movieman1957

I never had the impression that Ryan was anything but evil. What kept Leigh with him is beyond me but she loved him. She sure rubbed his shoulders enough. The "partnership" was very interesting. It's tough trying to reach a common goal when you can't trust the people who are trying to get there with you. Mitchell was terrific. I think this was one of the first films I saw him in. When you compare it to "The Gunfighter" and "Singing In The Rain" and "My Six Convicts" it is quite remarkable to see his range of characters.

I liked her too. Much nicer that that PITA she played in "The Horse Soldiers." (Nothing profound just thought I'd chime in.)

Let me add my congratulations for sharing so much of your time and wit and wisdom.You have been a complete joy to read and to get to know. Thanks.

JF: Thank you. You posted just as I did so I didn't see it. The interesting thing about the "book" here is that no one questions it. There is not a time when it is not completely appropriate. Even though Rutledge and Cantrell after having worked together and, while on patrol, are in an adversarial position they both respect each other and the rules.

>Notice that Beecher states more than once that Rutledge saved her life. I don't want to minimize that but I was struck by how in that first scene at the railroad depot it is she who warns him of the approaching Apache just in time and then it is she that shoots the second one who is about to attack him. Not a bad lady to have around in a fight. I like the way she didn't go to pieces when she shot the Indian. She grew up there and knew how to use a gun. Too often women in those roles pull the trigger but it gets them. You can even relate that to Hunter's "Marty" in "The Searchers." >I actually related to that little bit with the Bible. To this day I'm suspicious of any other version simply because that was the one I was raised on. Hmm.

My apologies to Sir Francis for missing his reference to Rafer Johnson until now.

Great caps. Some of them I came across just as they happened in the movie. Impeccable timing. Overall, I enjoyed the film. Save for a few moments that were a little overly dramatic, mostly near the end, it was well done by all the cast members. Strode was quite good, I thought, especially during his testimony. The one shot where he really defends himself as a soldier and a man is enhanced by the low camera angle making him look bigger and stronger even when his voice breaks. (Also surprised to see Rafer Johnson in an uncredited role. This was still before he won the 1960 Decathlon in Rome.) I thought the climax and "Mr. Hubble" may have been the weakest part(s) in the movie. I liked Constance Towers. An easier character to like than her role in "The Horse Soldiers." I think in some sense this film is more overt about its adherence to the book. "Just like the book say" is repeated often literally and in practice. The frequent referring to the manual for the trial. The letter of the law followed without question even when Rutledge and Cantrell are on the patrol. Skidmore's reference to oath and duty along with the other references all go to something higher than themselves and all willing to abide by their oath. Rutledge says the cavalry is his home he wants nothing to do with disrespecting it. I like early on in the rail depot how Rutledge and Beecher hit it off. He is mindful of her reputation to her (but also of his own.) With setting her mind at ease they settle into a team set to get them back safely. This is a sign of his commitment to the rules even though he knows he is in some trouble at the fort. The humor is milder than some other Ford films. It is not as broad even concerning the ladies. Mrs. Fosgate (Burke) is fun. Everything from her being entitled to be there and find out everything to her only swearing on the King James Version of the Bible. I know a few folks who thinks every other edition is a waste. The "water" and the single card game is about it. Maybe the subject matter is a bit too serious. About some of the specific shots there weren't a lot of "message" shots but the one I did like was when Cantrell read Rutledge's emancipation paper Rutledge lifted his cuffed hands up to contradict the papers. One I thought was a bit much was the night camp shot of Rutledge on guard. A little too "Superman" like that I thought it cheeky. Miss G, you mentioned the pivot of the men, I thought it a little too choreographed but it is an important shot. One bad shot was the closeup of Lucy dead on the floor, though her eyes are closed you can see them move. Where was the editor, director, etc on that one. "Just like the book say."

Welcome. If you look down below in the "Westerns Movie Rambles" you'll find some wonderful discussions about my favorite genre.

Birthday tributes on the 16th are often for Angela Lansbury. (It's easy for me to remember.) Did Darnell do most of her work at Fox?

This is the beauty of this that these many months later it comes a chance to expand and rediscover things about a film. These comments can be too easily buried and a chance to resurrect them is always welcome. That is one reason we joke about everything coming back to "The Searchers" and "Liberty Valance." There is always something new to say. > I think before I ever post again. Ok, now you have me worried. >.I must comb through the archives to see what a really good job of rambling about a film looks like. Don't forget to reread the posts by a certain Miss Maven. She knows how to write.

105. Son, there are better ways to try and straighten your nose.

>When I was a kid growing up in East Tennessee Where? I was born in Johnson City.

In the right hands it is a beautiful instrument as well. I am sure you have those hands.

>And where do I stow my Cello out on the ranch? You play the cello? Be still my heart.

As fate would have it here I sit as stated watching some of "Man Of The West" as it turned up on MGM-HD. The odd thing about it is I noticed Royal Dano only to have seen him earlier in the day for a few minutes in "Trooper Hook." Amazing that makeup made Dano look years older in "Hook" even though it was made two years earlier than "Man." A mindless thought for the day.

*The factoid that Gaby Rodgers co-wrote the Johnny Cash hit Jackson is one* *of those things that, while not exactly impossible, seems a bit improbable, and it* *is, in a way. Gaby was married to the songwriter Jerry Leiber, who actually co-wrote* *the song and, for whatever reason, decided to use her name in the credit*. With that piece of information it may not seem any more improbable than her marrying Leiber in the first place. At least the writing credit makes more sense. Edited by: movieman1957 on Jul 3, 2010 12:17 PM

Sorry you didn't like the ending but it seems to me to fit the movie though. I can't recall where I have seen Diane Ciliento before, if I have. She was good. I liked that she played a woman that was the age she was supposed to be. Knew the realities of a woman her age and wasn't ashamed to plan accordingly. If they had more scenes with Boone and Newman you'd really have a firecracker of a movie.

Newman was about as minimal as one could get. He almost didn't move. He walked with his arms crossed and sat nearly motionless at every point he could. Hardly any emotion but very matter of fact. Boone is the one you remember. In fact near the end of the film when he grabs the young girl and drags her over to the entrance of the mine. She seems genuinely surprised to me. Of course he grabs her by her shirt right at her chest. That may have been accidental by was very effective.

I do. I have a very comfortable basement with a nice TV and a disc that a good friend gave me.

Since it's going to be 100 degrees Monday I guess I'll watch Cooper beat the snot out of Jack Lord. Maybe see it in a new light.

Don't you give up talking about Ben. Road trip. (Someday.)

I was just thinking. How did they get that stuff in the box in the first place? I had an uncle that worked on the Manhattan Project. He was exposed to what they thought was a lethal dose of radiation. The immediately retired him. He lived to be 91. I used to tell him it his insides into cast iron so that nothing would harm him. The man smoked unfiltered Camel cigarettes most of his life and nearly outlived his contemporaries.

>I say let's forget about whether or not photos have been posted before. I cannot remember what's been posted and what hasn't anyway. So let's start all over! Good idea. Even if you have posted them could you find them again here?

>He just looks bored. He is. I thought it funny the way the women were just all over him. Velda is one thing. She loved him but she sure couldn't get enough of him. Gabrielle I see was just a trick But the girl at the "party" was a bit too much. Yeah, every time I park my car at someone's house I am met by their amorous sister and get kissed like that and then I introduce myself. (Not even in my dreams!)

Nancy Sinatra recorded it with her then husband old "What's-His-Name. Check down the list. http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Sinatra-Greatest-Hits/dp/B0000073TR/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1278041132&sr=1-1 I'l keep talking with you and the gang. Don't think it will make any list for me. He had a cool Corvette and a high tech answering machine he had to be pretty good.