I'm not super into westerns, don't hate them but westerns are probably my least favorite genre. But I was searching hulu and found one called "Black Spurs" and was intrigued because
1. It didn't star John Wayne.
2. It did star Lon Chaney Jr. Who's work I'm not super familiar with
It just started, and while it seems like the generic "shoot um up" western, it isn't bad.
Other good westerns?
While there are plenty of Westerns that didn't star John Wayne, I'm temporarily stumped on one I wanted to recommend.
Two obvious ones are High Noon and My Darling Clementine, the latter being a lot grittier than it sounds.
Another personal fave is The Ox-Bow Incident.
Ironically, Black Spurs was Linda Darnell's last film. She was also in Clementine, and I'm trying to figure out the movie I'm spacing on, so I clicked on her name at IMDb and that was her last role. She died at age 41, but I haven't read why she died so young.
Turns out she died in a house fire while at a friend's house. How tragic.
I’ve read about her tragic death before. She is in a noir I like called Fallen Angel with Dana Andrews. She was stunning.
shareEl Dorado (1967) with John Wayne, Robert Mitchum and a young James Caan is my top Western. You can tell everyone is having a great time on it. Really good film 👍
shareSome newer westerns that I like:
Unforgiven (1992)
Open Range (2003)
3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Silverado
shareThe Treasure of the Sierra Madre: Has been debated as to whether it is a western or not, namely because it is set in early 1920´s Mexico. I think it contains enough Western themes to be considered a western though.
The Ox-bow incident. Another movie that seems to cross genres and isn´t a typical Western without giving too much away.
Both excellent films.
I've never seen either film, but I've always assumed they were both westerns. Didn't know anyone thought differently.
shareI was hesitant to list The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, for the reason stated, but it is one of my all-time favorites. Can't go wrong here.
shareYeah the general consensus is that they are, just seen people bicker about whether they are true Westerns especially TOSM because the setting differs from a typical western.
shareAnother movie that isn't really a Western but could be mistaken for one is The Misfits.
I want to say Union Pacific was a good film with a Western theme because it has both Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea, but I'm not sure it's that great a movie and it may be more a train in the West movie. Not bad, but I think I expected more when I ran across it. I miss my old Westerns Comcast channel.
The Misfits like Hell or High Water are movies based in the West. I don't consider them of the Western genre.
shareHorses, cowboy hats, but a contemporary setting. I agree, just thought I'd toss that out there. A rather strange film, deadly serious and an interesting combination of lead actors.
shareThe Misfits (1961) - Now that I live in Reno - Yay. There is a plaque commemorating the film on the outside wall of Harrah's.
shareI would not recommend The Misfits to anyone. So bad that it killed the two legends whom starred in it.
Ox-Bow is fantastic though. I forgot all about it.
"The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" is one of the greatest movies, ever!
"The Ox-Bow Incident" is a great psychological western.. 8/10
Non John Wayne Westerns
The Westerner
My Darling Clementine
High Noon
Shane
Unforgiven
Once Upon A Time In The West.
The Wild Bunch
The Professionals
The Magnificent Seven
Vera Cruz
My favourite is High Noon (1952). It's also less than 90 minutes if you're too skeptical into watching something that's too long for a genre you don't love.
shareI like that Harry Morgan has a pivotal role (sort of) and he's not exactly heroic, either. He's usually so lovable. And also in Ox-Bow.
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