY ARE THE BRAVE. Fact is RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY is my number two favorite Western movie of all-time, right behind THE SEARCHERS(filmed 1955, released 1956).
I’m glad to see that Chip listed another Lesley Selander directed movie, SHOTGUN(filmed 1954, released 1955). Slelander directed a lot of movies over the years and Toby listed his THE LONE RANGER AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD(filmed 1957, released 1958).
Director Joe Kane’s RIDE THE MAN DOWN(1952) is a good one, taken from a Luke Short novel.
Where things got sticky was that I tried to check an actor and director off the list with a single film when I could. Something like Vera Cruz was great because it took care of Cooper, Lancaster and Aldrich. Some directors were really hard because they did so much good stuff — Selander, Navarro, Dwan, Sherman.
One of the hardest, believe it or not, was John Agar. There’s Star In The Dust and Frontier Gun that are worthwhile. I went with Frontier Gun because I wanted to shed a little light on Maury Dexter, who was such a joy to speak with.
There are a few that I’m really tempted to work back in — Rebel In Town, Day Of The Outlaw, Tennessee’s Partner, Fort Massacre, Man Alone, etc.
Colin convinced me to make room for Terror In A Texas Town. I’m open to more revisions. We’ll see how it all shakes out!
Walter, The Searchers isn’t my FAVORITE Western, but I think it’s the BEST. Actually, I think it’s the best FILM ever made.
Toby, I’ll repeat myself, you are undertaking a daunting task in choosing fifty. I don’t think I could just choose one hundred.
I agree with you about THE SEARCHERS. It has been my favorite Western Movie ever since I first viewed it in 1971.
So, I presume that THE LEFT HANDED GUN is out. I still think a revisionist Western should be mentioned somewhere, maybe in an afterward. I see that John K mentioned another 1950’s revisionist, RUN OF THE ARROW(filmed 1956, released 1957).
I’m glad to see Paul Landres represented with FRONTIER GUN(1958). Landres is an unsung director and editor. Also, producer Richard E. Lyons first movie as a producer.
Has it ever crossed your mind about doing a book on the making and unmaking of THE TRUE STORY OF JESSE JAMES(filmed 1956, released 1957), because that would be quite a story.
Look forward to reading your book.
Walter, I’m also partial to RIDE THE MAN DOWN, but I’ve never seen a good copy of it. I wonder if any decent film elements still exist.
Mike, I could go all day talking about those wonderful Republic Pictures like RIDE THE MAN DOWN(1952). I have an old Republic Pictures Home Video vhs copy somewhere, but the color was washed out on it. There are probably some dvd’s out there, but the quality, who knows? Germany’s Filmjuwelen released a dvd of of this movie in 2016, but I don’t know if it had an English soundtrack, or of what quality the movie was in. Maybe a reader out there has more information about it. I think John K, had at one time, an off the air copy. Jerry Entract might have some more information, I know he is a big of this movie and other Rod Cameron movies.
It would be nice if some company would show some interest in the old Republic Pictures Western Movies. I think the rights to these movies are owned by ViacomCBS, which owns Paramount Pictures and Paramount TV. Also, this corporate juggernaut owns the rights to some Allied Artists Pictures releases, which aren’t in the Warner Archive. I’m not holding my breath that we will ever see some really good quality prints of all those Rod Cameron and William Elliott Westerns from Republic Pictures(other than HELLFIRE, 1949). Although, there’s hoping.
Walter and Mike,
You have a good memory, Walter. I am indeed a big fan of “RIDE THE MAN DOWN” but sadly have no evidence that a lovely print exists out there. Mine, which is probably the best there is so far and the same others have, is certainly watchable but too dark. Night scenes are therefore badly afflicted. I live in hope!
I do though have lovely prints of “THE SAVAGE HORDE”, “WYOMING”, “BRIMSTONE, “THE OUTCAST” and more, including “HELLFIRE”.
Jerry, did you get some of those titles that you mentioned from Hollywood Scrapheap?
It would seem that most,if not all of the Republic catalogue has been well
looked after,unlike say the old Monogram titles-Warner Archive stated that
vintage Monogram titles were not given the loving care that they deserved by
previous owners way,way back.
Australia’s superb Imprint label recently issued their “Silver Screams
Collection” vintage shockers from the Paramount vaults-Republic,
Monogram and Regalscope titles. Only the Monogram title is sub par
(RETURN OF THE APE MAN) quality not too hot but fun to have.
The vintage Republic titles are simply jaw dropping in their quality,sharp as
a tack. THE VAMPIRE’S GHOST,VALLEY OF THE ZOMBIES,THE PHANTOM
SPEAKS,and in particular the bonus feature LADY & THE MONSTER.
The two RegalScope titles are also stunning SHE DEVIL and UNKNOWN TERROR. The latter title has gotten trashed over the years but it is actually
pretty good,especially in this supreme quality. Imprint Blu Ray’s are region
free.
Walter those Filmjewelen releases are from old TV prints and generally in
bad shape. I’m pretty sure most of the Republic A Westerns have decent
master elements but the market for these type of films is diminishing day
by day,unlike say Imprint’s sensational Silver Screams Collection. I’d love
Imprint to do a collection of Republic’s B Crime Thrillers/Noirs: LONELY
HEARTS BANDITS,WOMEN FROM HEADQUARTERS,LONDON BLACKOUT
MURDERS and the like.
Walter had Johnny Cash taken the Ricky Nelson role in RIO BRAVO that
for me would have raised the film several notches….I don’t hate the film,
I just feel it’s way overrated.
John K, good information, as always. You bring up the dandiest of movies, which are entertaining, to say the least.
By telling us that the Republic Pictures catalogue has been looked after, which is good news, triggered my memory about the New York City Museum of Modern Art showing in 2018 of “Martin Scorsese Presents Republic Rediscovered New Restorations from Paramount Pictures.” These thirty movies came from the Republic Pictures library. Of these thirty restorations, eight were Western Movies: HELLFIRE(filmed 1948, released 1949); STRANGER AT MY DOOR(filmed 1955, released 1956); THE RED PONY(filmed 1947, released 1949); THE PLUNDERERS(1948); TRIGGER, JR.(filmed 1949, released 1950); THE OUTCAST(filmed 1953, released 1954); THREE FACES WEST(1940); and A MAN ALONE(1955). Hopefully a company will take up a license for these Westerns for Blu-ray release.
Overrated, or not I still like RIO BRAVO a lot. Also, I enjoyed reading Leigh Brackett’s novel RIO BRAVO(1959), which has a slightly different ending. Brackett and Jules Furthman are credited with co-writing the screenplay. By reading the novel, you can see the changes that were made in filming the movie. Also, I’ve mentioned this before, I had a friend who was in the movie, Western novelist Dusty Richards(1937-2018).
Take care and have good health.
On your list of Republic restorations, a few have been released on Blu-ray. STRANGER AT MY DOOR was released by Olive Films and TRIGGER JR. and A MAN ALONE have both come out via Kino Lorber.
All the titles you mentioned are available to rent or purchase from both Amazon Prime and iTunes along with a few others that were part of the MOMA Republic exhibit. I have all of them and they look fabulous.
John W. Hall, that is great and I happily stand corrected, but I still can’t find HELLFIRE, THE OUTCAST, THE PLUNDERERS, or any of the movies that Jerry Entract named THE SAVAGE HORDE(1950), WYOMING(filmed 1946, released 1947), BRIMSTONE(1949) on Blu-ray, much less THE SHOWDOWN. There are so many really good Western Movies in Paramount’s Republic Pictures library that deserve a Blu-ray release. I can only hope.
You are right, Walter, and the job Hollywood Scrapheap did on them was very good.
Jerry, it is good to see that Hollywood Scrapheap is still in business.
Adding to your fine list of Republic Pictures Westerns, I would like to add THE SHOWDOWN(filmed 1949-50, released 1950) starring William Elliott, Walter Brennan, Marie Windsor, Harry Morgan, Rhys Williams, and Jim Davis. This movie was shown a lot in my neck of the woods, when I was a youngster. It had a different beginning and I liked the name of Elliott’s character, Shadrach Jones.
Take care and have good health.
Well you clearly have an impossible task and I understand your parameters of avoiding frequently assessed films & trying to check the box on an actor/director.
Having said that I have to have 3:10 to Yuma, Day of the Outlaw, The Law and Jake Wade & Escape From Fort Bravo on my list.
Very much look forward to the book.
Posting this list has been very interesting, to say the least. I’ve received more response through email than through the blog. A couple of comments have me rethinking a few things and pointing out some people I’ve left out. The list has changed a bit as a result.
The pictures you mention were all on the list at one time or another. 3:10 To Yuma was a really tough choice, and I went with Fastest Gun Alive to cover Glenn Ford. It’s very worthwhile, but somewhat overlooked. And again, my goal was to send folks toward something more obscure whenever possible.
I understood your premise & we all have our favorites from this rich decade. To throw a spanner into the works imagine the discussions we might have if you chose 1945-59 as the period – but then we wouldn’t have the great title of 50 Westerns from the ’50’s.
My fond hope is the book is a big success and you have to work up a sequel!
Happy New Year everyone.
I liked the title — it seemed like a nice, clean premise/gimmick. I never realized how much trouble it would cause down the road!
As we all know, what we think of as a 50s Western didn’t start on January 1, 1950 — or end on December 31, 1959. There are a few pre- and post-decade films on either end to help set things up (and let me write about a couple of favorites).
One-Eyed Jacks (1961) was part of the post-59 section, until it got a book of its own.
looking forward to the book.
I would definitely have 50% different movies, but its an opinion. I will try and watch some on your list that I have missed.
I went into this with certain people or topics I wanted to highlight to give as comprehensive overview of the decade as possible, which meant movies I love would have to be left off. If that wasn’t my aim, you can bet there’d be chapters on The Tall T, Rancho Notorious, The Quiet Gun, Showdown, Wichita and others.
The best westerns from the fifties should be just that, and fair play for the less successful filmmakers has no meaning. Zero,. No progressive thinking here, just excellence, and that means nothing directed by Harry Keller.
That’s the very reason my book’s NOT called 50 BEST Westerns From The 50s. I’m not interested in trying to convince anybody that my opinion of what’s best or worse matters, and I don’t know why anybody would be interested in reading about my 50 best.
The Western is one of the richest film genres there is, probably THE richest. My goal is to encourage people to dig deeper because there’s some really cool stuff hiding out there.
Okay, good stuff.