The early 20th century was a transformative period for the American West, marked by the end of the frontier era and the beginning of modernisation. This collection of films captures the essence of this pivotal time, showcasing the rugged landscapes, the clash of old and new, and the enduring spirit of the West. These films not only entertain but also provide a historical snapshot, making them invaluable for those interested in the evolution of the Western genre and the cultural shifts of the time.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: This film examines the myth versus reality of the West, set in the early 1900s, as civilization begins to take hold.
Fact: It's famous for the line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
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True Grit (1969)
Description: Set in 1903, this film follows a young girl's quest for justice, highlighting the lawlessness and the quest for order in the early 20th century West.
Fact: John Wayne won his only Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Rooster Cogburn.
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The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: This film captures the end of an era as a gang of outlaws faces the encroaching modern world, reflecting the transition from the Old West to the 20th century.
Fact: Sam Peckinpah's direction was initially met with controversy for its graphic violence, but it's now considered a classic for its realistic portrayal of the West.
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The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: A story of a man's struggle for survival and redemption in the desert, reflecting the harsh realities of life in the early 20th century West.
Fact: It was one of the last Westerns directed by Sam Peckinpah.
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McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
Description: This film explores the economic and social changes in a small mining town, reflecting the shift from the wild frontier to a more structured society.
Fact: The film was shot in sequence to capture the natural progression of the town's development.
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Heaven's Gate (1980)
Description: Despite its troubled production, this epic tells the story of the Johnson County War, reflecting the social and economic tensions of the early 20th century.
Fact: It was initially a box office bomb but has since been re-evaluated as a misunderstood masterpiece.
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The Long Riders (1980)
Description: A unique take on the James-Younger gang, this film uses real-life brothers to portray the outlaws, capturing the familial bonds of the time.
Fact: The film cast actual brothers in the roles of the gang members.
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The Claim (2000)
Description: Set in 1867 but reflecting the themes of the early 20th century, this film explores the consequences of the gold rush and the moral dilemmas faced by settlers.
Fact: The film was shot in the Canadian Rockies, providing a stunning backdrop to the story.
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The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Description: This film delves into the myth and reality of Jesse James, set at the turn of the century, exploring the end of the outlaw era.
Fact: The film's title is one of the longest in cinema history.
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The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Description: While not set in the 20th century, this silent film is pivotal for its depiction of train robberies, a common theme in early Westerns.
Fact: It was one of the first films to use narrative storytelling and is considered a milestone in cinema history.
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