The Westerner Rating: Release Date: 29 September, 1998 Retail Price: $24.98 Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: Gary Cooper Walter Brennan Dana Andrews Forrest Tucker Complete Cast (8 total)

The Westerner Reviews

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"The Westerner": Brennan's acting and Toland's photography
Director William Wyler began his career making two-reel westerns in the late 1920s, but did not return to the genre or filming outdoors until this 1940 classic. The traditional story of the conflict between the farmers and the cattlemen is represented by Gary Cooper as Cole Hardin and Walter Brennan as "Judge" Roy Bean. Hardin is brought before the self-appointed Judge ("the only law west of the Pecos") as a horse-thief. Fortunately, Hardin notices the giant pictures of Lily Langtry behind the bar of the Jersey Lily (Langtry's nickname as well as the name of the Judge's bar). Playing upon Bean's love for the actress (better known as the mistress of Prince Edward), Hardin wins a two-week reprieve and becomes embroiled in the coming range war. Brennan deservedly won an Academy Award for his portrayal, but for me the star of the show is cinematographer Gregg Toland ("Citizen Kane" as well as Wyler's "Wuthering Heights). The only other western to really come close in terms of compositional artistry is "My Darling Clementine." The climatic showdown between Hardin and the Judge in the deserted auditorium Bean had bought out to watch Lily performed without being disturbed evidences Wylers touch as a director, but most of the film's memorable moments are Toland's photography, such as the young girl standing by her father's grave reading the scorched pages of the family's Bible. "The Westerner" is arguably the most cinematic film in the genre.

THE Classic Western
Anyone who likes westerns will treasure this
gem. Cooper and Brennan at their best. Wyler's
direction and Tiomkin's music unequaled.

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