Post by Brad Nelson on Jul 31, 2020 14:20:58 GMT -8
Another good reason to add The Criterion Channel to your repertoire is 1958’s Cowboy with Glenn Ford, Jack Lemon, and Dick York (the real Darren). That’s an interesting mix of cast worth watching in its own right.
Lemmon plays the tenderfoot, Frank Harris, who is currently working in a hotel in Chicago and wants to move on up into the exciting and profitable world of cattle. At the hotel, fresh from a profitable drive, he meets grab-the-world-by-the-horns Tom Reese (Glenn Ford). Reese doesn’t want or need a partner but circumstances arise whereby he could use a little influx of cash into his operations, and the enthusiastic Harris is more than willing.
Of course, life as a cowboy isn’t what Harris could have ever expected. And almost out of plain orneriness, Reese doesn’t do anything to make it easier for him. Conflict ensues, but it’s a bit of a two-way street. Eventually Harris isn’t particularly impressed by the “strong, silent cowboy” types and instead sees them as animals. At the same time, Reese and his crew toughen Harris up. But they also begin to absorb a little of Harris' more humanitarian ethic.
This whole process is a little bit accelerated, which is the movie’s only real flaw. But given the breezy run-time of 92 minutes, I’m not of the mind to criticize a movie for getting on with it.
Also, Harris is in love with a señorita he met at the hotel. Unfortunately, her father wants nothing to do with the young gringo whippersnapper. This is a nice subplot that doesn’t try to insert itself too much into things.
And having a good balance and keeping the plot going is the strength of this movie. And who have thunk that Dick York was such a womanizer? Richard Jaeckel plays yet another antagonist, but not an archenemy. However, in The Violent Men (also with Glenn Ford) he is most certainly in the role of bad guy, although I’m not sure I’ll finish that one. It’s b-movie material all the way.
But Cowboy is a real gem. This is one of the better Westerns that I’ve seen. It’s another meaty role for Ford. He’s a good guy — kinda sorta. But he’s also a ball-busting boss who has become dehumanized by the very profession he is in. Will Harris and Reese kiss and make up by the end of the film or will they have it out once and for all?
And either Jack Lemon is a gamer, or he has a very good look-alike stunt double. But that sure looked like him getting up close and personal with some very dangerous cattle.
This is a good one and worth renting.
Lemmon plays the tenderfoot, Frank Harris, who is currently working in a hotel in Chicago and wants to move on up into the exciting and profitable world of cattle. At the hotel, fresh from a profitable drive, he meets grab-the-world-by-the-horns Tom Reese (Glenn Ford). Reese doesn’t want or need a partner but circumstances arise whereby he could use a little influx of cash into his operations, and the enthusiastic Harris is more than willing.
Of course, life as a cowboy isn’t what Harris could have ever expected. And almost out of plain orneriness, Reese doesn’t do anything to make it easier for him. Conflict ensues, but it’s a bit of a two-way street. Eventually Harris isn’t particularly impressed by the “strong, silent cowboy” types and instead sees them as animals. At the same time, Reese and his crew toughen Harris up. But they also begin to absorb a little of Harris' more humanitarian ethic.
This whole process is a little bit accelerated, which is the movie’s only real flaw. But given the breezy run-time of 92 minutes, I’m not of the mind to criticize a movie for getting on with it.
Also, Harris is in love with a señorita he met at the hotel. Unfortunately, her father wants nothing to do with the young gringo whippersnapper. This is a nice subplot that doesn’t try to insert itself too much into things.
And having a good balance and keeping the plot going is the strength of this movie. And who have thunk that Dick York was such a womanizer? Richard Jaeckel plays yet another antagonist, but not an archenemy. However, in The Violent Men (also with Glenn Ford) he is most certainly in the role of bad guy, although I’m not sure I’ll finish that one. It’s b-movie material all the way.
But Cowboy is a real gem. This is one of the better Westerns that I’ve seen. It’s another meaty role for Ford. He’s a good guy — kinda sorta. But he’s also a ball-busting boss who has become dehumanized by the very profession he is in. Will Harris and Reese kiss and make up by the end of the film or will they have it out once and for all?
And either Jack Lemon is a gamer, or he has a very good look-alike stunt double. But that sure looked like him getting up close and personal with some very dangerous cattle.
This is a good one and worth renting.
