Clint Eastwood was already 30 years old when he landed his breakout role in the CBS Western "Rawhide." The actor had spent much of the 1950s getting by on bit parts in B movies (most notably the Jack Arnold monster duo of "Revenge of the Creature" and "Tarantula"), and guest roles on TV series like "Maverick" and "Death Valley Days," so you'd think he would've been thrilled. But Eastwood was displeased with his character Rowdy Yates, who, early on in the series' run, was a wet-behind-the-ears ramrod. At his age, he was eager to play a grown, capable man with enough years behind him to allow for a bit of mystery.
Eastwood's restlessness coincided with a shift in filmmakers' approach to the Western genre. Though maestros like John Ford, Howard Hawks, Anthony Mann, and Budd Boetticher had allowed for moral ambiguity in their movies, the vast majority of Westerns were white...
Eastwood's restlessness coincided with a shift in filmmakers' approach to the Western genre. Though maestros like John Ford, Howard Hawks, Anthony Mann, and Budd Boetticher had allowed for moral ambiguity in their movies, the vast majority of Westerns were white...
- 4/28/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Powerful roles and memorable lines have been the hallmark of Clint Eastwood’s career. Cops, cowboys drifters, soldiers and, generally bad ass men’s men … he’s played them all.
The lines that stick with you? Dirty Harry: “You’ve got to ask yourself a question: ‘Do you feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk.” Josey Wales: “When I get to likin’ someone, they ain’t around long.” Bill Munny in Unforgiven: “It’s a hell of a thing, killin’ a man. Take away all he’s got, and all he’s ever gonna have.” And perhaps the most quoted of all, Harry Callahan in Sudden Impact: “Go ahead, make my day.”
Eastwood has a cop for so long he should be collecting a pension. He joined the force with Dirty Harry in 1971 and his last movie as a cop was A Perfect World in (1993). He made five...
The lines that stick with you? Dirty Harry: “You’ve got to ask yourself a question: ‘Do you feel lucky?’ Well, do ya, punk.” Josey Wales: “When I get to likin’ someone, they ain’t around long.” Bill Munny in Unforgiven: “It’s a hell of a thing, killin’ a man. Take away all he’s got, and all he’s ever gonna have.” And perhaps the most quoted of all, Harry Callahan in Sudden Impact: “Go ahead, make my day.”
Eastwood has a cop for so long he should be collecting a pension. He joined the force with Dirty Harry in 1971 and his last movie as a cop was A Perfect World in (1993). He made five...
- 4/4/2024
- by David Morgan
- Deadline Film + TV
Actor Carrie-Anne Moss had her first action role in the 1999 Matrix movie. But she took a lot of inspiration from original action star Clint Eastwood to play Trinity.
How Carrie-Anne Moss took inspiration from Clint Eastwood for Trinity Carrie-Anne Moss | Matthew Eisman/Getty Images
Clint Eastwood has a variety of films under his belt both as an actor and a director. But he was originally known as an action star. Eastwood played the action hero Rowdy Yates in the TV series Rawhide. From there, he moved on to characters who were more morally complex by starring in features like Fistful of Dollars. This was a conscious decision on Eastwood’s part, who didn’t want to play just a pure hero anymore.
“In Rawhide I did get awfully tired of playing the conventional white hat. The hero who kisses old ladies and dogs and was kind to everybody. I decided...
How Carrie-Anne Moss took inspiration from Clint Eastwood for Trinity Carrie-Anne Moss | Matthew Eisman/Getty Images
Clint Eastwood has a variety of films under his belt both as an actor and a director. But he was originally known as an action star. Eastwood played the action hero Rowdy Yates in the TV series Rawhide. From there, he moved on to characters who were more morally complex by starring in features like Fistful of Dollars. This was a conscious decision on Eastwood’s part, who didn’t want to play just a pure hero anymore.
“In Rawhide I did get awfully tired of playing the conventional white hat. The hero who kisses old ladies and dogs and was kind to everybody. I decided...
- 5/21/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gunsmoke was one of the most popular television shows ever to hit the air. The network, CBS, knew what it had on its hands after its 1955 premiere and milked it for 20 seasons before suddenly canceling it in 1975. The Western genre later died off, as its wave of popularity never quite returned to form. Here’s a list of five other vintage television shows to dig into if Gunsmoke was your jam.
L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images ‘Bonanza’ (1959-1973) L-r: Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright, Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Bonanza first hit the air in 1959, a few years after Gunsmoke first established its legs among Western shows. The story follows...
L-r: Milburn Stone as Doc Adams, James Arness as Matt Dillon, Amanda Blake as Kitty Russell, and Ken Curtis as Festus Haggen | CBS via Getty Images ‘Bonanza’ (1959-1973) L-r: Dan Blocker as Eric ‘Hoss’ Cartwright, Lorne Greene as Ben Cartwright, Pernell Roberts as Adam Cartwright, and Michael Landon as Joseph ‘Little Joe’ Cartwright | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Bonanza first hit the air in 1959, a few years after Gunsmoke first established its legs among Western shows. The story follows...
- 2/28/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It would be difficult to understate just how enormous "Rawhide" was when it debuted in 1959. Directories of TV ratings at the time revealed that "Rawhide" remained in the top 30 most-watched TV shows from its start through its fifth season, peaking at number 6 in its third. The show ran for eight years, and its theme song — performed by Frankie Laine — has been branded into the brains of anyone who has heard it. "Keep them doggies movin'" will cause many to break into song. Notably, one of the lyrics was "Don't try to understand 'em. Just rope an' throw an' brand 'em. Soon we'll be living high and wide." For those weaned on reruns in the 1980s, "Rawhide" was often discussed in hushed tones by the older generations.
"Rawhide" followed the many adventures of cattle ranchers in the Old West. It was a working-class show about the salt-of-the-earth cowboys that formed the American foundation.
"Rawhide" followed the many adventures of cattle ranchers in the Old West. It was a working-class show about the salt-of-the-earth cowboys that formed the American foundation.
- 2/22/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Actor Clint Eastwood would have a very different career if it weren’t for A Fistful of Dollars. It was his first leading role in a feature film as the “Man with No Name,” who ultimately became a cultural phenomenon, continuing to influence today’s biggest movies. However, Eastwood could only accept the role because of a strict Rawhide contract condition.
Clint Eastwood played Rowdy Yates on ‘Rawhide’ for 6 years Clint Eastwood as Joe | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Rawhide was a major part of American Western television, which starred Eric Fleming and Eastwood. It aired for eight seasons, running from 1959 until 1965, making it one of the longest-running series in the genre. Over its six years on television, it lasted an impressive 217 episodes.
Eastwood played Rowdy Yates, who assisted Gil Favor (Fleming), the trail boss of a cattle drive. This adventure allowed the characters to run into various characters and wild journeys along the way.
Clint Eastwood played Rowdy Yates on ‘Rawhide’ for 6 years Clint Eastwood as Joe | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
Rawhide was a major part of American Western television, which starred Eric Fleming and Eastwood. It aired for eight seasons, running from 1959 until 1965, making it one of the longest-running series in the genre. Over its six years on television, it lasted an impressive 217 episodes.
Eastwood played Rowdy Yates, who assisted Gil Favor (Fleming), the trail boss of a cattle drive. This adventure allowed the characters to run into various characters and wild journeys along the way.
- 2/17/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Western might be the quintessential American film genre, but it probably would've fallen completely out of favor in the 1960s were it not for Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone. With loads of ingenuity and not a lot of money (initially at least), Leone overhauled the increasingly staid formula, and knocked out a surprise international hit via "A Fistful of Dollars." Aside from Leone's striking widescreen compositions, there were two keys to the film's success: Clint Eastwood's taciturn portrayal of The Man with No Name and Ennio Morricone's bizarrely innovative score.
When Eastwood traveled to Spain in 1964 to shoot "A Fistful of Dollars," he was nearing the end of his run as cowboy Rowdy Yates on CBS' Western series "Rawhide." Despite the name, his character was a bit of a cliched bore, so teaming with the up-and-coming Leone far away from Hollywood gave Eastwood the opportunity to transform his...
When Eastwood traveled to Spain in 1964 to shoot "A Fistful of Dollars," he was nearing the end of his run as cowboy Rowdy Yates on CBS' Western series "Rawhide." Despite the name, his character was a bit of a cliched bore, so teaming with the up-and-coming Leone far away from Hollywood gave Eastwood the opportunity to transform his...
- 2/17/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Gunsmoke actor Burt Reynolds had a wonderful career that extended into becoming a sex symbol. He knew that he wanted a career in entertainment, but he initially had some difficulties figuring out exactly what kind of roles he would play. Reynolds initially tried to pursue a path similar to Clint Eastwood’s Western path, although it didn’t initially work out as planned.
‘Gunsmoke’ actor Burt Reynolds went from television to movies Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper | CBS via Getty Images
Before Gunsmoke came along, Reynolds originally started working in theater. From there, he took on television roles on shows such as The Lawless Years and Pony Express. However, Reynolds had his first big part in Riverboat as Ben Frazer alongside Darren McGavin until he left due to creative differences with the show’s star.
Reynolds remained a guest-starring actor on television while making his film debut with 1961’s Angel Baby.
‘Gunsmoke’ actor Burt Reynolds went from television to movies Burt Reynolds as Quint Asper | CBS via Getty Images
Before Gunsmoke came along, Reynolds originally started working in theater. From there, he took on television roles on shows such as The Lawless Years and Pony Express. However, Reynolds had his first big part in Riverboat as Ben Frazer alongside Darren McGavin until he left due to creative differences with the show’s star.
Reynolds remained a guest-starring actor on television while making his film debut with 1961’s Angel Baby.
- 2/7/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The cliche "everyone's gotta start somewhere" is meant to be reassuring. In showbiz, however, getting that start requires a bit of good fortune in and of itself. Whether you're working in the mailroom at CAA or bopping from set to set as a background player, you've likely used a connection or two to get yourself in the figurative ballpark. Maybe your college buddy knew a guy at an agency. Perhaps you were bartending at a popular industry watering hole. Getting noticed is often a fluke. Taking the next step is a winning lottery ticket.
Take Clint Eastwood for example. He wasn't a natural-born genius like Montgomery Clift or Marlon Brando. He was a handsome, young, 6'4" swimming instructor at Ford Ord in Northern California when, according to his biographer Patrick McGilligan, he met a connected photographer named Chuck Hill. When Eastwood relocated to Los Angeles, Hill convinced his friend to...
Take Clint Eastwood for example. He wasn't a natural-born genius like Montgomery Clift or Marlon Brando. He was a handsome, young, 6'4" swimming instructor at Ford Ord in Northern California when, according to his biographer Patrick McGilligan, he met a connected photographer named Chuck Hill. When Eastwood relocated to Los Angeles, Hill convinced his friend to...
- 2/6/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Clint Eastwood began his acting career in 1955, a year he would appear (uncredited) in the Universal monster movie "Revenge of the Creature" as well as the TV movie "Allen in Wonderland," wherein he played a hospital orderly. After four years of supporting roles and guest spots in movies and on TV, Eastwood landed his first notable starring role, playing the character of Rowdy Yates on the massively popular Western TV series "Rawhide." The hour-long drama debuted in January of 1959 and ran a then-unprecedented 217 episodes, finally going off the air in 1965.
"Rawhide" followed the many adventures of actual cowboys -- that is, the ones that handle cattle -- as they faced off against rustlers and other criminals. Rowdy Yates was the young hothead of the group and had to learn how to mature over the course of the series. Eastwood was 28 at the time but was already honing the type of...
"Rawhide" followed the many adventures of actual cowboys -- that is, the ones that handle cattle -- as they faced off against rustlers and other criminals. Rowdy Yates was the young hothead of the group and had to learn how to mature over the course of the series. Eastwood was 28 at the time but was already honing the type of...
- 1/3/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
One of the great pleasures of yesteryear filmmaking was Hollywood's unshakable belief in the power of movie stars. This was especially true in the 1960s when Baby Boomers came of age and clamored for films that reflected their rambunctious, rock-and-roll taste. The studios, run by aging/dying moguls, were caught flat-footed. To stay afloat, they leaned on old favorites and newcomers who cut a classically dashing figure. Method acting might've been all the rage, but viewed on a big, flickering screen, process practitioners like Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and Warren Beatty looked the matinee-idol part.
Clint Eastwood was a breed apart. He was familiar to U.S. moviegoers due to his portrayal of Rowdy Yates on the CBS TV Western "Rawhide," but that familiarity cut both ways. His lean build, chiseled facial features, and labored emoting belonged to a different era. It wasn't until he teamed up with Sergio Leone...
Clint Eastwood was a breed apart. He was familiar to U.S. moviegoers due to his portrayal of Rowdy Yates on the CBS TV Western "Rawhide," but that familiarity cut both ways. His lean build, chiseled facial features, and labored emoting belonged to a different era. It wasn't until he teamed up with Sergio Leone...
- 12/28/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
On paper, Clint Eastwood seems to have enjoyed a well plotted out career. In the early 1960s, he made himself known to American television viewers via his role as Rowdy Yates on "Rawhide." From there, he segued to the newfangled Spaghetti Westerns of Sergio Leone as the laconic "Man with No Name" in the "Dollars Trilogy." As conventional Westerns faded out of fashion, Eastwood made violent, anti-mythic oaters like "Hang 'Em High" and "The Outlaw Josey Wales," while adopting the persona of Dirty Harry Callahan in a series of cop flicks that both capitalized on and tweaked the country's law-and-order fervor. Then, after a few stumbles in the late 1980s, Eastwood went full-on revisionist with "Unforgiven," at which point he became a perennial Oscar darling.
Amazingly, Eastwood is still plugging away at 92. That kind of career longevity isn't just rare, it's just about unprecedented. Only Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira,...
Amazingly, Eastwood is still plugging away at 92. That kind of career longevity isn't just rare, it's just about unprecedented. Only Portuguese filmmaker Manoel de Oliveira,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Looking to revisit some old classics? Fetv has you covered with a slate featuring Rawhide, Perry Mason, and more favorites. Below, learn how and when to watch these TV staples. Rawhide Ride ’em in! This classic 1959–65 series covers the dusty trail cattle drivers rode in the Wild West. Along with having one of TV’s coolest theme songs, it also introduced viewers to a young Clint Eastwood as Rowdy Yates. And Rowdy figures big in the Season 5 premiere, “Incident of the Hunter”, when he meets someone he once knew as a fellow soldier, whose new occupation is far more nefarious. Perry Mason We’re legally bound to point you toward this 1957–66 courtroom drama — one of TV history’s best — airing weekdays at 4/3c. In the Season 1 installment “The Case of the One-Eyed Witness,” running Tuesday, April 12, the brilliant, stalwart defense attorney (Raymond Burr) must think on his feet when a...
- 4/9/2022
- TV Insider
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.