Contents[Hide]

Westerns

Westerns  are primarily devoted to telling stories from the Western United States in the later half of the 19th century.  This region represented the borderline between civilization and wilderness, a primitive society based on codes of honor, private justice, and vigilantism.  Westerns were very popular during the silent era,  then, after the advent of sound, Hollywood rapidly abandoned the genre.  Director, John Ford  was extremely influential in the revival of the genre with his landmark movie, Stagecoach  (1939). Over the years, hundreds of these movies have been released as feature films, and to this day, the classic western maintains its ability to excite and intrigue.  

Historic Western Figures

Many westerns are based on actual, historic outlaws and lawmen. Here are a few notable figures:

  • Wild Bill Hickok  (1837--1876) became a famous lawman of the frontier.  He balanced gambling and law-enforcement until he ultimately met his end. He was shot while playing poker.  
  • Buffalo Bill  (1845-1917) was a Union soldier, bison hunter, and showman.
  • Jesse James  (1847-1882) was a ruthless Confederate guerrilla, gang leader, and bank robber who was killed by Robert Ford. 
  • Billy the Kid  (1859-1881) is considered a folk hero who lived recklessly and died young.  He was a a notorious outlaw who met his end to Sheriff Pat Gerrett, who later co-authored Billy's biography, The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid. 
  • Wyatt Earp  (1848-1929) was a saloon-keeper and officer of the law, among many other occupations.  He is most famous for his participation in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral alongside Doc Holliday,  Virgil Earp, and Morgan Earp.

Notable Westerns

Unforgiven  (1992)

Clint Eastwood  stars. Three sharpshooters team up to claim a $1,000 bounty on an outlaw who disfigured a woman.  

High Noon  (1952)

A recently retired marshal is forced out of retirement because a wild outlaw is due to arrive at his town at noon.

The Iron Horse  (1924)

John Ford directed this epic silent Western about a surveyor who dreams about a trans-continental railroad.  However, to create a clear trail through the Rocky Mountains, he must face lawless Indians. 

Tombstone (1993)

Starring Kurt Russel as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday, a group of lawman must face off against a gang of outlaws at the historic O.K. Corral. 

The Magnificent Seven  (1960)

A film directed by Jon Sturges  about a group of gunmen hired to protect a Mexican village from bandits.

Prominent Western Directors

Related Guides

War Films

Classic Films

Movies and Television

Silent Films

Upcoming DVD Releases