Winchester '73 (1950)

20111130:
So I've really been in a mood for westerns lately. When browsing through movies to watch, I just end up choosing a western. In any case, Winchester '73 was pretty good. It has more action and feels more real to me than some of the other westerns I've seen lately. Of course, appearing realistic is different from being realistic. But when it comes to liking a non-fiction movie, I'd rather have it appear and feel realistic rather than be realistic. Achieving something real without needing to be real. For example, you can create antique furniture (from new furniture) that appears worn and old instead of buying real antique furniture that looks new.

Moving on, I really like the final duel.

I read part of the overview on Netflix prior to watching the movie and I feel it was incorrect. After watching the film I read the entire overview and not only is part of it incorrect, but another part contains a minor spoiler. I offer the following overview: Lin McAdam (James Stewart) has some beef with a man who goes by the name of Dutch Henry Adams. The two compete in a shooting contest in Dodge City, Kansas for a special Winchester rifle. Lin wins, but the rifle is take from him. The remainder of the movie follows Lin on his quest for Dutch and the rifle as it journeys through different hands.

This might be the first western I've seen with Indians attacking. It certainly wouldn't be the first movie I've seen with Indians. The Last of the Mohicans (1920), Dances with Wolves (1990), Pocahontas (1995), and Avatar (2009) (I felt like I had to poke a little fun at Avatar).

Overall, great film. I liked it better than The Left Handed Gun (1958) and High Noon (1952).

Note: Harvey (1950), another movie starring James Stewart, was also released in 1950.

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Watched 20111130 (Netflix, Instant) (English subtitles)
Winchester '73 (1950) Anthony Mann. 92 min

Relevant Links:
Winchester '73 (IMDb.com)
Winchester '73 (Wikipedia.org)
Winchester rifle (Wikipedia.org)