Do you have a favorite western film or tv series?

[IrishEyes]

I would like to find an old western series to watch. I haven't watched a lot of western films or tv shows but I enjoy them. I know that there were a lot of westerns on tv during the 1950s and 1960s. That was over 20 years before I was born so I didn't grow up with them. I have seen some episodes of the Big Valley, Alias Smith and Jones and Gunsmoke. They were good. I seen the films High Noon, The Magnificent Seven, Cat Ballou, The Ox-Bow Incident, Blazing Saddles, Silverado, The Sons of Katie Elder, Maverick and El Dorado I like silly and fun westerns as well as traditional westerns with lots of shoot outs, fist fights and action. I would prefer something that is not very dark or sad but I'm open to anything that is good. I'm looking for more escapist entertainment right now.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions. Thank you.

[MuseRider]

1. Lonesome Dove

both the series and the books. LOVE them.

[MLAA]

7. You beat me to it!

[MuseRider]

27. I'm going to have to go look for it

now. Last time I looked you had to pay for it per episode. For some reason that really makes me mad since we already pay to belong to whichever service it was.

[MLAA]

34. I loved every single Larry McMurtry book.

The only author I bought hard copies of new books because I couldn’t wait for paperbacks....back before kindle 🙂

[MuseRider]

37. Me too but the only one I did not like

I disliked for a dumb reason. Terms of Endearment. I was looking for the movie story and it was not much like that at all. I have purchased them all on Audible with my credits so I have them again. I loaned the books I had to my mother when she was so sick and I think my brother might have thrown them away after she died before I could get them. I love the way he writes.

[MLAA]

38. Makes me laugh out loud.

My favorite line from Lonesome dove was Gus saying ‘ the reason Woodrow and I get along so well is he likes to do more than his share and I like to do less’ 🙂

[MuseRider]

39. !

[LakeArenal]

2. Gosh yes. Rifleman, Maverick, Paladin

Just to name a few.

Is Quiggly a western?

Is you can find the movie Goin’South with Jack Nicholson and Mary Steenbergen.
It’s hilarious and has a great ending.

[IrishEyes]

3. Do you mean Quigley Down Under?

I think that counts. I liked that film.

Thank you for the ideas.

[LakeArenal]

4. Yes that. Alan Rickman is a terrific bad guy.

I edited to add: Goin’ South. I think you’d like it.

[DFW]

44. That would have been my choice as well

Alan Rickman was SUCH an evil character. He must have had a great time making that film. You just spent the whole film WAITING for him to get his comeuppance.

[LakeArenal]

52. He's also great as the bad guy in Die Hard and there is an English Robin Hood where he's a bad guy.

NOT the one with Russell Crow. Maybe the one with Uma Thurman.

[ChazII]

73. Rifleman

was one of my favorites.

[House of Roberts]

5. I'm watching Rawhide right now.

All time favorite films are Cheyenne Social Club, Bandolero, anything with James Stewart in it. Then there's Paint Your Wagon...

[redstatebluegirl]

6. Bonanza!

[BlueTsunami2018]

8. Deadwood is the best western show ever.

But it’s not lighthearted nor for the feint of heart for sure. It’s beautiful Victorian dialogue with some of the most creative obscenity. The acting is off the charts.

Probably not what you’re looking for but I recommend it highly if you ever want to go dark.

[IrishEyes]

11. I have seen Deadwood. I loved it.

I forgot all about it. It was really well done.

[Binkie The Clown]

19. I loved it too, but it was hard to forgive them for...

feeding Kristen Bell's body to the pigs.

[Baked Potato]

9. Wagon Train, Bat Masterson, Rawhide, Wyatt Earp, Tombstone Territory,

Little Big Man, Judge Roy Bean, Butch Cassidy & Sundance.

[Rustynaerduwell]

10. Although I might not agree with the order

This pretty much nails it. (But I would swap out The Searchers for Shane):

[doc03]

12. Longmire nt

[hlthe2b]

13. Older ones, Lonesome Dove for sure. Newer (relatively): Deadwood, Longmire, Hell on Wheels

Last edited Sat Jul 25, 2020, 06:18 PM - Edit history (1)

Much older, the ones mentioned here already and I'd add the Virginian--the first 90 minute western with film-quality cinematography. I remember watching that one with my Dad as a little girl. Lots of good guest stars too that you'll recognize.

[MuseRider]

28. My mother loved the Virginian too and I remember watching

that with her. She had a hell of a thing for Trampas, Doug McClure. It was funny. I think that was the first time I actually saw Tim Matheson, I followed his career, I kinda had a thing for him!

Lately I really enjoyed Godless with Merritt Wever.

Edit:I think you were talking about a movie? Mine was the TV show.

[hlthe2b]

31. Nope. Talking about original series The Virginian--only series western that ran 90 min each episode

I like watching the reruns every once in a while. I appreciate good horse riding. Doug McClure (Trampus) had never ridden before but was a real natural, having been a gifted athlete prior. James Drury too. Lee J. Cobb (the Judge) was of the Lorne Green crowd. They did some westerns but never really liked horses and it shows.

I appreciate a good rider. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones are good (Lonesome Dove). Kevin Costner sits well, but he's hell on the reigns--come on, Kevin! Anson Mount (Hell on Wheels) rides beautifully. A lot of natural athletes take to it very well (e,g, Patrick Swayze, Tom Selleck), but not all.

[MuseRider]

32. Oh yes!

I still have 4 remaining old horses. I do not ride them, they are retired and so am I. I was never a great rider but had I had the time I could have competed a little more but....other things ya know!

Tommy Lee Jones raises polo ponies and competes, or did. He does sit a fine saddle. Danny Glover did the hand thing, forward and back as he rode (I think it was him) and that drives me nuts. I LOVED the character Pea Eye, Timothy Scott. Ahhh, Larry McMurtry can write some good stuff.

[yellowdogintexas]

76. Longmire is one of my favorites. I thank Netflix for

picking it up!

[Mike 03]

14. Unforgiven, directed by Clint Eastwood.

Lonesome Dove was very good too, IMO.

[Chainfire]

15. I kind of like Wanted Dead or Alive

Of course, McQueen kinda reminds me of me. (the cool factor, not the dead thing)

I like the old Gunsmokes, when Chester was there and Doc and Kitty were young. I think the best written series was Wagon Train the stories were great even if the acting left something to be desired.

I never could stand the Big Valley, and didn't care too much for Bonanza. On Bonanza the sure way to die was fall in love with a Cartwright, and something was strange about three grown ass men living at home with daddy and following his every command.

I did like the Spaghetti Westerns, but I can't stand to watch my former hero, Clint Eastwood, because of his shitty politics. He just doesn't make my day any more.....

[Ferrets are Cool]

16. Deadwood

Nevermind, you said escapist entertainment.

[Binkie The Clown]

18. +1000 nt

[Dave in VA]

17. Blazing Saddles

[justgamma]

20. Sugarfoot &

Alias Smith and Jones.

[Midnight Writer]

21. TV series Justified is an interesting twist. A US Marshall in modern Kentucky.

Traditional western themes in an up to date setting. Well written, well acted, well directed.

[IcyPeas]

22. Godless

this is a recent one from Netflix. some of the cast: Merritt Wever (Nurse Jackie), Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey), Sam Waterson, Jeff Daniels.

Pretty good series. Female driven cast.

[MuseRider]

29. YES!

I second that. I just mentioned it above in a response. That was excellent and I loved the female driven cast. Excellent show.

[cachukis]

23. The Westerner. Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan

As Judge Roy Bean. You will want to rewatch Walter Brennan as maybe the best character actor ever.

[in2herbs]

24. My H is hooked on watching Tales of Wells Fargo with Dale Robertson. nt

[First Speaker]

25. TV: Maverick, The Virginian, Bonanza...

...oh--and F Troop, which was hysterical, even if Edward Everett Horton as an ancient Indian is wildly politically incorrect. Forget it--he's funny. Movies--the Spaghetti Westerns, James Stewart's films with Anthony Mann, and one he made in the 60s with old buddy hank Fonda, Firecreek.

[mpcamb]

26. I liked "True Grit." Both versions. In 1971 Kim Darby and Glen Campbell were good

and I'd reluctantly admit John Wayne was too, tho the camera shot elsewhere while they loaded his fat ass up on the horse.

[flying rabbit]

30. Tombstone

Val Kilmer does the definitive Doc Holliday.

[jpak]

82. Yup could watch that every day

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

33. Dead Man - a Jim Jarmusch film so you know its weird but I really do think

Last edited Tue Jul 28, 2020, 08:41 AM - Edit history (1)

in its weirdness its somehow a more accurate depiction of what the west in 1800s looked and felt like. Most westerns are too much like the times they were made in and thus kinda boring. If you think you would love early Johnny Depp and Gary Farmer in an 1800s version of the road trip/buddy movie - this ones for you! edta - just now googled the film to be sure I was remembering it right and someone described it as a "psychedelic western." Yeah, that about sums it up!

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

48. Oh that sounds so interesting KK, I think I will check it out. Thank you for posting

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

49. Yeah this is a really great film, Gary Farmer is LOL funny as the Indian exiled from his people and

insert your message here.

[progressive nobody]

35. This might be odd but I love it. The Adventures of Briscoe County Jr.

Bruce Campbell fan checking in.

[yellowdogintexas]

77. That is a great series! I also was a fan of F Troop

It is hard for excessively silly stuff to be very offensive. At least for me

[electric_blue68]

103. Yes! My favorite! .....

Funny! Clever! Serious at times, too.
Mixing in some 💖SF, too!

The black actor who was a good guy badass on his own, and partnered up with Brisco off & on ... he turned up on (original) Murphy Brown as her boss. I was 'oh, cool, it's him!'

Now since u reminded me gonna look him up.

Julius Carry. Also in (TV) JAG, Family Matters, The Unit.... among other things. Lots in the '80's, too.


Died some years ago at 59.

[Paladin]

36. Movie: "Red River." TV Series: "Have Gun Will Travel" (nt)

[MuseRider]

40. Silverado

I loved that movie and the cast was excellent! The music is awesome and a real challenge to play but loads of fun.

[ProfessorGAC]

61. That's Definitely Mine!

I'm totally agree on the cast. Cinematography was outstanding, as well.
Never attempted the music. I like the soundtrack but, it didn't make me want to play it.
Brian Denehy's character is a fabulous snake!
And, at the end, we know why Cobb wanted Paden to be a friend. Nobody else knew who the fastest gun was, but Cobb did!

[MuseRider]

62. Lol.

It really was a perfect cast! There is another movie and I can't think of the name yet but as soon as I get home I will look it up. As far as the music goes, it really is beautiful but I don't get a choice, they give me my music and I play it!

[ProfessorGAC]

65. Got Ya!

I was a club musician as a good paying hobby. Something completely different than the scientist thing.

[MuseRider]

67. Cool!

I am classical symphony stuff and sometimes little side bands (where I played Silverado) but not club side bands, wind orchestras. Both of my sons are jazz players and each has to have another job, especially now, but they far exceed anything I have ever done.

[ProfessorGAC]

68. I Sincerely Believe...

...I've played 2,000 gigs.
I was in one band that played 75-90 shows/year for 18 years. That's 1,500 right there. I still have the ledgers, so I know that number is right.
I'm guesstimating the rest from other bands.
I play piano, guitar, bass, mandolin & a little flute. Given your wind background, I probably shouldn't mention the flute. I'm barely adequate at it. If that!

[MuseRider]

74. For my Music Ed degree

we had to be able to play and teach all the instruments, at least very basically. You can mention the flute all you want, it made me pass out, it was the one instrument I had problems with. If you could play it at all you are miles ahead of me!

Sounds like you had or have a nice little bunch of gigs going. I assume like around here you do not have them right now. I am still waiting to see if we are going to have our 75th anniversary symphony season, my guess is no or at least anything but celebratory. Better than getting sick!

[ProfessorGAC]

78. I'm Done

Not a big market for a band doing eclectic pop (covers 70% self-penned 30%) with guys in their 60s.
We stopped gigging in 2013.

[MuseRider]

81. Sorry.

I fear my years are numbered as I am closing on 70, my god in 3 1|2 years! My ability is lessened and I have to work harder every year. It may be over now, a year off will do that.

[yellowdogintexas]

80. Brian Denehey was one of the all time best snake actors ever!

He put the evil in evil villian

[soothsayer]

41. Rifleman (as others have said) and the 1967 series Hondo

[Lars39]

42. Wild Wild West, with Robert Conrad and Ross Martin

[DFW]

43. Ross Martin was brilliant in that series

It would have fallen flat without him.

[yellowdogintexas]

79. one of my favorites of any genre

It was superb. Ross Martin was wonderful

[Niagara]

45. I haven't watched a lot of western films or tv shows either.

Some of these films and tv shows are difficult to find. I'm also interested in visiting some of the older western filming locations.


There isn't shoot outs or any fisticuffs but I still watch the movie The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams found on YouTube. I vaguely remember the TV series and there are some episodes available to watch on YouTube by user Good Ol' Stuff.


I recently discovered the movie Hud with Paul Newman. Again, there isn't a shoot out but if you ever get a chance to watch, I highly recommend this movie.


My favorite modern day western would be Young Guns 1 and 2.

[Doc_Technical]

46. The Loner

[mahatmakanejeeves]

47. MeTV. getTV. GritTV. Heroes & Icons. All on free over-the-air broadcast TV.

For ZIP code 20500, that of the White House:

https://nocable.org/tv-listings/zip/20500-washington-dc/

[Duppers]

50. The serious: Dances with Wolves

The hilarious: Blazing Saddles

[Niagara]

58. +1000 for Dances with Wolves

One of my favorites but I don't ever mention it because people usually roll their eyes at me. I always cry when Dances with Wolves former army members kill Two Socks.

[Duppers]

60. I cry too, every time.

F the eye-rollers.

How can anyone eye-roll such a sensitive, award-winning film and yet pretend to be a compassionate, caring Democrat?

Sending you a 1000
And to all compassionate DUers.

[Niagara]

63. The hugs are much appreciated.

[Glorfindel]

51. Mackenna's Gold - absolutely astonishing

adventure and escapism at its finest.

[madamesilverspurs]

53. "Centennial"

Not as good as the book (they never are), and Robert Conrad's French accent was atrocious. But it's about the part of Colorado that I call home. Michener, who taught at the college here back in the '40s IIRC, donated his research materials to the University of Northern Colorado; it's a fascinating collection, appropriately housed at Michener Library.


.

[Hotler]

54. The Sacketts, another oldie but a goodie. Also Silverado. nt

[Harker]

55. "Hombre".

Directed by Martin Ritt.

Flawed, but perfect.

[SCantiGOP]

56. Shenandoah

with Henry Fonda. Takes place at he beginning of the Civil War, and it ends up being one of the most powerful anti-war movies ever.

[MuseRider]

64. I thought about that too

but was not sure it really fit. I think it does. It was Jimmy Stewart though, I do not remember Henry Fonda in it.

[SCantiGOP]

69. Senility

I had Jimmy Stewart in my head when I typed Henry Fonda.
Oh well, guess I need to practice person woman man camera TV......

[MuseRider]

71. LOL

you and me both! There was a time I would never miss, or forget. Not anymore.

[flotsam]

57. Open Range...

Robert Duvall and Kevin Costner. One of my favorites.

[MuseRider]

66. YAY!

I could not remember the name of that one. I liked it too.

[Xolodno]

59. The Mandolorian.

[hunter]

70. It's as realistic as the rest.

Firefly would be another good choice.

[Stuart G]

72. High Noon & Blazing Saddles..High Noon is one of the greatest dramas ever..

Blazing Saddles is one of the greatest comedies ever.

[Kingofalldems]

75. Hopalong Cassidy.

Also The Durango Kid.

I refuse to watch any western with fake outdoor backgrounds, done on a sound stage.

[flying rabbit]

83. Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Excellent Bogart flick about the lure of gold. Not so much old west, but it kind of has that feel.

[Harker]

86. Good pick...

in a roundabout way, it really is a Western.

You've broadened my mind! Thanks...

[miyazaki]

84. Kung Fu.

The flashback scenes were the best, unless Grasshopper was powning some redneck.

[jayfish]

85. Unforgiven, Deadwood, and Wyatt Earp.

They're all anyone could ever need.

[lastlib]

87. Almost anything with Randolph Scott!

Audie Murphy also did several good westerns.

"Shane" with Alan Ladd was a great movie.

[Niagara]

88. Stagecoach (1986)

Starring Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.

[IrishEyes]

98. I have never heard of this film.

I will have to watch it. It has a lot of good people in it. Thank you.

[Marthe48]

100. It is actually Evil Roy Slade Hilarious

We watched it back in the day, and I think we got hold of a VHS and watched it a few years later. John Astin was so funny in it

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

90. My favorite Westerns:

Unforgiven (Gene H, excellent bad guy)
Tombstone (Val K, amazing, stole the show)
Quigley Down Under (Alan R, looks like he's having a great time throughout the movie)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (Eli Wallach, loved his character)

[yardwork]

91. Once Upon a Time in the West.

I can't believe nobody posted this yet.

[Major Nikon]

92. Dances with Wolves

So many westerns and particularly those made in the so-called "golden age" of westerns, portrayed Native Americans as savages rather than the nearly helpless victims of American expansion. I think it's well past due we as a society are taking a second look at how the movie industry perpetuated racial stereotypes and is at least trying to add a well needed dose of perspective to them. I only hope that effort will extend to so many of these westerns which are so harmful to Native Americans in so many different ways.

[Wolf Frankula]

93. Cat Ballou, Blazing Saddles, and Gunsmoke

If you call it a western, The Wild Bunch has the two best gunfights in any western.

Wolf

[diva77]

94. A friend of mine recommends "The Iron Horse" - a silent film from 1924 dir. by John Ford

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Iron_Horse_(film)

it's on youtube

[Rhiannon12866]

95. I've always been a fan of "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman"

I've seen it before, but I still tune in since it's on TV here. The characters are pretty interesting and they tackle some modern issues, bigotry, the place of women, addiction and depression, a pandemic, even though it's set in post-Civil War Colorado territory.

[Keth]

96. okay

I'm not the biggest fan of westerns, but my dad loved them, except for "Oklahoma." As he told me, "It would be a good cowboy movie if they didn't sang. I just hate a sanging movie." Yes, he used the term 'sanging movie' to describe musicals. And he called westerns cowboy movies. My dad was just a good old yellow dog democrat from Arkansas. Sorry, I always think of him when westerns come up.

I agree with both "Deadwood" and "High Noon" that have already been mentioned. Highly recommend both. Two of my favorite westerns are "Stagecoach" - the 1939 version. What an interesting and eclectic mix of characters riding on the coach. Inspired me to want to write stories with odd ball characters. A great picture from one of the best years in cinema. And, more recently, "Hostiles" with Christian Bale. A little violent, but aren't most westerns. And it does star one of my favorite actors, Christian Bale.

[Marthe48]

97. High Noon

Dead Man, starring Johnny Depp. I watched it recently and see where he got ideas for Tonto in the lone Ranger.

Cowboys and Aliens

From Noon Until Three

Ballad of Cable Hogue

Cat Ballou

Evil Roy Slade

They are all off-beat to say the least

[Polybius]

101. Shane

Love that movie.

[electric_blue68]

104. Clever, Smart, Funny, Serious w some SF! Briscoe County Jr (extra reminder)

Yeah, I know someone else mentioned.

Not completely your typical Western, but has all the qualities listed above. Perhaps underrated.

Briscoe quits being a Harvard trained lawyer to become a bounty Hunter.

Lord Bowler (Julius Carry) first is his competition, becomes sidekick, at times (maybe) equal partner (have to go back to see).
Unfortunately he has died some years back...but looks like he had a good amount of work after, and before AOBCJ. I saw him in Murphy Brown as her new boss!

Briscoe is thinking also about 'what's around the corner...' in the big picture..."The Future", "Turn of the Century".

I highly recommend this.

[IrishEyes]

105. Thank you all for your great suggestions.

I have a good list of shows and movies to watch.

[MrScorpio]

106. The Wild, Wild West TV Series

[Tikki]

107. IDK if it is considered a Western..it's set in Texas...Home From The Hill (1960)

I am not a fan of Robert Mitchum so much, but the movie
grabbed me when I was young.

Tikki

[Aristus]

108. I loved "High Chapparall" when I was a kid.

Mostly for the great opening theme music. But as far as I can remember, (I was three years old or so when it was on) it was a pretty good TV western.

[Niagara]

109. If you're still reading this thread, IrishEyes.

I recently discovered AMC's tv show "The Son" and I'm hooked. It's based on a novel by the same name by Philipp Meyer.


Lots of of shoot outs, although a somewhat dark story line. I just started season 2.

[IrishEyes]

111. Great. I will check it out. Thanks.

[csziggy]

110. The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.

It only ran one season, but it was a lot of fun - Bruce Campbell really made it work.

Another short run fun series was Best of the West, but good luck finding that one.