This 1940 classic features a “commanding” performance from Gary Cooper and has a perfect 100% score Rotten Tomatoes. The Westerner is an American Western film directed by William Wyler and starring Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan and Doris Davenport.
The film’s synopsis reads: “Accused of stealing horses, drifter Cole Harden (Gary Cooper) finds himself before the infamous Judge Roy Bean (Walter Brennan). Aware of the judge’s affection for actress Lily Langtree (Lilian Bond), Cole claims to know her and thus receives a suspended sentence. Soon after, Cole falls for an attractive homesteader (Doris Davenport) whose father (Fred Stone) is indirectly killed by Bean’s henchmen. Looking for revenge, Cole tracks the judge to a theatre where Langtree is set to perform.”
The film has an icredible 100% score from the critics on Rotten Tomatoes with one praising Gary Cooper’s “commanding performance” in the movie.
One reviewer commented: “William Wyler’s The Westerner is a very good melodrama with some outstanding elements.
“Gary Cooper is very good playing the ideal Westerner, a tough but fair cowboy who believes in justice and the right of farmers to live alongside cattlemen.”
“Good old western with a great cast,” another added.
A Google reviewer said: “Love this film. Never get tired of watching it, reassures every time how great and natural an actor Gary Cooper was.”
“A top ten western for sure. Walter Brennan is fantastic, as is Gary Cooper. They were a great team through the years. Highly recommend this movie,” added another reviewer.
However, Variety felt that Brennan stole the show, it said: “Although Gary Cooper is the star, Walter Brennan commands major attention with a slick characterisation of Judge Roy Bean, the dispenser of law at Vinegaroon – west of the Pecos.
“Supplied with a particularly meaty role, of which he takes fullest advantage, Brennan turns in a socko job that does much to hold together a not too impressive script.”
The Westerner is available to watch on Amazon Prime.