This was wonderful. Wyler was a fabulous director. Friendly Persuasion is a favorite of mine. Beautifully filmed, wonderful cast, drama and humor. I never tired of watching Wyler films.
Thank you, again and again, Rob, for opening my eyes, ears, and heart, to such delightful folks and fun conversation. Not an interview with you ever goes by without me learning more and more about the "good ole days" of western films and the people involved.
Wonderful show Rob, brings back many memories. We saw all these old movies, and enjoy your way of telling these stories. Please keep em coming. Augie and Jill Blase🤠
Great show Rob. Gary Cooper was and is one of the actors whose movies I have watched over and over again. William Wyler’s direction was always interesting to watch. I never really knew about his sense of humor. Now I will watch his movies with a different eye. Thanks for that.
Always saw big country as a goof on western grandiosity. Except for peck and Simmons the cast are small and petty and set against the landscape and sweeping orchestration which is too big for the plot or characters. Peck is a sea captain with a compass. Bickford is basically a bozo and Heston is his enforcer. If taken seriously it's a lousy movie. As satire its terrific.
@@elliotskydel641 Total opposite view here. Ives, Bickford, Heston, Connors are terrific in that great Wyler film. The opening scene music that sets things up is the best of not just any western, but maybe any movie ever made. And the fight between Heston and Peck may be the best on film.
I love the scene where,after a confrontation with Heston, the Major rides on alone. The music and the look Heston gives him when the men eventually follow and catch up, wow!! Stunning music and great fillm making.
Still my favorite movie. I'am a little long in the tooth these day's. I totally love that you are doing this. Oh the memories. It's like listening to an old song and all that was happening then. Thanks much. Be blessed. :-)
My parents introduced me to these two movies (along with The Heiress and many other Wyler films) and if all you watched were John Ford and William Wyler productions, you’d be seeing the bulk of the best movies EVER made. Great great show Mr.Word.
One film he did, while not Western related, was "The Memphis Belle". He was reported to have lost much if his hearing making that film. He was a true national treasure.
That's right, Kw. He did. A terrific documentary that was turned into a feature starring Mathew Modine, Eric Stoltz, D. B. Sweeney and others. Catherine Wyler was one of the producers.
Another great episode. So glad to see Burl Ives get some credit. He was so underrated, perhaps not taken seriously enough due to his being a folk singer. He could be jolly or nasty mean and portray either type equally well.
@@mrb4886 Well, I think Burl should have been given even more credit than he got. He was a great actor. As for his singing, I've had some of his records for several decades.
Thank you once again Mr. Rob Word! All the best memories of my life!! I so deeply appreciate your effort. My nine year old son just sat and watched about an hour of episodes. Who also watches all the movies with me.
William Wyler, unlike modern directors such as Christopher Nolan, was a master of convincing the viewer to emotionally invest in the characters, which is the entire point of cinema. If you are not invested, then you are not experiencing anything.
It ain't hard to get Americans to experience things that never happened.......you can only hypnotise someone who thinks he/she can be hypnotised.....like Republicans.....Just kidding🤣
@@stephenperretti8847 absolutely,l I agree with you......now go and take your medication and lie down and rest.......don't go over taxing that giant brain of yours!
@@martywheat9726 With all those high caliber actors,how could it be bad?Not only have I not seen it,I don’t think I have even heard of it.My husband is 71 and he said he never seen it or heard of it.I just hope I can find it.It will be a real treat...
I didn't realize that Catherine Wyler directed "Memphis Belle" (one of my favorite films. I enjoyed their fathers movies, all of his movies and not just the Westerns. The Big Country was kind of a heavy script but was full of great talent.
Me too...I had no idea she did that movie.Excellent movie...one of my very favorites.One of my favorite lines was from Sean Austin..’that guy had blue eyes’.
Although she did not direct, nonetheless she was a principal in the production of it. The 1990 version was co-produced by David Puttnam and Wyler's daughter Catherine and dedicated to her father. The film closes with a dedication to all airmen, friend or foe, who fought in the skies above Europe during World War II.
Good Sunday morning rob wow these shows may be before my time I have never seen the big country but I'm a big Western fan but Mr wyler sounds like he was something else lol so glad to see his son and daughter doing well these are all such great memories I would like to see the big country now that I'm older I could down load it on my phone thank you Rob you always bring us such great shows and memories God bless you rob
Seeing a little of the personalities of those that made the movies we so enjoy shows we are all human beings with fallacies too and that can show through in the movies they produced.
William Wyler was a great director. Friendly Persuasion & Big Country were my favorites. This was an interesting & entertaining interview with his children. Thanks, Rob!
Another great interview, Rob. Having such wonderfully candid and charming folks like Catherine and David here make your job as interviewer much easier, I know, but your vast knowledge of the subject matter (westerns) cannot be overlooked in making for another great interview. Kudos. Wyler's attention to "the technicals" ( for lack of a better term) contributed to the success of his films as well, I think. E.g., when horses were highlighted in his movies, he employed and deferred to the real professionals -- Slim Pickens in Big Country and Yakima Canutt in Ben Hur.
Thanks, Tab. I think you're absolutely correct in regards to the stunt professionals. I got a kick out of seeing the silent clips of Fred Humes. That guy could ride! How about that classic mount from the top of the building? Wow!
I didn't care much for the Westerner when I first saw it as a young man. But as I watched it later it turned into one of my favorites. Really enjoyed hearing their fathers stories and him as one of the great directors!
Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! Always loved the unexpected humor William Wyler got from his performers....so glad to hear this impression validated by his children. Really enjoyed this interview...and appreciated his cinematography journey you shared with us...truly remarkable. 💖
The imagery of the desert walk, the story unfolding by means of using embedded footsteps and discarded gear, with no dialog used. Great filmmaking is all but gone nowadays, given over to the eye candy of computer generated scenes. One of my visual favorites of the old school was "Them!", the 1954 giant ant movie. In that opening scene a little girl (Sandy Descher) who is a mute survivor, is laying in an ambulance while the attendant (William Schallert, Patty Dukes "father") and cop (James Whitmore) talk. Out of sight comes the chirping noise of a mutant, and while both men look away for the source the little girl sits bolt upright, a tight closeup of her voiceless terrified face silently telegraphing to the audience the horrors to come- and then she slowly reposes as if slumbering in a coffin while the sound fades on the wind; the two men unawares and having entirely missed that telling moment shared exclusively with us, the viewer. A short and simple yet powerfully effective scene that conveys so much with so little and virtually no dialog is definitely a lost art nowadays.☺
Randolph and Mortimer are the Dukes. Picture Dan Aykroyd strangling Eddie Murphy as he squeezes out: It was the Dukes. It was the Dukes. If you're speaking of something that belongs to Patty Duke, it's has an apostrophe, i.e.: Duke's. The guy Jean Claude Van Damme portrayed in Bloodsport is Frank Dux, pronounced as Dukes or Duke's. Confused yet? LOL!
A terrific interview Rob.? I rate both William Wyler and John Ford as my all time great Directors. Between the two of them they broke the ground and forged the way for many western directors that followed. When that blessed organ arrived I was surprised the Coop sang, but it just added to the character. A fine job again Rob, from Down Under.
Many good lines from "The Big Country": Jim McKay : "I'm not going to spend the rest of my life demonstrating how brave I am." Steve Leech: "Yeah, I'm challenging you to a fight...or isn't that a nice word back East." Rufus: " Sweet on you! If you're not the mother and father of all liars" Guest at wedding reception: (talking about the country) "Did ya ever see anything so big?" McKay: "A couple of oceans." I'm doing these from memory, so I mayhave a few words out-of-place. The great thing about Rob Word's channel is that it makes us realize what we've lost. Everytime another old star from the Westerns passes on I think " There goes another adult. God help us."
Another great interview, Rob. At the risk of sounding like my parents, after viewing these old films one wonders how today’s movies will stand up over time. So many of these left you with a special feeling, with great characters and unforgettable cinematography. Wishing you All Good Health & Stay Safe.
Another great episode. This from the stuff that you didn't think made the cut for the first part of the interview. Most interviewers would be happy to get these insights in their primary portion of an interview, let alone a secondary portion of an interview. I truly enjoy that your mastery of the films, your personal relations with many of your interviewees, the settings for the interviews, your ability to provide insightful questions, combine to make A Word On Westerns outstanding programing.
Rob, Many thanks for your consistently fascinating journeys into the Genesis of these wonderful creations.. and for you consistently gentlemanly and convivial attitude throughout.
You have a gift for learning about the real person inside the actor😊 Thank you! You have interviews that will be watched for decades and let generations to come know these amazing people!
Such a nice interview. William did have a great way to tell a story. BYOL my favorite movie. His gentle sense of humor shows in his humanity he took with the characters. Thanks again Rob.
I have seen the westerner and the high county many times. I still love to watch them. This was a great show today. Thanks Rob and for all your work. Movies today just stink.
Can’t remember who it was, but somebody once said there were only 2 plots for every Western. A stranger rides into town and a stranger rides out of town.
Thank you Rob. It's hard to tell you what I want to see because you never disappoint. You have a knack for reviewing things I never think of but I'm always into them when you air them. I never seem to get through with your productions without learning something and that's a good thing. Today's video was no exception, keep em coming!
I love the longer format. Can really sit down and enjoy these. If you have longer cuts of your past videos I would sign up on patreon to view those. These are becoming Men Who Made the Movies quality. There are so many video channels aimed at Super Hero movies I'm glad you're around for those of us who remember and love Westerns.
I think "The Westerner" was one of the greatest movies ever made. Maybe far from accurate but so well acted it dose not matter. The bar scene, whiskey so strong it eats into the bar top and Gary Cooper escaping sure death because of his story of knowing Miss Langtree was pure cinematic genius! Thanks Rob for another great video.
One of my all time favorite western movie scenes was the one from the Big Country where Charles Bickford rides off alone after Charlton Heston tells him he's done doing his dirty work. Then as Bickford rides down the canyon there's this great long shot of Heston and the rest of the men finally riding up to support him. The look between Heston and Bickford spoke volumes without saying a word.
Another great interview with William Wyler’s children Rob,pity these episodes are not longer,I’m sure there would be more fascinating stories to be told
Thanks, Mike. I hope you clicked on the link at the end of this episode to watch the rest of this interview which features a whole bunch more about THE BIG COUNTRY.
As usual, an remarkably informative, finely produced interview, with excellent guests! I can't put words into how I feel about Word's work, on our behalf! Extraordinary, inspiring, perfect. That's for starters! Thanks, again. I look forward to each, and every, installment! Keep riding!!
@@AWordonWesterns I meant every word, Word. You'll be hearing from us. I've been a personal fan for years. Now, we aim to give back. May God bless your work, abundantly more.
Great interview with Rob Word asking all the right questions. "The Big Country" was shot in technirama, a process that was not as cumbersome as the old technicolor setup. Part of the reason I enjoy old westerns is the filming process(technicolor, technirama, cinerama, vistavision etc.) And all of these formats used the dye-transfer process. Quoting winkpedia " By the mid-1960s, the dye-transfer process eventually fell out of favor in the United States as being too expensive and too slow in turning out prints. With the growing number of screens in the US, the standard run of 200-250 prints increased. And while dye-transfer printing yielded superior color printing, the number of high speed prints that could be struck in labs all over the country outweighed the fewer, slower number of prints that could only be had in Technicolor's labs. One of the last American films printed by Technicolor was The Godfather Part II (1974).[18]" I think we have all noticed over the years how awful film prints look...and in a Western a poor print harms our enjoyment of the picture.
Fortunately, Richard, many of those beautifully filmed color westerns are being restored for all of our enjoyment. They are finding new fans and viewers, too!
I caught "The Big Country" on TV a couple of months ago. I really liked it! Burl Ives was the highlight for me, and he absolutely deserved that Oscar win. Not only was I impressed with the scene where he marches into that party and delivers his speech, I was also impressed with the scene where he threatens Chuck Connors, saying he'll kill him if he makes any more mistakes. If I had one complaint, I will say that Carroll Baker was kind of whiny. Other than that, it was a great Western!
Wyler and peck didnt speak for years. Peck was a big country producer. He wanted to do over the buckboard scene with Simmons and chuck Connors. Wyler refused and they didn't speak for decades.
Thanks, Elliot. He must have been very difficult...but what performances! Catherine and David talk about that "other grudge" in our earlier interview with them and more about THE BIG COUNTRY.
Another great episode Rob. Wyler made some great westerns . I like friendly persuasion mainly for showing a different side of coop and an early performance from Anthony perkins
My favorite William Wyler film is THE BIG COUNTRY, with a great cast, beautiful cinematography (Franz Planer), and a wonderful score by Jerome Moross. In your interview, you neglected to mention in the cast, one of the greatest character actors there ever was; and that being Alfonso Bedoya. He was always great, no matter how big or small the part. Along side THE BIG COUNTRY is his memorable "BADGES" speech in TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, and his comical addition to THE MAN IN THE SADDLE. Thinking of cinematography in THE BIG C., there is that fantastic opening shot following the stagecoach and then when the title comes on you see that marvelous expanded view of the prairie with the title THE BIG COUNTRY and the tiny coach perfectly in the middle of your screen. Great interviews with interesting westerners: Keep up the good work. Thank You!!
Thanks for introducing me to William Wyler. I love the old westerns. Even some of the bad ones. I’m not sure why I didn’t know about him. Maybe it’s because when I was younger I didn’t pay so much attention to who the directors were. I paid more attention to who was onscreen. I’m going to make a point of watching Hell’s Heroes and The Big Country. I haven’t seen either one. I’m going to look for some of his early one and two reel silent films too. Even the bad ones.
I know all of these movies well, great movies. (except the silents) I have watched them many times thru the years. And once again, I had no clue who the director was. William Wyler, bravo to him! Thanks for the knowledge. That was so interesting. His children did a great interview. I love these.
Loved The Big Country , Willian Wyler got great performances from all the cast, and I loved how Gregory Peck and Jean Simmons ended up together. Herbert Marshall didn't just have a bad leg, he lost part of it in The First World War because it was injured so badly.
The hotel built for the town of Farmington in Wyler's movie The Big Country, is the same hotel at the old west ghost town I worked as a gunslinger/stuntman when I was a young man. I can't even count how many times I was shot off the hotels balcony in our shows.
William wyler great director and nice to hear from his children. I liked a lot one of his cop story : detective story a very intense story with kirk douglas. Desperate hours with Humphrey bogart was also tension filled.
Thanks for the thought, Greg. Unfortunately, the 3 leads are no longer around but I'll try and steer the conversation to LAWMAN if I'm able to book someone who worked on the series. I'll be on the lookout!
WILLIAM WYLER great director... Rob, I thought the 'grudge' was Wyler with his co-producer star Gregory Peck... But then I remembered that one never lasted 30 years. That 'grudge' was when Peck didn't like his own performance in a certain take, and asked Wyler to shoot it again and he refused... and from that point on they didn't communicate directly for the rest of the production, and well after. Interesting that THE BIG COUNTRY Blanco Canyon set was Red Rock Canyon State Park in California, used in so many pictures from The Marx Brothers GO WEST to the original WESTWORLD, to so many western movies and TV shows... but after BIG COUNTRY built the Hannasey shack compound designed by Billy Wilder's favorite art director Edward Boyle, United Artists kept it in the family and Boyle used it the same year back-to-back for MAN OF THE WEST with Gary Cooper. Since later on Hwy 395 goes straight through the park, the location has somewhat lost its majestic panoramic appeal!
Great stuff, Graham. Thanks. I usually stop there on my way to the Lone Pine Film Festival each fall. It's the camera angles that keep it interesting and fresh. Shot a music video there with my son.
Great Director, Wyler,,,,,,,,The Big Country happens to be a Fav of mine...Jean Simmons was never mentioned,...Crush on Jean Simmons.....although she's old enough to be my Mom.. Great Interview........Thanks, Rob Word.
Thanks, Brian. You must have missed our episode devoted to THE BIG COUNTRY. Here's a link for your convenience. It does have a Jean Simmons story. Enjoy! ua-cam.com/video/JSlYxvlAG-0/v-deo.html
I've always connected the name William Wyler with the WWII documentary _The Memphis Belle_ . Looks like Catherine may be "the" authority on that film. She was the executive producer on the restoration (2018), and another documentary, _Cold Blue_ , about the Eighth Air Force in WWII, both apparently financed by the late Paul Allen. Must have been interesting to have worked with a gigillionaire tech pirate. Catherine was also a producer on the 1990 theatrical film _The Memphis Belle_ starring Matthew Modine. There is another documentary, _History Rediscovered: The Memphis Belle_ (2011) credited to WW, and he was the subject of an episode of the PBS series _American Masters_ (1986).
It's amazing I never really paid attention to directors what are producers for that matter I do now but I didn't then I paid more attention to the actors and actresses but because of your show I've been introduced to a lot of good directors
The Big Country is in my top five best western collection. W.W. was a skilled director who wrung out great performances from entire cast. Burl Ives, who was a terrific actor (IMO) and Chuck Connors were never better. The "long good-bye" knock-down, drag-out fight scene between Peck and Heston was shot masterfully. Didn't hurt that I was head-over-heels in love with Jean Simmons either!
I love Walter Brennan. I think has fans of movies we always think about the actors and forget the directors when talk about loving some actors. I guess that's why good directors stay in the shadows while the actors take all the accolades.
Rob, I’d like to see you do a few in-depth shows on actors who played secondary roles who brought humor into the movies they were in. People like Gabby Hayes. Forgive me for not remembering his real name.
Whether a guy kicked a dog or patted it wasn't how you told the difference between good guys and bad guys in the old westerns, it was much easier than that.....the good guys always wore White hats and the bad guys always wore Black hats, by the time you seen how they treated the dog it was already established what color their hat was!
@@dalecomer5951 Not sure what movie it was but it starred Randolph Scott, he started out a bad guy...and of course he wore a Black hat, not sure how long into the movie it was but he changed sides and was a Good guy, I nearly fell off the lounge laughing, (I think youngsters refer to that as "rofl") when he turned up wearing a WHITE hat! why didn't the bad guys ever pick up on that when they were infiltrated by a good guy? That would be the first question I would ask if I was recruiting for either side....What color is your HAT???
I love your shows Rob but I curse you on this one. I discovered The Big Country as an adult (I suppose it was too long running for TV) but the performance of Chuck Connors just amazed me. Both Wylers wanted to say something about him but you steered them back to Bickford!
Hell's Heroes is very good, although I think the 1936 version of The Three Godfathers is the best. I quite like the Ford/Wayne one, but it's just not as good as the other 2. I still need to watch Friendly Persuasion, but all Wyler films were great. The Westerner and The Big Country are easily amongst the best Westerns ever.
The big country a masterpiece of a western Charlton heston and gregory peck great actors and the figthing in this film awsome thanks lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns thanks Hope you Are All well and safe from tom your friend
I AM glad to hear you have been vacinated i AM not been vacinated yeat hopefully in the not to distant future your friend tom now and always thanks lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns
This was wonderful. Wyler was a fabulous director. Friendly Persuasion is a favorite of mine. Beautifully filmed, wonderful cast, drama and humor. I never tired of watching Wyler films.
Thank you, again and again, Rob, for opening my eyes, ears, and heart, to such delightful folks and fun conversation. Not an interview with you ever goes by without me learning more and more about the "good ole days" of western films and the people involved.
Wonderful show Rob, brings back many memories. We saw all these old movies, and enjoy your way of telling these stories.
Please keep em coming. Augie and Jill Blase🤠
I like your J.
Friendly Persuasion is a truly beautiful movie.
Great show Rob. Gary Cooper was and is one of the actors whose movies I have watched over and over again. William Wyler’s direction was always interesting to watch. I never really knew about his sense of humor. Now I will watch his movies with a different eye. Thanks for that.
Big Country I always thought it was such a well directed movie. The camera angles in the scenes were bigger than life.
Always saw big country as a goof on western grandiosity. Except for peck and Simmons the cast are small and petty and set against the landscape and sweeping orchestration which is too big for the plot or characters. Peck is a sea captain with a compass. Bickford is basically a bozo and Heston is his enforcer. If taken seriously it's a lousy movie. As satire its terrific.
@@elliotskydel641 Ha!!!!
@@elliotskydel641 Total opposite view here. Ives, Bickford, Heston, Connors are terrific in that great Wyler film. The opening scene music that sets things up is the best of not just any western, but maybe any movie ever made.
And the fight between Heston and Peck may be the best on film.
I love the scene where,after a confrontation with Heston, the Major rides on alone. The music and the look Heston gives him when the men eventually follow and catch up, wow!! Stunning music and great fillm making.
@@alanobrien3736 Definitely 👍
Still my favorite movie. I'am a little long in the tooth these day's. I totally love that you are doing this. Oh the memories. It's like listening to an old song and all that was happening then. Thanks much. Be blessed. :-)
Thanks, Richard.
My parents introduced me to these two movies (along with The Heiress and many other Wyler films) and if all you watched were John Ford and William Wyler productions, you’d be seeing the bulk of the best movies EVER made. Great great show Mr.Word.
It never ceases to amaze me the great guests with insights on Hollywood that WOW is able to present. Very informative and entertaining!👍
Glad you enjoy them, slick. Thanks!
I agree, it's always interesting. Great history 👍 thanks Mark in Milwaukee Wisconsin
One film he did, while not Western related, was "The Memphis Belle".
He was reported to have lost much if his hearing making that film.
He was a true national treasure.
That's right, Kw. He did. A terrific documentary that was turned into a feature starring Mathew Modine, Eric Stoltz, D. B. Sweeney and others. Catherine Wyler was one of the producers.
Another great episode. So glad to see Burl Ives get some credit. He was so underrated, perhaps not taken seriously enough due to his being a folk singer. He could be jolly or nasty mean and portray either type equally well.
Ives played the hard family patriarch with a peculiar sense of honor as well as R.G. Armstrong, who seemed to specialize in those roles.
where do you get underrated? Some need to use the stupid term? He won ab Oscar for this idiot. Had hit records. Well known talent. Peace.
@@mrb4886
Well, I think Burl should have been given even more credit than he got. He was a great actor. As for his singing, I've had some of his records for several decades.
@@jozatexan1964 Carry on JT. :)
Thank you once again Mr. Rob Word! All the best memories of my life!! I so deeply appreciate your effort. My nine year old son just sat and watched about an hour of episodes. Who also watches all the movies with me.
Your 9 year old son! That is absolutely wonderful, Ricky. You are a good Dad!
William Wyler, unlike modern directors such as Christopher Nolan, was a master of convincing the viewer to emotionally invest in the characters, which is the entire point of cinema. If you are not invested, then you are not experiencing anything.
It ain't hard to get Americans to experience things that never happened.......you can only hypnotise someone who thinks he/she can be hypnotised.....like Republicans.....Just kidding🤣
@George Moore..
Donald Trump is a good man, and a GREAT President.
NOT KIDDING !!!
@@stephenperretti8847 absolutely,l I agree with you......now go and take your medication and lie down and rest.......don't go over taxing that giant brain of yours!
In my 70 years,I cannot believe I have never seen,’The Big Country’...I will check our 2 western channels,till I find it.It really looks fabulous!
It's so good
@@martywheat9726 With all those high caliber actors,how could it be bad?Not only have I not seen it,I don’t think I have even heard of it.My husband is 71 and he said he never seen it or heard of it.I just hope I can find it.It will be a real treat...
Thanks, TheS. I've given you and your husband the "Treasure Map" for classic westerns.
@@AWordonWesterns Thanks,Word.
Orson Welles was once asked to name the three best directors of all time. His answer: “John Ford, John Ford and John Ford”.....lol.
I didn't realize that Catherine Wyler directed "Memphis Belle" (one of my favorite films. I enjoyed their fathers movies, all of his movies and not just the Westerns. The Big Country was kind of a heavy script but was full of great talent.
Me too...I had no idea she did that movie.Excellent movie...one of my very favorites.One of my favorite lines was from Sean Austin..’that guy had blue eyes’.
@@TheSharron I forgot that line. How about the line “Let’s get it in the pickle barrel!”
Oh,I’m old...I loved that line,too.
Although she did not direct, nonetheless she was a principal in the production of it. The 1990 version was co-produced by David Puttnam and Wyler's daughter Catherine and dedicated to her father. The film closes with a dedication to all airmen, friend or foe, who fought in the skies above Europe during World War II.
Love your program. So many of us are DISCOVERING these great classics and their BACK STORIES for the very first time. thank you!
Thanks, Victor. We are here to serve and educate. Glad you're enjoying the classics.
Good Sunday morning rob wow these shows may be before my time I have never seen the big country but I'm a big Western fan but Mr wyler sounds like he was something else lol so glad to see his son and daughter doing well these are all such great memories I would like to see the big country now that I'm older I could down load it on my phone thank you Rob you always bring us such great shows and memories God bless you rob
Thanks, bessie. Try and see THE BIG COUNTRY on a BIG screen. It will take your breath away.
My favorite of these is Friendly Persuasion but now you have made me want to go back and see the ones I have missed!
Mr. Cooper was fantastic in "The Westerner"
Seeing a little of the personalities of those that made the movies we so enjoy shows we are all human beings with fallacies too and that can show through in the movies they produced.
William Wyler was a great director. Friendly Persuasion & Big Country were my favorites. This was an interesting & entertaining interview with his children. Thanks, Rob!
Thanks, Lady.
Another fun interview . Really Loved The Big Country and every actor deserved an award for their roles. Thanks Rob, once again.
You bet, Larry. thanksl
Big Country is a favorite of mine as well! Another great episode of learning more interesting behind the scene facts about classic movies!
Great movies when actors and directors were in themselves great. I love revisiting these over and over again.
Thanks, James.
Another great interview, Rob. Having such wonderfully candid and charming folks like Catherine and David here make your job as interviewer much easier, I know, but your vast knowledge of the subject matter (westerns) cannot be overlooked in making for another great interview. Kudos.
Wyler's attention to "the technicals" ( for lack of a better term) contributed to the success of his films as well, I think. E.g., when horses were highlighted in his movies, he employed and deferred to the real professionals -- Slim Pickens in Big Country and Yakima Canutt in Ben Hur.
Thanks, Tab. I think you're absolutely correct in regards to the stunt professionals. I got a kick out of seeing the silent clips of Fred Humes. That guy could ride! How about that classic mount from the top of the building? Wow!
I didn't care much for the Westerner when I first saw it as a young man. But as I watched it later it turned into one of my favorites. Really enjoyed hearing their fathers stories and him as one of the great directors!
Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! Always loved the unexpected humor William Wyler got from his performers....so glad to hear this impression validated by his children. Really enjoyed this interview...and appreciated his cinematography journey you shared with us...truly remarkable. 💖
Thanks, J P
The imagery of the desert walk, the story unfolding by means of using embedded footsteps and discarded gear, with no dialog used. Great filmmaking is all but gone nowadays, given over to the eye candy of computer generated scenes. One of my visual favorites of the old school was "Them!", the 1954 giant ant movie. In that opening scene a little girl (Sandy Descher) who is a mute survivor, is laying in an ambulance while the attendant (William Schallert, Patty Dukes "father") and cop (James Whitmore) talk. Out of sight comes the chirping noise of a mutant, and while both men look away for the source the little girl sits bolt upright, a tight closeup of her voiceless terrified face silently telegraphing to the audience the horrors to come- and then she slowly reposes as if slumbering in a coffin while the sound fades on the wind; the two men unawares and having entirely missed that telling moment shared exclusively with us, the viewer. A short and simple yet powerfully effective scene that conveys so much with so little and virtually no dialog is definitely a lost art nowadays.☺
The first 30 minutes of THEM is perfect film making.
Later, she said: They're heeere.
@@JW...-oj5iw No, she started screaming "THEM! THEM!".
Thanks, Hank. Right you are!
Randolph and Mortimer are the Dukes. Picture Dan Aykroyd strangling Eddie Murphy as he squeezes out: It was the Dukes. It was the Dukes. If you're speaking of something that belongs to Patty Duke, it's has an apostrophe, i.e.: Duke's. The guy Jean Claude Van Damme portrayed in Bloodsport is Frank Dux, pronounced as Dukes or Duke's. Confused yet? LOL!
A terrific interview Rob.? I rate both William Wyler and John Ford as my all time great Directors. Between the two of them they broke the ground and forged the way for many western directors that followed. When that blessed organ arrived I was surprised the Coop sang, but it just added to the character. A fine job again Rob, from Down Under.
Many good lines from "The Big Country": Jim McKay : "I'm not going to spend the rest of my life demonstrating how brave I am." Steve Leech: "Yeah, I'm challenging you to a fight...or isn't that a nice word back East." Rufus: " Sweet on you! If you're not the mother and father of all liars" Guest at wedding reception: (talking about the country) "Did ya ever see anything so big?" McKay: "A couple of oceans." I'm doing these from memory, so I mayhave a few words out-of-place. The great thing about Rob Word's channel is that it makes us realize what we've lost. Everytime another old star from the Westerns passes on I think " There goes another adult. God help us."
Thanks, Richard. Luckily we've still got the films! I'm documenting as many memories as fast as I can! Stay well!
Another great interview, Rob. At the risk of sounding like my parents, after viewing these old films one wonders how today’s movies will stand up over time. So many of these left you with a special feeling, with great characters and unforgettable cinematography. Wishing you All Good Health & Stay Safe.
Thanks, Al.
Another great episode. This from the stuff that you didn't think made the cut for the first part of the interview. Most interviewers would be happy to get these insights in their primary portion of an interview, let alone a secondary portion of an interview. I truly enjoy that your mastery of the films, your personal relations with many of your interviewees, the settings for the interviews, your ability to provide insightful questions, combine to make A Word On Westerns outstanding programing.
WOW! Thanks, Jim. I do my best.
Rob,
Many thanks for your consistently fascinating journeys into the Genesis of these wonderful creations.. and for you consistently gentlemanly and convivial attitude throughout.
You have a gift for learning about the real person inside the actor😊
Thank you! You have interviews that will be watched for decades and let generations to come know these amazing people!
Wow, thank you, Jimmie. So very nice of you.
These directors knew that building character was essential to the story. So much better than all the big action movies of today.
Another great show!
A wonderful collection of superb films on so many level.
Wylers resume just amazing!! Thanks Rob
Thanks, Vern.
I find these interviews very entertaining. You Rob, are having the time of your life.. there's a lot of rich history here. Thank you.
Thanks, Sam. Glad to spread these great stories around.
I can not get over how much you bring to these interviews Rob. Great watching and listening to the back stories also. Keep em coming.
Thanks, Norm. I'm doing my best. Love westerns!!
One of the greatest films I've ever seen! What a cast, what performances. I need to see it again. Thanks, Rob.
You bet, Darryl. Let us know how you think it holds up after you rescreen it. Thanks.
Love the movies Friendly Persuasion and The Big Country.
Such a nice interview. William did have a great way to tell a story. BYOL my favorite movie. His gentle sense of humor shows in his humanity he took with the characters. Thanks again Rob.
Thanks, Dee. Glad you enjoyed it.
I have seen the westerner and the high county many times. I still love to watch them. This was a great show today. Thanks Rob and for all your work. Movies today just stink.
Thanks, WT. Glad you enjoyed the show.
Can’t remember who it was, but somebody once said there were only 2 plots for every Western. A stranger rides into town and a stranger rides out of town.
Thank you Rob. It's hard to tell you what I want to see because you never disappoint. You have a knack for reviewing things I never think of but I'm always into them when you air them. I never seem to get through with your productions without learning something and that's a good thing. Today's video was no exception, keep em coming!
Thanks, Wayne. I'll try not to let YOU down!
I love the longer format. Can really sit down and enjoy these. If you have longer cuts of your past videos I would sign up on patreon to view those. These are becoming Men Who Made the Movies quality. There are so many video channels aimed at Super Hero movies I'm glad you're around for those of us who remember and love Westerns.
Noted, Hawk. I've been going back into the archives and reediting the early shows into longer, full versions. Glad you enjoy them.
Thank you, Rob. Take care, amigo.
You can sure see that you really like your job, Rob. Good for you. Great interview, as always.
Thanks, Lewis.
A great interview that is not only about Wyler’s westerns - but what makes an Oscar winning director in any genre!
Thanks, Lawrence. Were you there that day?
I think "The Westerner" was one of the greatest movies ever made. Maybe far from accurate but so well acted it dose not matter. The bar scene, whiskey so strong it eats into the bar top and Gary Cooper escaping sure death because of his story of knowing Miss Langtree was pure cinematic genius! Thanks Rob for another great video.
One of my all time favorite western movie scenes was the one from the Big Country where Charles Bickford rides off alone after Charlton Heston tells him he's done doing his dirty work. Then as Bickford rides down the canyon there's this great long shot of Heston and the rest of the men finally riding up to support him. The look between Heston and Bickford spoke volumes without saying a word.
Thanks, Jeff. Check out part one of this interview and see what the Wylers have to say about that exact scene.
@@AWordonWesterns Looked at part one (again) and was disappointed at how they downplayed and were a bit critical of that great scene.
Another great interview with William Wyler’s children Rob,pity these episodes are not longer,I’m sure there would be more fascinating stories to be told
Thanks, Mike. I hope you clicked on the link at the end of this episode to watch the rest of this interview which features a whole bunch more about THE BIG COUNTRY.
As usual, an remarkably informative, finely produced interview, with excellent guests! I can't put words into how I feel about Word's work, on our behalf! Extraordinary, inspiring, perfect. That's for starters! Thanks, again. I look forward to each, and every, installment! Keep riding!!
Wow, Cowboy Rick. Thank you!
@@AWordonWesterns I meant every word, Word. You'll be hearing from us. I've been a personal fan for years. Now, we aim to give back. May God bless your work, abundantly more.
Rob, another great interview, I wish that it was twice as long!!
Thanks, Tony. Check out part one. Link should be during the closing credits.
Great interview with Rob Word asking all the right questions. "The Big Country" was shot in technirama, a process that was not as cumbersome as the old technicolor setup. Part of the reason I enjoy old westerns is the filming process(technicolor, technirama, cinerama, vistavision etc.) And all of these formats used the dye-transfer process. Quoting winkpedia " By the mid-1960s, the dye-transfer process eventually fell out of favor in the United States as being too expensive and too slow in turning out prints. With the growing number of screens in the US, the standard run of 200-250 prints increased. And while dye-transfer printing yielded superior color printing, the number of high speed prints that could be struck in labs all over the country outweighed the fewer, slower number of prints that could only be had in Technicolor's labs. One of the last American films printed by Technicolor was The Godfather Part II (1974).[18]" I think we have all noticed over the years how awful film prints look...and in a Western a poor print harms our enjoyment of the picture.
Fortunately, Richard, many of those beautifully filmed color westerns are being restored for all of our enjoyment. They are finding new fans and viewers, too!
I caught "The Big Country" on TV a couple of months ago. I really liked it! Burl Ives was the highlight for me, and he absolutely deserved that Oscar win. Not only was I impressed with the scene where he marches into that party and delivers his speech, I was also impressed with the scene where he threatens Chuck Connors, saying he'll kill him if he makes any more mistakes. If I had one complaint, I will say that Carroll Baker was kind of whiny. Other than that, it was a great Western!
Thanks, TT
Great interview. Simmons and Baker were said to be so traumatized by Mr. Weller's directing style they couldn't speak of it for years.
Wyler and peck didnt speak for years. Peck was a big country producer. He wanted to do over the buckboard scene with Simmons and chuck Connors. Wyler refused and they didn't speak for decades.
Thanks, Elliot. He must have been very difficult...but what performances! Catherine and David talk about that "other grudge" in our earlier interview with them and more about THE BIG COUNTRY.
Another great episode Rob. Wyler made some great westerns . I like friendly persuasion mainly for showing a different side of coop and an early performance from Anthony perkins
My favorite William Wyler film is THE BIG COUNTRY, with a great cast, beautiful cinematography (Franz Planer), and a wonderful score by Jerome Moross. In your interview, you neglected to mention in the cast, one of the greatest character actors there ever was; and that being Alfonso Bedoya. He was always great, no matter how big or small the part. Along side THE BIG COUNTRY is his memorable "BADGES" speech in TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE, and his comical addition to THE MAN IN THE SADDLE. Thinking of cinematography in THE BIG C., there is that fantastic opening shot following the stagecoach and then when the title comes on you see that marvelous expanded view of the prairie with the title THE BIG COUNTRY and the tiny coach perfectly in the middle of your screen. Great interviews with interesting westerners: Keep up the good work. Thank You!!
Thanks for the comments, Gerry. I love THE BIG COUNTRY.
These are some of my favorite movies, The end results show how Wyler could create some bigger than life productions.
Excellent episode. Many thanks!
Thanks for introducing me to William Wyler. I love the old westerns. Even some of the bad ones.
I’m not sure why I didn’t know about him. Maybe it’s because when I was younger I didn’t pay so much attention to who the directors were. I paid more attention to who was onscreen.
I’m going to make a point of watching Hell’s Heroes and The Big Country. I haven’t seen either one. I’m going to look for some of his early one and two reel silent films too. Even the bad ones.
Have fun, Vlad. You're sure to enjoy them.
Loved all the movies that were mentioned other than the silent movies which i have never seen
I know all of these movies well, great movies. (except the silents) I have watched them many times thru the years. And once again, I had no clue who the director was. William Wyler, bravo to him! Thanks for the knowledge. That was so interesting. His children did a great interview. I love these.
Thanks for the compliments and for sharing, Crow!
I loved the " BIG COUNTRY " I recognized Burl Ives as soon as I heard his voice as I have some of his records 😍💙🙏oxoxox oxoxox oxoxox
" The Big Country, " has the greatest instrumental musical score of all time for an introduction to an action WESTERN !
Very nice. Thank you for posting. Friendly Persuasion is such a great movie - it’s one of my five favorite movies of all time!
Glad you enjoyed it, Grant. Thanks.
Loved The Big Country , Willian Wyler got great performances from all the cast, and I loved how Gregory Peck and Jean Simmons ended up together. Herbert Marshall didn't just have a bad leg, he lost part of it in The First World War because it was injured so badly.
Thanks, Kendell.
@@AWordonWesterns You're welcome, and thanks for doing what you do.
The hotel built for the town of Farmington in Wyler's movie The Big Country, is the same hotel at the old west ghost town I worked as a gunslinger/stuntman when I was a young man. I can't even count how many times I was shot off the hotels balcony in our shows.
Cool, PC. Thanks.
Thank you for another great production.
Our pleasure, GJ. Thanks.
I love all those movies..this made me very happy.Thank you .
Glad you enjoyed it, Marsha. Your comment made ME happy, too!
Thanks Robb for another beautifully crafted video on our favorite genre!
My pleasure!
Thank You Rob!! A GREAT way to start a Sunday morning!! :-)
A genius. Thanks for this one, Rob.
THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES, greatest film ever.
I must disagree. It's a great film, but Ben Hur is better. It doesn't seem long, because it is so great. William Wyler was a great director.
More great interviews. I think the thing that makes them so good, is the simple fact, you’re one of the biggest fans of the Western movie.
Ya got that right, Tom. Thanks.
William wyler great director and nice to hear from his children. I liked a lot one of his cop story : detective story a very intense story with kirk douglas. Desperate hours with Humphrey bogart was also tension filled.
This was great. I can't wait to watch my blu ray of The Big Country again.
Thanks, Wayne. It's beautiful on Blu-ray! Enjoy.
Hope there is a part two to this interview 😉👍
Did you miss the link to the rest of this interview in our closing credits? It's also in the description. Enjoy, Cmdr. Thanks.
@@AWordonWesterns oops lol I will check. You could easily to 8 hours of interview about William a still leave more things to cover
"The Big Country."...........Brilliant !!!
The Big Country was the first film that I saw in a movie theater. I always tried to pattern my behavior after Gregory Peck's character.
Nice role model, William. Thanks.
Lawman was one of my favorite television shows when I was very young, Rob. Have you, or will you interviewed any cast members that are still with us?
I love the Lawman series
Thanks for the thought, Greg. Unfortunately, the 3 leads are no longer around but I'll try and steer the conversation to LAWMAN if I'm able to book someone who worked on the series. I'll be on the lookout!
@@AWordonWesterns thank you Rob.
WILLIAM WYLER great director... Rob, I thought the 'grudge' was Wyler with his co-producer star Gregory Peck...
But then I remembered that one never lasted 30 years. That 'grudge' was when Peck didn't like his own performance in a certain take, and asked Wyler to shoot it again and he refused... and from that point on they didn't communicate directly for the rest of the production, and well after.
Interesting that THE BIG COUNTRY Blanco Canyon set was Red Rock Canyon State Park in California, used in so many pictures from The Marx Brothers GO WEST to the original WESTWORLD, to so many western movies and TV shows... but after BIG COUNTRY built the Hannasey shack compound designed by Billy Wilder's favorite art director Edward Boyle, United Artists kept it in the family and Boyle used it the same year back-to-back for MAN OF THE WEST with Gary Cooper.
Since later on Hwy 395 goes straight through the park, the location has somewhat lost its majestic panoramic appeal!
Great stuff, Graham. Thanks. I usually stop there on my way to the Lone Pine Film Festival each fall. It's the camera angles that keep it interesting and fresh. Shot a music video there with my son.
Great Director, Wyler,,,,,,,,The Big Country happens to be a Fav of mine...Jean Simmons was never mentioned,...Crush on Jean Simmons.....although she's old enough to be my Mom.. Great Interview........Thanks, Rob Word.
Thanks, Brian. You must have missed our episode devoted to THE BIG COUNTRY. Here's a link for your convenience.
It does have a Jean Simmons story. Enjoy! ua-cam.com/video/JSlYxvlAG-0/v-deo.html
@@AWordonWesterns Thanks Rob.....I'll sure look that up.....I seen Jean Simmons in Spartacus as a kid.....Fell in Love with her. Thanx Again.
I've always connected the name William Wyler with the WWII documentary _The Memphis Belle_ . Looks like Catherine may be "the" authority on that film. She was the executive producer on the restoration (2018), and another documentary, _Cold Blue_ , about the Eighth Air Force in WWII, both apparently financed by the late Paul Allen. Must have been interesting to have worked with a gigillionaire tech pirate. Catherine was also a producer on the 1990 theatrical film _The Memphis Belle_ starring Matthew Modine. There is another documentary, _History Rediscovered: The Memphis Belle_ (2011) credited to WW, and he was the subject of an episode of the PBS series _American Masters_ (1986).
All good stuff that's worth searching out. Thanks, Dale!
It's amazing I never really paid attention to directors what are producers for that matter I do now but I didn't then I paid more attention to the actors and actresses but because of your show I've been introduced to a lot of good directors
That's great, chucky. You sure are lucky!
Favorite scene in Westerner when Gary Cooper washes face and tries to find clean spot on towel
Burl Ives western movies need to be explored
Did you see WIND ACROSS THE EVERGLADES? It was done the same year, Lee, and Burl was terrific. Nicholas Ray directed. Christopher Plummer starred.
@@AWordonWesterns I will definitely look for this. Thank you
The Big Country is in my top five best western collection. W.W. was a skilled director who wrung out great performances from entire cast. Burl Ives, who was a terrific actor (IMO) and Chuck Connors were never better. The "long good-bye" knock-down, drag-out fight scene between Peck and Heston was shot masterfully. Didn't hurt that I was head-over-heels in love with Jean Simmons either!
Thanks, John. I think you'll like the continuation of this interview with Catherine and David because we go much deeper into THE BIG COUNTRY. Enjoy!
Love the show ! Rob needs a podcast !
I love Walter Brennan. I think has fans of movies we always think about the actors and forget the directors when talk about loving some actors. I guess that's why good directors stay in the shadows while the actors take all the accolades.
Rob, I’d like to see you do a few in-depth shows on actors who played secondary roles who brought humor into the movies they were in. People like Gabby Hayes. Forgive me for not remembering his real name.
George Hayes is on my list to do a special tribute episodes. Thanks. That's a Super idea.
Loved the Big Country 🐂
Rob, it would be great if Carroll Baker appeared; The Big Country, How the West Was Won, Giant. ☺
She would be great! Thanks, John.
Because most of the great western directors are dead it makes perfect sense talking tot their children who have many great stories to tell.
Whether a guy kicked a dog or patted it wasn't how you told the difference between good guys and bad guys in the old westerns, it was much easier than that.....the good guys always wore White hats and the bad guys always wore Black hats, by the time you seen how they treated the dog it was already established what color their hat was!
Of course. "White hat" and "black hat" have become cultural idioms.
You'd think the dog 'd pick up on that.
@@dalecomer5951 Not sure what movie it was but it starred Randolph Scott, he started out a bad guy...and of course he wore a Black hat, not sure how long into the movie it was but he changed sides and was a Good guy, I nearly fell off the lounge laughing, (I think youngsters refer to that as "rofl") when he turned up wearing a WHITE hat! why didn't the bad guys ever pick up on that when they were infiltrated by a good guy?
That would be the first question I would ask if I was recruiting for either side....What color is your HAT???
I love your shows Rob but I curse you on this one. I discovered The Big Country as an adult (I suppose it was too long running for TV) but the performance of Chuck Connors just amazed me. Both Wylers wanted to say something about him but you steered them back to Bickford!
Thanks, JR. That's the story they wanted to share.
Hell's Heroes is very good, although I think the 1936 version of The Three Godfathers is the best. I quite like the Ford/Wayne one, but it's just not as good as the other 2.
I still need to watch Friendly Persuasion, but all Wyler films were great. The Westerner and The Big Country are easily amongst the best Westerns ever.
A great episode.
The Big Country one of the best. The Music makes the movie. Rewatch the opening credits!
The big country a masterpiece of a western Charlton heston and gregory peck great actors and the figthing in this film awsome thanks lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns thanks Hope you Are All well and safe from tom your friend
Thanks, Tom. All is well here in LA. Got my 2nd shot and am feeling frisky!
I AM glad to hear you have been vacinated i AM not been vacinated yeat hopefully in the not to distant future your friend tom now and always thanks lord Rob Word of Word on Westerns