Chisum was released in Dallas Texas on July 29, 1970. Chisum is a 1970 American Warner Bros. western motion picture starring John Wayne, Forrest Tucker, Christopher George, Ben Johnson, Glenn Corbett, Geoffrey Deuel, Andrew Prine, Bruce Cabot, Patric Knowles, and Richard Jaeckel. Directed by Andrew V. McLaglen, it was adapted for the screen by Andrew J. Fenady from his short story, Chisum and the Lincoln County Cattle War. Although this movie is historically inaccurate in many details, it was based on events and characters from the Lincoln County War of 1878 in New Mexico Territory, which involved Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid among others.
Summary: John Chisum (played by Wayne), a virtuous, ranch-owning patriarch, locks horns with greedy Lawrence Murphy (played by Tucker), who will stop at nothing to get control of the trade and even the law in Lincoln County. Chisum is an aging cattle baron with an eventful past and a paternalistic nature towards his fellow ranchers and the local community. Murphy, a malevolent land developer, however, plans to take control of Lincoln County for his own personal gain. The film starts with Murphy's men tipping off Mexican rustlers who plan to steal Chisum's horses. Chisum is able to stop the bandits with help from a newcomer to the area, William Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid (Geoffrey Deuel). Billy is a notorious killer, but was given a chance to reform by Chisum's philanthropic ranch neighbor, Henry Tunstall (Patric Knowles). Billy gives cause for anxiety when he falls for Chisum's newly arrived niece, Sallie (Pamela McMyler). Murphy is buying up all the stores in town and using his monopoly to push up the prices. He appoints his own sheriff and deputies, and brings in a lawyer, Alex McSween, (Andrew Prine), but McSween's principles lead him to switch sides and seek work with Chisum and Tunstall. The two ranchers set up their own bank and general store in town under McSween's control, but Chisum's land and cattle are also a target. Murphy's men attempt to steal Chisum's cattle the night before he is due to sell them to the Army. A passing Buffalo Hunter, Pat Garrett warns Chisum's ranch hands. Garrett agrees to help Chisum and soon befriends Bonney. Together they foil an attack by Murphy's men on the wagons bringing in provisions for the new store.
Questions: Why was Chisum and Tunstall fed up with what Murphy was doing? Who accused Tunstall of cattle rustling? Why did Billy go seeking revenge? What was the rift between Dan Nodeen and Billy? How big was Chisum ranch? Who was Chisum right hand man? Who was Chisum niece? Why did she come to Chisum ranch?
Now My Thoughts on this Movie: I thought this movie was great. This movie had what western should have and that lots of action and adventure. They also had what makes all western good and that's guns and cattle! I thought John Wayne was excellent in his role as Chisum. I love the opening scene where John Chisum is sitting on his horse overlooking the valley of his ranch. I love the shots of the deer while Chisum was viewing his spread. I love watching the cattle drives and the shots of the cattle trough out the movie. I thought Lynda Day George was good in her role as Alex McSween's wife. I thought Pamela McMyler was good as Chisum niece. Because of the scenery shots, the cattle and the cattle drive I give this movie 9 weasel stars. The only thing missing in this movie was a leading lady.
Summary: John Chisum (played by Wayne), a virtuous, ranch-owning patriarch, locks horns with greedy Lawrence Murphy (played by Tucker), who will stop at nothing to get control of the trade and even the law in Lincoln County. Chisum is an aging cattle baron with an eventful past and a paternalistic nature towards his fellow ranchers and the local community. Murphy, a malevolent land developer, however, plans to take control of Lincoln County for his own personal gain. The film starts with Murphy's men tipping off Mexican rustlers who plan to steal Chisum's horses. Chisum is able to stop the bandits with help from a newcomer to the area, William Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid (Geoffrey Deuel). Billy is a notorious killer, but was given a chance to reform by Chisum's philanthropic ranch neighbor, Henry Tunstall (Patric Knowles). Billy gives cause for anxiety when he falls for Chisum's newly arrived niece, Sallie (Pamela McMyler). Murphy is buying up all the stores in town and using his monopoly to push up the prices. He appoints his own sheriff and deputies, and brings in a lawyer, Alex McSween, (Andrew Prine), but McSween's principles lead him to switch sides and seek work with Chisum and Tunstall. The two ranchers set up their own bank and general store in town under McSween's control, but Chisum's land and cattle are also a target. Murphy's men attempt to steal Chisum's cattle the night before he is due to sell them to the Army. A passing Buffalo Hunter, Pat Garrett warns Chisum's ranch hands. Garrett agrees to help Chisum and soon befriends Bonney. Together they foil an attack by Murphy's men on the wagons bringing in provisions for the new store.
Questions: Why was Chisum and Tunstall fed up with what Murphy was doing? Who accused Tunstall of cattle rustling? Why did Billy go seeking revenge? What was the rift between Dan Nodeen and Billy? How big was Chisum ranch? Who was Chisum right hand man? Who was Chisum niece? Why did she come to Chisum ranch?
Now My Thoughts on this Movie: I thought this movie was great. This movie had what western should have and that lots of action and adventure. They also had what makes all western good and that's guns and cattle! I thought John Wayne was excellent in his role as Chisum. I love the opening scene where John Chisum is sitting on his horse overlooking the valley of his ranch. I love the shots of the deer while Chisum was viewing his spread. I love watching the cattle drives and the shots of the cattle trough out the movie. I thought Lynda Day George was good in her role as Alex McSween's wife. I thought Pamela McMyler was good as Chisum niece. Because of the scenery shots, the cattle and the cattle drive I give this movie 9 weasel stars. The only thing missing in this movie was a leading lady.