This scene. 9.0 out of ten. The whole movie, about a 9.5 out of ten. I stumbled on this movie one night by accidnt and decided to watch and I was captivated. I think its one of the best westerns I have ever seen.
Can we please acknowledge that _every_ camera shot in this scene is an entire oil painting in itself! Sergio Leone and his crew were a bunch of geniuses. They don't make'em like that no more.
@@rogerdavies6226 Try Benjamin Tod and his wife, a.k.a. "Lost Dog Street Band". One of the best Outlaw Folk/Bluegrass/Country I've heard since Tyler Childers' "Nose To The Grindstone".
Sturgil Simpson…Jamey Johnson… And people HATED this spaghetti schlock, when it came out…(I love it, so back off…And accept that there’s the lucky few, that respect, and enjoy it, while acknowledging, there’s justified critique… I just can’t…cause I’ll watch anything w Jack Elam in it…..
If you’re like me, and over 50, you realize that the fact that few movies, let alone scenes within movies, are made at this pace any longer because society has evolved to the point where most people don’t have the attention span required to enjoy this kind of directing. In the age of tweets, instagrams, and other social media, messaging is delivered in 5-10 second bites and then it’s on to the next message. This has resulted in a society generally unable to endure the time scenes like this one require, unfortunately. It’s a shame, as a true art has been lost.
I’m 27 and I share your frustration in this. It’s truly sad that we’ve not only lost the appreciation for such excellent scenes and pacing. But deem it as something bad and would be critiqued if it came out today, for being way too drawn out and slow in today’s society.
I am 15 and totally agree with you! Far too many of my peers use attention span draining applications and cant enjoy good things anymore without getting bored very quickly...
Most people talk in sound bites and can't even carry a conversation. Social media has distorted their minds so bad that they can't hold on to a subject for 5 minutes straight. Sad
A magnificent opening scene which should be seen in its entire 15 minutes. Once Upon a Time in the West is an operatic masterpiece. Each of the main characters has a musical theme associated with it composed by Morricone. During filming the music would play.
the score came first. leitmotif. this was the only movie to do that. as far as themes for characters, starwars, lord of the rings also do it, but the score didn't dictate the story. this is also the best score ever for a movie.
Agreed, superb use of music. If I remember correctly, Cheyenne's theme is played after he is dead from the gunshot wound, rather than Harmonica's theme. Of course Harmonica got his guy, so why use the theme? Yet, Cheyenne is dead, so why use his theme? I still wonder why he chose Cheyenne's theme after he died.
The fact that the scene moves at a normal pace and isn't rushed makes it very special. Today's filmmakers as a whole are impatient and feel the need to push scenes rather than let them play out as they would in real life. The framing of the scenes with the intense close ups complimented with wide shots really grounds the viewer into the scene. We are present at this gunfight. We hear it,see it and in our minds we can even smell the gunpowder discharged!
It's the audience that is being pandered to with thier ADHD. A casual movie goer these days would find this scene long and boring. I wish more filmmakers would stop pandering to today's audience's and just make a really good movie. Few directors are though but no one sees them.
In real life? Firing from the hip with a pistol in real life at that speed means missing the target. Add to that the range they are firing from. The odds are on the side of the three men, not the one. After the first shot that missed, they'd all be trying to get to some sort of cover or concealment. When I train for something like this, I'm normally about three feet away from my practice targets. What we are seeing is the west as Holly Wood portrays it. Not saying that this isn't one of the best gun fights ever produced for the movies because it is. I suggest you read some books or video about how most gun fights really went down. Not trying to cut you down. It is a bad ass scene.
Sergio Leone had a knack for creating great scenes like this, as he did with his "Man with no Name" trilogy. I'd say that a lot of westerns after it, tried to follow that style of directing, with some succeeding and others not so much. I'd say that "Unforgiven" did a good job of presenting this style of buildup in a scene.
Jack Elam (the cowboy in the center who said "Frank sent us") was such a great actor. Over 200 films and TV show appearances. He lost the sight in his eye at age 11 during, of all things, a Boy Scout meeting, when a kid hit him with a pencil. He once mentioned to movie mogul Daryl Zanuck that he could have it fixed and Zanuck stopped him, telling him it was part of his mystique. Despite being known as a bad guy through most of his career, he did some outstanding comedy too, some poking fun at his many villain roles. He was also well respected by many of his peers and considered a great guy on a personal level.
My brother, who's now a fire chief used to bring him oxygen in his later years in Ashland, Oregon. Said he was a real nice guy. Great old cowboy actor. Peace!
That’s a great story. I’m ashamed to say I only knew him as the doctor in Cannonball Run, and I was actually a little proud of myself for recognizing him here because of the age difference. Him and that damned finger made my childhood brighter lol. But now I’ll have to watch some more of his work.
Great badguy. Was an movie accountant and supposedly asked Sam Goldwyn to let him play in a movie instead of his usually salary. That look was amazing.
Agreed 100%. "You brought two too many". Loved that line. And that he takes a hit as well just added a layer of realism you didn't normally see in westerns. Leone was a master of the art.
Yeah he takes a "hit", but, no blood, he puts his arm in a sling and he's good to go? I agree it adds the layer but it does seem pretty thin in that regard. Edit: ok fine, i saw the blood on his shoulder blade after watching again, but that was barely noticeable, lol.
@@TheRrsierra68 This is 'Once upon a time in the West'. Music by Ennio Morricone, one of the greatest sound tracks ever. I have seen this movie at least 20 times and still love it. Absolute must see.
Yep, they were order takers for Frank, and didn't appear to be the sharpest knives in the drawer, but, it didn't take Elam and Strodes very long to figure out what CB meant by THAT statement, lol.
A big part of the scene is missing - they were waiting for this train for almost 10 minutes. It's a pretty bold move to open a movie with 10 minutes of nothing happening, just watching a squeaking wind wheel and some flies buzzing around. Epic!
Nothing leaves you uneasy like Bronson's harmonica tune resonating eerieness and uncertainty, never knowing his story of revenge until the very end....a incredible movie with Leone at helm and Morricone at the songs.
" Once Upon A Time In The West" Is one of the best westerns ever made. It had an incredible cast and being a western. The music even had a starring roll.
The minutes leading up to this make this scene iconic. Almost monotonous in the pacing. 3 men waiting. The whole movie is a masterpiece. Every character with their own theme music. The story itself. The score. One of my top 5 movies of all time.
Yeah, this clip was too short and started too late. The flies buzzing around while they are waiting, the water dripping into the man's hat until it's enough to take a sip.... those build so much of the atmosphere of this scene.
The best western with the best director,the best music composer,the best actors ,the best actresses....Today nobody got talent enough to make the western like this one.
Actually, the entire opening is one piece, while the intros are rolling. From Frank's men waiting on the train with that windmill creaking, to the fly crawling on Jack Elam's face, to the train's arrival and subsequent shoot-out. Yes, it's a masterpiece. And, it is bookended with the best climax scene ever.
Agreed. They've cropped this clip so it gets straight to the climax, but the whole build-up with the windmill,. the fly in the gun, the terrified ticket seller and the rest is all part of the pace and tension of the scene.
@@JohnSecker Without the constant windmill squeeking, the dripping water tower or the anticipation of the train's arrival, this scene is missing most of what made it so great. I'm not a western movie fan, but this movie is different than the others from the 1960s-the visuals of this movie have the impact of the best comic books of those days, it's film in comic book form. One of my favorite movies that I watch very often! 👍
The cowboy on far left was Al Mulock. After shooting this scene he went back to his hotel room in entire cowboy outfit and jumped off hotel. He died on way to hospital. He was in Good, Bad, and Ugly. The one arm bad guy in bath tub seen. They say he was terrible drug abuser.
@@paule.parker9714 The third hired gun was Al Mulock, a well established actor and seen in another Leone film as well. He committed suicide before the opening scene was completed, and that's the reason you don't see his face the last few minutes (a stand in was filmed from behind). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Mulock
I was a bus boy at Logan Airport in 1977 or 78, still in high school. I hung out with Charles, his wife Jill Ireland, and 2 or 3 of their young children, for about 3 hours. They were so nice, you can't imagine. I had many celebrity encounters (talked to David Bowie for several minutes, who was incredibly nice as well) but most famous people are pretty cold and not so nice. Charles Bronson was one cool dude, as well as a good husband and father.
Watched these movies back in the Day with my Father. Hours enjoying each other's company. Later as the years passed and my fathers was 85 I let him watch me playing RDR2 and he was amazed how a game can look like a movie and we had a lot of flashbacks - Now my father passed and I miss him, the memories are forever in my mind and I never forget his look and laughter watching me playing RDR2. - We will meet again someday. Bless you all.
I never forgot this scene from when I was a kid, you can feel the hot wind in the atmosphere and that rugged railroad tie platform, so old west and gritty
@@lpdog82 Because I knew the name I stopped at Tucumcari, it is on I-40 where the signs say next exit 57 miles, no services. It is still the middle of nowhere.
Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for you because He loves you so much. He then rose up from the dead three days later The Ten Commandments are called the moral law, (most of us are lying thieving blasphemous adulterer at heart and deserve hell) you and I broke the law, Jesus paid the fine. That’s what happened on that cross. By believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose up from the dead 3 days later and not just confessing your sin, but also repenting of all sin you have done and putting all your trust in Him in prayer, He will grant you everlasting life as a free gift.
Bunked into the ABC cinema at 12 and was blown away by this film, that was 52 years ago and it's still one of the best opening western scenes going, classic
Charles Bronson was a real life tough guy. He served in ww2 flying bombing raids on Japanese islands. He receive wounds in action and was awarded the purple heart medal. Absolute legend.
@@motterjeffjm Jeff. Notice how I spelled the word. I really hope your joking and know difference between miner and minor. Fun fact: England passed the first labor law in 1833 ( which forbade any child under age of 9 to work) children were used in factors and mines for centuries. The US passed it federal labor laws in 1938. Have a good one!
The Last real Movie Celebrating true Westerns was Gene Hackmans and Clint Eastwoods masterpiece from 93.Gene I think won best supporting actor Oscar and Clint won a few.🐎🐖🐀🦃
I met Mr Bronson and his wife Ms Ireland in a pharmacy in Bayswater ( London) in the early nineties, working as a pharmacist. Both of them were so humble and kind to myself and all the staff . Both are legends for humanity.
@@brucef310 While working on The Great Escape, told David McCallum that he was going to 'take his wife'.. Imagine that. Well, he got Jill Ireland and David moved on.
"Did you bring a horse for me?" .. one simple line gives us all the context we need. No unnecessary dialogue, no needless cursing, no Hollywood bs. Perfection
*This is the best OPENING scene ever, because they got the sound of the rusty windmill ALMOST right.* Other than that? It's mostly complete shit. The "brought one horse too many" line is the ONLY good thing about it. The rest is Hollywood bullshit, and you all know it. If you think you like this, try Justified. After season 2 you'll think it's great. Once you pass season 4 you'll realize it's the best show of this century.
@@jonslg240 True.... Justified is a brilliant show and because of that it's on my 'watch again' list. There is absolutely no 'Hollywood Bullshit' in this movie, quite the opposite. Only two geniuses (Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone) could create such a masterpiece. I get the feeling that you are ignoring the music and even if you hear it, you are unable to see the context. Where in any Hollywood film or TV show do you hear music like this? And where in any Hollywood production do you find scenes with so little dialogue yet so much content?
Exactly same here Sir Born in 1953 and without a doubt my favourite film i don’t know how many times I have watched it and a music well i don’t think I got words to describe it must a heard music probably 100 times.
This is one of those movies that you never forget and you watch a number of times during your lifetime. I saw it for the first time probably 50 years ago and I never forgot it. Now that is a great movie. The tragedy of the young boy's first encounter with the gang is visceral and it drives the fire that goes through the whole film. BRAVO!
Huh? Young boy? Are you referring to the scene above thats from the opening of the movie? Maybe your thinking of another movie. Or are you talking about a different scene, like when harmonica was a kid. The sece above is from the movie "Once Upon A Time In The West" And is like you said in the beginning of your comment. its a movie you can rewatch over and over throughout life. I love this movie, its still one of my favorites of all westerns.
@@myfortnite6405 I am talking about the first time he meets this gang as a boy...if you know the movie then you know exactly what I am talking about. Why is he coming for all of them? Think about it.
Totally agree there was a scene that I really liked in a few dollars more , between Klaus kinski and Lee van cleef, when he strikes a match on his haunched shoulder at the bar with his Klaus tune for that character, and he , is stopped from drawing against Lee character, then ,Lee van cleef, takes his cigar , and light his pipe , Klaus kinski , character you could see the anger as his eyes swelling up, as the background music plays , brilliant scene Lee van cleef character smokes in his face. to anger him
The attention to detail on this scene is astounding. Bronson waits for the three gunman to come together before making his presence known as they were awaiting far apart beforehand. Watching Elam slowly bring his hand forward when he realizes a gunfight is inevitable. Bronson even shoots Woody Strode's character last, knowing it will take him longer to ready his "mare's leg" weapon, which is why he is the only one able to get a shot off of the three. Slow buildup is without peer in regards to Western style shootouts, save High Noon and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Good point, but guys ... but you must know nothing about guns. Good grief. This was NOT a shotgun! It was a sawed off and modified lever action Winchester lever action RIFLE, probably in .44/40 caliber.
2022 is fan dis-service, CGI, screen tint, McGuffins, character replacement, retcon, time travel, and forced identity politics. Analog film making is becoming a lost art.
All of the, "once upon a time in...." movies are great. There's Hong Kong, Mexico, the West, etc. None of them are tied together, in any way, but they're all great.
Does anyone DESPISE the fact that some a hole decided Jack Elams voice wasnt tough enough or cool enough... so they put in a REAL LAME voiceover a. hole ?
@@bolt4694 Ranks just right behind Leslie Nielsen and Danny Trejo among those who transitioned from a slew of bad-guy roles to comedy gold. Vinnie Jones gets an honorable mention for his turn in Galavant, even though only a lucky few apparently watched that brief, brilliant series.
@@garybaker5702 He got recognition from those who matter. Namely, the people casting the movies and fellow actors. Apparently, he was worth having around just for his personality on the set.
When the camera rises up over the town and the beautiful music comes to a crescendo at the beginning, the detail of the town is breathtaking, one the greatest movies of all time.
Yeah and that town scene makes you realise that you are getting at least three outstanding films in one .. and ever so slowly, really slowly (just like this scene above) the links are revealed .... what a concept!! The end is as good as the beginning.
One of my favorite movies of all of times. ( Once upon a time in the west). The actors, the production, the directing and the story line are superb....
Watching this makes me realize how I miss watching movies with my dad. He loved Westerns. I'm more of a Sci-fi guy, but he helped me appreciate this kind of movie. It's too bad no one can make a movie as well as this nowadays. 🏇 🚀
The Western genre may be dead (with no signs of revival anytime soon) but elements of it have been implemented to other genres, especially sci fi. I'd really recommend Trigun (1998), its an anime that takes place on a desert planet called Gunsmoke where people have to survive using "plants," inter-dimensional beings that are capable of producing power and energy as well as water. It's the perfect blend of western and sci fi.
Once Upon A Time in the West and Charles Bronson are brass. Love that showdown. Reminds me of the ending of Good the Bad and the Ugly. Long tense stares, close ups of the eyes, Bronson's super confidence, it's gold.
@@Shmerpy - yes sir it is! Man, what great movies! There will never be another silver screen hay day like the movies from the '60s and '70s and there will never be a better lone wolf cowboy than Mr Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and company! They broke the mold with the writers, director and actors with those old movies. Hell, the entire ERA was just an aligning of the heavens and stars. Won't happen again, boys. Not in our lifetimes.
My favorite western of all time. Watched it as a kid and was genuinely shocked to see who the bad guy was. Long before internet and social media. It was kept a secret. Left an impression for sure. The bad guy was my childhood hero. Just such a great movie.,
Yeah I remember the director said that when Henry Fonda first arrived to the studio he looked like an old man. The director became unsure how this would work. But once he got the suit on, he got into character and voila, perfect.
One of the Best westerns ever, Fonda in his most evil role. Bronson, Robards superb and Claudia was stunning. Jack Elam in that opening scene was better in his 2 minutes than most actors are today in an entire movie.
Does anyone DESPISE the fact that some a hole decided Jack Elams voice wasnt tough enough or cool enough... so they put in a REAL LAME voiceover a. hole ?
@@CB-xr1eg Circular deployment of words does not change the fact there there is nothing left there with any demonstrable ability to “rest” or anything else related to a functional living body and mind.
This is such a great scene for the audience. You establish the hero as a badass, but also instill within the audience a sense of danger. He can be shot, he can be killed. Now every time he's in danger, it's not certain to the viewer whether harmonica survives the encounter.
Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for you because He loves you so much. He then rose up from the dead three days later The Ten Commandments are called the moral law, (most of us are lying thieving blasphemous adulterer at heart and deserve hell) you and I broke the law, Jesus paid the fine. That’s what happened on that cross. By believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose up from the dead 3 days later and not just confessing your sin, but also repenting of all sin you have done and putting all your trust in Him in prayer, He will grant you everlasting life as a free gift.
@@dove3853 There is no historical evidence that Jesus was crucified. There is no evidence that he was resurrected. The four gospel accounts completely contradict each other and are obviously written as theological fiction, not fact. By the way, the gospel account is that he was dead for less than two days, from late Friday until mid-Sunday. You don't even know the Bible you claim to follow. The Ten Commandments are not the moral law. They are the religious law. Out of 10, the first four teach us that jealousy is an admirable trait. Most cultures venerate one's elders so the 5th is stating the obvious. Numbers 6, 8, and 9 are already illegal in every culture, Christian or not, so no contribution there, and the surrounding passages give every possible excuse for breaching number 6 on the slightest pretext such as God commanding the killing of a man for gathering sticks on the Sabbath. It would be interesting trying to make laws in relation to number 10 which deals only with what is going on inside a person's mind. It also treats a wife as a man's chattel equivalent to his ox or his ass, which is in keeping with the misogyny of the Bible generally. ua-cam.com/video/tz3EEqtcJME/v-deo.html
My favourite Bronson line is in Death Wish II. (Looking at crucifix necklace of bad guy) "Do you believe in Jesus?" Bad guy: "Yes I do." "Well you're gonna meet him" * bang *
What's even more genius about Leone was that for most of his movies, he had Morricone compose the music first, telling him only length and the atmospheric mood he wanted for each scene. Then he fit the action to the music.
At school I showed the first one and a half minutes of that film as par of a class test in "Theatre" (on the subject "film" and "camera coordination", "cut" a.s.o.) They LOVED the whole film and cried when the little boy was shot, were grateful and relieved when Frank died. Now this class test is used by all the teachers who teach "theatre" in our school. Brilliant film! Never watched too often!
One of the best crafted films ever made, and it’s my favorite. Everyone was at their best here, and Claudia Cardinale was never more beautiful. Viva Cheyanne!!
@@felixkommey2505 Do yourself a favor, get the DVD and set aside a few hours one weekend and watch it all the way through. It’s a commitment but worth every moment. The rest of the movie just keeps getting better from here.
@@felixkommey2505 it’s called, Once Upon a Time in the West. Directed by Sergio Leone. It starts Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, Claudia Cardinale and Henry Fonda.
There are so many though... One eyed Jacks, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid, fistful of dollars trilogy, Tombstone, assasination of Jesse James, the list goes on...
Epic for sure- compared to today's junk movies with Actors/actresses that couldn't hold a candle to Bronson, Fonda and Claudia. Even Ole Jack Elam was a master compared to some of today's so called stars.
Have you watched Who Shot Liberty Valance?? Strode was John Waynes sidekick. Lee Marvin plays an extremely vicious bad guy as Liberty Valance. Great movie!!
Yep, they dont make em like they use to-In my top 5 Westerns of all time- The others are in no particular order- SHANE, THE GOOD,THE BAD AND THE UGLY. HIGH NOON and THE SEARCHERS . Honurable mention to MAN Who Shot Liberty Valance. Couldn't squeeze in Ride The High Country or Rio Bravo and a few others in the top 5.
Water running in the sink, coffer ready to pour in a cup. I have not moved the whole time away from this scene. And I saw the whole movie many times before. Legends.
I think this was easily one of Henry Fonda's best piece of work. I would have loved to see him play more villains. For me? Best line in the film is when the sits down at the desk and the businessman asks him what he thinks of it.... Morton: How does it feel sitting behind that desk, Frank? Frank: It's almost like holding a gun... only much more powerful.
The most realistic gunfire I've ever heard in a movie and in the closing sequence as well. I saw it on the big screen in 1969 and thought it was the loudest gunfire I had ever heard. My favorite film...it's an amazing work of art.
"Well, looks like we're... looks like we're shy one horse." Elam's delivery of that line is brilliant. I've tried for years to find the script, and would love to know if it was written that way or that's just the way he said it.
Squeeze me? Baking powder? You don't think they had crown teeth and plastic surgery when this movie was made? Yul Brenner had a revolving account with his plastic surgeon.
@@stanleyhall2793 I suggest you rewatch that opening scene, both "Frank sent us" and "Looks like we are shy one horse" are spoken by charactes who died soon after.
The evidence of this scene’s quality is the fact that all anyone can do is comment on their enjoyment of it, praise it, and highlight a favorite moment - because it’s perfect and it works.
*Woody Strode, Jack Elam, and Charles Bronson* all served in WWII - even though Elam was blind in one eye. Charles Bronson was a gunner in a B-29 Superfortress, flew 25 missions including over Japan, was wounded and received a Purple Heart. It's strange to think of that generation of actors and how many served in the war.
More of the lead up to this is needed as it builds the suspense. Suspense, comic relief & violence are a captivating mixture. The spaghetti westerns had plenty of it & that is why they were so popular & grossed a fortune @ the box office.
@@billwilson3665 In the original, the badies stood on the other side of the train looking & waiting for a much longer time, this added more suspense. See the original film part, Bill.
Hands down, it's the best opening of a western, even after all these years. Sergio Leone's western masterpiece, even topping The Good the Bad and the Ugly. It's a wild west opera, although it's not for those who are in a hurry; this is for those who appreciate long, dramatic scenes -- and the climactic fight is pure Leone with the unmatched score of another one of the greats: Maestro Ennio Morricone. It literally doesn't get any better than this.
This movie is second to my favorite movie. Duck, You Sucker! Both movies have the same writer, director, and composer. Both movies had the best soundtrack.
This was story telling at its finest. Good acting, perfect timing...building tension, unexpected event (Bronson getting hit...he's down), slow camera movements. Like smoking a fine cigar and sipping good bourbon...no rush, smooth, subtle energy. Today, movies are all about visual stimulation...maybe over-stimulation. We have very few good actors today.
Best opening scene ever, but most of it is already before what's shown here, that long wait, all the details, the sounds and then this climax. It's 10+ min of pure magic from Once upon a time in the west. Another Sergio Leon masterpiece with incredible music from Enio Morricone. Only The good the bad and the ugly theme song can match this music, but in this one every caracter has their own music that fits them so well from the thief, to the gangster, to the lady and to the hero.
For me, the music for "Duck, You Sucker" eclipses both. The theme is even more exquisite than Once Upon. The soprano singing "Shawn Shawn" is beyond sublime. And the scene in the bank vault is the best matching of music and visual I've seen in a film.
Leone's staging and blocking is exceptional in this scene. A clear shout out to John Ford, of course. The sound of the windmill, the fly and the water. Brilliant film making.
Sergio Leone at his finest.I know it is a cliché They just don’t make movies like this anymore!! The words the head shots before the draw. The slow deliberate period before the draw. It’s just classic.
It's film in comic book form! Yet today's comic book movie filmmakers still struggle to come close to this perfection. They should study Sergio's films more closely.
HANDS DOWN the best opening sequence, certainly in Westerns, but also among the VERY best in all film. The credit sequence where we first meet the bad guys, the bits with each one - Jack Elam and the fly, the drip-drip-drip of water into Woody Strode's had, where he doesn't move and we have no idea why...until we see him carefully remove the hat and then tilt it to drink the accumulated water, which made perfect sense in a desert. The audio of the creaking mill and weather vane. MAN! Just a BRILLIANT set-up for the shoot out, and everything that followed. Seen this film a hundred times, moire viewings to come.
@@royksk There's always one. Not sure how getting shot in the left arm would knock you on your @ss and unconscious. Or why you'd need to put an arm with a bullet wound into a sling? Even if it's broken the sling won't stop you leaking. This is an all round terrible idea, I'd have been more impressed had he got out his sewing kit.
@@allanlarmour7460 The purpose of a sling is to immobilise. It looked to me like the bullet wound was in his shoulder, not his arm. Also look up how shock (as in the shock of getting shot) affects the human body and how an object travelling at high speed hitting you WILL knock you on your arse!
Woody Strode wasn’t too shabby either. Great athlete, real actor, drinking buddy of Lee Marvin too (both in The Man who shot Liberty Valance) if my fading memory serves!
@@hughmungus1767 Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Yeah, the Eastwood movies were great, but seriously, 'Once Upon a Time in The West' was the best ever western movie ever made - bar none.
Hi everyone! What grade (out of 10) would you give this video?
One
AMd
This scene. 9.0 out of ten. The whole movie, about a 9.5 out of ten. I stumbled on this movie one night by accidnt and decided to watch and I was captivated. I think its one of the best westerns I have ever seen.
10
11
Can we please acknowledge that _every_ camera shot in this scene is an entire oil painting in itself! Sergio Leone and his crew were a bunch of geniuses. They don't make'em like that no more.
@barry6941 Why's that?
onwLike I what was said about all the true old country music makers
"Who gonna fill their shoes?" ain't no one stepping up that I see
@@rogerdavies6226 Try Benjamin Tod and his wife, a.k.a. "Lost Dog Street Band". One of the best Outlaw Folk/Bluegrass/Country I've heard since Tyler Childers' "Nose To The Grindstone".
Sturgil Simpson…Jamey Johnson…
And people HATED this spaghetti schlock, when it came out…(I love it, so back off…And accept that there’s the lucky few, that respect, and enjoy it, while acknowledging, there’s justified critique… I just can’t…cause I’ll watch anything w Jack Elam in it…..
Look at wagon train, Bonanza, Gun smoke they all had oil painted mountains in the background.
you know he is a badass when he plays his own theme music
HAHHA, I was thinking the same thing. This mofo badass if he plays his own music.
Like the music box in a few dollars more, or the Bible speech in pulp fiction. When you hear that., it means your ass
Luckily for him Morricone didn't write it for piano.
@@driewiel hahaha great comment!
This was the first thought that came to mind lol
If you’re like me, and over 50, you realize that the fact that few movies, let alone scenes within movies, are made at this pace any longer because society has evolved to the point where most people don’t have the attention span required to enjoy this kind of directing. In the age of tweets, instagrams, and other social media, messaging is delivered in 5-10 second bites and then it’s on to the next message. This has resulted in a society generally unable to endure the time scenes like this one require, unfortunately. It’s a shame, as a true art has been lost.
I’m 27 and I share your frustration in this. It’s truly sad that we’ve not only lost the appreciation for such excellent scenes and pacing. But deem it as something bad and would be critiqued if it came out today, for being way too drawn out and slow in today’s society.
I am 15 and totally agree with you! Far too many of my peers use attention span draining applications and cant enjoy good things anymore without getting bored very quickly...
The end scene was far too long for even the most dedicated fan to watch. All that boring staring at each other.
Most people talk in sound bites and can't even carry a conversation. Social media has distorted their minds so bad that they can't hold on to a subject for 5 minutes straight. Sad
I could not roll my eyes harder at this comment
A magnificent opening scene which should be seen in its entire 15 minutes. Once Upon a Time in the West is an operatic masterpiece. Each of the main characters has a musical theme associated with it composed by Morricone. During filming the music would play.
the score came first. leitmotif. this was the only movie to do that. as far as themes for characters, starwars, lord of the rings also do it, but the score didn't dictate the story. this is also the best score ever for a movie.
Agreed, superb use of music. If I remember correctly, Cheyenne's theme is played after he is dead from the gunshot wound, rather than Harmonica's theme. Of course Harmonica got his guy, so why use the theme? Yet, Cheyenne is dead, so why use his theme? I still wonder why he chose Cheyenne's theme after he died.
Don't forget the fly that breaks them all down.
“Cinematic masterpiece”
Is the phrase that you are looking for, pilgrim.
The fact that the scene moves at a normal pace and isn't rushed makes it very special. Today's filmmakers as a whole are impatient and feel the need to push scenes rather than let them play out as they would in real life. The framing of the scenes with the intense close ups complimented with wide shots really grounds the viewer into the scene. We are present at this gunfight. We hear it,see it and in our minds we can even smell the gunpowder discharged!
It's the audience that is being pandered to with thier ADHD. A casual movie goer these days would find this scene long and boring. I wish more filmmakers would stop pandering to today's audience's and just make a really good movie. Few directors are though but no one sees them.
Yes!
Because the talented dop is muslim
In real life?
Firing from the hip with a pistol in real life at that speed means missing the target. Add to that the range they are firing from. The odds are on the side of the three men, not the one. After the first shot that missed, they'd all be trying to get to some sort of cover or concealment. When I train for something like this, I'm normally about three feet away from my practice targets.
What we are seeing is the west as Holly Wood portrays it. Not saying that this isn't one of the best gun fights ever produced for the movies because it is.
I suggest you read some books or video about how most gun fights really went down. Not trying to cut you down. It is a bad ass scene.
Sergio Leone had a knack for creating great scenes like this, as he did with his "Man with no Name" trilogy. I'd say that a lot of westerns after it, tried to follow that style of directing, with some succeeding and others not so much. I'd say that "Unforgiven" did a good job of presenting this style of buildup in a scene.
Jack Elam (the cowboy in the center who said "Frank sent us") was such a great actor. Over 200 films and TV show appearances. He lost the sight in his eye at age 11 during, of all things, a Boy Scout meeting, when a kid hit him with a pencil. He once mentioned to movie mogul Daryl Zanuck that he could have it fixed and Zanuck stopped him, telling him it was part of his mystique. Despite being known as a bad guy through most of his career, he did some outstanding comedy too, some poking fun at his many villain roles. He was also well respected by many of his peers and considered a great guy on a personal level.
My brother, who's now a fire chief used to bring him oxygen in his later years in Ashland, Oregon.
Said he was a real nice guy.
Great old cowboy actor.
Peace!
@@gregvetter5070and that's where he died was in Ashland. So cool your brother knew him on a personal level!
That’s a great story. I’m ashamed to say I only knew him as the doctor in Cannonball Run, and I was actually a little proud of myself for recognizing him here because of the age difference. Him and that damned finger made my childhood brighter lol. But now I’ll have to watch some more of his work.
Great badguy. Was an movie accountant and supposedly asked Sam Goldwyn to let him play in a movie instead of his usually salary. That look was amazing.
My favorite movie with Jack Elam is Support Your Local Sheriff. He's hilarious in that movie.
My mom met Jack Elam in the airport back in the 70's and got his autograph. I have it now and I cherish it. He was one of her favorite western stars.
That don't sound like Jack Elam's voice.
@@cliftonconnor9389 FWIW, the dialogue for the movie was all overdubbed for the English-speaking release, so it probably wasn't Jack's real voice.
Jack Elam, the Western Actor who never sit on a horse.
@@psrfpsrfmy dad told me he used to play the baddest baddies in the West until his first comedy role. After that, he was always the funny man. 😊
How very cool
Absolutely love how he buttons his coat to hold arm....Genius and so subtle
It gives the impression he has done it many times before
@@CH3FFI3 Been there, done that, got the coat...
Yes I enjoyed it also but I kind of wish he would have wrapped it with something to stop the bleeding would have been more real~!!!
Agreed 100%.
"You brought two too many". Loved that line.
And that he takes a hit as well just added a layer of realism you didn't normally see in westerns.
Leone was a master of the art.
Yeah he takes a "hit", but, no blood, he puts his arm in a sling and he's good to go? I agree it adds the layer but it does seem pretty thin in that regard. Edit: ok fine, i saw the blood on his shoulder blade after watching again, but that was barely noticeable, lol.
@@barneys4236 I noticed the blood right away, also he's clearly injured so I wouldn't say he's good to go.
@@sam8404 Well, he got up and kept going so yes, my point still stands - he was good to go.
How is this movie call or nane; it whorts to show my boys the leyend wéstern movies! 😊💪🏽👊🏽👋🏾 best regards.
@@TheRrsierra68 This is 'Once upon a time in the West'. Music by Ennio Morricone, one of the greatest sound tracks ever. I have seen this movie at least 20 times and still love it. Absolute must see.
The way that line, "You brought two to many" wipes the smiles off all 3 cowboys is priceless.
two too* many
@@Tsamokie stop.
One of my favourite quotes in all cinema. 5 words that utterly evaporate any confidence those cowboys had. Delivered as a matter of fact.
media.tenor.com/8rAXolE-CYwAAAAM/spongebob-scared.gif
Yep, they were order takers for Frank, and didn't appear to be the sharpest knives in the drawer, but, it didn't take Elam and Strodes very long to figure out what CB meant by THAT statement, lol.
A big part of the scene is missing - they were waiting for this train for almost 10 minutes. It's a pretty bold move to open a movie with 10 minutes of nothing happening, just watching a squeaking wind wheel and some flies buzzing around. Epic!
I love that scene. Nothing happens and it never gets boring.
And don't forget a hat being fill with water.
Exactly! Jack Elam trying to blow away a fly that lands on his face. That whole movie is amazing.
like the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. 18 minutes with no dialogue.
I love that part!@@crimlarksSteve
Nothing leaves you uneasy like Bronson's harmonica tune resonating eerieness and uncertainty, never knowing his story of revenge until the very end....a incredible movie with Leone at helm and Morricone at the songs.
" Once Upon A Time In The West" Is one of the best westerns ever made. It had an incredible cast and being a western. The music even had a starring roll.
I would argue it is the best western ever made. The only other contender that come to mind is Unforgiven. After that there is a lot of competition.
I would put The Good, the Bad and the Ugly up there with this one and Unforgiven in the top 3 slots.
Oh, I thought this was Blazing Saddles
@@jamesmaybrick2001 I agree with you 100%! Clint Eastwood hit it out of the park with Unforgiven!!
@@wallykos6784 Once upon a time in the west.
The minutes leading up to this make this scene iconic. Almost monotonous in the pacing. 3 men waiting. The whole movie is a masterpiece. Every character with their own theme music. The story itself. The score. One of my top 5 movies of all time.
The waiting and shootout could've been a short film by itself. Its it's own story.
yes the audio alone is the star of this piece. the fly getting trapped in the gun barrel etc
Yeah, this clip was too short and started too late. The flies buzzing around while they are waiting, the water dripping into the man's hat until it's enough to take a sip.... those build so much of the atmosphere of this scene.
What movie is this?
I love the way the three characters are built up, only to be wasted five minutes into the film.
What truly sets this scene apart is the few minutes preceding this, while they wait for the train, which builds the tension.
How Charles B improvises a sling for his arm, just adds a classic real world touch to the scene.
I thought he was going to get to his feet and fond his harmonica had taken the bullet for him.
Too cheesy?
@@cnrspiller3549 I was expecting that too, the fact that he was actually hit and just walks it off is way better.
He should've used two buttons, that one is going to pop right off.
Prevedite na hrvatski fala
I liked the way that he did it looked like he's done it before. Like *sigh* gonna be one of those days...
Even the shots before this scene were a work of art.. "You brought two too many" is such a badass line.
It's pretty good but Eastwood's "Get three coffins ready" is better.
@@oregonflatland "Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie?" - Josie Wales (Clint Eastwood)
“Dyin’ ain’t much of a livin’ boy”
-Eastwood
-The Outlaw Josey Wales
ALL THESE LINES IN THESE ICONIC MOVIE'S ARE VERY GREAT & BADA*S! 🎯😁😎
That line reminds of me of the line “My mistake, four coffins,” from For a Fistful of Dollars, and the same line in Yojimbo.
The best western with the best director,the best music composer,the best actors ,the best actresses....Today nobody got talent enough to make the western like this one.
Actually, the entire opening is one piece, while the intros are rolling. From Frank's men waiting on the train with that windmill creaking, to the fly crawling on Jack Elam's face, to the train's arrival and subsequent shoot-out. Yes, it's a masterpiece. And, it is bookended with the best climax scene ever.
Agreed. They've cropped this clip so it gets straight to the climax, but the whole build-up with the windmill,. the fly in the gun, the terrified ticket seller and the rest is all part of the pace and tension of the scene.
@@JohnSecker Without the constant windmill squeeking, the dripping water tower or the anticipation of the train's arrival, this scene is missing most of what made it so great. I'm not a western movie fan, but this movie is different than the others from the 1960s-the visuals of this movie have the impact of the best comic books of those days, it's film in comic book form. One of my favorite movies that I watch very often! 👍
The water dripping on Woody Strode is the best part of the buildup.
The cowboy on far left was Al Mulock. After shooting this scene he went back to his hotel room in entire cowboy outfit and jumped off hotel. He died on way to hospital. He was in Good, Bad, and Ugly. The one arm bad guy in bath tub seen. They say he was terrible drug abuser.
The usual omission: Clouds of white gunsmoke from black powder.
I never tire of this scene. Great build up of tension, witty lines "you bought two too many!", and realistic shootout, plus haunting music. Legendary!
"you brought"....
I love the squeaking of the wind mill water pump.
It's great - but, realistic shootout? Nah..
@@daniel_j_a Realistic by early Hollywood standards.
Realistic shootout. 😅😂😅
Charles Bronson, Jack Elam, Woody Strode...that's incredible talent. What an opening.
All off them great faces for a closeup. 🤠
4 men in the scene but only 3 faces. Who was the other guy?
@@paule.parker9714 The third hired gun was Al Mulock, a well established actor and seen in another Leone film as well. He committed suicide before the opening scene was completed, and that's the reason you don't see his face the last few minutes (a stand in was filmed from behind). en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Mulock
@@Vinterfrid i thouhht he fell
Mame of Novie ???
Gotta love Bronson. Still watching him on old westerns on Grit TV instead of the garbage on cable.
I respect you for calling cable TV junk food :-)
yup, one of the best!
He inspired Eastwood. The style.
@@brianrudin7880 surely with Rawhide Clint must have done westerns way before Bronson did them. ?
Gotta love the old days of flag etiquette. When people respected the flag instead of plastering it on social media.
Oh Charlie Bronson....what a fantastic actor, what a great guy. RIP
Bronson wasn't acting.....He really kilt them fools.
Charlie :-)
Though he didn’t know how to pretend to play mouth organ!
@St. James Hawke A Lithuanian Eskimo from Pennsylvania?
I was a bus boy at Logan Airport in 1977 or 78, still in high school. I hung out with Charles, his wife Jill Ireland, and 2 or 3 of their young children, for about 3 hours. They were so nice, you can't imagine. I had many celebrity encounters (talked to David Bowie for several minutes, who was incredibly nice as well) but most famous people are pretty cold and not so nice. Charles Bronson was one cool dude, as well as a good husband and father.
The directing, the cinematography, the editing, the acting, the lighting all came together in a collage of perfection.
Are you talking about Twilight?
Not to mention the harmonica dubbing.
Except for the anachronistically white teeth and the missing propeller sound.
@@steinwey true
Dental issues were a big drawback in them days
@@steinwey Realism goes only so far. Suspend disbelief...its "only" a movie.
Watched these movies back in the Day with my Father. Hours enjoying each other's company. Later as the years passed and my fathers was 85 I let him watch me playing RDR2 and he was amazed how a game can look like a movie and we had a lot of flashbacks - Now my father passed and I miss him, the memories are forever in my mind and I never forget his look and laughter watching me playing RDR2. - We will meet again someday. Bless you all.
God bless you and your dad ❤
Lo mismo pienso hacer con el mio!
I thought it was R2D2.
@@johnhand871 Red Dead Redemption 2
@@davidszabo1618 OK, not up on the latest games. Mostly ride motorcycles and get out doors.
I never forgot this scene from when I was a kid, you can feel the hot wind in the atmosphere and that rugged railroad tie platform, so old west and gritty
@@lpdog82 Because I knew the name I stopped at Tucumcari, it is on I-40 where the signs say next exit 57 miles, no services. It is still the middle of nowhere.
Once Upon a Time in The West did not just have the best opening scene. It was one of the best western movies all around.
No. It was simply one of the best films around of all times.
No, but certainly the slowest and most cliche'.
@@inkybeecher4172 Oh look we have an edgelord here 🤡
Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for you because He loves you so much. He then rose up from the dead three days later
The Ten Commandments are called the moral law, (most of us are lying thieving blasphemous adulterer at heart and deserve hell) you and I broke the law, Jesus paid the fine. That’s what happened on that cross.
By believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose up from the dead 3 days later and not just confessing your sin, but also repenting of all sin you have done and putting all your trust in Him in prayer, He will grant you everlasting life as a free gift.
Two Things:
1. Henry Fonda playing a Villain;
2. Later on at the end of the film when Fonda's character realizes who Bronson's character is.
Bunked into the ABC cinema at 12 and was blown away by this film, that was 52 years ago and it's still one of the best opening western scenes going, classic
I agree
Charles Bronson was a real life tough guy. He served in ww2 flying bombing raids on Japanese islands.
He receive wounds in action and was awarded the purple heart medal.
Absolute legend.
And also grew up dirt poor and worked as a miner among other tough jobs.
Wow he got money for being a minor? Most kids don't get paid as minors, lol
@@motterjeffjm Jeff. Notice how I spelled the word. I really hope your joking and know difference between miner and minor.
Fun fact: England passed the first labor law in 1833 ( which forbade any child under age of 9 to work) children were used in factors and mines for centuries. The US passed it federal labor laws in 1938. Have a good one!
I sure wish movies still celebrated real men.
The Last real Movie Celebrating true Westerns was Gene Hackmans and Clint Eastwoods masterpiece from 93.Gene I think won best supporting actor Oscar and Clint won a few.🐎🐖🐀🦃
Incredible opening scene. I've remembered it all of these years.
I met Mr Bronson and his wife Ms Ireland in a pharmacy in Bayswater ( London) in the early nineties, working as a pharmacist.
Both of them were so humble and kind to myself and all the staff .
Both are legends for humanity.
you are fortunate
Bronson is my favorite actor of all time What a guy
He is an ahole in real life. Big time. Everyone hated the guy on set.
@@brucef310 While working on The Great Escape, told David McCallum that he was going to 'take his wife'.. Imagine that. Well, he got Jill Ireland and David moved on.
@@ydcee3123 i wonder if he played his harmonica first.... before he told him.
"Did you bring a horse for me?" .. one simple line gives us all the context we need.
No unnecessary dialogue, no needless cursing, no Hollywood bs.
Perfection
*This is the best OPENING scene ever, because they got the sound of the rusty windmill ALMOST right.*
Other than that? It's mostly complete shit. The "brought one horse too many" line is the ONLY good thing about it.
The rest is Hollywood bullshit, and you all know it.
If you think you like this, try Justified. After season 2 you'll think it's great. Once you pass season 4 you'll realize it's the best show of this century.
@@jonslg240 who pissed in your cup of coffee, boy?
@@StudioSerious1 ooh that's so slyyy.. acting like it wasn't you 😂😂
@@jonslg240 True.... Justified is a brilliant show and because of that it's on my 'watch again' list.
There is absolutely no 'Hollywood Bullshit' in this movie, quite the opposite. Only two geniuses (Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone) could create such a masterpiece. I get the feeling that you are ignoring the music and even if you hear it, you are unable to see the context.
Where in any Hollywood film or TV show do you hear music like this? And where in any Hollywood production do you find scenes with so little dialogue yet so much content?
@@jonslg240 this is not a Hollywood movie
I’m 70 yrs old , that’s my favorite movie . Watch it every time it comes on . 💕💕
i seen this movie many times and yesterday again on tv. it is a masterpiece with brilliant music and great actors.
merry xmas
Ditto and I'm 78~!!
Exactly same here Sir Born in 1953 and without a doubt my favourite film i don’t know how many times I have watched it and a music well i don’t think I got words to describe it must a heard music probably 100 times.
There best...two too many...
11
This is one of those movies that you never forget and you watch a number of times during your lifetime. I saw it for the first time probably 50 years ago and I never forgot it. Now that is a great movie. The tragedy of the young boy's first encounter with the gang is visceral and it drives the fire that goes through the whole film. BRAVO!
God will not be mocked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Huh? Young boy? Are you referring to the scene above thats from the opening of the movie? Maybe your thinking of another movie. Or are you talking about a different scene, like when harmonica was a kid. The sece above is from the movie "Once Upon A Time In The West" And is like you said in the beginning of your comment. its a movie you can rewatch over and over throughout life. I love this movie, its still one of my favorites of all westerns.
Is this Blazing Saddles?
Bwahaha Blazing Saddles lmao😂😂😂
@@myfortnite6405 I am talking about the first time he meets this gang as a boy...if you know the movie then you know exactly what I am talking about. Why is he coming for all of them? Think about it.
The whole movie is a masterpiece. One of my favourite, if not the one.
*When the cinematography is not only ahead of its time, but better than most films made today…*
Would have been better is he was gender swapped and the bad guys made cat calls.
@@FoulPet 🤣🤣🤣
You’re thinking of Annie Get Your Gun. Or maybe Calamity Jane?
Totally agree there was a scene that I really liked in a few dollars more , between Klaus kinski and Lee van cleef, when he strikes a match on his haunched shoulder at the bar with his Klaus tune for that character, and he , is stopped from drawing against Lee character, then ,Lee van cleef, takes his cigar , and light his pipe , Klaus kinski , character you could see the anger as his eyes swelling up, as the background music plays , brilliant scene Lee van cleef character smokes in his face. to anger him
Then it means it was of the right and best time.
Beyond words of praise, it’s visceral , extreme tension and release . Sergio lives on in the art he left us with .
The attention to detail on this scene is astounding. Bronson waits for the three gunman to come together before making his presence known as they were awaiting far apart beforehand. Watching Elam slowly bring his hand forward when he realizes a gunfight is inevitable.
Bronson even shoots Woody Strode's character last, knowing it will take him longer to ready his "mare's leg" weapon, which is why he is the only one able to get a shot off of the three.
Slow buildup is without peer in regards to Western style shootouts, save High Noon and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
It's no shotgun. It's a cutdown Winchester lever action rifle. Something like a .44/40 caliber.
@@LR-my2di Interesting, thanks for the info.
Sure enough
Good point, but guys ... but you must know nothing about guns. Good grief. This was NOT a shotgun! It was a sawed off and modified lever action Winchester lever action RIFLE, probably in .44/40 caliber.
Actually a cut down lever action "mare's leg," not a shotgun. But yes, slower to draw.
Once upon a time really capitalized its ambience and cinematography
Once Upon A Time In The West. Absolutely brilliant.
For those who don’t know, and would like to, it’s Once Upon A Time In The West
@@paulturner6498 it’s Once Upon A Time In The West
Not green screens, only real actors and real scenarios. Masterpiece ever. Greatness
Yes, CGI is ruining movies. I don’t want to watch a video game! 😄
2022 is fan dis-service, CGI, screen tint, McGuffins, character replacement, retcon, time travel, and forced identity politics. Analog film making is becoming a lost art.
@@encinobalboa it's very unfortunate
Not a cell phone in sight
@@optimisticcosmic u have no idea what cgi is lmao
Once Upon A Time In The West is a fantastic film! Not just a fantastic western, but a fantastic film!
in the final shoot out the way fonda moved when he was shot was truly epic
Totally agree one of the best
All of the, "once upon a time in...." movies are great. There's Hong Kong, Mexico, the West, etc. None of them are tied together, in any way, but they're all great.
Does anyone DESPISE the fact that some a hole decided Jack Elams voice wasnt tough enough or cool enough... so they put in a REAL LAME voiceover a. hole ?
@@chrisgriffin4012 it almost seems like if you call it that it will automatically be great
I was born in 1990, and this is my favorite film of all time. Timeless.
Glad you enjoyed it- I was born in 1950 and this one Ranks up there,not only with top 5 westerns but top 10 movies of all time-My opinion.
see shane and decide again.
@@QWZXM -- True....BRAVO from A.D.1945......in Acapulco!
“You bought two too many”
That line is 10/10
brought
It's right up there with: "My mistake, 4 coffins." from "A Fistful of Dollars"
@@Alobo075 absolutely!!
And that's when the guys knew they were in trouble..... to be that sure of yourself in the face of 3 armed men, clearly there to kill you.
@@Alobo075 Or "Yojimbo".
Jack Elam made a living with his amazing character acting. He was so good.
And later, Elam made some classic western comedies like the two Local Sheriff and Local Gunfighter films. Great actor.
@@bolt4694 true, it is a shame that he never got the recognition that he deserved
@@bolt4694 Ranks just right behind Leslie Nielsen and Danny Trejo among those who transitioned from a slew of bad-guy roles to comedy gold. Vinnie Jones gets an honorable mention for his turn in Galavant, even though only a lucky few apparently watched that brief, brilliant series.
Any movie that kills off the likes of Jack Elam and Woody Strode in the opening scene is gonna be major league badass.
@@garybaker5702 He got recognition from those who matter. Namely, the people casting the movies and fellow actors. Apparently, he was worth having around just for his personality on the set.
When the camera rises up over the town and the beautiful music comes to a crescendo at the beginning, the detail of the town is breathtaking, one the greatest movies of all time.
Yeah and that town scene makes you realise that you are getting at least three outstanding films in one .. and ever so slowly, really slowly (just like this scene above) the links are revealed .... what a concept!! The end is as good as the beginning.
Leone built out that town JUST for that one shot.
One of my favorite movies of all of times. ( Once upon a time in the west). The actors, the production, the directing and the story line are superb....
Watching this makes me realize how I miss watching movies with my dad. He loved Westerns. I'm more of a Sci-fi guy, but he helped me appreciate this kind of movie. It's too bad no one can make a movie as well as this nowadays.
🏇 🚀
Take off the rose glasses. Put down the memberberrys and stop drinking the coolade.
@@llywelynddraig853 Are you going to something?
They can they just choose not too. If you don't expect much they don't have to do much.
Funny thing is a scifi adventure show like The Mandalorian is clearly Clint Eastwood in space. Han Solo is also a cowboy type persona.
The Western genre may be dead (with no signs of revival anytime soon) but elements of it have been implemented to other genres, especially sci fi. I'd really recommend Trigun (1998), its an anime that takes place on a desert planet called Gunsmoke where people have to survive using "plants," inter-dimensional beings that are capable of producing power and energy as well as water. It's the perfect blend of western and sci fi.
Once Upon A Time in the West and Charles Bronson are brass. Love that showdown. Reminds me of the ending of Good the Bad and the Ugly. Long tense stares, close ups of the eyes, Bronson's super confidence, it's gold.
Yes, the music has a sting to it and when Frank finally realizes who harmonica is was priceless!!
The emotional intensity of dramatic moments, laconic hobbesian tones throughout....nasty brutish eternal....Leone
Both movies were directed by the same director - Sergio Leone.
This and the final shootout in "The good, the bad and the ugly".....perfection!
For a few dollars 💸 more, right there as well
The opening is pretty classic too.
@@Shmerpy - yes sir it is! Man, what great movies! There will never be another silver screen hay day like the movies from the '60s and '70s and there will never be a better lone wolf cowboy than Mr Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson and company!
They broke the mold with the writers, director and actors with those old movies. Hell, the entire ERA was just an aligning of the heavens and stars.
Won't happen again, boys. Not in our lifetimes.
The problem is The Good The Bad An The Ugly contains more historical errors than any other film in history.
@@TheVidkid67 - how so?
such a good scene, makes you appreciate the film in its entirety!
My favorite western of all time. Watched it as a kid and was genuinely shocked to see who the bad guy was. Long before internet and social media. It was kept a secret. Left an impression for sure. The bad guy was my childhood hero. Just such a great movie.,
it was a shock for me as well but he did make one hell of a bad guy
Yeah I remember the director said that when Henry Fonda first arrived to the studio he looked like an old man. The director became unsure how this would work. But once he got the suit on, he got into character and voila, perfect.
One of the Best westerns ever, Fonda in his most evil role. Bronson, Robards superb and Claudia was stunning. Jack Elam in that opening scene was better in his 2 minutes than most actors are today in an entire movie.
Does anyone DESPISE the fact that some a hole decided Jack Elams voice wasnt tough enough or cool enough... so they put in a REAL LAME voiceover a. hole ?
I still think Henry Fonda should have gotten an Oscar for his role in this film. He was unbelievably creepy in this movie. Still gives me chills.
Charles Bronson was a true Hollywood movie star 🎥. Rest in peace good sir. 🙏🏾✌🏾
He’s not resting … I … regret to inform you that he is actually-uh … dead 😬
@@whynottalklikeapirat That's known as the eternal rest...he's resting.
@@CB-xr1eg Circular deployment of words does not change the fact there there is nothing left there with any demonstrable ability to “rest” or anything else related to a functional living body and mind.
@@whynottalklikeapirat Arrr, I bet you're fun at funerals!
@@SenfDazuGeber85 I am the life of the party 💀
This is such a great scene for the audience. You establish the hero as a badass, but also instill within the audience a sense of danger. He can be shot, he can be killed. Now every time he's in danger, it's not certain to the viewer whether harmonica survives the encounter.
🤣
Remember that the Lord Jesus Christ died on a cross for you because He loves you so much. He then rose up from the dead three days later
The Ten Commandments are called the moral law, (most of us are lying thieving blasphemous adulterer at heart and deserve hell) you and I broke the law, Jesus paid the fine. That’s what happened on that cross.
By believing that Jesus died on the cross and rose up from the dead 3 days later and not just confessing your sin, but also repenting of all sin you have done and putting all your trust in Him in prayer, He will grant you everlasting life as a free gift.
Thank you Brother Dove, may Satan rule your life for all eternity, Ramen
@@dove3853 There is no historical evidence that Jesus was crucified. There is no evidence that he was resurrected. The four gospel accounts completely contradict each other and are obviously written as theological fiction, not fact. By the way, the gospel account is that he was dead for less than two days, from late Friday until mid-Sunday. You don't even know the Bible you claim to follow.
The Ten Commandments are not the moral law. They are the religious law. Out of 10, the first four teach us that jealousy is an admirable trait. Most cultures venerate one's elders so the 5th is stating the obvious. Numbers 6, 8, and 9 are already illegal in every culture, Christian or not, so no contribution there, and the surrounding passages give every possible excuse for breaching number 6 on the slightest pretext such as God commanding the killing of a man for gathering sticks on the Sabbath. It would be interesting trying to make laws in relation to number 10 which deals only with what is going on inside a person's mind. It also treats a wife as a man's chattel equivalent to his ox or his ass, which is in keeping with the misogyny of the Bible generally.
ua-cam.com/video/tz3EEqtcJME/v-deo.html
Nice! 😅
One of the greatest opening scenes of a film ever.
"You brought two too many" is such a badass line
Well Charles really was a badass.
My favourite Bronson line is in Death Wish II.
(Looking at crucifix necklace of bad guy)
"Do you believe in Jesus?"
Bad guy: "Yes I do."
"Well you're gonna meet him"
* bang *
Would've been nice to have had Clint Eastwood utilize the other horse. Then there would have been two bad asses.
@@timhinchcliffe5372
Yes that was a great line.
WHAT WAS THAT MOVIE ? THAT IS AMAZING. GREAT ACTING
Sergio Leone is a legend. He understood what it took to make iconic movies and scenes within them. A true genius still being copied to this day
Quentin Tarentino certainly has copied is style.
What was the movie called
@@danielkeeney8444 if you mean this one, then it's "Once upon a Time in the West"
What's even more genius about Leone was that for most of his movies, he had Morricone compose the music first, telling him only length and the atmospheric mood he wanted for each scene. Then he fit the action to the music.
@@SirGutWriter Wow I wasn't aware of this and I have been a fan for more than 1/2 a century
At school I showed the first one and a half minutes of that film as par of a class test in "Theatre" (on the subject "film" and "camera coordination", "cut" a.s.o.) They LOVED the whole film and cried when the little boy was shot, were grateful and relieved when Frank died. Now this class test is used by all the teachers who teach "theatre" in our school.
Brilliant film! Never watched too often!
Even the shots before this scene were a work of art.
One of the best crafted films ever made, and it’s my favorite. Everyone was at their best here, and Claudia Cardinale was never more beautiful. Viva Cheyanne!!
What's the title of the movie
@@felixkommey2505 Once Upon a Time in the West
@@felixkommey2505 Do yourself a favor, get the DVD and set aside a few hours one weekend and watch it all the way through. It’s a commitment but worth every moment. The rest of the movie just keeps getting better from here.
@@LAGreg123 what's the title
@@felixkommey2505 it’s called, Once Upon a Time in the West. Directed by Sergio Leone. It starts Charles Bronson, Jason Robards, Claudia Cardinale and Henry Fonda.
A total classic. Pacing is perfect. Casting across the board magnificent.
The clothing is also stylish, Italians are artistic folks!
I consider this movie the best western ever made. It's truly art from beginning to end.
Good, Bad and the Ugly.. all time best.
Wild Bunch.
As art, this is the best western ever made. I agree.
"Young Guns" gets my vote.
There are so many though...
One eyed Jacks, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid, fistful of dollars trilogy, Tombstone, assasination of Jesse James, the list goes on...
I was at the great opening of this movie. I will never forget the opening scene as long as I live. Epic stuff!❤❤❤
Epic for sure- compared to today's junk movies with Actors/actresses that couldn't hold a candle to Bronson, Fonda and Claudia. Even Ole Jack Elam was a master compared to some of today's so called stars.
Three of my favorite actors in one scene. Bronson, Strode and Elam. I forgot how much I love this movie, and this is one of my favorite scenes!
and Don Cheadle
Have you watched Who Shot Liberty Valance?? Strode was John Waynes sidekick. Lee Marvin plays an extremely vicious bad guy as Liberty Valance. Great movie!!
@@ralf391 Cheadle a a great actor but would not put him on par with Bronson or Elam. Woody Strode level & strode was a very good actor!
Yep, they dont make em like they use to-In my top 5 Westerns of all time- The others are in no particular order- SHANE, THE GOOD,THE BAD AND THE UGLY. HIGH NOON and THE SEARCHERS . Honurable mention to MAN Who Shot Liberty Valance. Couldn't squeeze in Ride The High Country or Rio Bravo and a few others in the top 5.
Water running in the sink, coffer ready to pour in a cup. I have not moved the whole time away from this scene. And I saw the whole movie many times before. Legends.
The old one's are always the best,my ring tone on my phone is lee van klefs pocket watch in a few dollars more.classic tune.😊
I completely agree that this opening scene IS one of the best, if not THE best. I'd give it a solid 10 out of 10.
“You brought two horses too many” is one heck of a badass line.
what about " i didnt let them kill him and that not the same thing"
One of my all time favorite Westerns. Awesome how every character has their own theme music . Thank you Mr. Leone
This is definitely the best start to a western.
A superb film as well.
One of the best movies ever, Western or otherwise. So many great lines. "How do you trust a man that can't trust his own pants?" Absolute classic.
I think this was easily one of Henry Fonda's best piece of work. I would have loved to see him play more villains. For me? Best line in the film is when the sits down at the desk and the businessman asks him what he thinks of it....
Morton: How does it feel sitting behind that desk, Frank?
Frank: It's almost like holding a gun... only much more powerful.
Hands down one of the best Westerns if not thee best. Fonda, Robards, Bronson, and the choices of supporting cast were amazing.
Hello, how are you doing today? Nice meeting you here.
It was CC's movie. Notice she had top billing.
They don't make movie like this anymore. So sad. This is one of the greatest movie ever.
The most realistic gunfire I've ever heard in a movie and in the closing sequence as well. I saw it on the big screen in 1969 and thought it was the loudest gunfire I had ever heard. My favorite film...it's an amazing work of art.
"Well, looks like we're... looks like we're shy one horse." Elam's delivery of that line is brilliant. I've tried for years to find the script, and would love to know if it was written that way or that's just the way he said it.
Such great character actors, no Botox, no plastic surgery. Real people. Great actors
Good characteristics to have.
And lots of make-up
And no roids junkies
And no blood loss 😂
Squeeze me? Baking powder? You don't think they had crown teeth and plastic surgery when this movie was made? Yul Brenner had a revolving account with his plastic surgeon.
My late father got me into this movie and I’ve loved it ever since.
A movie from 1968 and still popular . For me this is the best movie ever made .
The opening 10 min of this movie is the greatest scene from any movie bar none. Sergio was a genius.
Consider that none of the characters who died in the first ten minutes ever spoke one word makes your statement all the more truthful!!
@@stanleyhall2793 I suggest you rewatch that opening scene, both "Frank sent us" and "Looks like we are shy one horse" are spoken by charactes who died soon after.
Dont think so. Most John Ford films stomp all over this.
What movie is this. Not really up on all the old westerns. But i try to watch all the classics.
@@iamlegend5190 Once Upon A Time In The West.
The evidence of this scene’s quality is the fact that all anyone can do is comment on their enjoyment of it, praise it, and highlight a favorite moment - because it’s perfect and it works.
And it's only 10 minutes of a three hour film. Not to mention outstanding performances from Claudia, Henry and Jason.
11. Never mind the best opening of a western, it's one of the best openings of any movie. Absolute gold.
all of sergios openings are great in there own way.
What about Kingpin?
The only other film that has that kind of opening is "Lawrence of Arabia" - the Director's cut
Awesome movie... Fonda should have gotten the Academy Award for that performance!!! Thanks for sharing!
Charles Bronson and Jack Elam died only a few months apart in 2003. Both great actors. Greetings from Ireland ☘️
Top of the morning to you buddy 🇮🇪🇯🇴✌️💯☪️☪️☪️
*Woody Strode, Jack Elam, and Charles Bronson* all served in WWII - even though Elam was blind in one eye. Charles Bronson was a gunner in a B-29 Superfortress, flew 25 missions including over Japan, was wounded and received a Purple Heart. It's strange to think of that generation of actors and how many served in the war.
More of the lead up to this is needed as it builds the suspense. Suspense, comic relief & violence are a captivating mixture. The spaghetti westerns had plenty of it & that is why they were so popular & grossed a fortune @ the box office.
Chuck got kicked off the train because he didnt have a ticket. Thats why he was pissed off.
The lead up was great
@@billwilson3665 In the original, the badies stood on the other side of the train looking & waiting for a much longer time, this added more suspense. See the original film part, Bill.
Hands down, it's the best opening of a western, even after all these years. Sergio Leone's western masterpiece, even topping The Good the Bad and the Ugly. It's a wild west opera, although it's not for those who are in a hurry; this is for those who appreciate long, dramatic scenes -- and the climactic fight is pure Leone with the unmatched score of another one of the greats: Maestro Ennio Morricone.
It literally doesn't get any better than this.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly is the GOAT when comparing SWs but admittedly this start is awesome.
Next door neighbor and I loved the westerns back then.
What is this from because I thought it was TG, TB & TU.
@@rduff1999 once upon a time in the west. very good film but for me TG, TB & TU is the GOAT.
This movie is second to my favorite movie. Duck, You Sucker! Both movies have the same writer, director, and composer. Both movies had the best soundtrack.
I don't care how many times I see this scene I never get tired of it.
This was story telling at its finest. Good acting, perfect timing...building tension, unexpected event (Bronson getting hit...he's down), slow camera movements. Like smoking a fine cigar and sipping good bourbon...no rush, smooth, subtle energy.
Today, movies are all about visual stimulation...maybe over-stimulation. We have very few good actors today.
Best opening scene ever, but most of it is already before what's shown here, that long wait, all the details, the sounds and then this climax. It's 10+ min of pure magic from Once upon a time in the west. Another Sergio Leon masterpiece with incredible music from Enio Morricone. Only The good the bad and the ugly theme song can match this music, but in this one every caracter has their own music that fits them so well from the thief, to the gangster, to the lady and to the hero.
For me, the music for "Duck, You Sucker" eclipses both. The theme is even more exquisite than Once Upon. The soprano singing "Shawn Shawn" is beyond sublime. And the scene in the bank vault is the best matching of music and visual I've seen in a film.
THIS
I agree. Jack Elam in the ‘waiting scene’ (that came before this) dealing with the annoying fly was a wonderful piece of cinema.
"You brought two horses too many." All of their faces drop. What a great scene!
Right there with the "face drop" in A Bronx Tale. (Bar scene) "Now yous can't leave." ---- Sonny
Absolutely Blew Me Away As A Young Western Movie Fan.
A true masterpiece. The cinematography is unrivalled.
And so is Morricone's music !
Leone's staging and blocking is exceptional in this scene. A clear shout out to John Ford, of course. The sound of the windmill, the fly and the water. Brilliant film making.
Sergio Leone at his finest.I know it is a cliché They just don’t make movies like this anymore!! The words the head shots before the draw. The slow deliberate period before the draw. It’s just classic.
Cinema is pretty bland nowadays.
There are no more men like them. Only boys with dirt on their faces to look more badass.
It's film in comic book form!
Yet today's comic book movie filmmakers still struggle to come close to this perfection. They should study Sergio's films more closely.
Art in motion.
@@kerigpope sergio says way more with silence then todays snarky one liners the never end
I think this and other Sergio Leon's are simply masterpieces. The framing of the duel scene is just a piece of art
HANDS DOWN the best opening sequence, certainly in Westerns, but also among the VERY best in all film. The credit sequence where we first meet the bad guys, the bits with each one - Jack Elam and the fly, the drip-drip-drip of water into Woody Strode's had, where he doesn't move and we have no idea why...until we see him carefully remove the hat and then tilt it to drink the accumulated water, which made perfect sense in a desert. The audio of the creaking mill and weather vane. MAN! Just a BRILLIANT set-up for the shoot out, and everything that followed. Seen this film a hundred times, moire viewings to come.
Are we just not going to talk about how amazing that improvised bandage (edit: sling) for his arm was??
yeah, so MacGyver-esque.
That needs to be added to every survival/first aid manual! Seriously clever!
Good idea but it’s a sling not a bandage.
@@royksk There's always one.
Not sure how getting shot in the left arm would knock you on your @ss and unconscious. Or why you'd need to put an arm with a bullet wound into a sling? Even if it's broken the sling won't stop you leaking.
This is an all round terrible idea, I'd have been more impressed had he got out his sewing kit.
@@allanlarmour7460 The purpose of a sling is to immobilise. It looked to me like the bullet wound was in his shoulder, not his arm. Also look up how shock (as in the shock of getting shot) affects the human body and how an object travelling at high speed hitting you WILL knock you on your arse!
Can't go wrong with Jack Elam and Charles Bronson! Real cowboys. Real actors. RIP.
Woody Strode wasn’t too shabby either. Great athlete, real actor, drinking buddy of Lee Marvin too (both in The Man who shot Liberty Valance) if my fading memory serves!
Sorry but to me, that scene felt like it was trying to copy Clint Eastwood's "spaghetti" westerns with Sergio Leone with Bronson in the Eastwood role.
@@hughmungus1767...but this is "Once Upon a Time in the West" by Sergio Leone!
@@hughmungus1767 Just standing on the shoulders of giants, a compliment to them. Its all good.
@@hughmungus1767
Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Yeah, the Eastwood movies were great, but seriously, 'Once Upon a Time in The West' was the best ever western movie ever made - bar none.
Morricone’s music in this film is genial, never surpassed.
BEST western scene ever and BEST actors EVER! This is an incredibly underrated movie! Claudia.....OMG!!!
Yep , here too ! Greats from the Netherlands.
What's it called?
@@woodyatwes9372 Once apon a the time in the west .