R.I.P. L.Q. Jones & Bo Hopkins remember THE WILD BUNCH Plus stuntman Gary Combs and Gordon Dawson!

Bo Hopkins (2/2/42 - 5/28/22) made his feature film debut in THE WILD BUNCH. He had never been squibed before, but Bloody Sam was making a name for himself and Bo was ready for anything; even a trip to the hospital! Bo was "Crazy Lee" and lived to not only make dozens of other features and TV shows, but he worked for Sam several more times. Veteran character actor, and Peckinpah favorite, L.Q. Jones (8/19/1927 - 7/9/2022) also shares memories of what it was like working for Bloody Sam. He worked with the cinema legend five times. There are revealing behind-the-scenes conversations with producer and host, Rob Word, in this interview, taped April 16, 2014 at the Autry Museum. Bo and L.Q. share some hysterical stories about working on THE WILD BUNCH. Many consider director Sam Peckinpah’s THE WILD BUNCH (1969) to be the greatest western film of all time. To celebrate the movie, A WORD ON WESTERNS went behind-the-scenes on THE WILD BUNCH combining interviews with Bo Hopkins, L.Q. Jones, stuntman Gary Combs and wardrobe supervisor Gordon Dawson. Bo and L.Q. had an amazing careers and were always ready to delight fans with tall tales of their Hollywood adventures. R.I.P.
#movie #thewildbunch #wildbunch #filmhistory #sampeckinpah #filmdirector #bohopkins #lqjones
#williamholden #americanactor #characteractor #benjohnson #warrenoates #wordonwesterns
#awordonwesterns #stuntman #stunts #classicmovies #classicwestern #location #mexico #actionmovie #behindthescene #robword

[@ronpatton9424]

This is my all time favorite Western! What a MASTERPIECE! I've lost count of how many times I've watched it.

[@robertmiller6893]

I feel one of the top five movies ever made. Lines that stand the test of times,actors perfectly cast,and a director who was ready to make a masterpiece.

[@henrygonzalez8793]

I was lucky enough to have seen The Wild Bunch when it was first released and I’ve never forgotten the tag line, “Nine men who came too late... and stayed too long !” One of the true classics of American, hell, World Cinema. Sam Peckinpah was the Man.

[@KutWrite]

Wonderful! Good to see Bo Hopkins. He, Ben Johnson and Dub Tailor were in another Peckinpah great, "The Getaway" with Steve McQueen, one of my all-time favorites. Bo got to wear some more squibs in that one. I guess one day I'll have to see "The Wild Bunch," too. Thanks for your videos, Rob.

[@tommymuniz1491]

LQ Jones and Bo Hopkins, what A pair.

[@clayguy1]

What an amazing movie... I got to meet LQ Jones when Steven Seagal made his movie, The Patriot, here in Ennis Montana back in 1997.. First time I met him was in one of our bars.. cast and crew all got together.. LQ Jones, tried to trade me for a winter coat I had just bought... for his. The second time was on the set where I was hired as an extra. He sat next to me in the mess tent.. where we ate lunch.. He'd take food off my plate and I'd take food off his.. LQ was a rare breed of actor.. Main stars never ate with the extras.. and yet he did.. What a total privileged it was to meet that man

[@MrBluoct]

David Lemon 🤘

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

David Lemon Wow! Add this to the interview! What a memory to share! TY ...

[@clayguy1]

@@karalguidubaldi1517 When I was a kid in the late 40s and during the 59s and 60s the world was blessed with amazing, talented, and wonderful actors... I'm 74 now.. and it's a bit of light that is diminished when each of them pass onto the next world... I've been honored to meet a few, because of my artwork... Anthony Quinn was the highlight of my life.. when I presented him with a bronze bust I did of him... He huged me... It's like a dream now... slowly fading... At least they've been recorded on film and tape... I wonder if my bronzes will outlast that... That would be an incredible loss...

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

David Lemon Amazing! I grew up in the 60s and I so admire the Westerns! I still live with the teachings of them! My heroes to this day! You all are the real deal! And to hear the recollections is priceless! Thank You for responding ❤️❤️❤️

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

David Lemon ...and I’ll be looking for bronzes by David Lemon!!!

[@lpheitman]

The Wild Bunch changed the way movies were made forever. Very controversial at the time. For the young folks, this was 1969 and, although subdued, the violence of the Vietnam War was being brought into our home via live TV reporting every evening. Peckinpah brought the reality of what happened in a real gunfight! I've seen this episode at least 5 times. Never gets old as so many of Rob's interviews. Tip of the hat to you Rob! Thanks!!

[@briangoldy8784]

My Son & I had a Chance to Meet,... Bo Hopkins at a Muscle Car Rally........Daytona Beach , Florida.........Nice Guy......Thanks Rob..

[@tejpalsingh8467]

I have seen this film five times each time it gets better 👏🙏🌹👍👋✌️👌

[@AWordonWesterns]

YES!!

[@vancemcdonald1225]

My dad took my brother & I to see it at the theater in Lagos Nigeria in about '72. I was about thirteen and my brother 11. I was totally blown away. When we got home my mother asked my dad "How was the show?" He said "... not like any western I've ever seen." That pretty well says it all about TWB. (He had been a part-time projectionist at the theater in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada so I expect he had seen a lot of western movies.)

[@sailordude2094]

People took me to a double feature of Easy Rider and Buster and Billie when I was young. People were like WTF?

[@bbb8997]

Bo Hopkins is an incredible actor & steals scenes with the best of the best. thanks for the movies

[@hawkspeak8592]

really wonderful to hear about the Peckinpah survivors. remarkable people, an amazing time, unforgetable movie.

[@bryanpalmer9660]

The Wild Bunch is a classic western and watching this doc and listening to the comments from L Q,Bo,etc about the film and the experience of working with talent like Holden,Borgnine,Peckonpah,etc is an absolute delight-I could listen to anecdotes like this ALL DAY Auckland New Zealand 2022

[@petergraham8681]

The most influential of modern (post 1970) Hollywood westerns & still the greatest, in my view, with substantial accomplishments from the earlier fine contributions from Ford & Anthony Mann. Another two great examples of the genre comes from Peckinpah (RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY) & Sergio Leone (ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST).

[@JMVideos7676]

I had the good luck to watch The Wild Bunch for the first time sitting front row in the mezzanine balcony of a wide screen theater. I'll never forget it.

[@pbcwerner]

Enjoyed from the ators and crew. Sam Peckanpah 's among the classics. Happy anniversary!

[@leswadley6792]

These guys are true legends of the film industry, thank you so much for doing these videos! I wasn’t born until 1974 so I missed out on so much! With these interviews it let me have the chance to understand how truly great these movies really are!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you like them!

[@robertshanks3674]

l.q. is such a cool cat

[@williamking1554]

the greatest western of all time with a fantastic cast and story bloody love it

[@CarlosMedina-hx7ie]

Bo Hopkins and L Q Jones were among the best characters in tv and movies. They deliver gems in the movies and tv!!!!😊😊😊😊

[@bagsyjones]

My favourite film. Excellent cast and brilliant director, Sam Peckinpah. Love it.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Thanks, bags. It just gets better and better as it ages. Still kicks ass! Did you see our episode with Howard Kazanjian? He was assistant director and told stories about his work on THE WILD BUNCH that I'd never heard before. Check it out.

[@tomthumb5242]

RIP Bo. I loved your acting

[@GarryAReed]

THANKS FOR ALL THE GREAT MEMORIES ! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@AWordonWesterns]

Glad you enjoyed it, Garry.

[@robertbishop5357]

The Wild Bunch is a great western. Up there with Rio Lobo, True Grit, Lonesome Dove, The Sacketts, My Clemintine, The Searchers, etc....

[@TralfazConstruction]

The public debate/churn over this film's depiction of violence was something to behold; my recollection of the times when I was thirteen. My maternal grandfather, a western movie aficionado, had to lobby my parents to allow me to go see The Wild Bunch (1969) with him. I was a veteran of seeing westerns with Grandfather since The Magnificent Seven in the early '60s. After we saw The Cowboys (1972), the whole western genre had been upended.

[@josephbertie8373]

This was terrific.

[@bjrnmgranvang1107]

Without a doubt the best western ever made. A game changer.

[@ChiefThundermoon]

I gonna make me a cross like that!! I' love hearing and watching these stories behind the camera!!

[@gregsmht40]

There ya go folks a longer episode. And a damn fine one it is 💯🇺🇸👍🏼

[@darrellborland119]

Bill Holden and Sam Peckinpah held a press conference the morning it was released. They were hung over! LOL. Says a lot...and yes, it can be watched over and over...and also 12 O'clock High is another great one that stands the test of time. Thanks.

[@bbb8997]

one of my fav actors ever, Dean Jagger in 12 o'clock high (got an Oscar for that one)

[@marcosaraiva9205]

great movie and entreview , great cast WILD BUNCH of them. Awesome

[@Ronin4614]

Good morning, Rob. The Wild Bunch is a classic and hearing LQ talk about it is pure gold. I love the beans story, and just how picky and detailed the work is. Shooting that film sounds so intense. The cast in that film was simply historic and I appreciate the look into that world. The story from Bo about the squibs and the hit to his eye ( ala Sammy Davis Jr) wonderful. The insight into Sam P is simply priceless. There is so much in this interview, and I thank you so very much for this longer video. Never stop, Rob.

[@WPGinterceptor460Interceptor]

nevermind greatest western of all time.. greatest movie!!!!

[@craigjillson6050]

Saw this at the drive-in when I was a kid.

[@CrazyHank36]

I need to good rewatch The Wild Bunch

[@AWordonWesterns]

We all hope you did, Hank. How'd it hold up for you?

[@CrazyHank36]

@@AWordonWesterns It was as good as I remembered

[@pbcwerner]

interesting to hear Sam Peckinpah fromL.Q. and Bo Hopkins

[@TERoss-jk9ny]

RIP to L.Q. Good man.

[@Orrymain1]

Ah, LQ. He's had a colorful and busy career. My favorite pic is of him on his horse, a noose around his neck, and he's reading The Hollywood Reporter. This was from an ep of Laramie.

[@SalamiKing7]

L.Q. Jones! What a legend!

[@dennisp3314]

The 1913 Hell's Angel was great. I had not yet seen that ! I think it is about time to watch it again .

[@westonward735]

That was awesome, I'm popping "The Wild Bunch" in the player now.

[@Smithsgold]

Great !!!!

[@jan6293]

Love westerns, thank you Rob for bringing these to us!💕

[@garymckee8857]

An excellent western,I first saw it on the CBS late movie in 1972 Thanks Rob.

[@MsBenlane]

thanks for sharing this about this great pic

[@Tree_Dee]

One of the few movies I have watched too many times to count, since seeing it in the theater shortly after its release. Just streamed it from somewhere about a month or two ago!

[@bobkohl6779]

Sat in front of LQ, Strother Martin and several guys at a private showing in 1972. Lord were they funny!

[@AWordonWesterns]

I'll bet that was great, Bob. Thanks.

[@crlguitar1]

I'll always remember Bo Hopkins as the leader of the 'Pharaohs' in American Graffiti... He intimidated Richard Dreyfus's character mercilessly but in the sequel was a buddy to Terry The Toad which kind of illustrated how the 'clique' sometimes disappears after High School.

[@bbb8997]

great scenes, "every guy's dreams is to be a pharaoh"

[@TheModbeats]

The first, and greatest, of the "End of the Wild West" movies. My favorite movie, period. Good video.

[@grumpyoldwizard]

My dad took me to see this back when it had a stiff rating at the theaters. We both liked Westerns. I grew up in the ‘60s so westerns were quite the big deal.

[@geoffbaker7722]

best ever film😊

[@donnastedham9822]

I have never seen this movie but will look it up now. Thanks. Loved this.

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

Donna Stedham it’s a MUST 💯

[@donnastedham9822]

Thanks. I intend to see this movie in the next day or two. It really sounds like a great movie.

[@darrellborland119]

@Donna Stedham...Sam was ridiculed by the Press for the violence depicted...His comeback was that to show the reality as realistic as possible, is a high goal. Thanks.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Have you watched it yet, Donna?

[@paulstan9828]

Love these interviews. My favorite western actors and actresses as real people sharing behind the scene stories and memories. One of a kind channel.

[@mlb5525]

Wow! Fantastic collection of interviews on a true western classic. Thank you Rob.

[@Paladin1873]

From the things I've learned about him over the years, I suspect Sam Peckinpah may have suffered from what is now called post traumatic stress syndrome, which, when combined with his combative loner nature, led to frequent frustration, alcoholism, and eventually paranoid delusions. He appears to have been a man who greatly resented and resisted change, even though he knew it was inevitable. What I've never been able to discern is if his violent movies were an attempt to purge himself of his inner demons or a desire to dance with the devil and challenge his hold over him. Whatever the case, his films were never dull or boring.

[@theodoreelch6448]

Ok

[@brianboisguilbert6985]

You could say some of the same about John Ford. He was also a gifted director, who brought not only drama and action to the screen but moments of quiet tenderness. He was also temperamental, arrogant, an alcoholic and a bully who seldom forgave a perceived slight. Such characteristics, of course, aren't limited to the film community but are in us all to varying degrees, with them it's magnified because of the craft they've chosen.

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

Colonel K I loved the realism! ...before that sometimes when someone was shot...there wasn’t even a mark on them! Idk, bcs it was a violent time! ...

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

hiram hacklesworth 😂...and I loved when the Indians that were supposed to be riding bareback! And you could see the saddle under the blankets! Haha 😆

[@karalguidubaldi1517]

hiram hacklesworth lol...exactly! I was thinking about that! When I was a kid, I didn’t notice that stuff!

[@MrBluoct]

Bo Another unique talent

[@margaretmontana122]

I love hearing all the stories and can’t see how I’m ever going to have time to watch all those movies. Thanks Rob for all the interesting inside stories. Always wanted to be a cowgirl!

[@AWordonWesterns]

Margaret Anderson Thanks, cowgirl. You need to put this one at the top of your list.

[@andymckane7271]

Interesting as always. I'm a fan of The Wild Bunch. Now I can understand it more than ever before.

[@darylbauer5184]

To everyone with the Wild Bunch ! Thank You ! This is one of my top five western movies !! What a RIDE !!!!!

[@djteddybear131]

AWESOME !!!

[@scottblanton5220]

A think Lee Marvin was somewhat attached to this movie before William Holden, but chose to do Paint Your Wagon with Clint Eastwood because of a sizable pay day, but William Holden was perfect as Pike, in another era he should have earned an Oscar

[@KClouisville]

Marvin was also up for the Quint role in Jaws....along with Sterling Hayden as well. As it is I can't imagine anyone but Robert Shaw doing it....but either of them would probably have been good as well....hell, Hayden was a life-long sailor/boatman....and in that time period kinda looked like Captain Ahab. Haha.

[@MrBluoct]

L Q Legend

[@josesamala644]

great movie

[@lylegorch5956]

This is incredible stuff. I recently read Stratton's great book and was able to attend the event for the book at the Pasadena Laemmle theater not too long ago. I had a great visit with my seat mate who was the widow of the fellow who played young officer on the train. Great night.

[@richelliott9320]

Damn I wish I could actually be at some of these interviews

[@AWordonWesterns]

All are welcome once we are able to resume production. I'll let you in if you're in a cowboy hat! They are FREE, too.

[@richelliott9320]

That's a deal!

[@sailordude2094]

OMG, thanks for making me laugh about Sam and The Wild Bunch. What a great set of interviews, I loved them all, very crazy stuff to me. Sam made some of my favorite films, interesting about the work environment because as a viewer I don't think of things like glue on the face stuff.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Cool, dude. I don't know if you've seen my interview with Howard Kazanjian, who was AD for Sam. Later, Howard produced EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. He adds even more behind the scenes stories about the making of THE WILD BUNCH. Find and enjoy!!

[@MrVideovibes]

Man that was great!

[@patrickfennell6372]

LQ was one of the best best guys ever.

[@jozatexan1964]

Was? He's still great!

[@MrBluoct]

And that final prop .... 🤘

[@courtneyhall7140]

rob,being a sacramento boy and raised as a true cattle puncher in eldorado county. i just wanted to say thanks for all the old memories from so many many years ago.

[@kennethjinkins8967]

For years The Wild Bunch was my favorite flic

[@starshiptrooper2354]

That was awesome

[@johnwesley8327]

Great bunch of people and a great movie! Thanks for the memories.

[@mrmortimer710]

Still deeply appreciated the film. Especially the writing and the characters in the film. Saddened to hear about the passing of L.Q. Jones and Bo Hopkins. Both give their performances in the film. Thank you for sharing this. In Memoriam of L.Q. Jones and Bo Hopkins. Mr. Rob, Thank you.

[@AWordonWesterns]

They were the last two, mrm. It's a true classic but sad to loose so many.

[@AWordonWesterns]

And we lost Gordon Dawson last year. Sure glad he joined us that day. Luckily, the amazing Gary Combs is still kicking!

[@robertbishop5357]

This is an incredible movie. Fantastic actors, great script and awesome scenes.

[@jameshughes455]

1913 Hell's Angel - now that's a good one!!

[@compton300]

L Q is 92. Amazing.

[@ChiefThundermoon]

I had a cowboy friend that worked on a dude ranch with Strother.Strother knew someone in Hollywood he was a cook at this dude ranch,they came out and picked him up and the rest is history.Now this is what my friend told me and i never doubted him,he taught me to ride well and ride we did...They kept bugging Strother to come to Hollywood,he finnally went..

[@daveykerr1146]

Best Western ever

[@supersami7748]

Your shows just keep getting better!👍👍👍

[@EldenSmith]

That was great Rob. I enjoyed that very much 👍 Thanks.

[@thomasallen3818]

What a treat. 👍👍

[@AWordonWesterns]

It really is!

[@richardcollins6684]

When you are around "Great Actors" you eventually pick up some of their skills. Some are very gracious while others just want to do their part and go home. These guys were Best of the Best actors.

[@charlieproctor6533]

Went to highschool in GREENVILLE SC. with BO HOPKINS great guy

[@derrickbarnes5352]

RIP Bo Hopkins

[@tombankwel4822]

What a stunning movie very bloody but a great action movie holden an borgnine just so great lq jones stole the scenes in mask of zorro with a lot of actors thank you Ward

[@BabyandLittleGuy]

THANK YOU, SO VERY MUCH, for your work. It is amazing that you are capturing these interviews! Thanks to you, we get the insider's, FIRST-HAND accounts of filming greats movies and TV shows. Great work, it is HIGHLY APPRECIATED! 😀

[@g-asplendidsavage1700]

Love your interviews Rob ! Thank you for keeping the westerns alive And a look into the lives of these great actors

[@lylegorch5956]

By the way, somewhere near me, some people live who drive around in a Mini with the license plate holder that reads "I'd Rather Be Watching The Wild Bunch". I've tried to catch up with them a couple of times but they always get away. I'm going to roll down my window and yell, "MESSICANS, WHAT ELSE?!?" if I ever draw even with them.

[@satchhuntzhall1]

Lyle Gorch ? that's the name I give to the cops when I'm arrested that was Warren Oates name in the Bunch

[@mlhdlh]

Another great interview video. It was cool hearing from the actors and the behind the scenes stories. Thanks.

[@MrBluoct]

Thanks Rob!

[@HyperspacePictures]

Tell Bo Hopkins he's one of my heroes! And I'm going to Hollywood in 2022 to make movies like Sam Peckinpaugh. And I won't cast anybody currently working because I am going to find actors and train actors to be like all those heroes of his in the Wild bunch. BTW Mr. Word, James Coburn put the idea in my head when he looked over my art in NYC in the early 80s. He said" Kid you draw like Burne Hogarth! Excellent work and good Luck with your film aspirations." If I hadn't experienced great westerns by Eastwood and the likes of Peckinpaugh , and all the other super talent featured on your videos, I simply would be lost in LA. Thanks for being there Mr. Word.

[@AWordonWesterns]

Wow, Joe. Good luck with your adventure. Don't ever give up. By the way, Burne was a very good friend of mine. He is missed.

[@HyperspacePictures]

@@AWordonWesterns Coburn kinda discovered me but I simply have a tough time memorizing lines so I stuck to art. And Telly Savalas just before he passed, wished me luck(worked as an assistant on the last Kojak tv movie in '89) also and now you. And you knew Hogarth! Amazing. BTW, have you ever seen "The Great Toy Robbery"? It's a short animated western by a Canadian animator ,Hale, who did amazing work in the 70s. Think you'll get a kick out of it. Cheers!

[@HyperspacePictures]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWinopmeYsl4a8k

[@HyperspacePictures]

@@AWordonWesterns kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWinopmeYsl4a8k

[@jeffgraham9089]

Loved this.

[@TubenIt83]

Finally a longer video! Thank you. 🤠

[@allenwoodall5590]

i remember watching this with my dad and brothers the first time on t.v. It's still holds up today. Great job with the interviews Rob. And know talking about remaking this. It will never be as good as the original

[@filianablanxart8305]

Seeing it on Tv . I liked it . Finally seeing the theatrical cut was blown away . And the director's cut added still more .

[@terrykeever3280]

One of the best videos of yours I've seen. And they're all great.

[@AWordonWesterns]

thanks, Terry

[@bonniekeating9565]

Great set of interviews. Should maybe be included on the long overdue 4k bluray release.

[@seamusha1]

Absolutely BRILLIANT Thanks Rob

[@tombankwel4822]

Bo hopkins is awsome in White lightning

[@Craig-sz9yb]

Great interview