Screening a favorite oldie western tonight

[George Bellefontaine]

It's the 1946 release of MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, starring Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, Victor Mature as Doc Halliday and Walter Brennan as Ike Clanton. It's John Ford's version of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and based on Sturat N. Lake's biography, Wyatt Earp Frontier Marshall. Even though it is similar to the versions that followed, it is unique in its own way, and let me tell you, Henry Fonda makes for a convincing Wyatt Earp. It maybe in B&W and in a 1:33 aspect ratio, but this is really my all time favorite Wyatt Earp film.

[Ovation]

A classic and a great one. I watched a lot of old westerns a couple of years ago while prepping a course on the Old West (western films were a required course component). I'm overdue for watching one. Before being assigned the course, I'd not watched many westerns--maybe 20 in 35 years. Now I've become a big fan. When my semester is over, I'm planning a mini-marathon of Ford's 'cavalry trilogy' with John Wayne.

[George Bellefontaine]

I'm planning a mini-marathon of Ford's 'cavalry trilogy' with John Wayne.

Are those the three John Ford films: Fort Apache, She Wore A Yellow Ribbon and Rio Grande ? I own all three and watch them often. Of the three, Yellow Ribbon is my fave.

[Ovation]

Yes. I've recently acquired them and look forward to watching them.

[bigburner]

It's the 1946 release of MY DARLING CLEMENTINE, starring Henry Fonda as Wyatt Earp, Victor Mature as Doc Halliday and Walter Brennan as Ike Clanton. It's John Ford's version of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral and based on Sturat N. Lake's biography, Wyatt Earp Frontier Marshall. Even though it is similar to the versions that followed, it is unique in its own way, and let me tell you, Henry Fonda makes for a convincing Wyatt Earp. It maybe in B&W and in a 1:33 aspect ratio, but this is really my all time favorite Wyatt Earp film.

Was it still as good as ever?

Nigel.

[George Bellefontaine]

Was it still as good as ever?

Nigel.

Definitely, Nigel. My Darling Clementine will always be one of the best westerns ever made. This is probably the 14th or 15th time I've seen it, including seeing it in the theater when I was 11 or 12 years old.

[David Meek]

Oh yeah Sir George, now you're talking about a classic western. Henry Fonda is (as always) amazing. I've got to pull this one out and watch it this week. Thanks for the pointer!

[George Bellefontaine]

Next one I'll be watching soon is Oxbow Incident, another Fonda classic western.

[Ovation]

Excellent choice and one I nearly chose for my class (went with Stagecoach but Oxbow is a fine film).

[Burke Strickland]

My Darling Clementine

Isn't that the one about the orchard owner who saved his farm by growing tangerines? :>)

[David Meek]

Oh. Quick someone raise the humor-impairment flag!!! :B

[George Bellefontaine]

Excellent choice and one I nearly chose for my class (went with Stagecoach but Oxbow is a fine film).

Stagecoach was a great choice, Paul. It's another one I pull off the shelf often.

[Ovation]

I'm planning on getting the BD by Criterion. Ordinarily, when I do "upgrade" a title, I give away the DVD to someone who will appreciate it, but I will be keeping my DVD of Stagecoach for its excellent commentary (different from those available on the Criterion BD).

I'm quite tempted to blow off the rest of the afternoon and watch a few Westerns, but work, sadly, has to be done first. Ah well, end of semester is not too long off. I should be able to watch a few then.

[George Bellefontaine]

I'm planning on getting the BD by Criterion.

Wow, I wasn't aware that STAGECOACH was available on Blu-ray, let alone Criterion. I'll be ordering the Criterion one for sure.

[Ovation]

They've got quite a few Blu-rays now--it's worth checking out their site to get a sense of available titles.

[Brandon B]

Someone was recently (and may still be) having a 1/2 off sale on all Criterion titles on BD, might have been Borders or Barnes and Noble. Check around.