Western Movies 1950 to 1970: A Golden Era of Cinema

Western movies from 1950 to 1970 were a significant part of Hollywood's output, representing a golden age in filmmaking. This era saw the production of countless classics that continue to captivate audiences today. Let's explore the rich world of Westerns from this pivotal time in cinema history.

Western Movies 1950 to 1970

The two decades spanning from 1950 to 1970 marked a remarkable period for Western films. Key aspects of Westerns from this era include:

• Complex themes and morally ambiguous characters

• Evolution of storytelling techniques

• Contributions from renowned directors

• Iconic performances from legendary actors

• Exploration of various subgenres within the Western format

• Technical advancements in filmmaking

List of Western Movies 1950 to 1970

1. High Noon (1952)

2. Shane (1953)

3. The Searchers (1956)

4. Rio Bravo (1959)

5. The Magnificent Seven (1960)

6. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

7. Winchester '73 (1950)

8. The Gunfighter (1950)

9. Broken Arrow (1950)

10. The Naked Spur (1953)

11. The Man from Laramie (1955)

12. The Big Country (1958)

13. Man of the West (1958)

14. 3:10 to Yuma (1957)

15. The Tin Star (1957)

16. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

17. Vera Cruz (1954)

18. Johnny Guitar (1954)

19. The Wild Bunch (1969)

20. Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

21. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)

22. True Grit (1969)

23. The Alamo (1960)

24. Hondo (1953)

25. Rancho Notorious (1952)

26. The Proud Rebel (1958)

27. No Name on the Bullet (1959)

28. Man Without a Star (1955)

29. The Hanging Tree (1959)

30. El Dorado (1967)

This list includes a mix of well-known western classics and some lesser-known gems from the period, showcasing the diversity of Western films produced during this golden age of the genre.

Popular 1950s Westerns

The 1950s kicked off this golden age with several highly regarded Westerns that set the tone for the decade. Some standout films include:

• "High Noon" (1952)

• "Shane" (1953)

• "The Searchers" (1956)

These films often delved into complex themes and featured characters that weren't simply black-and-white representations of heroes and villains. For instance, "The Searchers" explores themes of racism and obsession, while "High Noon" examines moral courage in the face of adversity.

Evolution in the 1960s

As the 1960s dawned, Western films continued to evolve. This decade saw a shift in themes and storytelling approaches, with movies like:

• "The Magnificent Seven" (1960)

• "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)

These films often featured ensemble casts and more nuanced storytelling. The rise of Spaghetti Westerns, exemplified by "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," brought a grittier, more stylized approach to the genre.

Notable Directors

Several directors made significant contributions to the Western genre during this period. Some of the most influential include:

• Anthony Mann: Directed classics like "Man of the West" (1958) and "The Naked Spur" (1953)

• John Ford: Known for "The Searchers" (1956) and numerous other Western classics

• Sam Peckinpah: Directed "The Wild Bunch" (1969), known for its innovative editing and portrayal of violence

Each of these directors brought their unique vision to the genre, helping to shape its evolution over the decades.

Iconic Western Actors

Many actors became synonymous with Westerns during this time, their performances helping to define the genre. Some of the most notable include:

• John Wayne: Starred in classics like "The Searchers" (1956), "Rio Bravo" (1959), and "True Grit" (1969)

• Gary Cooper: Known for "High Noon" (1952) and other influential Westerns

• James Stewart: Collaborated with Anthony Mann on films like "Winchester '73" (1950) and "The Man from Laramie" (1955)

• Clint Eastwood: Rose to prominence in Spaghetti Westerns like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)

• Gregory Peck: Starred in "The Gunfighter" (1950) and "The Big Country" (1958)

• Alan Ladd: Known for his role in "Shane" (1953)

• Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas: Co-starred in "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" (1957)

These actors brought depth and charisma to their roles, whether playing lawmen, outlaws, or something in between.

Western Themes and Subgenres

Westerns of this era often dealt with recurring themes, including:

• Justice and revenge

• The clash between civilization and the frontier

• Family feuds and land disputes

Films like "The Big Country" (1958) explored these themes in depth, examining the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of the American West.

Technical Advancements

The 1950s and 1960s saw significant technical advancements in filmmaking. Many Westerns from this period were shot in color and widescreen formats, enhancing the visual spectacle of the landscapes and action sequences. These improvements allowed directors to capture the grandeur of the West in ways that weren't possible before.

Iconic Scenes in Westerns

Many Western movies from this era featured scenes that have become ingrained in popular culture:

• "The Searchers" (1956): The final scene with John Wayne framed in the doorway

• "High Noon" (1952): The climactic showdown in the deserted town streets

• "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966): The three-way standoff in the cemetery

• "Shane" (1953): Shane riding off into the distance as the young boy calls after him

• "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968): The tension-building opening sequence at the train station

Lesser-Known Western Classics

While many Westerns from this era are widely recognized, there are several lesser-known gems worth exploring:

• "Rancho Notorious" (1952)

• "The Proud Rebel" (1958)

• "No Name On The Bullet" (1959)

• "Man Without A Star" (1955)

• "The Hanging Tree" (1959)

These films showcase the depth and diversity of the Western genre during this period.

Most Successful Westerns

While success can be measured in various ways, some of the most critically acclaimed and influential Westerns from this era include:

• "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" (1966)

• "The Searchers" (1956)

• "High Noon" (1952)

• "Shane" (1953)

• "Rio Bravo" (1959)

These films have consistently ranked among the best Westerns by critics and film historians.

Evolution of the Western Genre

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Western movies evolved significantly:

• Moral complexity increased, with more ambiguous characters and storylines

• The portrayal of Native Americans became more sympathetic and nuanced

• Themes expanded to include social justice and critiques of American expansion

• The rise of Spaghetti Westerns brought a grittier, more stylized approach

• By the 1970s, some Westerns incorporated elements of other genres, like science fiction

Decline and Legacy

While Westerns remained popular throughout much of this period, their dominance began to wane in the late 1960s as audience tastes changed and new genres emerged. However, the influence of these films extended far beyond cinema. The popularity of Western films during this time also influenced television, with many Western TV series produced in the 1950s and 1960s.

Conclusion

The period from 1950 to 1970 represents a high water mark for Western films. These movies pushed the boundaries of what the Western genre could be, exploring complex themes, featuring unforgettable characters, and showcasing breathtaking landscapes. From the moral ambiguity of "The Searchers" to the gritty realism of "The Wild Bunch," the Westerns of this era left an indelible mark on cinema history, continuing to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.

Richard Sutherland

RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.org

Richard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.