Customer Reviews

Great American Western V.18, The

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This review refers to Vol 18 of The Great Amnerican Western Series...

Volume 18 has justice being served in the old and the new West.

"American Empire" is up first. From 1942 it's a great old Black and White, that has two buddies building a cattle empire. Pretty soon they own what seems to be most of Texas. When one of them becomes ruthless in his ways, and doesnt care who gets hurt on his way to the top, they part ways. That is until a family tragedy makes him see the light, and together they fight off the bad guys. It's a Western lovers Western, complete with the music that makes it a fun view. It stars Richard Dix and Preston S Foster. The picture is a pretty good view for a 63 year old film.

The other three are from early 70's TV. "The Hanged Man" looks like it might have been a pilot that never took off. From 1974, Steve Forrest, plays a man who was convicted to hang for a crime, soley on his reputation.He is pronounced dead but by some miracle survives. He then tries to do something good with his life. He helps a widowed woman who is being terrorized by a ruthless silver baron. I think the series would have been "The Hanged Man" drifting from town to town helping people, while being chased after by a man out for vengeance(like the great Kung-Fu" series). It also starred Cameron Mitchell, Dean Jagger and Sharon Acker.

The other two are episodes from a Glenn Ford series from the early 70's called "Cade's County".These are not so much "westerns" as crime/dramas that take place in Madrid County Calif. Ford is a Sheriff solving a crime each episode, taking place in modern times. On the box the films (episodes) are titled, "Sam Cade" and "Marshal of Madrid". The actual episode titles are "The Fake", and "A Gun for Billy" respectively. Both seemed like two stories in one, but made for some pretty good drama. Cade must prevent an assassination, and deal with an ex-convict who thinks he is Billy the Kid, and thinks Cade is Pat Garrett and is out to gun him down, among other storylines in the episodes.

The great Edgar Buchanan is his sidekick, and other great guest stars include, Loretta Swit, Bobby Darin, Ed Asner and Shelly Fabares. Also look for a very young Leif Garrett.

The "Cade" episodes looked pretty dirty. Hanged Man was a pretty good transfer,but sometimes the digital process looked weird, and surprisngly American Empire, the lone Black and White and oldest, was a nice clear view(although sometimes showing it's age). These are not Criterion transfers(and dont cost as much either), so at the price, you really can't go wrong if you like these oldies. The sound is enhanced in Dolby Dig 5.1 and is pretty decent.

There are many of these Great American Western DVDs avaialable some in package deals. Each single Volume has 4 films. Some volumes come together in anywhere from 2 to 10 in a pack. Each volume is in it's own keep case, and check out some of the artwork(each is different). All the films are on the same side. You can select the film you wish to view from the menu, and each film has it's own chapter stops.

I would say on this volume "American Empire" is worth the price of admission(and gets my 4 stars), and the other three are okay for a one time view, and a good excuse not to get off the couch for a while!

Saddle Up(or in the case of the "Cade's County" episodes..gas up!) and enjoy....Laurie

UNLESS I KNOW THE TITLE OF THE MOVIE- THE GREAT AMERICAN WESTERN-
VOL 18- Starring Glenn Ford- How can I review it.?? In fact your entire series of The Great Ameriacan Westerns do not disclose the Titles of the movies without which it is difficult to make a decision re: purchase. Please make necessary adjustments to rectify this flawed information.
Thnx/rgds

Ashoke P. Mahtani

First reviewer is dead on. Another astounding example of Amazon's contempt for their customers. They ask you to review and purchase materials they do not condescend to describe. Check any category of entertainment that interests you for more flagrant examples of Amazonian contempt,