It's The Josey Wales!

 

Above, a nice painting of Clint Eastwood as outlaw Josey
 Wales by Theodora Capat.  It was posted on Facebook.

New Roy Rogers Blu-ray Set

Above, the Roy Rogers Blu-ray set that arrived today. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On November 23, a Blu-ray set of Roy Rogers's first starring feature movie and last movie was released.

It contains Mackintosh and T.J (1975), his last movie and Under Western Stars (1938), his first starring feature movie.

From InsidePulse:

Roy Rogers was the King of the Cowboys having appeared in over 100 westerns. He even had his own chain of fast food chicken restaurants. He ruled the range with his songs. Now his first and last movies are getting upgraded to Blu-ray. Under Western Stars and Mackintosh and T.J. are coming out as part of a boxset from Verdugo Entertainment. You’ll see what Roy Rogers became a legend and how he rode off into the sunset.

My copy arrived in today's mail, so I have something new to watch this evening.

To read more about the set, go here.

UPDATE (12/3/21):

Watched both movies last evening.

Under Western Stars involves Roy getting elected to congress (becoming a singing cowboy congressman) to get a dam in his district federalized as the owner is not releasing enough water to the community it's in. Lots of Alabama Hills (near Lone Pine, CA) locations. When an important scene comes up, Roy breaks out into song. Reminds me of the silly Elvis Presley movies. A bit silly, but the movie was entertaining and the songs were decent. A Republic Pictures production from 1938.

Mackintosh and T. J has Roy as drifter ranch hand who befriends a teen boy and they both get hired as ranch hands. Roy is later accused of a murder that he didn't commit. Dirty Harry actor Andrew Robinson was the actual culprit. Well done final movie bow for Roy Rogers. Soundtrack by Waylon Jennings and one song by Willie Nelson. 

Under Western Stars has an interesting documentary extra of movie locations used in the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine.

Roy Rogers & Dale Evans Autographed Photo Arrived

The 8 x 10" autographed photo (above) by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans that I won in an auction has arrived in the mail.

The still is a publicity photo for The Golden Stallion (1949). 

The story:

Ed Hart (Dale Van Sickel) and his band of outlaws are using a wild stallion to smuggle diamonds over the border. But this fact has escaped the knowledge of Stormy Billings (Dale Evans), a young rancher who is taken with the horse and wants to tame him. Stormy enlists the help of a handsome cowboy named Roy (Roy Rogers) and his faithful horse, Trigger, to capture the stallion, but his efforts quickly put him into conflict with Ed and the rest of his gang.

I got the photo for a good price (under $25). 

Now I have to have it and the autographed photo of George Lazenby framed. 

Dale Van Sickel, ex-football player and actor/stuntman, played the heavy in this movie. He is known as the Superman stuntman who ducked a thrown gun in the Adventures of Superman 1951 episode, "The Mind Machine". 

"A Fistful of Dollars" Dubbed In Navajo To Be Screened

Here's something interesting I've come across.

Clint Eastwood's A Fistful of Dollars (1964) has been dubbed in Navajo and is to play in venues in the Navajo Nation starting November 16.

According to Tucson.com:

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Manuelito Wheeler isn't sure exactly why Navajo elders admire Western films.

It could be that many of them were treated to the films in boarding schools off the reservation decades ago. Or, like his father, they told stories of gathering around a television growing up to watch gunslingers in a battle against good and evil on familiar-looking landscapes.

Whatever the reason, Navajo elders have been asking Wheeler to dub a Western in the Navajo language ever since “Star Wars IV: A New Hope” was translated into Navajo and released in 2013.

The result? “Béeso Dah Yiníłjaa’” or “A Fistful of Dollars,” an iconic Western starring Clint Eastwood who plays a stranger — known as “The Man With No Name” — entering a Mexican village among a power struggle between families. The 1964 flick is the first in a trilogy of spaghetti Westerns produced and directed by Italians.

Unlike many other Westerns produced in the U.S., it has no Native Americans in it. That appealed to Wheeler, the director of the Navajo Nation Museum.

“A Fistful of Dollars” is the third major film dubbed in Navajo, an effort financed by the tribe to preserve the language. Elbert Jumbo voiced Bruce the shark and another fish in the Navajo version of “Finding Nemo,” released in 2016.

To read the full article, go here. 

"Cheyenne Autumn" Filming Locations

The last western directed by the legendary John Ford was Cheyenne Autumn in 1964.

The movie was partly filmed in one of Ford's favorite locations, Monument Valley. It starred James Stewart, Sal Mineo, Richard Widmark, Karl Malden, Carroll Baker, Ricardo Montalban, Elizabeth Allen, Edward G. Robinson and Patrick Wayne.

OtakuKart has posted an article on locations in Monument Valley and other places used for Cheyenne Autumn.

They begin it with:

Fans of Cheyenne autumn, this article is for you! After watching the vivid art representation of this film, one must be thinking that where was Cheyenne autumn filmed? Well, not to worry because this article would help you to know everything related to Cheyenne autumn, including the location where it was filmed. So, Cheyenne Autumn is a 1964 American epic Western film. And to everyone’s interest, it is based on a true story narrated in a traditional Hollywood style.

This film was the last western directed by John Ford. He had proclaimed it an elegy for basically the Native Americans who had been abused by the U.S. government and also misrepresented by many of the director’s films. And surprisingly, it had a budget of more than $4 million. But unfortunately, neither their money nor work was able to return a profit at the box office. It was a sure tragedy! Moreover, it had failed to earn a profit for its distributor Warner Bros. John Ford was willing to make a movie about the Cheyenne exodus. And the result of that longing was this film- “Cheyenne autumn.”

Above, John Ford's director's chair on display at Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here.

"Big Jake" Lynching Party

Above, John Wayne and Jim Davis in Big Jake.

Lynching Party Head (Jim Davis): Just who in the hell do you think you are?!

Jake (John Wayne): Jacob McCandles.

Lynching Party Head: Oh, I, uh, I thought you were dead, Mr. McCandles.

Jake: Not hardly. 

The John Wayne Collection DVD Set

Above, the nice tin box for the set. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The 15-movie DVD set, The John Wayne Collection, has been sitting in my shelf for years. It has been there so long that I don't remember how I got it and if it was a gift, I don't remember who gave it to me. The tin box still had the unopened wrapping on it.

This past weekend, I decided to open it and start watching. The set as five discs along with a booklet about each movie, which were produced by Lone Star Productions or Republic Pictures in the mid-1930s. I am now 2/3 through disc 4.

It is interesting to see Wayne in these B-westerns learning his acting craft before he became a star in Stagecoach in 1939. He was obviously not ready for movie acting in his first starring role in The Big Trail in 1929. Fortunately, these cheapie westerns gave him a training ground on acting. In these films, he honed his "talk low, talk slow and don't say too much" style of delivery.

This set, according to Oldies.com:

John Wayne is without a doubt the quintessential All-American hero. Strong, silent, frank and rugged, he personified the ways of the Wild West and beyond, becoming an institution both on the big screen and in real life. The challenge for many fans became pinpointing where the character ended and where Wayne began! Now for the first time, 15 of "Duke's" classic early works are all compiled in one stunning collector's tin. These five DVDs contain great westerns from his heyday in the 1930s and will guarantee hours of gun-slinging entertainment. With timeless works like Dawn Rider, The Desert Trail and West of the Divide, you can take a piece of the old west home today! Films include: Blue Steel, Lawless Range, The Dawn Rider, Lucky Texan, Man from Utah, Texas Terror, Rainbow Valley, The Star Packer, The Desert Trail, Riders of Destiny, Randy Rides Alone, The Trail Beyond, West of the Divide, Winds of the Wasteland, Paradise Canyon. Includes DELUXE BOOKLET featuring John Wayne's biography and filmography.

It is interesting that George "Gabby" Hayes and Yakima Canutt appear in most of the movies in this set. It is amusing that Lone Star tried to make Wayne a "singing cowboy" in some of these with him singing via an obviously dubbed singer's voice and many times the same sets were used in the movies with little or no changes made. It is also amusing to see the huge cowboy hats the actors wore. These were more like "50-gallon" hats instead of "10-gallon" hats.

This set was issued in 2005 by Madacy Home Video. Don't expect pristine or restored prints here, just savor seeing these oldies featuring a young Duke. This set is a must-have for any John Wayne, western or movie history buff. These were maybe "cheapie" B-movies for the Saturday matinee patrons, but they are sure entertaining.

A Visit To Monument Valley

Above, "Ear of the Wind" arch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Monument Valley is familiar to fans of westerns in the U.S. There are also fans of classic westerns from other countries.

An article on Monument Valley has been posted in The South African. Here. the writer describes what visits will see and facilities that are available.

It begins with:

It was originally shown to the world by Director John Ford who used the location for a number of his best-known films. Now it is a popular feature of Instagram. So, is it worthwhile to visit? My answer is definitely, yes. 

It is located on the Arizona-Utah border in the USA and lies within the territory of the Navajo Nation Reservation. Because of this it is not officially a National Park but the area that is most visited by tourists is known as Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park. The main features are clusters of vast sandstone buttes, the largest reaching 300 m above the valley floor.

Monument Valley isn’t close to anything. The nearest airport is in Flagstaff some 300 km away but most international visitors end up renting a car from Las Vegas (640 km away) or Phoenix (500 km away) and driving to the Valley. Access to the Tribal Park is from US163 and you need to pay an entrance fee. 

This gives you access to the Visitor Centre and the View Hotel and also allows you to drive Valley Drive. Organised tours, which you pay extra for, provide access to other parts of the park.

Above, The Mittens and Merrick Butte. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

"True Grit" (1969) Japanese Poster

Here's a rare Japanese poster for the 1969 True Grit starring John Wayne:

Thanks to Jeff Bean Green for providing it!

John Wayne In "Chisum"

Above, John Wayne in Chisum (1970).

The Blu-ray of Chisum (1970) arrived in the mailbox today. So after having my eye exam and dinner in Gallup, I headed home and popped it into the machine and watched it.

The last time I saw the movie was during its first theatrical run. The only thing I remembered about it was the end battle between the bad guy Lawrence Murphy (Forrest Tucker) and John Chisum (John Wayne). The only reason that part was remembered was that my mom started laughing during that scene, saying it sure "looks funny seeing two old duffers fighting."

Above, the statue of John Chisum in Roswell, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The movie was based on actual people and events in New Mexico, but fictionalized. Along with John Chisum, Pat Garrett and William Bonney were also featured.

Last summer, Jessica and I came across a big statue of John Chisum in Roswell, New Mexico. I said to her at the statue, "He doesn't look a thing like John Wayne!"

There was one surprise in the movie. Patric Knowles, who played Dr. Frank Mannering in Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man, played one of Chisum's friends and business partners. Other actors who were Wayne's "sometime-stock company" players also had roles, including John Agar, Hank Worden, Ben Johnson, Bruce Cabot, John Mitchum, Christopher Mitchum, Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez, Edward Faulkner and Glenn Langan (The Amazing Colossal Man himself!).

Chisum was a good, entertaining shoot 'em up.

"El Dorado"

"I'm paid to risk my neck. I'll decide where and when I'll do it. This isn't it."

Three weeks ago, I ordered two John Wayne/Howard Hawks westerns, Rio Bravo and El Dorado at the same time.

Rio Bravo arrived about a week after ordering it. El Dorado arrived last Saturday, but I only picked it up from the post office yesterday. I watched it last night.

Many say that El Dorado is a remake of Rio Bravo. Well there's a lot of similarities, but I wouldn't call it a remake.

It had been years (decades, actually) since I last viewed El Dorado, so it was almost like watching a new movie. I was thoroughly entertained by it. Wayne and co-star Robert Mitchum had a good buddy chemistry. Wayne looked good in this movie. It was produced in late-1965, but not released until almost two years later. It was made after Wayne's lung cancer surgery. He dropped some pounds during that time. He made The Sons of Katie Elder earlier that same year, immediately following his surgery, and looked haggard in it.

A young James Caan was also a co-star and his role was more comedic. It is hard to believe that he's the same actor who played Santino "Sonny" Corleone in The Godfather six years later.

Jim Davis (Jock Ewing in television's Dallas) was hardly recognizable with a big mustache. Mitchum's brother John played a bartender. John Mitchum is probably best known as detective Frank DiGeorgio in the first three Dirty Harry movies.

Michele Carey, who played hottie Joey MacDonald, recently passed away at 75.

The paintings used during the opening credits were done by Olaf Wieghorst, who also had a bit part as a gunsmith.

Rotten Tomatoes gave El Dorado a 100% positive rating.

"Rio Bravo" and Old Tucson

My Blu-ray of the 1959 John Wayne western, Rio Bravo, arrived today.

It had been years since I last saw it and it seemed like rediscovering a movie. Along with the Duke, Rio Bravo starred Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan and Angie Dickinson. Of all the leads, only Angie Dickinson is still with us. It was directed by Howard Hawks.

The movie was filmed at Old Tuscon Studios, just west of Tucson, Arizona. Old Tucson is still a working movie studio and it is open to the public. The Blu-ray has a featurette on Old Tucson as one of the extras.

About Old Tucson:

Old Tucson is one of Arizona’s top Wild West attractions, featuring live action stunt shows, musicals and live entertainment, vintage rides for the kids, genuine southwest BBQ and special events throughout the season. Step back in time as you make your way through town, walking the same streets made famous by movie legends such as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Elizabeth Taylor, Steve Martin, Sharon Stone and Martin Short. 

Immortalized in more than 400 films and commercial productions, Old Tucson remains the region’s premiere film location. For more information about Old Tucson, call us at (520) 883-0100. Old Tucson is located at 201 S. Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona  85735.

I'll have to find time to pay a visit to Old Tucson one of these days.

To view the Old Tucson website, go here.

Louis L'Amour Stayed Here

Above, the Durango train passes the historic Strater Hotel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Durango, Colorado is best known as the main depot for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad trains. But is is also known for where author Louis L’Amour would stay and write many of his western novels.

He sayed at the historic Strater Hotel in downtown Durango. The Durango train passes the Strater Hotel when it leaves and arrives at the Durango train station.

According to the Strater Hotel official website:

The Strater’s tradition of hospitality has continued through the years. Although the townsfolk no longer retreat to the Strater in wintertime, a many noted personages have made the Strater their home away from home. For example, western author Louis L’Amour always asked for the room directly above the Diamond Belle Saloon, Room 222. He said that the honky-tonk music helped set the mood for his novels of the Old West. Indeed, a good part of his Sackett’s novels were written at the Strater. L’Amour and his family would spend a good part of the summer enjoying the local surroundings and sharing stories with the staff. Today, room 222 is known as the Louis L’Amour room.

 To read more, go here.

"Big Jake"

A few days ago, I ordered some DVDs of John Wayne movies, one of which was Big Jake from 1971.

Along with the Duke, it also stars Maureen O' Hara.

Here's a couple of favorite scenes from Big Jake:

Nightlinger's Prayer Could Be Adopted As A New Year's Resolution

One of the best movies John Wayne made in his later years before his 1979 death was The Cowboys (1972). It is a personal favorite.

Here, Wayne plays rancher Wil Anderson who is desperate to bring his cattle to market, but there is a shortage of men in the town due to the Gold Rush. His only recourse is to enlist schoolboys to help him drive his cattle to market.

Bruce Dern played a psychotic villain (a role he was master at) named Asa Watts, but is called "Long Hair" in the movie.

Roscoe Lee Browne plays Wayne's cook, Jebediah Nightlinger on the cattle drive.

After Watts brutally shoots Anderson, he takes the cattle and leaves the boys alone in the wilderness. Nightlinger was delayed due to problems (if I recall this right) with a wheel on the chuckwagon. He catches up to the boys and the dying Anderson. After Anderson's death, they formulate a plot to re-take the cattle from Watts and his gang.

However, Nightlinger is later captured by Watts and is about to hanged when he asks to say a prayer first, which is one of the best lines of dialog on film.

Here's the prayer:

Jebediah Nightlinger: [praying to God before he's about to hanged by Asa Watts and his gang] I regret trifling with married women. I'm thoroughly ashamed at cheating at cards. I deplore my occasional departures from the truth. Forgive me for taking your name in vain, my Saturday drunkenness, my Sunday sloth. Above all, forgive me for the men I've killed in anger... 

[eyes shifting to Asa Watts] 

Jebediah Nightlinger: ... and those I am about to.

I have never made any New Year's resolutions, but I was thinking that a good resolution could be adopted/adapted along the lines of Nightlinger's prayer. (Yes, I mused about this before in a blog post.)

Here's how it could go:

I resolve not to trifle with married women and not cheat at cards. I resolve to always tell the truth and not take the Lord's name in vain.. I pledge to remain sober on Saturdays and not to kill men in anger, anymore...especially those I am tempted to.

Glenn "Pee Wee" Strange At Valley Relics Museum

Above, Glenn Strange as Sam the bartender on Gunsmoke. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, I attended the Election Night party of Mark Reed, the Republican candidate for congress in the San Fernando Valley. It was held in the Valley Relics Museum.

The museum has loads of artifacts spanning years of history in the San Fernando Valley.

It also holds some memorabilia of different celebrities. One of them was actor Glenn Strange, best known as Sam the bartender on television's Gunsmoke and as the Frankenstein Monster in three of Universal's monster rallies of the 1940s. Strange was featured in many westerns during the course of his career.

Monster movie fans will want to visit the Valley Relics Museum just to see the Glenn Strange memorabilia. They have plenty of other items on display to satisfy history buffs.

Here's a few photos of them:

Above, a collection of Glenn Strange Frankenstein memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a closer-in view of Glenn Strange Frankenstein memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a collection of Glenn Strange's western memorabilia. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a photo of Strange singing with The Duke in Westward Ho. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For more information on the Valley Relics Museum, go here.

We Need Westerns And Western Superstars!

Above, John Wayne.

Since I added some music from classic Clint Eastwood spaghetti westerns to this blog, I've been thinking that we really don't have any western superstars.

Granted, as a movie genre, the western has been practically dead. Hollywood used to crank out many westerns a year. That is not the case anymore. Why?

There's plenty of good storytelling that can be done in a western setting. Heck, Seven Samurai was remade as The Magnificent Seven, a western.

Above, Clint Eastwood.

Right now, I don't see any potential western superstars of the calibre of a John Wayne (who's been dead for 30 years now) or a Clint Eastwood (who is now, gulp, 79) amongst the current crop of male actors. Most of today's male stars are too effeminate-looking metro-sexuals, girly-men or liberals (note that credible western superstars like Wayne and Eastwood were/are conservative in their political leanings) to be considered really manly cowboys. And none of that Brokeback Mountain crap for me!

Thankfully, we have the old western classics to watch on DVD. I just wish that there could be a revival of the western with a credible western superstar.