The Silver Screen Oasis

Canyon Passage is an amazing film. I remember I was painting our son's room when I ran back our bedroom to hit record and was so struck by the camerawork and colors I actually sat through the first 15 minutes of the film before I heard a voice yell "I don't hear any work going on back there!"

As a youngster, I was very impressesed with the star-studded WARLOCK. A more recent viewing left me less satisfied. One thing's for sure. It boasts one hell of a cast!

High Noon has been a favorite of presidents as different as Eisenhower and Clinton

As well it should be. A great story has something for everybody.

I wonder if it didn’t influence another such cultural landmark, On the Waterfront

"Waterfront" is as allegorical in that regard as any movie I've seen. (With the exception of Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE, of course!) Brando's character is asked to spy on people who resist the organization. Then he's subpoened to testify against the labor bosses. Then he's shunned by the good guys AND the baddies!

Great remarks on High Noon, kingrat. It's not an easy movie, with easy characters, or an easy story. It's difficult, just as the decisions such a situation requires are difficult.

My favorite Boetticher Western and my favorite Randolph Scott Western and probably in my Top 5 of all Westerns.

You can always tell what decade a western is made, by looking at the leading lady's hairstyle. I saw marcelles in 30's westerns, pompadours in the 40's and ponytails in the 50's. Lovin' Boetticher. He doesn't quite make it simple black hats and white hats. I must re-visit him.

Terrific movie and review, kingrat.

Lee Marvin can make sipping coffee seem immoral.

If I were teaching a class on filmmaking, I might just begin by showing the opening scene of Seven Men from Now

I love when a movie inspires that reaction. I've felt that way a few times myself.

Lee Marvin can make sipping coffee seem immoral.

Especially if you're Gloria Grahame!

people are missing truly fine movie making by flatly stating they do not like Westerns. Some of Boetticher's movies may change their mind

You're absolutely right, Anne. The same applies to the best of Henry King, Anthony Mann and that Irishman who made all those John Wayne movies!

The Far Country is on TCM...I just can't get enough of this movie. It was my first Anthony Mann western, and still my favorite...and among my top ten favorites of all time. I believe Man of the West to be a stronger film, creatively and dramatically, but I love the texture of frontier life to be found in The Far Country, as well as the assortment of characters, each deftly fleshed out and making me believe in them and the reality of their world. I also love the friendship between Jeff (Stewart) and Ben (Brennan), it's among the best and warmest on film. It is reminiscent of Stewart's "George Bailey" and his "Uncle Billy" (Thomas Mitchell) in Capra's It's a Wonderful Life. The celebration of forming a community is beautifully realized.

I also like the relationship between Brennan and Stewart. The best part is that Brennan doesn't hold back when he tells Stewart what he thinks about some of the things going on. Friends should be able to tell another the truth without fear of losing the relationship. It's one of my favorites too.