The Western With Almost Everything
I just watched this for the first time and really enjoyed it. As I watched it I started thinking that it had almost every element that is typical of a Hollywood western. Then I watched the brief documentary about it and many of the talking heads were saying the same thing. Here's a list I made as I watched the film:
-There's a train
-a stagecoach (racing the train)
-a cattle drive (that is also a wagon train since there are settlers along)
-a stampede which kills someone
-a saloon brawl
-dancehall girls
-an evil gang of bad guys running the town
-a "new sheriff" in town
-a school marm (who falls for the new sheriff)
-two lynch mobs
-a crusading newspaperman
-a poker game
-a climatic shootout (on a burning train)
-herds of buffalo
-an appearance by actor Ward Bond (who was in many Westerns in the 40's and 50's)
About the only elements "Dodge City" is missing are:
-a fight with indians
-fights between ranchers and farmers
"Push the button, Max!"