Originally published on Sunday, January 24, 2010
I was recently ask what my favorite top 10 western movies are. I really can’t tell you cause I haven’t seen them all yet. Probably never will as there are just too many of them. One thing I will tell you is that not enough credit is given to that guy on the above… William S. Hart. He was the first “Big” cowboy star and even though his movies were made during the silent era they can stand up against just about any made today. If you haven’t become acquainted with him you don’t know what you’re missing. Search out the movie “Tumbleweeds” and you’ll see what I mean. That movie has everything in it. Here’s that movie from Youtube to give you a taste. And while Hart clearly steals the scenes watch for a little comic relief when a fly shows up when the dusty cowpoke pulls out his handless watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhukiQZVkeo&t=1295s&ab_channel=TheVideoCellarClassic! And what about Hart’s angora chaps? What modern day star could pull off wearing those?
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Here’s another link to a short he made when he retired from the silver screen. Luckily there is audio for this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BlgWP3Airs
I still almost tear up when he signs off at the end. What a star.
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Judy and I, while attending the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival several years ago were fortunate enough to take a tour of his home which was located nearby in Newhall, CA. Being the detail nut that I am there wasn’t a nook or cranny that didn’t draw my interest. One of the really neat things I found in one old dusty display case was a carving by H.S. “Andy” Anderson. I pointed out to the docent just what they had there but there was no real interest. A shame but at least I know that Hart had the same appreciation for certain things that I have.
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Of course John Wayne is right there next to Hart and one of his films which I really like is “The Big Trail” made back in 1930 before he was “discovered” as the Ringo Kid in “Stagecoach” in 1939. He did manage to make a few stinkers, one being “Riders of Destiny” back in 1933. In it he plays “Singing Sandy” and no, that melodiac voice is dubbed. Here’s the clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0VWTv9Y0IY
No, it would really be hard for me to come up with a list of only 10 favorites. That would be like asking me which of my carvings was my favorite. They’re all my favorite….from the very first to the one I’m working on now.
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