THE TRAIN ROBBERS
US, 1973, 92 minutes, Colour.
John Wayne, Rod Taylor, Ann Margret, Ben Johnson, Ricardo Montalban, Bobby Vinton, Christopher George.
Directed by Burt Kennedy.
The Train Robbers is a typical enough John Wayne Western and is suitable for all audiences; a good adventure with a twist at the end. However, Wayne is not so right and righteous as in other films of the 70's (Chisum, Big Jake, Rio Lobo, The Cowboys). He admits to mistakes and is the more likeable for it.
He is supported by Rod Taylor and Ben Johnson who reminisce and wisecrack about the good old days of the West. The film was written and directed by Burt Kennedy. Some of his best Westerns have been Killer on a Horse, Support Your Local Sheriff, and The Good Guys and the Bad Guys.
1. Was this a typical Western? Why?
2. The 1960's and 1970's showed a lot of old men in the West and its changing ways. What kind of picture of older men did this film offer? Did it show insight into the kind of men who were active in the heyday of the West? What happened to them? Why? Why did they join in adventures like this?
3. What picture of the west did the film give ? dusty, dirty, greedy, murderous, swindling, yet heroic, adventurous, righteous, law-abiding?
4. What kind of man was John Wayne portraying this time? Was Lane a typical Wayne hero? Why? Were there any modifications in the 'typical' Wayne characterisation?
5. Was Ann Margret convincing in her role? Did you believe her? Why?
6. How effective was the structure of the film: the chase, the four days and nights to the gold. the pursuit. the hints of puzzle with the Pinkerton man. the various incidents on the way, night conversations, stolen donkey. Mexicans. the river etc? Were there many Western cliches?
7. What kind of men were the group ? how likeable, how unlikeable? Noble, generous, unselfish? How eccentric were they ? Jesse, Grady, Calhoun, Sam? What did Lane's relationship to each of them show of their characters ? eg, protecting Ben, putting up with Grady, winning over Calhoun (and John Wayne admitting mistakes!)?
8. Was the film exciting enough? was it realistic without being brutal?
9. What was the effect of the pursuers being an anonymous group. and the audience not seeing their faces until late in the film?
10. Were Lane's plans of siege, running off the horses and getting away, wise? Why?
11. What was the point of the final shoot-out and town burn up?
12. Were you surprised to find out about the Pinkerton man? About Mrs. Lowe? What comment did this make on the whole action?
13. What was the spirit of the film and of the relationships between the men who went on the adventure?
