The War Wagon (1967)

Touches You

Pretty Good

Absolutely Fantastic

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I saw this at the pictures as a kid in the 60s and loved the action scenes at the film's climax. 50 or so years on I find I can happily sit through an afternoon showing of it on TV. It's fairly formulaic for Wayne but its strengths are in the (relatively) inventive plot and the expert interplay between Wayne and Douglas. One if those movies Wayne made now and again that have a big more spark in the dialogue.One notable line near the beginning is where Douglas' character refers to Keenan Wynn's as a 'crazy old man'. In reality Wynn was less than 5 months older than Douglas.

John Wayne plays a man released from prison looking to steal a gold shipment from crooked Bruce Cabot, who set Wayne up to go to prison so Cabot could steal his land. He gathers together a gang to help pull off the robbery, starting with old nemesis Kirk Douglas. They've got their work cut out for them, though. Cabot transports his gold via the War Wagon, an armored wagon with Gatling guns.Duke and Kirk have nice chemistry and banter. Good support from Keenan Wynn, Howard Keel, and Robert Walker, Jr. Keel is lots of fun. Joanna Barnes and Valora Noland provide the pretty. It's an enjoyable western with a few twist and turns. It goes on a little too long and there are no classic scenes or lines. An enjoyable watch but one of the best from either star.

(6.5/10) Fun tongue in cheek Western that survives an initial slow start to be entertaining afterwards throughout. Both John Wayne and Kirk Douglas do great and have tremendous on screen chemistry together. Their friendly, competitive rivalry that mirrors their off screen persona's. Works extremely well and carries what would have otherwise been an average western. Even though they had their differences in real life, such as politics, you can tell they had a real respect for one another, and this movie does a good job of capturing that. One of the few roles that put the Duke on the wrong side of the law. Let down by the Western scenery, but was impressed with Howard Keel. I liked it but seeing Wayne and Douglas jell as well as they did makes me wish they could have joined together for a better Western. Good but unspectacular movie is highlighted by a hilarious bar room brawl and an extremely catchy theme.

John Wayne and Kirk Douglas appeared together in three films between 1965 and 1967. First off was "In Harm's Way" in 1965, then the ensemble picture that was "Cast a Giant Shadow" in 1966. Then came this film, their first Western, and sadly their last outing together. Sadly because The War Wagon shows a real genuine chemistry between two men who were very different socially; but on screen they clearly had regard for what each one gave to a movie. Directed by Burt Kennedy and coming out of Wayne's own Batjac Productions, The War Wagon centres around two old friends (some what grudgingly it seems) who plan to rob the vehicle of the title. An armoured stage coach, resplendent with Gatling Gun, manned front middle and centre with crack shot gunmen, and full of gold, lots of gold! Adding fuel to the fire is that the Wagon is run by a man called Frank Pierce (Bruce Cabot), who stole Taw Jackson's (Wayne) ranch as he "cough-cough" served time in jail. Further upping the intrigue is that Pierce wants to hire known gunman Lomax (Douglas) to kill Jackson, oblivious that the two men are plotting to rob him.If that all sounds like a caper movie then you would be right, because it is, and a splendid one at that. A caper movie in a Western setting, lusciously photographed by Duke Wayne's favourite cinematographer, William H. Clothier at Durango in Mexico, and rattling along at a fair old clip. Support comes in the form of Howard Keel (a humorous turn as Indian Levi Walking Bear), Robert Walker Jr, Keenan Wynn, Valora Noland and look out for Bruce Dern in a short but effective role. We got quips aplenty as the two machismo fuelled stars play off each over with glee, we got one almighty punch up that had me personally laughing out loud and for those that like good stunt work, well we are well served there also. It's also a film to note because it sees Wayne playing a baddie, an ex convict leading an odd bunch of robbers, driven by revenge and greed. A role that by the looks of it, Wayne loved immensely. So saddle up folks, and as soon as you hear the quirky strains of Ed Ames' warbling "Ballad of The War Wagon," you should know you are in for a smashing little treat. 7/10