What is a Western? Film Series: Johnny Guitar (1954)

4700 Western Heritage Way,Los Angeles CA 90027

02 April, 2022

Description

In the male-dominated world of the movie Western, this film stands out from the bunch, centered around Joan Crawford’s saloonkeeper. Screened in 35mm! In the typically male-dominated world of the classic movie Western, Johnny Guitar stands out from the bunch. Although the title spotlights Sterling Hayden’s character, the film is centered around Crawford’s saloonkeeper Vienna and her rivalry with McCambridge’s Emma. Familiar Western mainstays like Ward Bond, Ernest Borgnine, John Carradine, and Royal Dano fill out the cast. While behind-the-scenes drama abounded and contemporary reception was lackluster, the film has emerged as a striking favorite of the genre, landing in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry in 2008. Introduced by Felicity Flesher and Clarence Pruitt, hosts of Film Frontier podcast Directed by Nicholas Ray | Starring Joan Crawford, Sterling Hayden, and Mercedes McCambridge Screenplay by Philip Yordan| Based on a novel by Roy Chanslor Ticket purchase includes museum admission.