The Train Robbers (1973)

Ben Johnson and Ann-Margret on the set of The Train Robbers.

I really enjoyed this movie. Yes, it has a basic premise. but I think sometimes its more a character study than anything. And while we end up seeing the softer side of John Wayne here, it;s hard to deny the charms of Ann Margret. As always the cinematography is beautiful and the film as a whole is just a good time.

A very enjoyable movie with a solid cast. The DVD release has some interesting special features that give the movie something extra. I think the pace is spot on and the scenery is great.
I have the Original US Warners Pressbook which is nice as well..

Welcome Manny!

The Train Robbers is a underrated JW movie. I enjoy that movie very much and love the cast in the movie especially Ben Johnson's character.

Watched this again yesterday on Blu-ray and just love the look of the entire film. I agree. It's a highly underrated film.

Reaction by "Lane" (John Wayne) after an attempted flirtation by Mrs. Lowe (Ann-Margaret)

"I got a saddle that's older than you are, Mrs. Lowe"

I'm glad they didn't make a relationship between Duke and Ann Margaret in this film. He was too old for her. I loved the line they used to express that difference.

Mark

I agree, Mark. And the way he finished the line by referring to her as "Mrs. Lowe."

Quote from Paula

This publicity shot was on my "most wanted" list and it finally showed up at an auction site a few weeks ago, so I managed to snag it. lasbugas posted this one before but the one I got has a different text at the bottom, so I thought I'd post again. It's such a nice photo so it deserves a second post. The publicity blurb exaggerates the number of movies John Wayne and Ben made together -- my count is 10, and that includes four movies in which Ben worked as either a wrangler and/or stuntman, not an actor.

The Angel and the Badman
Tall in the Saddle
Red River
Fort Apache
3 Godfathers
She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
Rio Grande
The Undefeated
Chisum
The Train Robbers

That's 10. Am I missing anything?

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Paula, thanks for posting this picture. For those of us familiar with these two legends, it was treat to see the easiness the two had with each other.

Quote from Lt. Brannigan

I enjoy this film though while nowhere near his best, it ranks high up there with his most entertaining. I watched this last night and one scene in particular caught my attention and held a lot of meaning for me, the one where he's talking to Ben...

(Paraphrased obviously)

and for how it actually played out

Just the tone of the conversation between the two characters shows the acting depth of John Wayne and Ben Johnson. No flowery speeches, exaggerated arm or hand gestures or special lighting. Just two actors playing a scene with simplicity and honesty. Watch "The Last Picture Show" and enjoy Ben Johnson portraying the same simplicity and honesty in his Oscar winning role. And watch John Wayne's face in any of his movies (well, except "The Conqueror.") With just the slighest movement in his face or a slight glance, maybe a shift of his body conveys so much in his reponse or reaction by his character. Underrated is an understatement.

(Don't know what I did, but I was trying to reply to Comment #156 by "Lt. Brannigan." Sorry for the screw up!

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