Gunslinger (1956)
Now that you have a good introduction to the film, let's get into it! This movie has already been given the Mystery Science Theater 3000 treatment. And for all you Joel purists, that particular episode was his penultimate before leaving. I plan on being kinder than the MST3K crew but there's nothing wrong with a little good natured roasting. So get yer boots and yer best hat on, get yer horses saddled up, and enjoy this humorous look at the marvelous mess of a film called Gunslinger.
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Attack of the 50 foot saloon owner |
The first topic I want to address is the violence. Corman was worried about the amount of violence in the film but was told by his Texas distributor that no one has ever made a film with too much passion and violence. All worries must have been thrown out the window because there's not much left of the population by the end of the film. Gunslinger's motto must be shoot first and don't bother to ask questions later because it doesn't matter. If you took a drink each time someone was shot, you'd end up in the hospital. So please be responsible and remember that drinking and Gunslinger don't mix. Who would've guessed that Oracle TX is such a lawless wasteland?
The final point I'd like to make is, although I appreciate the feminism in Gunslinger, there's far too many instances of women tearing down other women. For example, Rose wants Erica to shut down the brothel...er, I mean SALOON, at 3 AM. It's not an unreasonable request but Erica informs her that they operate 24/7. Fair enough, considering people will visit these types of establishments at any time of the day and this was way before you could promote yourself on OnlyFans. Anyway, I can understand both sides but Rose goes into Karen mode and demands to speak to the manager. Bad bitch Erica is like girl, chill or I'll hire someone to kill you. Rose decidedly is not chill and Erica is not backing down. So what happens? Three of Erica's "dancers" tie up Rose with the intention of killing her but just end up ripping her blouse. Now why not channel some of that girl boss energy and team up? Take over the town, run out the men, own 51 percent of the company!
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They shoot horses, don't they? Yep, and everything else |
Despite my gripes, I love Gunslinger for the silly romp that it is. There's far too much hate for it, which is a shame. Gunslinger isn't a good movie but we're all the better for it. It stays in its lane and never tries to be anything it isn't. Roger Corman understood the assignment and we were blessed with a slice of 1950s cinematic camp. To wrap things up, I'll leave you with this little nugget of wisdom, courtesy of Cane Miro: the good die first. If that's true, then Gunslinger will live on for a long, long time. Now excuse me folks, I have a beef roast in the oven that I need to check on.
Thanks again Barry and Gill for hosting this blogathon! Please click the links in this post to view their sites and read the other great entries from all of the participants.
Congrats on this fun, engaging article for a first post and honoured you added it to our blogathon. Thanks for joining and looking forward to seeing your blog at more blogathons in the future - great blog name btw!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I'm really glad you enjoyed reading it. And thanks again for inviting me! I'm looking forward to participating in more blogathons in the future.
DeleteThis is a great inaugural post - it's a delicate balancing act to respect the film (or at least the effort) and at the same time have fun with it, and you do a superb job! Beverly Garland was tough-as-nails in real life and never shrank from physically demanding roles, so I can see why this was her favorite. She and Allison Hayes are a potent combination, and proof that women in '50s movies and TV were far more than just variations of June Cleaver. Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I was trying to have fun with it and respect the film at the same time. Yes, this one featured two great women in gender bending roles and it was great to watch. Thanks again!
DeleteWonderful, entertaining review, Amber! Your cheeky comments had me in stitches. You convinced me that I need to seek this out in its unadulterated form. I'm honored that you chose our little blogathon for your initial post! :) Thanks so much for joining!
ReplyDeleteThanks Barry! I had a lot of fun with this movie and the review. I'm so glad that you got a kick out of it haha I have to thank you again for co-hosting this. I'm looking forward to future blogathons.
Delete"Tie me up! Tie me down!" That's funny! :) Anyhow, great review! I look forward to reading your reviews.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the new blog and on the entertaining first article, Amber. I'm all for a little snark in a review as long as it is tempered with affection. Rebecca over at TakingUpRoom hosts a So-Bad-It's-Good blogathon every year that is all about poking fun at films we enjoy despite their flaws. I think you'd enjoy it and I know you would be most welcome.
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