Can’t keep up with folks at SpagvemberFest, but this month is Nowestern for me too. This is what I’ve seen so far:
Stage to Tuscon (1950)
Okay B western, background story concentrated on activities (spies, interest groups) just before Civil War. Nothing to do with that other Stage(coach), that one was to Lordsburg.
The Man From Colorado (1948)
Psychological western with Glenn Ford and William Holden that tells the story how power can be dangerous even in the hands of heroes (kind of “Who watches the Watchmen?” thing). Glenn Ford is cra-zee, but I guess you guess that from the look at this hair.
Saddle Tramp (1950)
Nice family western with Joel McCrea.
Rage at Dawn (1955)
In this story about Reno brothers (“first train robbers” as the movies states) politicians are as dirty as they get in any Spag, and ending is very bleak, but our hero (Randolph Scott) is still no anti-hero and gets to ride of with a girl against all odds.
A Pistol for Ringo (1965)
A rewatch. Still Top 20.
Reprisal! (1956)
Very good anti-racist B western with familiar Spag-star Guy Hamilton and good supporting cast. Stylish shots and not so superficial message.
Fort Massacre (1958)
I bet Peckinpah liked this one. Maybe even Corbucci. Joel McCrea leads his lost patrol down the hopeless spiral of doom and madness. Finale at the ruins of ancient fortress is especially strong and gritty.
The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
Professionally done, but nothing particularly special about it, just The Duke kicking asses.
