Review of Winchester '73 (1950) by Leah B — 26 Mar 2009

Another example of a great Western starring Sir Jimmy Stewart. I've only watched a handful of Westerns so far, but I've got to say this one could very well be my favorite- it's got a clever story line, Jimmy Stewart, a romantic subplot (and you know I always love those), Jimmy Stewart, random appearances by Tony Curtis (credited as Anthony Curtis) and Rock Hudson in super minor roles, and oh, did I mention Jimmy Stewart?

I think the thing that elevated this one for me from the other Westerns I've seen is the clever way the story moves. From the beginning you think the film is going to be all about the gun- the one of a kind Winchester '73- and in a way it is, but to me it was only a device used to tell the real story, which was between Stewart's character and the villain, Dutch Henry Brown. We follow the gun as it passes from person to person and then that person eventually meets someone we've already met, etc. Generally it's a really smart way to connect everybody together, a la 'Crash' or other movies where everyone is connected in the end. That kind of plot is really smart for a film from that time, especially a Western, and I loved that. If you're looking for an example of a good, solid Western, I'd check out 'Winchester '73'. Also, Jimmy Stewart's in it...that should be enough of a motivation.