Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Hippest 60s Western This Side of Sergio Leone?



Ralph Nelson's Duel at Diablo (1965/1966). Here's a Western flick that left a lasting impression. Haven't seen the whole thing in years, but it still seems hip. Adapted from Apache Rising (1957) by Marvin H. Albert, Duel at Diablo stars the always solid and reassuring actors James Garner and Sidney Poitier, plus Swedish actress Bibi Anderson of Ingmar Bergman-related fame, Bill Travers, and Dennis Weaver as a villain. The viewer is invited to empathize with the Apaches and the US Cavalry; and to disdain race hating. It works. Travers is simpatico as a US Cavalry officer. Poitier's character plays a former "Buffalo Soldier" of the Tenth U.S. Cavalry; Garner plays a scout whose Comanche wife has been murdered by whites. Anderson plays Weaver's wife, who was captured and taken in by the Apaches. Weaver plays a murderous bigot, along with some townspeople.


Here's a link to the actual movie. The opening scene is pretty cool, certainly picturesque. The soundtrack is catchy. And what is it about Sidney Poitier and James Garner that makes them so calming? (That's Bill Travers as Scotty with Poitier in the photo).

http://www.hulu.com/watch/46783/duel-at-diablo

Today's Rune: Journey.

5 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

I've never seen this. I've heard of it. May have to watch it when I get a chance. I'll bookmark the link.

the walking man said...

HULU is owned by Rupert Murdoch (The evil Fox empire) one of the most single solitary divisive people on the planet. I shall not be adding more ad revenue to his pocket. Maybe I will a film of diversity some other way.

jodi said...

Erik, I grew up with my Dad watching westerns. I may have even seen that one. To this day tho, I avoid 'em. I think it's more of a guy thing...

Johnny Yen said...

Playboy had a great interview with Garner in the seventies (the height of his Rockford fame). Very cool guy-- politically liberal. He talked about his experiences in the Korean War.

Erik Donald France said...

Thanks all for the comments! I love this movie. Jodi, you're probably right. Johnny, that's cool. Garner and Poitier are admirable figures, to be sure. Of course they're both liberal ;->