I'm English, 73, and this has been one of my favorite movies since I first saw it back in the day. Never understood why the critics didn't rate it.
@jerryknorr67911 ай бұрын
1 of my favorite actors, do miss Steve McQueen
@richarddelasota181211 ай бұрын
A good part of Prescott, including the Palace on Whiskey Row, burned down in 1900. The patrons of the Palace carried the bar across the street to the courthouse square and continued to drink while watching the fire. After the Palace was rebuilt, the bar was moved back in and is still there today.
@azohundred135311 ай бұрын
Great interview and definitely one of Steve McQueen's finest performances. Thanks, Rob!
@ericcrawford345311 ай бұрын
One of my favorite movie's of all time! Thanks Rob love Sunday morning shows.T.C.B.
@ollierobinson433911 ай бұрын
Saw JR Bonner several times guess what I’m going to watch it again tonight
@ericthered76011 ай бұрын
I was actually in Prescott, AZ last year and had no idea the movie had been filmed there, let alone the fact that they have the biggest frontier days show in Arizona !! I found it a charming little town and even got in touch with a real estate guy there. Definitely will be going back to check out the locations of JUNIOR BONNER. I found this interview with Stuart fascinating. Love these interviews, Rob ! 😍 👍👍
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, eric. Sounds like another road trip may be in store for you.
@gregdavis1911 ай бұрын
In all my years of rodeoing it was never as dramatic as Junior Bonner, ha. It would be fun if they did a remake of the movie, so it was updated. Thanks Rob.
@terryhurlburt911311 ай бұрын
I cannot believe that I actually saw "Cabaret" in the theater and did NOT see this one! Rob, you did it again! Another movie that I have to see. Thank You. THEY would not make this movie this way in today's movie market. CG would do most of the work. JUNIOR BONNER is REAL MOVIE MAKING!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, terry. Enjoy!
@OdeeOz11 ай бұрын
Rob, you always pick the Best-of-the-Best to interview, and Classic films to share with us. 👍👍 5⭐ Heheh... This could be my life story. At least up until my heart attack 4 years ago. Age 66 sure did change my highway of life.
@travishendrix702611 ай бұрын
Really good interview. Telling a Rodeo story is not hard. Telling a good one is. Junior Bonner is tops in my book. If Casey Tibbs came to your house. So did alot of good drinking. He and Neal Gay were the best of friends and I worked for Neal. He used to tell stories about the 50's and 60's. When they and Jim Shoulders were Rodeoing together. Man they were great. The Rodeo world is just fantastic. Been good to me. Bonner is a gem of the life. Many thanks.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, travish. Those must have been some wild times!
@cxg738111 ай бұрын
We look forward to every episode of AWOW. You do a phenomenal job, Rob, in sharing this wonderful video history.👏👍
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thank you very much!
@pablobruning450811 ай бұрын
Junior Bonner was on the t.v. just today. A great classic. Perfect timing for this video.
@US_Joe11 ай бұрын
As always 👍👍👍 Rob! Thank you & have a great week.💫🐴🐎🐴🐎🐴
@ginnywalker18411 ай бұрын
What a fabulous interview. I love these interviews and am so glad you have helped preserve so much of the history of westerns, the stars and the backstories of making these wonderful westerns. Without your foresight this history would be shared, so thank you for bringing these interviews to those of us who love westerns. There are so many stories to tell and I look forward to more that you share.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, ginny. It's very gratifying for me to be able to do have these conversations and to share them. However, I am running out of guests.
@ginnywalker18411 ай бұрын
@@AWordonWesterns You're welcome. I certainly understand that we have lost so many of the great actors and writers but am hopeful there are still some relatives/friends who can perhaps provide a little of the interesting history you provide. I always look forward to what you share. Thank you again!
@sunestjern374911 ай бұрын
@@AWordonWesterns Hi Rob I have got an idea for you if you find it hard to get guests to the show, way don't you pick a film you like and if you can get som friend to sit down and talk about this film more or less like you do now! you don't have to invite guests who are connected to the the film at all ! but I'm sure we your audience will still love your show anyway absolutely! 😍💥👍👍👍🌺🍀🌺🍀🌺🍀🌺🍀
@joansmith119511 ай бұрын
I always thought that Steve McQueen would of been perfect playing Jeremiah Johnson. Very interesting interview.
@buddylobos527711 ай бұрын
What I learned in Hollywood in the '80's-90's, was that 'Writers Rule'!!! Without plots & story lines....nobody works. Love it Rob. Absolutely great. Thanks.😀
@davidnorris567511 ай бұрын
Great interview
@wesmcgee164811 ай бұрын
Dad took me to see Junior Bonner during the 3:21 heyday of our rodeo days. Great memories here.
@paulkitt-er9dr11 ай бұрын
Another great one Rob.
@mjemigh330411 ай бұрын
OK, you sold me, Rob. I've got to get a copy of the restored film. If nothing else (which I'm sure there's PLENTY else!), to hear Alex Taylor. My college gang used to go see him a lot in those days. Liv played a lot around the area, too. What a talented family! -MJ
@BuckJones190911 ай бұрын
One of the all time best best Steve McQueen movies! We’re going to buy the book and 2017 documentary! Thank you both,Rob & Stuart, for this interview, the book and the pictures from the production! This movie really catches the complexity of family in a heartfelt manner!
@VCobalt4811 ай бұрын
💙💙💙 McQueen 💙💙💙
@AmericasChoice11 ай бұрын
I have Junior Bonner on DVD and watch it a couple times a year. I saw it first in the theatre at the age of 11. There is something about it that is really poignant. Filmed in a semi-documentary way, great locations, great cast, a piece of the early 70's in Prescott , AZ. Love McQueen, my favorite is The Sand Pebbles, should have received an Academy Award but came up against Paul Scofield in A Man for All Seasons. Nevada Smith, Cincinnati Kid, Bulllitt, Papillon, Tom Horn....RIP
@1ndone13211 ай бұрын
Agree totally!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Well said, AC. Thanks.
@bethbartlett569211 ай бұрын
@@AWordonWesterns Have you done a piece on LQ Jones? 🔺 I must share, a couple of years ago, when I watched him play the role of a "Dual Personality" + "a touch of psychosis" on the Western Series, "Cimarrron Strip" starring: Stuart Whitman, I realized that he actually had a great deal more Acting Talent than many of his Character Actor roles called for. LQ literally "Stole the Show" with his Rile Performance , and that particular show, "The Search", 1967, also included as Guest Stars: Joseph Cotton and Jim Davis. It was on KZbin, most of the Series was, but I believe they must have had to remove those, likely a licensing issue, because I looked for it again and, as I recall, there's very little remaining, in reference to the show. If you haven't ever seen this particular show, or if its been a while, "Recommended Watch". I just was amazed, and subsequently LQ Jones is my favorite "Bad Guy Character" (although he didnt play one in this particular role). I laughed so, and Im a tough audience for any comedy, I was spoiled by the likes of Don Rickles, Schekie Greene, (off stage, when my x husband was managed by Sinatra's people, Jillie Rizzo and Tony O). I truely appreciated the value of those experiences, with all the talent, Vocalists, Musicians, Comedic Artists, and the Sound Engineers. It was great fun and the best entertainment experiences. Happy Holidays! ... and have a fabulous 2024! Beth
@ss67camaronut11 ай бұрын
LQ was always one of my favorites, from Beldon on payday every month to Zorro and beyond. I'd have loved to have had any opportunity to have met him , Drury, or Fuller , and more ... they were and still are my heroes from childhood, but more so now the older I get. These guys are disappearing fast and I'm glad we have Rob Word. So much of life gets buried and forgotten in our struggles to get by. It's great to look back and remember this stuff . Its important to remember and expose it to new generations of fans. Thanx.
@hombre19659 ай бұрын
Y’know, if you rewatch A Man For All Seasons, Schofield is really not impressive. I think McQueen had just rubbed too many the wrong way in the industry. He should have been nominated for Papillon also. And when the heck can we get a blu ray of Tom Horn??
@mandymine496311 ай бұрын
Great, fun, informative, interesting interview! Thank you Rob from another California Zonie.
@MsBenlane11 ай бұрын
became a peckinpah fan from seeing the series mthe westerner. i went to all his pics, saw this in a theatre. was alone in the theater.that had to have been discouraging for those who made it.
@ripreinhold657211 ай бұрын
Fascinating and enjoyable. Thank you.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, rip. Thanks.
@johnwesley832711 ай бұрын
Great video, wish I could have given two thumbs up. Love Junior Bonner, will watch it from a different point of view from now on! 😊
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Much appreciated, john. Thanks.
@marshasullivan407411 ай бұрын
Thank you Rob ! Its fascinating how interesting the back stories are. Nearly as good as the films themselves. Stuart is a great interviewee, dropping names like confetti ! What a struggle to be a writer, the highs and lows !
@robatsea200911 ай бұрын
An excellent interview - thank you!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@johnpeddicord493211 ай бұрын
Enjoyed again, Rob very interesting
@griffinreitz704111 ай бұрын
I remember when the movie came out at the Drive- Inn. Loved it. One of my favorite drive inn movies. But I have to say, I loved JW Coop too. Met Casey a couple times. His old rodeo partner lived right down the road from us. You never knew who was going to show up at Gerald's.
@michaelgrow863011 ай бұрын
Somehow hearing Dennis Weaver say WERE BURNIN DAYLITE ain't like hearing Duke speak it.
@thenneedd11 ай бұрын
very cool shot, with the reflection of the countryside and the two silhouettes
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
I was without a crew and used a very unusual camera, an INSTA360, one extremely wide angle. I stuck the camera in the window of my hotel and we slid in very close for the conversation. Terrible lighting, I thought, but it worked. Audio is in the camera, too. In editing, I was able to create closeups for each of us as well as use the wide angle. Next time I use this camera, I'll add a bit of the actual very wide image to show what it really looks like. Sure glad I had it for this interview, and the one I did with Johnny Crawford's wife, Charlotte.
@thenneedd11 ай бұрын
very kind of you to provide such a thoughtful, informative reply. A hotel bathroom mirror and your camera and ingenuity showed me a little something I've never seen before. Good interview to boot.
@ericteneyck869111 ай бұрын
I have no idea how, as I was alive when the movie came out and I love Steve McQueen, Ben Johnson, Robert Preston and rodeos, but I didn't see Junior Bonner until earlier this year. What a great movie!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
It was under the radar, eric, and was sadly overlooked.
@Billypix11 ай бұрын
Nice!!!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the visit, Billy.
@narellecox20289 ай бұрын
One of my favorite movies. I have this on DVD and periodically watch it. Loved Steve, my favorite to this day, miss him x
@perryseltz801011 ай бұрын
Great information on one of my favorite movies.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed our tribute to you favorite, Perry Thanks.
@tombankwel482211 ай бұрын
I saw this movie in the movie theater on the big screen great movie action a plenty, they dont make Them like this anymore, 😊😊😊thanks lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns laird of Word manor your friend tom now and always 🤩 🤩
@frankdodgee11 ай бұрын
One of many informative interviews Rob. This was a goodie! Lotsa history. 👍🐴
@derekmurray146211 ай бұрын
This is a movie that I haven’t got to watch in full yet, I saw part of it years ago on tv , I don’t know what it is about Steve mc queen , but his face and eyes are so familiar to me, he’s the most Irish looking American actor imo, I can see him in so many male faces here in Ireland, thanks Rob ☘️
@tombankwel482211 ай бұрын
In 1975 i went to the premiere of the towering inferno, with Steve MC Queen and Paul newman, this movie is so awsome, and the actors should have been on mount rushmoore, 😊😊😊😊😊😊
@thelonewolf228811 ай бұрын
Excellent video. Love Junior Bonner. We need more movies like it now.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Yes we do, wolf!
@jeffmill99911 ай бұрын
One of the best
@JP-nk4sv10 ай бұрын
Thank you for this. I grew up in Prescott and remember the crew shooting the Frontier Days parade. Very good film and very true to the craft.
@joelcopeland301811 ай бұрын
What a great video and great story... Your guest, Stuart, was fantastic... I'm so glad you are documenting the movies of my youth. Thank you so much...
@Wingman11511 ай бұрын
Great movie. I watch it a couple times a year and always get a kick out of it.
@robatsea200911 ай бұрын
A side note - I watched the 1970 film ADAM AT SIX A.M. last night, which was just the second movie that Michael Douglas had starred in. It was a Solar Production as well, marking the feature debut of actress Lee Purcell. Joe Don Baker has a great role in this, and I'm guessing it may have been the warm-up to his being cast in JUNIOR BONNER. At one point Douglas and Purcell are at a drive-in movie, and the film they're watching is THE REIVERS.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
That is timely information from you, Rob, and much appreciated. I am taping new interviews tomorrow at the Autry and Lee is one of my guests tomorrow! Thanks again. I'll mention it.
@jerryconnos611211 ай бұрын
I love watching junior Bonner i am twenty one years old and i love all the westren movies and i am a very big fan of john wayne and clint eastwood and audie murphy and lee van cleef and ben johnson and i am a big fan of a lotmore westren cowboys and very cool interview .
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, jerry. We need more younger western fans like you!
@desertfox386011 ай бұрын
Excellent interview Rob! Thanks!
@anthonyelwick36004 ай бұрын
One of my all time favorites
@michaelmakes122511 ай бұрын
First saw this film on a Sunday afternoon,@40 years ago,local Boston UHF station, channel 56.WLVI...it was spellbinding, commercial breaks and all..words fail, every facet of it is outstanding, writing, casting,acting ,direction and EDITING!! And the theme song "Rodeo Man"..when the closing credits roll, don't be surprised if a tear comes to your eye..you are leaving somewhere special, and ache to return.
@michaelchristian782411 ай бұрын
Thanks, R W.......another good one!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thank you too!
@Cactusflattmediaphotography7 ай бұрын
Just spent an evening having drinks in the Palace with My pard Stewart Rosebrook !! Jeb's a legend!!! ❤
@AWordonWesterns7 ай бұрын
Very cool, Cactus. That's the place!!
@lescook902111 ай бұрын
Another interesting interview, and a new book about western movies (plus it's a Peckinpah film) to read. Yep, had the book ordered as soon as it was mentioned. Thank you
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
It's very enjoyable, les, just like the movie.
@ronevans85211 ай бұрын
Very nice video with so much information of the old boys in there western movies.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, ron. Thanks
@tomjones234811 ай бұрын
Great interview. Fascinating presentation.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Many thanks, tom.
@SusanH462611 ай бұрын
Great interview! Loved Junior Bonner, one of my favorite “modern westerns”. Lol!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Mine too, Susan. Thanks.
@sharonfreemanpace101111 ай бұрын
Loved Jr. Bonner.....can't exactly remember the line but Ace asks Jr. What's left for the rest of us...Steve replies well someone's gotta hold the horses.
@ryancarroll396111 ай бұрын
Well Rob I guess my daughter and I will watch junior Bonner tonight I haven’t seen it in a while and she’s never seen it Great interview as I’ve come to expect God Bless
@richb31311 ай бұрын
There are many stories about such and such of Sam Peckinpah, Steve McQueen and others but few from people who not only know the truth but were there this is a fantastic interview of the son of writer Jeb Rosebrook Stuart Rosebrook who co wrote the book.
@konradbenz711011 ай бұрын
❤
@yppykya11 ай бұрын
Great in depth interview.
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
But good, grief! "Billy Jack" was a *huge* success.
@tombankwel482211 ай бұрын
PS today we Are going to see Steve MC Queen last movie the Hunter, saw it back in 1980 in the movie theater imperial, 😊😊😊
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Cool, tom. Enjoy.
@josephinekush505611 ай бұрын
I guess I'm the odd viewer out. To my regret I've never seen Junior Bonner. I remember when it opened here & seeing the ad's for it in the entertainment section of the Calgary Herald but its run coincided with Stampede week. I was always very busy at the Stampede grounds & by the time that commitment was over the film had completed its course. To the best of my memory it never appeared on local television in subsequent years & we don't have western channels in Canada. Perhaps I'll see it in my next life. Perhaps even meet McQueen.
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
Interesting (and funny) Lee Marvin quote about Peckinpah, "Sam was dangerous for me. He had my number and I had his, and that can be bad between an actor and a director. 'Cause he was a little guy."
@dalhaybron706311 ай бұрын
Another Great One Rob !!
@sunestjern374911 ай бұрын
Steve McQueen JUNIOR BONNER 💯💢
@tombankwel482211 ай бұрын
PS thats a cool shirt you have on lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns laird of Word manor 😊😊
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, tom. Merry Christmas
@tombankwel482211 ай бұрын
@@AWordonWesterns thank you and Merry Christmas to you lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns laird of Word manor your friend tom now and always 🤩 🤩
@hombre196511 ай бұрын
Both this and Tom Horn deserve bluray releases. Would love to see any possible extended scenes to Tom Horn.
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
Maybe it's my eyesight but I could never see the difference.
@hombre19659 ай бұрын
100% agree. The damn studio cut the budget on Tom Horn. Idiots!
@pjoe195011 ай бұрын
As soon as I saw this was on your show I watched Junior Bonner on youtube because the last time I saw it was at the theater back in the early 70's. It was like watching it for the first time again because I had forgotten so much. One question who owned Solar productions was it McQueen? Thanks Rob
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Don't know who the owners of Solar are, joe. Maybe one of our smart viewers can help.
@hombre196511 ай бұрын
Solar was McQueen’s production company.
@jimmiehahn45607 ай бұрын
Fantastic interview 😊 Loved all of the insider information! Rob, you are greatly appreciated!
@AWordonWesterns7 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, Jimmie. Thanks
@joeburns429411 ай бұрын
Great interview Rob! You always manage to get the interesting behind the scenes stuff that adds to the appreciation of these fine films. All the years of the knowing most of these people and your appreciation of their work gave you the gravitas (is that the right word?) to access these folks that others may not. Thanks!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, joe. I've been doing it for a very long time so people seem to trust me and know that I may trigger pleasant memories. Hope so.
@larry182411 ай бұрын
I'm a rodeo man from the town of Prescott
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Yee ha! How'd you like that photo of me in the Palace from March?
@PaulShaw-ex7ri8 ай бұрын
Also Max Evans , the Hi Lo Country.
@butchershop44264 ай бұрын
My dad is the cowboy that Steve McQueen was " hazing" for. My dad nearly missed his steer, hung on and got it done. My dad has always said " worst go round of my life and they put it in a movie. We are from Arizona, so every cowboy that did prca would see him miss his shot
@AWordonWesterns4 ай бұрын
Very cool, Bshop. Wild times!
@elvismemories527 ай бұрын
It’s that time of year !
@thedoxinator393411 ай бұрын
Great interview Rob 🤠👍
@samirbazoune57158 ай бұрын
Steve McQueen cinéma américain Hollywood star américaine Hollywood classique ❤
@lpheitman9 ай бұрын
Rob, another fascinating interview! I love these "behind the scenes" insights into the making of a film. Stuart is a great source of very entertaining stories. Thanks Rob for bringing us these professional productions. And to the audience, if you enjoyed these videos, Subscribe to Rob's channel, Like his videos, Comment, and Share with your friends. This is a way, we can thank Rob for all his hard work.
@AWordonWesterns9 ай бұрын
Thanks, Larry. ❤your very kind comment. Yes!🙌
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
Fun inside baseball episode on a film that deserved a much better fate.
@kurtkensson205911 ай бұрын
Football, too! Notice the "Lynn Stallworth"" mention at 14:50? Did he mistakenly combine Lynn Swann/John Stallworth to form "Lynn Stallworth" instead of Lynn Stalmaster?
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
@@kurtkensson2059 dunno, but Lynn Stalmaster seems like a perfect name for a wide receiver.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Yes, it was casting director Lynn Stalmaster who did the excellent work for JUNIOR BONNER.
@elizabethbeckman194711 ай бұрын
Interesting the connection to Earl Hamner; a lot of talented people responsible for quality television. So nice to see. Thank you ( and Stuart Rosebrook) for sharing!
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
There was also "Pocket Money" with Paul Newman and Lee Marvin, which didn't do all that well either.
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
Then there was "Stoney Burke" and "Wide Country", the two rodeo themed TV series which also failed. Might hafta go back as far as 1952's "The Lusty Men", with Robert Mitchum and Arthur Kennedy to find one that was a hit with critics and made money.
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
Mitchum and Kennedy were bound by their contracts with the studio to let the stuntmen do all the bronc riding on that film... but being competitive, macho guys not to be outdone by one another, both did turns on those bucking horses anyway.
@AmericasChoice11 ай бұрын
"Pocket Money" was a bad film IMO. Newman and Marvin did NOT get along.
@hiramnoone11 ай бұрын
@@AmericasChoice Lee didn't get along with Newman because he had agreed to do the picture which was being produced by Newman's company, only so long as they got the same money and that their roles were of equal importance. But when it came down to filming, Lee saw that his role had been reduced to second banana status, while learning at the same time that Newman was going to get an extra 200k "for expenses" that Lee would not be getting. So maybe some understandable bad blood there on Marvin's part. No, not a great film. But those two for me are always watchable.
@AmericasChoice11 ай бұрын
@@hiramnoone Ok, that explains a lot. I'm sure Marvin's heavy drinking didn't help. Yes, watchable, but could have been so much better.
@tombankwel482211 ай бұрын
I love the western clothes, i always dressed as cowboy
@glenn715210 ай бұрын
A good little movie""
@jimross764811 ай бұрын
This was a break in my getting ready to head to the NFR in Vegas for the last week of the rodeo, and a episode about a rodeo film. Junior Bonner was a close, but not quite real film about that life style. I went to see all the rodeo films, cause well the old art imitating life thing. I honestly didn't remember that all these productions came out in a pretty close together time frame. The way this behind the scenes of putting together a film is a lot like putting together a rodeo. It's a bunch of people doing their parts so that the 2 1/2 hours of performance looks smooth for the rodeo audience. You don't see the before and after unless you've been involved ,causes it's all the little pieces that need to happen to make the show work. It's the same with the film industry a bunch of people come together pre and post primary filming to make the film work. So rodeo production people and film crews are very much in the same mindset of coming together to produce the show and then going on to do the same sort of things somewhere else. I've briefly met some of the people involved at rodeo's or the NFR like Casey Tibbs and Ben Johnson who crossed between these worlds. So I highly enjoyed Stuart Rosebrook's remembrances and insights into the making of the film. Once again one of your episodes will make me find a copy of "JUNIOR BONNER The Making of a Classic" to read and add to my book collection. Some are easier to locate than others.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks, jim. I guess our timing was right. You'll enjoy the book, too.
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
That's one of my favorite ROUTE 66 episodes, jt.
@grahamhill634011 ай бұрын
JUNIOR BONNER is a good film, not the best rodeo film in my opinion, I'd say RKO's THE LUSTY MEN (1952) which kicked-off the rodeo genre was the very best, starring Robert Mitchum and Susan Hayward, co-written by David(BONANZA, HIGH CHAPARRAL) Dortort. That said, JUNIOR BONNER has a lot going for it, and for us WOW fans having Stuart Rosebrook give us his firsthand experience and memories of the "making" of it further makes this a memorable interview. Of course, having Steve McQueen as the star really makes it stand out. My dear closest friend Robert Relyea AD/Unit Manager on JAILHOUSE ROCK, WEST SIDE STORY, was Steve McQueen's business partner in Solar Productions, they were close friends. They met on THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN, worked with him on that and THE GREAT ESCAPE, Relyea was assistant to director John Sturges, and when the stunt pilot wouldn't crash the plane into the woods for the James Garner/Donald Pleasance scene, Bob Relyea did it himself. Later he was executive producer on BULLITT and THE REIVERS, but fell out with McQueen on Le MANS and McQueen never spoke to him again. John Sturges who made McQueen a superstar, he left that out-of-control picture in disgust. It may be a surprise to many, but the "King of Cool" Steve McQueen was totally un-cool, insecure and high-maintenance in real life... he cooled down somewhat with Sam Peckinpah with THE GETAWAY and JUNIOR BONNOR, as they were both wild and kindred spirits. Stuart has good insight into HOLLYWOOD and being a writer, and his Dad's movie really did Prescott proud in becoming part of the town's history and still being remembered and honored today. Despite all his faults like most people I still love McQueen, and ironically Amazon has JUNIOR BONNER and THE GREAT ESCAPE on a double-feature DVD. It's a shame that Stuart Rosebrook didn't get asked to provide a Bonus Features insight...I have the original issue DVD but now I'll have to add Stuart's book to my collection too!
@AWordonWesterns11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the insight, graham. You're right, Stuart should have been on the Bonus features.
@dennisbrazeal915211 ай бұрын
J.W Coop was a pretty good movie, but Junior Bonner is the one the real guys liked the best I think. Little more real. Hollywood has trouble with any kind of real cowboy stuff.