Stagecoach - Retread

[mrsl]

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Early this a.m., I turned on Retro-Plex because often early they show some good classics. This morning I saw a western and clicked the 'info' button to find it was Stagecoach, with Bing Crosby and Ann Margret listed as the stars. So, I went back since there was nothing else on, and thinking I was awake for the day, but I didn't see Bing or Ann, instead I saw the four Outlaws - Messrs. Kris Kristoferson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnnie Cash. What fun to see these guys together in a movie. I saw them on stage at the Golden Nugget years ago, but nothing else with the four together. They all looked good in their cowboy regalia, and fit in the western mode like butter on bread. Some parts were changed from the little I saw, because I fell back to sleep again and it's not on again today, so I have to wait for it. I'm curious if it's played out the same as the others.

[mrsl]

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Well today it played again and I was able to see the whole thing except for the first 10 minutes. Since Waylon and Johnnie are both gone now, it's kind of sad to see them but after a few minutes you realize how much fun they had working together. I remember on stage they were really rascals. Nobody did any singing, but how could they choose who would out of four of the best of country all in one place. Willie was all cleaned up and looked good. Kris is normally rough looking so he was fine, but Waylon was in A-1 form, just as handsome as ever, even with that well trimmed beard - I detest facial hair.

The movie was changed a little. The love interest between Ringo (Kris) and Dallas is not as developed as the one between the Duke and Claire Trevor, and the Doc is not always pestering the liquor salesman for more booze. In fact he is not the penniless drunk of either of the others ( played by Willie). The Sheriff is played by Johnnie Cash and much nicer than the original, and Waylon is a much more likable fellow than Papa Carradene. It's not quite a one on one between Ringo and Joe Plum because Doc, Sheriff, and Waylon back him up. Naturally I like this because I was a big fan of The Outlaws, but I kind of like some of the story lines better too, although I think if I sit and watch the original, I'll probably change my mind again.
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[Sue Sue Applegate]

Mrsl,

I am sorry I missed this. I've have been wanting to see it for awhile now. Thanks for the information.
It's on right now!

Sincerely,
Christy

[mrsl]

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So, Sue Sue - Stagecoach statements ?
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[Sue Sue Applegate]

I didn't get to see it! My son is home from college and commandeered the remote.

[mrsl]

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I watched the Outlaws version again today on Encore Westerns. Being a C & W fan, if I had never seen the original I would be saying this is a really fun and well made movie, but I have to admit the Outlaws don't quite measure up to the Duke, Claire Trevor, John Carradene, etc. The story veers off a little bit from the original. That whole beginning where Doc and Dallas are escorted out of town, and the banker sneaks out, is left out and ignored entirely. Ringo, played by Kris Kristofferson is a more mature and adult man as well as being older than the Duke was supposed to be. Elizabeth Ashley, (Dallas) doesn't touch your heart like Claire did and she plays the part a bit rougher and independently. Much of the middle of the movie is devoted to the birth of the baby, and the ending is totally different, although there is a great shot of the four Outlaws walking down the street towards the shootout a-la the Earps in every movie about the shootout at the OK Corral. As I said before, there is no singing by any one person because who would be chosen to sing when these four giants of C & W are all on screen? For that reason, if you don't like C&W music, take a shot at seeing this version. You might find the guys fun to watch. All of them look like genuine Western fellows - Kris K., Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Cash. I found out today also that Rosanne Cash, Johnny's wife played the woman who ran the stage rest stop.

It will probably be on all month, so if you have Encore, check it out.
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[movieman1957]

June Carter Cash was the woman and Johnny's wife. I think Roseanne is their daughter.

I saw it years ago. I don't remember much about it. Not even sure why I watched it. Country music folks come across as really great people, maybe that's why. The music certainly doesn't do anything for me.

[Lzcutter]

Chris,

Roseanne is definitely Johnny's daughter. Her mother was Johnny Cash's first wife. June was her stepmom. Roseanne Cash is a singer like her dad and stepmother. She has a terrific voice. She was married to country western singer/songwriter, Rodney Crowell. His song, After All This Time, was written for her.

Here she is singing with Levon Helm and friends.

She is dressed in black to the right of Levon.

[mrsl]

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Well, hit me with a bunch of wet noodles. I must have been semi-conscience while typing that post, I know perfectly well the difference between June Carter Cash and Rosanne. This getting old is a real pain.

Movieman: that's why I put in that bit about nobody singing. All four of those guys were the Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Paul Anka, and Michael Jackson of C & W in their day. The fact is, you might like C & W nowadays. I rarely channel in anymore, I just play my old CD's of various artists greatest hits because much of today's C & W is just as loud and unappealing as any thing you might hear from any top 40's list. It's sad. C & W used to be a place to turn to when you felt down and out and needed a shoulder to cry on.
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