Return of the Gunfighter is a Western film that tells a classic story. The motion picture was directed by the prolific James Nielsen, with the stalwart Robert Taylor. The film was released in 1967 and carries forth all the action thrills amidst characteristic marks that define Western cinema. Right from its plot to the visuals, Return of the Gunfighter displays all the elements of its rich and hazardous history when the Wild West was romantic and dangerous.
In this article, we will discuss various aspects of this excellent film, including its cast, plot, filming locations and the response it received from the audience. If you want to know where this classic was filmed, we’ll give you a glimpse of the beautiful locations where this movie was shot.
Introduction to Return of the Gunfighter
The Return of the Gunfighter, with a story about Ben Wyatt, an aging gunfighter in the twilight of his life is an excellent example of a Western film that interwove themes of loyalty, redemption, and justice in 1967. The movie thus manages to appeal both through the strength of its characters and also through the thrills that come with good visuals given life to the spirit of the old American West.
The Cast of Return of the Gunfighter
The returning cast of Gunfighter is headed by veteran actor Robert Taylor. Taylor, who has starred in many Western films, appears here as Ben Wyatt. He plays a role of a man who wants to get away from his old life, but gets trapped in dangerous incidents again.
Other major cast members include
- Chad Everett as Lee Sutton: While he is only a young cowboy with a rather complicated past, his relationship to Samantha together with Wyatt probably forms one of the heart’s biggest issues in the film.
- Ana Martin as Anissa: She is yet another woman caught in a family conflict, and Wyatt and Sutton try to save her.
- Lyle Bettgar (as Clay Sutton): Bettgar plays the main bad guy in the movie, a remorseless rancher whose family feud is one of the central aspects of the film’s story.
- Mort Mills (as Sheriff Carter): Mills play a lawman embroiled in the endless conflict in a small frontier town.
The chemistry between these actors makes the story behind the film much stronger to allow the audience to easily connect with the internal struggles of the characters.
What was the Plot Summary of Movie?
It is a film about a retired gunfighter, Ben Wyatt, who has reached an age and is aiming for a quiet peaceful life after years of battles. Hearing a rumor of the murder of his old friend Luis Domingo compels him to take up his revolver again.
Wyatt meets Lee Sutton, a young cowboy who is in want of settling his own feud, in his search for justice. Another woman, Anissa, is the point of interest in their story as both of the men try to save her from a family conflict.
As this movie progresses, Wyatt partners with Sutton, and they eventually face the powerful Sutton family, who have taken over the town. This movie uses heavy use of classic Western action such as shootouts, horse riding, and moral conflicts while Wyatt is trying to live a life that he was wont to live in dangerous activities but seeks peace.
Where Was Return of the Gunfighter Filmed?
Generally, the movie Return of the Gunfighter, 1967 American Western film, was filmed mostly in Arizona. The movie made effective use of some stunning locations that capture the spirit of the Old West well. Here is the list of major filming locations
Old Tucson: This is on 201 South Kinney Road, Tucson, Arizona. Old Tucson is a historical film studio and theme park, backdrop for many cowboy Western movies. Its classic Western settings with a beautiful landscape setting make it a desired location for the movie.
Empire Ranch: This is located in Sonoita, Arizona. The Empire Ranch is an old-time cattle ranch that provided a beautiful country setting needed for many of the scenes in the movie. The open spaces and the authentic traditional western environment contributed to the genuineness of the movie.
San Pedro River: This beautiful river in Arizona adds to the beauty of nature in the film because of its beautiful scenery. The peaceful atmosphere of this river creates the western imagery by diffusing a soothing but rugged land atmosphere.
Sabino Canyon: This place in Tucson, Arizona, contains wonderful rock formations and flora. Its amazing sceneries make it an excellent location for outdoor scenes of the film.
Sonoran Desert: It is a vast and large portion of the Sonoran Desert that comes within the state of Arizona. This desert presents an arduous and rugged topography that corresponds to the hardships of frontier existence. The stunning desert scenes add to the timelessness and visual quality of the film.
Return of the Gunfighter Filmed Review
Though Return of the Gunfighter did not break the box office, it later found its niche among Western fans. For a long time, lovers of the genre have attributed many strong attractions to traditional Western themes-the stripped-down script, action scenes, strong acting-especially the performance by Robert Taylor, who also gave a memorable role as Ben Wyatt in the latter part of his career.
The movie has been called many times a “classic Western,” and no wonder it reached the hearts of people because of the simplicity yet so effective storyline, as well as because of the terrific chemistry between Taylor and Everett. Throughout the years, Return of the Gunfighter has garnered a modest but captivated audience, particularly among those that have a more preference for old-style American Westerns.
The film’s cinematography was developed base on the stunning beauty of Durango and still mesmerizes audiences up to this day. Fans, in most cases, still comment on the aesthetic beauty and, above all, the solid storyline coupled with action sequences.
Conclusion
Not one of the best known of the Western films of the 1960s, Return of the Gunfighter is one of those classics that will always be etched in the minds of the many lovers of the Western genre. Electrowetting with its story and shooting location in Durango, Mexico, this film is an experience to make those totally dedicated to the Western genre.
Its story on loyalty, redemption, and the moral code of the Old West and beautiful natural backdrop would make Return of the Gunfighter a classic among the classic films of the West. Those who like Old West tales would find Return of the Gunfighter a real must-see.
Discover here a universe of exciting stories, challenging articles, and a lot more. We welcome you to take a look at our new features, but we’re also glad to have you back to favorite content. Join us on this journey, bookmark our website, and stay in contact.