When the West Was Fun: A Western Reunion (TV Movie 1979) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
3 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
Too Many Clips
Michael_Elliott22 August 2016
When the West Was Fun: A Western Reunion (1979)

** (out of 4)

Clayton Moore (The Lone Ranger), Jack Kelly (Maverick), Peter Brown and John Russell (Lawman), Ken Curtis and Milburn Stone (Gunsmoke), John McIntire (Wagon Train), Doug McClure and James Drury (The Virginian), George Montgomery (Cimarron City), Barry Sullivan (The Tall Man), Jack O'Mahoney (Yaney Derringer), Guy Madison (Wild Bill Hickok) and Will Hutchins (Sugarfoot) are joined by Slim Pickens, Pat Buttram (The Gene Autry Show), Alan Hale, Jr., Chuck Connors and Johnny Crawford (The Rifleman) as well as bad guys John Ireland, Denver Pyle, Lee Van Cleef and Neville Brand in this tribute to the various television cowboys.

Glenn Ford hosts this television reunion of some of the most famous actors to play Western characters on television. If you're a fan of these shows then you'll obviously enjoy getting to see how they looked at the time this was made and there's no question that it's rather cool getting to see everyone together. On top of the people i mentioned, several others make special appearances here so you've got a wide range of talent on display.

The idea to this special was a lot better than the end result however. I say this because the majority of the time we're just seeing clips from the television shows and none of the clips are overly entertaining. In fact, a lot of the clips are just the opening titles from the shows. You'd think that a special would make you want to watch the actual series but that actually doesn't happen here. There are a couple musical numbers thrown in here but the amazing number of talent is usually off camera or just get a couple lines. It's really too bad more wasn't done with them.
6 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
HOLY! Why isn't this being mass marketed? I was close to crying when i saw it for the first time, this being 2017
josephverdi-9062830 October 2017
Like most people in their 50s to 90s today, we grew up watching western shows. This is an absolutely must watch show for us. Try not crying especially in the first 20 minutes.

By chance i happen to watch a poor quality VHS of the show this being the year 2017, Where has this show been for almost 40 years? I am someone that never buys movies, i would buy this show just to say Thanks to the people who made it in 1979.

Wish i had the ability of a writer to express better how i feel about the show and the significance.
5 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
A good time capsule of western shows and films.
oscar-358 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
*Spoiler/plot- How the West was Fun: A Western Reunion, 1979, A small quiet saloon with a Western TV show recognizable bartender is the place for a cowboy reunion with tall tales, clips, dancing, singing, comedy and saloon dancing girls performances.

*Special Stars- Host: Glenn Ford, HUGE list of TV and film western stars from child to adult from leads to 'side-kicks' and lead character actors.

*Theme- The golden age of westerns was really fun and many just didn't see it at the time.

*Trivia/location/goofs- TV film, Some famous 'missing' Western folks was for contractual matters or death.

*Emotion- A very enjoyable show for it's on screen appearances of lost actors of a American genre. Even today, very watchable and enjoyable. Fun to see all these actors in their recent prime. A good time capsule of western shows and films.
4 out of 4 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed