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One sheet movie poster for the classic 1950 Western film
Winchester '73, which stars James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, and Stephen McNally. Directed by Anthony Mann, the movie is noted for its gritty, film noir-style approach to the Western genre.
Synopsis
The story is set in 1876 and revolves around a prized, one-of-a-kind Winchester Model 1873 repeating rifle. The protagonist, Lin McAdam (James Stewart), wins the rifle in a shooting contest in Dodge City, officiated by Wyatt Earp (Will Geer). The rifle is immediately stolen by his nemesis and murderous brother, "Dutch Henry" Brown (Stephen McNally). The plot then follows McAdam's pursuit across the American West, as the rifle passes through the hands of a diverse cast of characters, including an immoral gunrunner (John McIntire), a young Native American chief (Rock Hudson in an early role), and a crazed outlaw (Dan Duryea). The journey of the rifle ties the various characters' fates together, leading to a final showdown between the two estranged brothers.
Key Details
Release Date: July 12, 1950
Director: Anthony Mann
Significance: This film was the first of eight successful collaborations between director Anthony Mann and James Stewart and helped establish the modern, psychologically complex Western. It was also groundbreaking as one of the first films where an actor, James Stewart, received a percentage of the box office receipts as compensation. |
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