Clint Eastwood
11 Classic Westerns to Start With if You’ve Never Seen One Before
If you’ve never seen a classic Western before, you’re in for a treat. These films are not just about gunslingers and dusty deserts, they are a celebration of the human spirit and the American identity.
From the spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone to the traditional Hollywood Westerns of John Ford, there’s a Western out there for everyone. Here’s a list of some of the best classic Westerns to start with if you’re new to the genre.
11Stagecoach (1939)
Stagecoach is a classic Western film directed by John Ford and released in 1939. Starring a young John Wayne, the film tells the story of a group of travelers who embark on a perilous journey through hostile Indian territory aboard a stagecoach. Along the way, they must contend with outlaws, harsh weather, and their own personal demons. The film’s ensemble cast includes Claire Trevor as Dallas, a prostitute with a heart of gold, and Andy Devine as Buck, the stagecoach driver. Stagecoach is widely considered to be one of the greatest Westerns of all time, and it established John Wayne as a leading man in Hollywood. The film’s iconic score, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling action sequences have cemented its place in cinematic history. If you haven’t seen this masterpiece yet, you’re in for a treat!
10High Noon (1952)
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Directed by Fred Zinnemann, High Noon is a classic 1952 western film starring Gary Cooper as Will Kane, the Marshall of Hadleyville. The film is set in the American West in the late 19th century, and tells the story of Kane, who must confront a gang of outlaws alone after the rest of the town decides to abandon him. High Noon is a gripping tale of moral courage and the cost of standing up for what’s right in the face of overwhelming odds. The film’s iconic theme song, “Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin’”, written by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington, adds to the tension and drama of the story. High Noon is a true classic of the Western genre, and is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time. It is noted for its tight storytelling and its powerful performances, particularly from Cooper, who gives a career-defining performance as Will Kane.
9The Searchers (1956)
The Searchers, a classic Western film directed by John Ford, stars John Wayne and tells the story of a man named Ethan Edwards who, along with a group of men, set out to find his niece who has been kidnapped by Comanche Indians. As they search for the missing girl, they must also confront their own personal demons and grapple with the harsh realities of the frontier.
The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest Westerns ever made, and it has had a huge impact on the genre. John Wayne gives a powerful and iconic performance as Ethan Edwards, a complex and morally ambiguous character who is driven by his own sense of justice and revenge. The film’s beautiful cinematography and richly drawn characters make it a must-see for any fan of Westerns or classic American cinema.
RELATED:6 Western Movies That Define The Genre
8Rio Bravo (1959)
The classic Western film Rio Bravo, directed by Howard Hawks, stars John Wayne as Sheriff John T. Chance, the tough and determined lawman of the small Texas border town of Rio Bravo. When a wealthy rancher’s brother is thrown in jail for murder, a powerful outlaw named Nathan Burdette (John Russell) tries to spring him from jail and silence the only witness. But Sheriff Chance won’t be intimidated and enlists the help of a drunken former deputy, a gambler, and a young gun to defend the jail and the town from Burdette’s thugs.
The movie was a huge box office success, and it has since become a beloved classic, revered for its performances, direction, and tight, suspenseful storytelling. The film features memorable performances by Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, and Walter Brennan. Rio Bravo is an enduring work of the Western genre and it’s a must-see film for any fan of the genre or of classic Hollywood cinema.
RELATED:These Are The Best John Ford Films, Ranked
7The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Directed by John Sturges, The Magnificent Seven is an American western film starring Eli Wallach, Yul Brynner, and Steve McQueen. The movie is a remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film Seven Samurai, and tells the story of a group of seven American gunfighters who are hired to protect a small village in Mexico from a band of ruthless bandits. The seven men, each with their own unique skills and reasons for joining the mission, set out to defend the village and its inhabitants, facing off against overwhelming odds in a series of thrilling action sequences.
With a star-studded cast, breathtaking cinematography, and a rousing musical score, The Magnificent Seven is a classic of the western genre and one of the most iconic films of its era.
6A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Classic spaghetti western film A Fistful of Dollars was directed by Sergio Leone and released in 1964. The film stars Clint Eastwood as the “Man with No Name,” a mysterious and stoic stranger who arrives in the border town of San Miguel amidst a power struggle between two rival gangs. He quickly becomes embroiled in the conflict, using his cunning and sharpshooting skills to play both sides against each other and ultimately emerge victorious.
With its iconic music score, gritty cinematography, and Eastwood’s iconic performance, A Fistful of Dollars is considered one of the greatest and most influential western films of all time, and helped to launch the “spaghetti western” genre. It’s a must-watch for the western genre enthusiasts, cinephiles, and anyone interested in the evolution of cinema storytelling.
RELATED:The Best Spaghetti Westerns, Ranked
5For a Few Dollars More (1965)
For a Few Dollars More is another spaghetti western film directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Gian Maria Volontè, and Lee Van Cleef. The film is the second installment in the “Dollars Trilogy,” following A Fistful of Dollars and preceding The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The film follows two rival bounty hunters, “The Man with No Name” (Eastwood) and Colonel Douglas Mortimer (Van Cleef), as they team up to track down a notorious bandit named El Indio (Volontè). Along the way, they confront a variety of obstacles and enemies, including a ruthless gang of bandits and a sadistic prison warden.
With its iconic performances, iconic soundtrack and iconic cinematography, For a Few Dollars More is widely considered one of the greatest Western films ever made, a perfect blend of Action, Adventure and Noir. This movie truly raises the bar for the genre, and continues to inspire filmmakers around the world with its style and storytelling.
4The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is the third installment of the “Dollars Trilogy,” starring Clint Eastwood (the Good), Van Cleef (the Bad), and Eli Wallach (the Ugly). Set during the American Civil War, the film follows these three gunslingers as they compete against each other in a treasure hunt for a cache of gold buried in a cemetery.
The film’s iconic score, composed by Ennio Morricone, adds to the film’s gritty, intense atmosphere, and the cinematography by Tonino Delli Colli highlights the stunning landscapes of the Spanish locations used for the filming. Considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a must-see film for fans of the genre and a cinematic masterpiece.
3Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
Once Upon a Time in the West is also a classic spaghetti western film directed by Sergio Leone. Starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, and Claudia Cardinale, the film is set in the American frontier of the late 19th century. It tells the story of a mysterious and ruthless gunman, known only as “Harmonica” (Charles Bronson), who arrives in a small town on the border of Texas and Mexico.
His arrival sets off a chain of events that leads to a violent showdown between the local land baron, Frank, played by Henry Fonda, and a band of outlaws led by Harmonica. The film features iconic performances from its lead actors, as well as breathtaking cinematography and a memorable score by Ennio Morricone. With its epic storyline and masterful direction, Once Upon a Time in the West is considered one of the greatest western films of all time and an essential addition to any film lover’s collection.
RELATED:20 Best Western Movies According To Rotten Tomatoes
2The Wild Bunch (1969)
Directed by Sam Peckinpah, The Wild Bunch is a 1969 American epic Western film starring Ernest Borgnine, William Holden, Edmund O’Brien, and Robert Ryan. The film tells the story of a group of aging outlaws, led by Pike Bishop (Holden), who are on the run from the law. They plan to retire in Mexico after one final heist, but things go awry, and they find themselves caught in the middle of a revolution. The film is known for its graphic and realistic depiction of violence, as well as its use of slow-motion to accentuate the action.
With a screenplay written by Walon Green, The Wild Bunch is widely considered to be one of the greatest Western films ever made. Critics praised its performances, direction and its unique take on the genre. It has become a cult classic, with many praising its violent and adult themes. The movie showcases the end of era, both for the outlaws and for the old west itself and a thrilling action-packed journey that still resonates today.
1Unforgiven (1992)
Unforgiven is a 1992 American western film directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the film as the retired gunslinger, William Munny. The film is set in 1880s Wyoming and tells the story of Munny, a former outlaw who is drawn back into a life of violence when he agrees to take on one last job to earn enough money to provide for his children. Alongside Munny are two other retired gunslingers, played by Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris, who join him on his journey to collect a bounty on the heads of a group of cowboys who brutally attacked a prostitute.
The film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of the American West and the violence that defined it, and features powerful performances from its all-star cast. Unforgiven went on to win four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Eastwood. It has since become widely regarded as one of the greatest western films ever made.
Clint Eastwood
The Netflix Clint Eastwood Thriller That’s Still An A+ In Suspense
In the Line of Fire is the story of a Secret Service agent named Frank Horrigan who suffers from severe PTSD stemming from his inability to stop a murder when he was younger. Failing to save anyone would be traumatizing, but Frank didn’t let “anyone” get killed. It was the JFK assassination that he failed to stop.
When an ex-CIA agent calling himself Booth (after John Wilkes) makes it known that he plans to kill the current president, Horrigan begs to be put on active duty again. The middle-aged secret service agent wants a chance to make up for not saving Kennedy by making sure this president doesn’t get taken out. What follows is a tense back and forth as Booth continuously contacts Horrigan to tease him about letting John F. Kennedy get shot as Frank attempts to locate and stop the would-be assassin.
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood’s Co-star Was Poisoned, Strangled, and Nearly Decapitated While Filming Iconic 1966 Western
Clint Eastwood is one of Hollywood’s most masterful and skilled directors, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t acted in several iconic films as well. This included his legendary role as Blondie in The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Unfortunately, one of his co-stars in the film suffered a lot during the filming process and almost lost his life.
Clint Eastwood has also been part of other iconic films such as Dirty Harry, A Fistful of Dollars and many more. That said, there is no doubt just how dedicated he has been to all of his films so far in his career.
Clint Eastwood’s Co-star In The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Suffered Many Unfortunate Mishaps During Shooting
Clint Eastwood’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly(1966) stands as the quintessential spaghetti western epic, with actor Eli Wallach delivering a memorable performance that made him an icon in films. However, behind the scenes, Wallach faced many dangerous situations that brought him close to life-threatening incidents. One such instance involved a misfired stunt with a horse, which dragged him dangerously across the set.
Eli Wallach before his near-death experience
The truly death-defying scene unfolded as Wallach’s character tried to use a passing locomotive to break the chain of handcuffs after escaping a POW camp. The train, equipped with low steel steps overlooked during planning, was nothing short of death. During the scene, Wallach, chained to a soldier he had just killed, found himself in a life-threatening situation as the lowered metal steps on the oncoming train were dangerously close to decapitating him.
In another instance, Wallach was almost poisoned during shooting when he accidentally drank from a bottle of acid that a film technician had set next to his soda bottle – something that no one was aware of at the time.
In yet another near-mishap, Wallach’s character was supposed to be hanged, and the horse beneath him was intended to bolt in response to a pistol being fired. However, the execution of the scene didn’t go as planned. The horse instead galloped for about a mile with Wallach still mounted and his hands bound behind his back – strangling him and almost killing him in the process.
Clint Eastwood Didn’t Initially Want To Do The Film
By the mid-1960s, Clint Eastwood had already established himself in the Western genre and was seeking new challenges in his career. When initially asked to appear in the film, he declined for several reasons.
Clint Eastwood and Eli Wallach
One factor was Eastwood’s disappointment in sharing the screen with two established actors, Eli Wallach and Lee Van Cleef. He wasn’t happy about Wallach’s character being given the best dialogues. On top of that, Eastwood was offered lesser pay, as his status as a major star in the United States wasn’t really established then.
Thankfully, the producers were eager to have Eastwood on board for the film. Therefore, they offered him a $250,000 salary, 10% of the profits and a new Ferrari 275 GTB. In the end, Eastwood accepted and the rest is history.
Clint Eastwood
Caped Clint Eastwood? Raquel Welsh? These famous actors were almost Superman and Lois Lane
It’s a bird . . . It’s a plane . . . It’s Dirty Harry?
Forty-five years after dashing newcomer Christopher Reeve’s caped flight to stardom in 1978’s “Superman” movie, a NYC auction house is listing rare documents revealing the other leading men the studio cleared to be cast in the iconic role, including Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Robert Wagner and then-closeted Richard Chamberlain.
Auction house Metropolis Collectibles revealed the names of 24 leading men and 23 actresses DC Comics officially approved to be Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane, characters ultimately played by the relatively unknown 26-year-old Juilliard alum Reeve, and established 30-year-old Margot Kidder.
“This has been a well-loved topic over the years and for the first time we have confirmation” about the approved list of actors “DC was comfortable with, as far as their public image,” said J.R. Taylor, a researcher for Metropolis. “The casting has always been the most talked about thing and this list has names no one ever knew before.”
The celebs who coulda been contenders were:
CLINT EASTWOOD:
10Clint Eastwood in the 1966 film “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”Courtesy Everett Collection
The caped crusader with a deadly squint?
“A lot of actors probably weren’t thrilled at the idea of playing Superman. This was a time when starring in a comic book movie certainly sounded like a risky proposition,” said Taylor.
ROBERT WAGNER:
10Robert Wagner was known more for his roles in television.Courtesy Everett Collection
The veteran actor and husband of Natalie Wood (whose name was on the list for Lois Lane) would have been 48 when the movie premiered on Dec. 15,1978.
“At that point he was a television actor,” said Taylor.
JACK NICHOLSON:
10Jack Nicholson as Jake Gittes in the 1974 film “Chinatown.”Courtesy Everett Collection
The “Chinatown” actor and “Cuckoo’s Nest” Oscar winner with the unnerving grin would ultimately go on to play the Joker in 1989’s “Batman.”
But he was no obvious Superman, said Taylor.
“You can see DC probably was considering nothing more than people who they considered to be bankable” stars, but he would have brought “baggage” from his previous eccentric roles.
MARLON BRANDO:
10Marlon Brando in “The Godfather.”Courtesy Everett Collection
The brooding bad boy ended up playing Superman’s father Jor-El, despite Brando famously trying to convince producers that the role should be portrayed by a green suitcase.
“His logic being that if they were aliens, there’s no way of knowing what Superman’s father really looked like, perhaps hoping to be paid for voiceover work,” said Taylor.
RICHARD CHAMBERLAIN:
10Richard Chamberlain in 1974’s “The Towering Inferno.”©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
“He’s the only actor on the list, besides Rock Hudson, who’d have been a closeted gay actor in the part,” said Taylor.
RAQUEL WELCH:
10Sex symbol Raquel Welch wouldn’t have been believable as Lois Lane.©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
Not in “one million years” could people see the international sex symbol as the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Daily Planet” reporter.
Though the sexy starlet went on to star as vampy villain Diana Pride in the TV series “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” in 1995.
SUE LYON:
10Sue Lyon in 1962’s “Lolita.”Courtesy Everett Collection
“This is probably the biggest surprise here,” said Taylor of the starlet who found overnight fame in the title role of 1962’s “Lolita,” but who “relied on drive-in movies and small TV turns by the time of Superman’s production.”
JANE SEYMOUR:
10Jane Seymour in 2005’s “Wedding Crashers.”©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
The former “Live and Let Die” Bond girl later turned up in the Superman series “Smallville” on The CW and named one of her children after her close friend Christopher Reeve, said Taylor.
NATALIE WOOD AND SISTER LANA WOOD:
10Natalie Wood, left, and her sister, Lana Wood, in the 1960s.Courtesy Everett Collection
“Natalie’s name has come up, but no one’s ever mentioned her sister Lana, primarily known as a ‘Bond girl,’ being approved for the role,” said Taylor.
The Netflix Clint Eastwood Thriller That’s Still An A+ In Suspense
Clint Eastwood’s Co-star Was Poisoned, Strangled, and Nearly Decapitated While Filming Iconic 1966 Western
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