The juxtaposition of the Wild West with the urban sprawl of Los Angeles provides a unique setting for films that blend traditional western themes with modern city life. This collection of 10 films showcases how the city has been transformed into a backdrop for tales of outlaws, lawmen, and the untamed frontier spirit, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the genre.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: While not set in Los Angeles, the film's themes of civilization versus the frontier are echoed in the city's growth during that era.
Fact: John Wayne and James Stewart deliver iconic performances in this classic western.
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The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: While not entirely set in Los Angeles, the film's climax takes place in the city, showcasing the clash between old and new in a rapidly changing America.
Fact: The film was controversial for its graphic violence but is now considered a classic of the revisionist western genre.
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The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: Sam Peckinpah's film follows a man left to die in the desert who finds water and builds a town near Los Angeles, exploring themes of redemption and urban expansion.
Fact: The film was one of Peckinpah's more personal projects, reflecting his own struggles with Hollywood.
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The Cowboys (1972)
Description: While the story begins in Montana, the cattle drive ends in Los Angeles, showcasing the transition from the open range to urban life.
Fact: The film features a young Robert Carradine and was one of John Wayne's later roles.
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The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean (1972)
Description: Paul Newman stars as the legendary Judge Roy Bean, who brings his brand of justice to Los Angeles, mixing western law with the city's burgeoning culture.
Fact: The film features a memorable performance by Ava Gardner as Lillie Langtry, whom Bean idolizes.
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The Missouri Breaks (1976)
Description: While primarily set in Montana, the film's conclusion takes place in Los Angeles, where the characters confront the changing times.
Fact: This was the only film to feature both Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson.
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The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: Although the story starts in Missouri, it ends in Los Angeles, where Josey Wales seeks a new life, symbolizing the westward expansion.
Fact: The film was directed by and starred Clint Eastwood, who also provided the iconic score.
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The Shootist (1976)
Description: John Wayne's final film, where his character, a dying gunfighter, comes to Los Angeles to live out his last days, reflecting on the end of the Old West.
Fact: The film was Wayne's last, and he passed away three years after its release.
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The Long Riders (1980)
Description: This film about the James-Younger Gang includes scenes in Los Angeles, where the gang plans their next heist, blending historical events with urban settings.
Fact: Real-life brothers played brothers in the film, adding authenticity to the family dynamics.
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The Last Sunset (1961)
Description: This film features Kirk Douglas as a gunslinger who comes to Los Angeles to find his former lover, blending classic western elements with the city's urban landscape.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Mexico, but the story is set in Los Angeles, providing a unique contrast between the two settings.
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