Cast
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John Wayne
as Taw Jackson
Kirk Douglas
as Lomax
Howard Keel
as Levi Walking Bear
Robert Walker Jr.
as Billy Hyatt
Keenan Wynn
as Wes Fletcher
Bruce Cabot
as Frank Pierce
Joanna Barnes
as Lola
Valora Noland
as Kate Fletcher
Bruce Dern
as Hammond
Gene Evans
as Deputy Hoag
Terry Wilson
as Sheriff Strike
Don Collier
as Shack
Sheb Wooley
as Snyder
Ann McCrea
as Felicia
Emilio Fernández
as Calita
Crew
Director
- Burt Kennedy
Producer
- Marvin Schwartz
- Michael Wayne
Reviews
CinemaSerf
"Lomax" (Kirk Douglas) has an axe to grind with "Jackson" (John Wayne). Indeed, he has sworn to kill him when he is eventually let out of prison. Meantime, "Jackson" has a cunning plan to relieve a greedy mining boss "Pierce" (Bruce Cabot) of a load of gold. Maybe they could work together? Well "Lomax" agrees on the basis that he gets a share and a daily rate. Extra if he has to draw his gun, even more if he has to fire it. Fair enough, now they must recruit others to help out. With their plans coming along nicely, they face a new technological problem. "Pierce" has gone and got himself an horse-drawn armoured car, compete with a turret-mounted Gattling gun that can fire hundreds of rounds a minute, mowing down anything in it's path. Now they must adapt their plans and engage the help of the local Indians led by "Levi Walking Bear" (Howard Keel) as well as the sleazy but wily "Wes" (Keenan Wynn) who has a wife young enough to be his daughter and the young "Billy" (Robert Walker Jr) who might just prove to be more of a liability than an help! The last twenty minutes of this are about as good as westerns get, with plenty of action, pyrotechnics, screaming Indians and just a little bit of just desserts. Wayne, Douglas and Wynn work well together and Cabot does the smugly suited bully well too. A proper western adventure that I really quite enjoyed.
Jun 9, 2024
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Western/Action/Crime film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The War Wagon distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Burt Kennedy brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1967, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The War Wagon took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 938 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1967, when this film was released:
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The War Wagon shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The War Wagon offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Kill Bill: Vol. 1 and A History of Violence explore similar territory, The War Wagon stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 26, 1967
- Runtime: 1h 41m
- Revenue: $6,000,000
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