Description
Examines 14 exceptional Westerns in terms of their entertainment value, their historical importance for the motion picture industry, and their place in the American cultural landscape. The discussions of the films include credits and cast lists, back ground information, production details, a summary and analysis of the plot, and a consideration of thematic elements. The author provides some b&w stills and very brief selections from reviews. No index. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
Read More
A perfect blend of characterization, action and poetic images, John Ford’s Stagecoach (1939) made “A” Westerns a viable product for Hollywood in the sound era. By 1990, the Western had again been on a downswing when Dances with Wolves became both a critical and commercial success. This work examines these two films and twelve others—Red River, High Noon, Shane, The Searchers, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, The Alamo, The Magnificent Seven, Ride the High Country, How the West Was Won, The Wild Bunch, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Unforgiven—that hold unique spots in the genre’s history. Full filmographic data are provided for each, along with an essay that blends plot synopsis, historical perspectives and the movie’s place in the Western genre.
Read Less