James Arness – My Favorite Westerns

Johnny Mack Brown and James Arness ride in for the February WFPS meeting

We have an action packed lineup for the February 21 meeting of the Western Film Preservation Society, Ed Wyatt Chapter at McKimmon Center on the campus of NCSU.

First up is Johnny Mack Brown in “West of Carson City” (1940). His sidekick is Fuzzy JMB-WCC Knight and the leading lady is Peggy Moran. There will be plenty of action with three of the baddest heavies in B-Westerns. With Harry Woods, Roy Barcroft, an Charles King in the same picture (they were only together in 4 films), it doesn’t get any better than that!

JA-GMD Our second feature stars James Arness in “Gun the Man Down” (1956). Robert Wilke is the heavy and this film introduces Angie Dickinson in her screen debut. There is not only plenty of action but also Angie and James! Between the fighting, gunplay, and Angie, you will not want to miss this one!

Also:

Nobody double deals on Johnny Mack!

Take that you Galoot!

Now for the payoff!

Gun the Man Down / 1956

James Arness

Somebody’s not paying attention.

“Think I’ll head for Dodge City.”

Dennis Hopper Western Filmography

I count Dennis Hopper’s appearances in at least two Western Classics: Gunfight at OK Corral with Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas (1957); and True Grit (1969) with John Wayne. Even if Western movie fans didn’t count these movies as Classic, it would be recognized that Hopper had appeared with three of the Greatest Western Movie Stars of all time: Wayne, Lancaster and Douglas.

Some Western fans may also include Hang ’em High (1968) with another of the Greatest Western Actors of all time: Clint Eastwood; and The Sons of Katie Elder (1965) with John Wayne (again), Dean Martin and Earl Holliman.

Among Western TV Shows. Gunsmoke and Bonanza would well be considered Classics. Cheyenne ? (Note: Hoppers roles in the TV Westerns were as a Guest Star – not a regular.)

Even so, not a bad legacy for one the legendary bad boys of the Entertainment industry.