Un homme fait la loi

The late sixties had many comic westerns after Cat Ballou's success, so this carry on thus walking in this path, the picture has two generation of old west, in fact the picture was took place in turn of the century and two leading roles Robert Mitchum and George Kennedy both already an older men belonged to the past, they are unfashionable couple guys, the progress's winds aren't appreciated to them, easy to watch, plenty of humour, it's worth to see mainly by a funny and drunk old man called Grundy who live in the hills nearby of the town, the unforgetable James W. Fowley who used to play those friendly characters that hates take a shower who prefer living alone in a little cabin, just amazing!!!

Resume:

First watch: 1981 / How many: 3 / Source: TV-DVD-R / Rating: 7.25

This movie was directed by Burt Kennedy, who also directed another great western in 65 called The Rounders, that had Henry Fonda and Glenn Ford. This one is sort of different but they both had some comedy in them. This one stars Robert Mitchum as an old sheriff who is retired against his wishes by the mayor, played by Martin Balsam, who only cares about the election coming up. George Kennedy plays an outlaw who used to big in his day but now is the third wheel in a gang run by David Carradine. Both Mitchum and Kennedy, even though they used to be enemies, sort of team up together to stop Carradine from robbing the train even though they don't have too. This movie came out in 1969 the same year as The Wild Bunch, which Mitchum turned down but this movie is closer to Peckenpah's earlier film Ride The High Country.

For those who like western's, this one has it all. For those who don't, the same applies.

The ageing Marshal teams up with the ageing bandit to oust the bad young guys, hopelessly out-numbered of course. Naturally with age comes experience and the bad guys are defeated as the (ex) Marshal (played brilliantly by Mitchum) walks into a hail of pistol fire flanked by his new(ish) best friend (Big John Makay- aka George Kennedy)and dispenses justice with both barrels.

The likable old drunk is shot in the back by one of the bad guys, the whores aren't shown as harlots, the mayor gets it anywhere he can and the new Marshal is stupid. Hardly surprising.

Oh, and of course, there's a love interest for the Marshal- and a cute little blonde boy who looks to Mitchum as a substitute father. There's an almost hilarious train sequence and a train chase with a difference. For those women who find westerns aren't really their thing but are made to watch them by boyfriends, this one has a big plus: Robert Mitchum, for all that he is playing a character who is supposed to be past it looks pretty fine. Likable enough, but don't take it too seriously- its not meant to be.

Burt Kennedy during the late 1960s seemed to take over the western genre with a cluster of good comedic films using some of Hollywood's best. but aging male stars. The Good Guys and the Bad Guys is a prime example of his work which never disappoints.

Robert Mitchum as an aging and then ex-Marshal and George Kennedy,an outlaw adversary of Mitchum's from the old days join forces to outwit and capture a gang of young punks that the aging Kennedy has been riding with. Since they're on the screen for most of the story together, the chemistry has to be perfect with them for the picture to work and it is.

Some Hollywood veterans also round out the cast. Marie Windsor for once is a good girl as a saloon owner with a heart of gold. Douglas Fowley plays a grizzled old timer in the best Gabby Hayes tradition. They stand out as does David Carradine as the leader of the young outlaws.

However in the scenes he's in, Martin Balsam as the town mayor steals the film. He had to be the model that Mel Brooks used for Harvey Korman's portrayal of Hedley Lamarr in Blazing Saddles.

And in the best 50s western tradition we have Glenn Yarborough singing intermittently The Ballad of Marshal Flagg in the great tradition of Frankie Laine. Personally though Yarborough does a good job, I think they should have utilized Robert Mitchum for that also.

The then Governor of New Mexico, David Cargo, makes a bit appearance at the end of the film as a reporter. Cargo, tried very hard to get the Hollywood Studios to use New Mexico for filming. I suppose this bit was one of the perks of office.

It's rollicking good entertainment, Burt Kennedy at his best.

If your westerns Must be more along the lines of The Unforgiving or High Plains Drifter then The Good Guys and the Bad Guys is not for you.

But if you Love westerns like Support Your Local Sheriff and Silverado then you will love this movie!

The Good Guys and the Bad Guys is just plain old Fun! Robert Mitchum and George Kennedy are great together. Martin Balsam's Mayor is like an earlier version of Mel Brook's The Governor in Blazing Saddles.

Why the don't make westerns like this anymore is beyond me. But then again why they don't make westerns at all is really beyond me.

Whenever I come across this movie on TV I stop to watch it. You cant go wrong with The Good Guys and the Bad Guys :) .