MovieChat Forums > The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955) Discussion > Looking For a Western

Looking For a Western

posted 15 years ago by thegalaxybeing
6 replies | jump to latest

I am trying to figure out a western movie. (It may have even been a TV western)

In one scene of the movie, a man (I think he was a sheriff or ex sheriff) sees a boy who is missing a penny. The boy asks the man if he'd seen it. Later the same man was drunk at the bottom of an outside stairwell. He hears something behind him (higher up the stairs). He automatically draws his gun turns and fires. The gun happened to be empty (or it misfired) Good thing because as his head clears, he realizes the same kid is looking down at him and proudly says, "I found my penny" while holding up a large cent coin. The boy didn't seem to realize he was almost accidentally shot. The man feels awful having almost killed a boy and decides from that point he will stop carrying a gun.

It's been probably over 40 years since I've seen this and may have some details incorrect, but it thing I've got the overall idea. I'd really like to see this movie again.

I posted on this board and some other westerns even though I know they aren't the ones hoping to reach a western fan that may have the info.

[–] shadowfever 12 years ago

It sounds very much like "Silent Gun" from 1969 with Lloyd Bridges.

If you can't beat them, join them, then kill them in their sleep.

[–] moewadle 12 years ago

I have seen a lot of western movies...meaning theater films or "TV Movies" but have not watched many tv westerns. However, I can say I have never seen that scenario in any western films or tv shows I have seen. I am 70 years old by the way so somewhat of an oldtimer.

[–] jamesbwill 12 years ago

It's definitely The Silent Gun with Lloyd Bridges. I remember seeing it as a TV movie, I believe on the ABC Saturday Night Movie around 1969 or 1970. I think it co-starred John Beck.

If I remember correctly, the movie ends with Llyod Bridges becoming sherif and Beck his deputy. Also, I think Bridges wore his badge on the top of his holster rather than on his shirt.

[–] thegalaxybeing 12 years ago

Thanks. Will definitely Seek this one out.

[–] jamesbwill 12 years ago

Check out the imdb plot summary for The Silent Gun. It matches your memory to a T.

[–] thegalaxybeing 12 years ago

It definitely fits. It's just hard to find it since there seem to have been no releases (at least on DVD or Blu ray).

I just looked at a video on Youtube that has he first 8 1/2 minuted of "The Silent Gun" and that's definitely it. I hadn't seen it since I was a kid (probably on it's initial broadcast) so my memory was just a bit off. The kid was a girl and it seems the gunman wasn't drunk. Now the Youtube video doesn't quite get to the scene where he almost shoots her but I saw enough to realize I'd gotten the right one with the help of some knowledgeable friends at IMDb. Thanks to all.

I will now keep this on my "Need to find" list. I am also seeking "Terror on the Beach" with Dennis Weaver. Another interesting made for TV movie I saw on it's initial broadcast. It apparently never had an official video release either. I'll keep researching. Thanks again!