This is a terrific read for any fan of Western movies. Whether you're very familiar with the movies Lewis is talking about or, like me, discovering some new ones, you'll find the reviews stimulating and informative.
Lewis reviews 24 movies. With each, he gives a summary of the plot, followed by a commentary which focuses on the quality of the acting, the staging of the action and the authenticity of the weapons and clothing used in the production. For each of the main actors and actresses, he gives a brief career outline, highlighting the men's military service, if any. Throughout, he writes with nice touches of humour and is very clear about his likes and dislikes. His avowedly right-wing political views seep into some reviews.
He looks at some of the classic Westerns, such as "Shane", "The Searchers" and "High Noon" (one of which he has little time for), a range of other well-known films and some under-appreciated nuggets (such as "Will Penny", "Colorado Territory" and "Cowboy"). His choice of "the best all-around cowboy-type movie" will probably surprise many as it is not a "name" movie but is, in my opinion, a thoroughly defensible choice.
I found I quite often wanted to argue with his assessments - he asserts of one of my favourite character actors that he "... had a personality that suggested he was always the class show-off, in my opinion, and I never particularly cared for him" and undervalues some movies I really love - but, on the other hand, he praises some movies I don't rate so highly in a way that makes me want to look at them again and he also adds insights and information about films I thought I knew really well. He is someone who is clearly passionate about the genre and who believes that the well-made, authentic Western is still a valuable part of popular culture.
A quirk with the Kindle edition is that going to the menu does not give you a table of contents for this book. However, if you go from the menu to "beginning" and click forward a few pages, you will find a workable table of contents.
This is simply a great book to dip into or read right through as quickly as you can: either way, if you love Westerns, you'll be entertained by the experience.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
