The Spikes Gang

I’m gonna say that The Spikes Gang (1974) was the last true Western that Lee Marvin made.

A pretty good little film that never got it’s due. Certainly worth a see.

Director Richard Fleistcher‘s message is loud and clear: a badguy is not a hero (even if he is a Movie Star) and there is no glory – or freedom – in being a crook. And who better to deliver that message than Lee Marvin?

A great little cast – Gary Grimes, Charles Martin Smith, Marvin, Ron Howard – including two sweet cameo supporting roles by (Western Great) Arthur Hunnicutt and Noah Beery Jr. 

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Paint Your Wagon / 1969

Paint Your Wagon (1969) may qualify as having Western flavour … and Clint Eastwood. But it’s a musical. (Yet … so was Cat Ballou … in part) I think it’s a pretty good movie in it’s own right – and many folks like it, but … I don’t categorize it as a Western.

Survey says … ?? Your opinion ?

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Death Hunt / 1981

Death Hunt (1981). It has action, guns and horses … and Charles Bronson. But a Western? I don’t feel it.

Others may challenge these judgements. My opinion is not final on anything.