The Western genre has long been a staple of cinema, offering tales of rugged landscapes, lawlessness, and the quest for justice. This curated collection delves into a specific niche within this genre: films about deserters. These stories often explore themes of betrayal, survival, and redemption, set against the backdrop of the American frontier. Whether you're a fan of classic Westerns or looking for something new, this list provides a rich tapestry of narratives that highlight the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of life in the West.
The Searchers (1956)
Description: Ethan Edwards, a Confederate deserter, embarks on a quest to rescue his niece from Comanche kidnappers, showcasing themes of desertion and redemption.
Fact: The film has been widely influential, with its themes and visuals echoed in many subsequent films.
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The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
Description: While not about military deserters, it features characters who have deserted their past lives for new identities in the West.
Fact: This film is often cited for its famous line, "When the legend becomes fact, print the legend."
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The Wild Bunch (1969)
Description: This film features a group of aging outlaws who, after a failed robbery, decide to make one last score, essentially deserting their old ways for a final stand.
Fact: It's considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made, with its graphic violence and complex characters.
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The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Description: Cable Hogue, after being left for dead by his partners, becomes a successful entrepreneur in the desert, essentially deserting his old life for a new one.
Fact: Directed by Sam Peckinpah, known for his revisionist Westerns.
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The Missouri Breaks (1976)
Description: While not directly about deserters, it features a character who has deserted societal norms, living as an outlaw in the wilds of Montana.
Fact: This was the only film where Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson co-starred.
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The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)
Description: Josey Wales, a Missouri farmer, joins a Confederate guerrilla band after his family is murdered, only to become a wanted man and eventually a deserter from both sides of the Civil War.
Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred in but also directed this film, marking his first directorial effort in a Western.
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The Long Riders (1980)
Description: This film tells the story of the James-Younger Gang, focusing on their life as outlaws, which can be seen as a form of desertion from society.
Fact: Real-life brothers played the brothers in the gang, adding authenticity to the film.
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The Professionals (1966)
Description: A group of mercenaries, including a deserter from the Mexican Revolution, are hired to rescue a woman from a bandit.
Fact: The film was shot in the Coachella Valley, California, which provided a convincing backdrop for the Mexican setting.
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The Deserter (1970)
Description: This film follows a Union Army officer who deserts his post to seek revenge on the Apache warriors who killed his family. It's a classic tale of vengeance set in the unforgiving desert.
Fact: The film was shot in Spain, which was a common location for Westerns due to its landscape resembling the American Southwest.
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The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid (1972)
Description: While not strictly about deserters, it features the James-Younger Gang, who could be considered outlaws and deserters from society, planning their last heist.
Fact: The film was directed by Philip Kaufman, who later directed "The Right Stuff."
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