The Wild West was not only a place of rugged landscapes and lawless frontiers but also a fertile ground for cunning tricksters and master con artists. This curated list of 10 films dives into the world of deceit, trickery, and clever schemes set against the backdrop of the American frontier. These movies offer a unique blend of suspense, humor, and the raw charm of the western genre, making them a must-watch for anyone intrigued by the art of the con.
The Lady Eve (1941)
Description: Although not set in the traditional western landscape, this film involves a con woman who seduces a wealthy heir on a cruise ship, reminiscent of the trickery found in westerns.
Fact: It was directed by Preston Sturges, who was known for his screwball comedies, and features Barbara Stanwyck in one of her most memorable roles.
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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: While not strictly about con artists, this film involves political manipulation and the myth-making of the west, which can be seen as a form of con artistry.
Fact: The film is famous for the line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend," which encapsulates the theme of deception and myth in the west.
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The War Wagon (1967)
Description: John Wayne and Kirk Douglas team up to pull off a heist against a corrupt mine owner, showcasing their cunning and trickery in a classic western setting.
Fact: The film was one of the first to feature a plot centered around a heist in a western context.
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The Sting (1973)
Description: This classic film features two grifters, Johnny Hooker and Henry Gondorff, who devise an elaborate plan to swindle a mob boss out of millions. Its inclusion in this list is due to its masterful portrayal of a con game set in the 1930s, which shares thematic elements with the western genre's lawlessness.
Fact: The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and its famous ragtime score became iconic.
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The Great Waldo Pepper (1975)
Description: Robert Redford plays a barnstorming pilot who engages in various cons and stunts, set in the post-World War I era, which has a western feel with its focus on individual freedom and trickery.
Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life barnstormer Eddie Rickenbacker.
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The Missouri Breaks (1976)
Description: While primarily a western, it features a subplot involving a group of horse thieves who are essentially con artists, using their skills to evade capture.
Fact: This was the only film to feature both Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson.
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Maverick (1994)
Description: Mel Gibson stars as Bret Maverick, a charming gambler and con artist who navigates through a series of poker games and scams to enter a high-stakes tournament. Its western setting and focus on gambling and trickery make it a fitting addition.
Fact: The film was based on the 1950s TV series of the same name, and Jodie Foster's character was originally written for a male actor.
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The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Description: While not strictly a western, this silent film includes elements of the genre and features a band of outlaws executing a train heist, showcasing early cinematic con artistry.
Fact: This film is considered one of the first narrative films and was highly influential in the development of cinema.
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The Flim-Flam Man (1967)
Description: George C. Scott plays a charming con artist who takes a young soldier under his wing to teach him the art of the scam. Its rural setting and focus on cons make it a western in spirit.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "The Ballad of the Flim-Flam Man" by Guy Owen.
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The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Description: This anthology film by the Coen Brothers includes a segment where a traveling impresario and his assistant pull off a con involving a "chicken who can do arithmetic." Its dark humor and western setting fit perfectly into this list.
Fact: The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.
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