Book Review: Best Western Movies by John Howard Reid

[William R. Potter]

Western films may have fallen from Hollywood’s grace in the past few decades; however, a loyal following of obsessed fans and
collectors remain. If you are just beginning a Western movie DVD collection or
are a seasoned aficionado of all things Western, Best Western Movies-Winning
Pictures, Favorite Films and Hollywood B
Entries by John Howard Reid is
a must.

This is the twentieth title in Reid’s “Hollywood Classics” series. The research needed for a book of this nature is remarkable. Mr. Reid names Westerns among his favorite genres and his
dedication to these classics is admirable. His more than 20,000 reviews on file
and collection of over 3,000 titles on VHS and DVD provide the resource for the
bulk of the informative text.

More than 160 titles are examined. You’ll recognize some of the all-time greats such as Yellow Rose of Texas, Gunfight at the O.K. Corral, and They
Died With Their Boots On. Mixed in with the well-known films are B-movie
gems like Cyclone Prairie Rangers, Arizona Bound, and
Buckaroo from Powder River. Reid takes an
in-depth look at the 162 minute epic, How
the West Was Won and includes an index of all 66 Hopalong Cassidy films.

For each title Mr. Reid has included the entire cast and the parts played by name. The director, screenplay writer, editor, music composers, and producers are listed, as well as copyright
date, studio, worldwide release dates and run times. Most selections include
the dates when the movie was shot and the cost of production. Mr. Reid gives
his own personal review and summary as well as other reviewers’ comments. Parents
will appreciate the “Viewers Guide” with most entries receiving an “Okay for
all,” “Adults” or “Strictly Adults Only” type recommendation.

For me, the actors from these films stand out as much or more than the films themselves. Larger than life men like the legendary John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and William Boyd carried
many of these films when script quality, production values, and budgets were
questionable. Mr. Reid has included more than 60 movies posters that, alone,
make this an enjoyable book.

Best Western Movies by John Howard Reid is a must read for the Western movie enthusiast or collector. If you are looking for a cinema experience that is a little
different from current movie offerings, or perhaps you enjoyed these classics
during their first run and wish a nostalgic second look, this book is as
essential as your VCR/DVD remote. Highly Recommended.

Reviewed by William Potter