Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 05/13/2008 Run time: 100 minutes Rating: Nr
Having created an instant classic the previous year with their superlative production of Wuthering Heights, producer Samuel Goldwyn, director William Wyler, and cinematographer Gregg Toland reunited for this classic Western from 1940, which earned Walter Brennan his record-setting third Academy Award. Gary Cooper reportedly hesitated to take his role, knowing that Brennan would likely steal the show with his splendid portrayal of "hanging" lawman Judge Roy Bean, but Wyler persisted and Cooper signed on as the drifter who faces Judge Bean under the false accusation of stealing a horse. Cooper smooth-talks his way out of his hanging by claiming to be a close friend of stage star Lily Langtry, with whom the judge is unabashedly smitten, but tensions rise when Cooper comes to the defense of a group of struggling homesteaders that Brennan is trying to drive away. This leads, of course, to a classic showdown in true Western tradition, and under Wyler's able direction The Westerner takes its place among the finest examples of the genre. And while Brennan does indeed steal the show, Cooper needn't have worried--he's every bit the hero in a battle with one of the silver screen's most memorable villains. --Jeff Shannon
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
...a westerner, not a cowboy:
It's good to have titled this film "The Westerner", because neither of the two main stars are cowboys. They aren't gunslingers, or bounty hunters, or farmers, or ranchers...they just lived in the west during a time when all that romantic stuff was going on. Now that doesn't mean neither of them could handle a gun, when necessary. Nor that they wouldn't shoot a man dead, if they thought that was the thing to do. Walter Brennan spent most of his career playing sidekicks or secondary roles in movies that... more info
A great, classic western:
Of the great Hollywood westerns, "The Westerner" is not often mentioned. It captures the spirit of the old west with great accuracy and humor. One may question the plot line, but Judge Roy Bean was indeed infatuated with the Jersey Lilly. The chemistry between Cooper and Brennen is palpable and the scene where they wake up in bed together (not in any way gay) is one of the funniest in film history. As I recall, Brennen won an Oscar for his role in this film. It is perhaps his finest role and also one of... more info
"Gary Cooper Series ... The Westerner (1940) ... United Artists":
United Artists presents "THE WESTERNER" (20 September 1940) (100 mins/B&W) (Dolby digitally remastered) -- Our story line and plot, If you like westerns, you'll love William Wyler's "The Westerner" -- great directing and superb acting, and gorgeous cinematography --- Cole Hardin (Gary Cooper) just doesn't look like a horse thief, Jane-Ellen Matthews (Doris Davenport) tells Judge Roy Bean (Walter Brennan) as she steps up to the bar --- Cole says he can't take it with him as he empties all of his coins on... more info
Walter Brennan Stole the Show:
Walter Brennan won his third Oscar for best supporting actor playing the part of "Judge" Roy Bean in The Westerner. He was made for this part like Vivien Leigh was made to play Scarlet. Anyone who remembers Brennan as "Grandpa" in The Real McCoys and in lesser roles over the years, and has any interest in the early westerns, will be captivated by Brennan's portrayal of this dusty, hard-drinking, straight-talking, wild and wooly Texas "judge," who runs a kangaroo court, where shooting a steer is a hanging... more info
