Audie Murphy’s 10 Best Westerns, Ranked

Although Audie Murphy is known to be the leading man in several B-western films, there are still many entries in his filmography that are enjoyed by fans of the genre. Murphy initially gained fame in America after his service in World War II. After his rise to fame, Murphy was invited to begin his acting career by acclaimed actor James Cagney. While Murphy has acted in several different genres, He is best remembered for his work in Western films in the 50s and 60s.

no doubt, Murphy’s best performance is in No name on the bullet. The film effectively shows a different side to the charismatic leading man audiences knew Murphy to be at this point in his career. Even though most of Murphy’s other westerns didn’t get as much love from critics, audiences, especially serious fans of the genre, were still able to appreciate the traditional western stories.

10

Gunsmoke (1953)

A hired gunman finds trouble when he doesn’t follow through with his job.

today, Gunsmoke Is best known as a popular Western TV series, but a few years before the show premiered, a movie under the same name was released – although they were completely unrelated projects. The Gunsmoke Film is based on western author Norman A. Fox Roughshod and stars Murphy as hired gunslinger turned ranch owner Rabbi Kittridge.

admit, Gunsmoke Has a fairly predictable plot, however The film makes the most of its short runtime and Murphy’s performance. Running just over an hour, Gunsmoke is quickly paced with fascinating character dynamics that keep the plot moving quickly.

The character at the center of it all is Murphy’s Reb, who is quite the standard character for the actor to portray.Rabbi’s journey over Gunsmoke It’s not Murphy’s main challenge, but he still delivers a strong performance that’s entertaining.

9

The Wild and the Innocent (1959)

Two inexperienced people enter an unfamiliar town and are met with trouble.

In the late 50s, Murphy was a leading actor in three Westerns, one of which was The wild and the innocent. In the western film, Murphy plays a young fur trapper who heads into a new town to trade beaver pelts for cash when he comes across a distressed girl (Sandra Dee) who has run away from her family. Additional standout performances include those of Gilbert Roland, Joanne Dru and Jim Backus,

Murphy’s role in The wild and the innocent is different from the paragraphs he usually plays How he is naive and must build his courage and confidence to survive against those who want to use the characters of him and those. Regardless of a questionable age gap between the two actors, Murphy and Dee are a compelling on-screen pairing. They help give life to the film and, though The wild and the innocent Is not filled with humor, there are enough comedic elements that lead to a light watch.

8

Bullet for a Batman (1964)

Two former friends and Texas Rangers find themselves at odds with one another.

in Bullet for a badman, Murphy teamed up with a friend and frequent collaborator of his, Willard W. Willingham, who wrote the screenplay for the film. Bullet for a badman is based on the book Renegade Posse by Marvin H. Albert and follows Murphy’s character as he is confronted by an old friend (Darren McGavin). McGavin is one of Murphy’s more memorable co-stars, as their strained relationship provides a unique dynamic between the two.

Despite having it out for the other, the previous friendship and History between the two former Texas Rangers adds a level of hesitation, minimizing some predictability in the plot of the film. Otherwise, there are traditional action scenes throughout Bullet for a badman And a standard leading performance from Murphy that sums up the appeal of his career.

7

Seven Ways to Sandown (1960)

An inexperienced ranger forms an unlikely alliance with a bandit.

in Seven ways from SundownMurphy plays the titular character who is an inexperienced Texas Ranger. Seven Jones is ordered to capture a legendary gangster known as Jim Flood (Barry Sullivan) and bring him to justice. The contrasting personalities between Murphy’s naive ranger and Sullivan’s confident gangster results in an entertaining dynamic between the two actors.

When Seven and Jim are traveling back home, an unlikely alliance forms, because the former does everything he can to protect the bandit from vengeful citizens. Murphy gives a compelling performance as his character grows and adapts to the jobBut it’s Sullivan who steals the show often throughout Seven ways from Sandown. Despite being the film’s antagonist, Sullivan is absolutely charming, leaving the audience as invested in his story as they are in Seven.

6

The Unforgiven (1960)

Conflict arises between the Zachary family and an indigenous tribe.

Despite the strength of its cast and the bold, unconventional Western story told, The Unforgiven Fails to deliver a truly impressive film. Still, because of the big names and budget attached to the film, The Unforgiven Deserves to be among Murphy’s best western films. The UnforgivenBased on Alan Le May’s novel, tells a story about a family at odds with the Kiowa tribe after the truth behind their adopted sister’s birth is revealed. at the time, The Unforgiven was a rarity among Western films as it touched on racism in the Old West – At least as much as possible.

Part of the matter around The Unforgiven is the creative differences between the film production company and director, John Huston. While the production company sought to avoid controversy in hopes of gaining commercial success, Huston wanted to remain faithful to Le May’s novel and make a statement about the treatment of indigenous people.

As a result, The Unforgiven Never feels fully realized. Although Murphy’s character succumbs to racism and is not entirely lovable, he still gives a memorable performance and shows his talent in a rare, great movie.

5

Ride a Crooked Trail (1958)

A bank robber pretends to be a respected marshal.

Drive a crooked trail Centers on Murphy’s bank robber character, aptly named Joe Maybe, who is mistaken for US. it. Marshal Jim Noonan gladly takes on the new identity. Under his false persona, Joe hopes to use his power to rob the town’s bank. Compared to Murphy’s other westerns, Drive a crooked trail Is not full of so much action.

Although there is a bit of drama that ensues when another group of robbers comes to town, most of the film is lighthearted. Responsible for some of the film’s passion is Walter Matthau as the local judge Kyle. During his acting career, Matthau became known for often playing characters at odds with others around them, and in Drive a crooked trailJudge Kyle grows to become similarly cynical about Joe.

4

Six Black Horses (1962)

Two men travel into town with a woman holding back her true intentions.

Murphy’s involvement in Six black horses Marks the second time he worked with the famous western director Harry Keller. Six black horses Also stars Dan Duryea and Joan O’Brien. Together, their three characters travel the city at the request of O’Brien’s character, and it soon becomes clear that she has a hidden agenda. Six black horses Moves fairly quickly and has some entertaining confrontations as the three make their way into town, building a good amount of tension.

Murphy, O’Brien and Duryea are a well-matched trio with their abilities as actors highlighted by Burt Kennedy’s script. The latter actor is best known for portraying villainous characters in movies. Although his Six black horses Character, Frank Jesse, is not among his most heinous, Duryea still has a small edge that is enjoyable for fans of his work.

3

Gunfight At Comanche Creek (1963)

A detective goes undercover with bank robbers.

Featuring some of the best tropes of the western genre Gun at Comanche Creek. The Murphy-led Western follows a group of bank robbers who trick others into committing crimes so they can kill them and collect reward money. Murphy plays Detective Gifford Gun at Comanche Creek. As expected from a classic western tale, there is plenty of action and even a little romance on the side.

Among all the B movies in Murphy’s filmography, Gun at Comanche Creek is one of the best. There are a few flaws in the film, however Murphy is a strong lead and the story is a treat for fans looking to see a familiar western tale unfold. Additionally, the supporting cast includes a compelling, villainous performance by DeForest Kelly as the leader of the bank robbers several years before his famous role as Leonard McCoy.

2

Destry (1954)

When he puts himself in a position of power, a man discovers the truth behind a sheriff’s mysterious death.

Directed by George Marshall, Destry is an almost scene-for-scene remake of a black and white film from the late 30s, Destry rides againStarring James Stewart as the titular character. Destry rides again was also directed by Marshall and was part of a big film year for James Stewart. in DestryMurphy takes on the titular role – the son of a famous gunman who is tasked with bringing down local corrupt officials.

Even though Murphy is different in Kate and acclaimed, he still handles the role previously depicted by Stewart. Murphy has a similar level of charm in his performance and the character, in many ways, is the essence of Murphy as an actor. When he first arrives in town, Destry prefers non-violent approaches to conflict, leading many to doubt his strength, but when it matters most, his undisclosed knowledge of guns makes him a critical figure and one to be reckoned with. . rubbish with

1

No Name on the Bullet (1959)

Widely considered to be one of Murphy’s best films and his best western film is No name on the bullet. Murphy, who at the time was mostly known for his heroic roles, played a ruthless gunslinger. No name on the bullet Follows Murphy’s John Gaunt as he enters Arizona, terrorizing the local community because it’s believed he’s there to take someone out. No name on the bullet Plays out like a psychological thriller as audiences watch the townspeople become increasingly paranoid about John Gant’s next move.

The story in No name on the bullet Has themes of life and death, good versus evil, and corruption. That said, there isn’t that much action in this film. The city is full of secrets and hidden crimes and John’s looming presence is a bigger threat than the actions he takes. Murphy plays the cold and unreadable gunslinger effectively and captivates audiencesKeeping their attention until the tension of the film is lifted at the end.