The Train Robbers - Train In Vain

This is an experiment in pleasantry and seeing where it gets me. The Train Robbers does have a train and some robbers in it, but fear not, neither do much to trouble the delicate sensibilities of the viewer. This is a safe space, my child. God, I hate myself.
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[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

Ben Johnson was also a Jack Ford alum. Ford recommended him to his friend Bogdanovich for The Last Picture Show.

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

Wayne was probably the first screen actor to have a background as a screen actor, rather than a stage actor (as Cagney, Tracey, Bogart, Peck and even Clift and Brando had).

[@tonybush555]

Errol Flynn was another Hollywood straight to screen actor, making his debut in a film about the Mutiny On The Bounty in 1933. Thanks for commenting, John. Appreciated. T.

[@kevinbenedict1422]

I love seeing Christopher George turn up in westerns, even if it's often in bit parts. When I was in high school, I watched all of The Rat Patrol on DVD (still have the set), and have been a fan of his and especially Gary Raymond ever since. I haven't seen this one, which surprises me. I'll give anything with Wayne in it my money. I was born in 1993, so I sadly have never gotten the opportunity to see anything of his in a theater, but one interesting result of being introduced to him years after he'd passed is that while one of my grandpa's biggest heroes was young John Wayne, one of my biggest was old John Wayne, and to this day, old Duke is what I prefer. Big Jake and The Sons of Katie Elder see somewhat regular viewings in my household of one. I'm glad you bring up his rejection of Ann-Margret, because it's refreshingly gentlemanly, and is a breath of fresh air in today's entertainment industry wherein every male romantic lead is old enough to be the female romantic lead's creepy uncle. I need to see this one even if only on account of how many people I like in it. Also, kind of out of left field, but speaking of Ann-Margret, and with the Christmas season coming up, have you seen Grumpy Old Men? Might be something you'd find amusing.

[@tonybush555]

Thank you very much for making this comment, Kevin. As you've probably gathered, John Wayne was a childhood screen hero of mine and one I continue to find infinitely watchable in the here and now. It may be unfashionable, but frankly I could care less. In answer to your question, I have seen Grumpy Old Men (Matthau and Lemmon were always good value) and I did find it amusing if less than essential viewing. And Ann-Margret was still very hot. I haven't reviewed many of Wayne's films, but the ones I have hail from his later period: Big Jake: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYCraKCKZtuDsLM McQ: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn_Zp4OHjJ6Uo68 Brannigan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWWZd2aldtyArNE Thanks again for taking the time. T.

[@thatguyfromcetialphaV]

I seem to remember as a kid coming across this and was very taken by the fact that Khan was in a John Wayne film. For that simple, shallow reason, I enjoy this film.

[@Clive697]

KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!

[@tonybush555]

Always liked Montalban as a character actor, especially as a villain. Wasn't keen on that TV thing he did with the midget from The Man With The Golden Gun, though.

[@Clive697]

@@tonybush555 Suave Richardo was in so much film and TV he appeared in every genre. Saw him on 70s Columbo recently and two of the Planet of the Apes sequels (there's four hours I'm not getting back) for instance. Some 70's TV is fab and groovy but a lot of it hasn't aged well or it's so bad it's...really bad. Fantasy Island was terrible, IMO. Apparently, tiny Herve Villachaize was a sex pest on set and off too!

[@marianotorrespico2975]

--- AND Montalban out-acted everyone in the film.

[@tonybush555]

@@marianotorrespico2975 What, better than...Bobby Vinton! Dear God, Mariano, do you know what you're saying?

[@pamboskourtoulos5239]

The Train Robbers could have been filmed in the 50s or the 60s as you said it was the least of the westerns that Wayne did in his twilight years. But it Wayne and at the end of the day...why not.

[@tonybush555]

Correct, pambos. Wayne's in it, I'll watch it.

[@Clive697]

Most of the Wayne westerns that Tony reeled off at the start could have been made a decade earlier for sure. But they're entertaining and as they're formulaic you know exactly what to expect - although I was a little shocked to see the Duke shot up and killed mid-way through The Cowboys on first viewing. That ain't supposed to happen!

[@Shadowman4710]

Yeah, my politics and personal beliefs are 180 degrees from Wayne's but as somebody who grew up watching his films during the 1970's and 80's, there's just something inexplicably compelling about the man and his work. This film is a prime example of that. Nobody would argue that it's particularly great-everything about it is pretty much average except for the acting, which I think it good overall and has a standout performance by Ricardo Montalban in a small but very important role. The final scene is pretty hysterical. Not one of Wayne's best by a long shot but it's entertaining enough and fits neatly into that run of western's he did between 1967-1976 that marked the end of his career.

[@tonybush555]

Sounds like your experience of and take on Wayne is similar to my own, Shadowman4710. Many thanks for commenting. T.

[@AbrasiousProductions]

ahh yes! your reviews always brighten up my day T!❤

[@tonybush555]

I'm glad to hear it, Streed. I'll keep doing them. T.

[@graemewilson7975]

Only vaguely remember this movie-or ann Margaret in it. Please can Tony bush return....

[@tonybush555]

Have no fear, Graeme. Normal service will be resumed. It's very likely The Wild Bunch next. Lovely!

[@graemewilson7975]

@@tonybush555 truly truly brilliant western and looking forward to hearing your thoughts keep safe

[@yanncarduner4516]

Hello Tony Bush I saw it a few months ago and I liked it.Not one of John Wayne's highest points in his career but he's still impressive and it was good fun for me.Rod Taylor was good in it as always.From Burt Kennedy I prefer Hannie Caulder .And more than ever I cherish The Shootist .One of the most moving westerns .Thanks Tony

[@tonybush555]

You're welcome, Yann. Appreciated. T.

[@yanncarduner4516]

@@tonybush555 a pleasure for me!

[@JohnMinehan-lx9ts]

I like Rod Taylor, who was both a good actor and a movie star, was apparently a good friend of Wayne's. This was probably his last movie to make any money.

[@tonybush555]

I've always had a lot of time for Rod Taylor, way better than average movie actor.

[@Clive697]

Loved Rod in the old version of The Time Machine which spooked me as a youngster - those Morlocks! - but the less said about the remake with Guy Pierce the better. He had a small role in The Birds and other films including quite a few westerns. He only actually played an Australian role for the first time in the late 60's so I thought he was American until quite recently.

[@tonybush555]

@@Clive697 Don't know about small, Clive, he was the lead male actor in Hitchcock's apocalyptic avian odyssey. I think the film he first played an Australian in was Nobody Runs Forever in 1968, part produced by his own production company. He was an Aussie detective with the delightful moniker Scobie Malone, sent to London to investigate politician Christopher Plummer over the murder of his wife some years earlier. It's a competent little mystery thriller that does manage to keep you guessing as to Plummer's innocence or guilt. Taylor was well cast.

[@Clive697]

@@tonybush555 You know your stuff, Tony (or just Google a lot)! Of course Rod was lead in the Birds. Haven't watched it for years and thought it was another actor for some reason. Nobody Runs Forever was on TV years ago and I remember thinking 'Rod does a good Aussie accent in this' and looking up his bio to realise he was from Aus. Doh! Decent film, but Plummer's usually reliable in a role. Cheers!

[@tonybush555]

@@Clive697 Combination of the two, Clive. "I've been around for a long, long years" as the song says, and I Google a lot. Many thanks. T.

[@calreid3208]

Really enjoyed this film. As you say, it's the epitome of innocuous if unremarkably entertaining Western cinema in the traditional style. Shoots along at a good pace with some nice cinematography and gripping action scenes. My one quibble would be the underutilisation of Rod Taylor. A cracking action star and a damn fine actor. If you've not seen his Western vehicle Chuka (1967) I'd highly recommend it - might be worth a review. Thanks for another great video!

[@tonybush555]

Yes, I've seen Chuka, Cal and I agree with your opinion on Rod Taylor. Might well get around to reviewing it at some stage. Regards. T.

[@mikekemp9877]

ben johnson said wayne was indifferent about the movie.duke kinda made me the star he said.he was always saying give my lines to ben.he didnt like the script apparently.he admitted to johnson he only did it to get out of the house! also he felt the movie was just a rip off of the relentless posse seen only from far off in butch cassidy.he agreed with you tony! he said according to johnson that it was only half a movie.the film only gets going at the end he said.we should have robbed the train !

[@tonybush555]

Nice commentary, Mike. Appreciated. T.

[@CaminoAir]

Did the scriptwriter take inspiration from 'Big Hand For A Little Lady'? That twist with Ann Margaret's character is very similar to Joanne Woodward's.

[@tonybush555]

Or perhaps Don Siegel's Two Mules For Sister Sara?

[@AbrasiousProductions]

I like your swearing and woke provoking though.. please don't tell me all of your reviews are gonna be "safe for all audiences" from now on☹

[@tonybush555]

Oh no, Streed, perish the thought. That isn't going to happen. Even though The Train Robbers was accepted clean apart from some copyright issues I had to address. I'd rather be demonitised or banned than not do things the way I want to do them. Rest assured, normal service will be resumed. T.