100 Rifles: More Than Just a Western Shootout – It's a Deep Dive into Film History (and Some Random Gun Facts)
Have you heard of "100 Rifles"? No? You're not alone. This 1969 Western is a fascinating flick. It's a good starting point for movie trivia, from Raquel Welch's views on Jim Brown to the philosophy of the number 100. Buckle up, we're diving into cinema, firearms, and a little existentialism, seriously.
General Intel on "100 Rifles" (The Movie, Not the Number)
So, what’s “100 Rifles”? In brief, it's a Western set in 1912 Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. It features revolution, romance, and about 100 rifles. The tale follows Yaqui Joe (Jim Brown), a chief who steals rifles to arm his people against the oppressive Mexican government. Enter Lyedecker (Burt Reynolds), an American gunrunner, and Sarita (Raquel Welch), a revolutionary. You've got a spicy cinematic mix.
Is it a good movie? Well, opinions differ. It’s not winning Oscars but has its charms. It includes action, great scenery, and charismatic stars. Plus, it packs historical context. So yes, it's decent. If you're in the mood for a classic Western with some twists, give it a watch.
Where can you catch this cinematic gem? Streaming services can be tricky. Your best bet is to check Amazon, Apple, and other platforms. A quick search should guide you to where it’s available.
The A-List Posse: Cast and Crew Shenanigans
Raquel Welch: More Than Just a Pretty Face (But Definitely Pretty)
Let’s discuss Raquel Welch. In “100 Rifles,” she plays Sarita, a determined revolutionary. You may wonder if she starred with Burt Reynolds in other Westerns. Nope, “100 Rifles” is their only pairing, though she starred with Burt Lancaster in "Hannie Caulder,” where she had a strong role.
What did Raquel think of co-star Jim Brown? She respected him greatly. Brown was a former football star turned actor. His powerful presence impressed her, and she appreciated his talent.
Sadly, we lost Raquel in 2023. Cardiac arrest was the cause. She battled Alzheimer's disease. A true icon, she is missed. As for her smoking habits, there is no public record confirming she smoked. Let’s remember her remarkable career over any speculation about personal habits.
Burt Reynolds: The Bandit with a Dutch-Irish-Scottish-Cherokee-Italian Twist
Burt Reynolds had that unmistakable charisma. In "100 Rifles," he plays Lyedecker, an American gunrunner caught in the revolution. Did he get along with Raquel? All signs say yes. They were professionals and worked without drama.
Did you know Burt mixed multiple ancestral backgrounds? He had Dutch, English, Scottish, Cherokee, and Italian roots. So yes, he had a rich heritage. Was he half-Indian? Yes, he had Native American heritage from his Cherokee ancestry. Very interesting.
Burt also tried singing. He released a country album called "Ask Me What You Want" in 1973. It wasn’t a chart-topper but showed his talents.
Who was the love of his life? Burt often said it was Sally Field. Their romance was a topic in Hollywood for years. Even after they split, he referred to her with deep affection and regret, calling her "the love of my life." Quite touching.
Burt passed away in 2018. How tall was he? He was about 5'11" or 6'0". And why did he leave "Gunsmoke"? He felt he deserved more screen time. Ambition represented Reynolds’ spirit.
Jim Brown: Football Legend Turned Actor (and Raquel's Pal)
We discussed Raquel's respect for Jim Brown already, but it's worth repeating. Jim was a significant presence on the field and on screen. Sadly, his later years were plagued by health issues. What condition did he suffer from? Cognitive decline, dementia, and Parkinson's disease are believed linked to CTE resulting from head injuries during his football career.
Kris Kristofferson: From Westerns to Memory Loss
Kris Kristofferson wasn't in "100 Rifles," but he's a known Western icon. He starred in classics like "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." Sadly, he has health battles like memory loss and Lyme disease. Though there were rumors of his death, they were false. He is alive but has retired from acting due to ill health.
Related Cinematic Adventures (and Misadventures with the Number 100)
"100" (2019): Not a Western, But Still About Numbers (Sort Of)
Switching gears, let’s discuss "100" (2019). This thriller is loosely based on the Danish film "The Guilty." It revolves around a dispatcher handling an emergency call. "100" follows a call center employee dealing with a kidnapping situation. Released on May 9, 2019, it performed respectably at the box office. Critics liked it, so check it out if you enjoy thrillers.
"The 100" (TV Series): Teenage Angst in Space (Post-Apocalyptic Edition)
Then there’s “The 100,” the TV series. Is it based on a true story? No, it’s pure sci-fi. Developed by Jason Rothenberg, it’s based loosely on Kass Morgan's young adult novels of the same name. The premise? Earth 97 years after nuclear war features survivors living on a spaceship. They send 100 juvenile delinquents back to Earth to see if it’s habitable again. It’s all about teenage drama and survival.
What about streaming? Availability changes more often than trends in fashion. Is "The 100" available on Hulu or Netflix? Both have hosted it at different times. Is it free on Amazon Prime? Availability changes by region and subscription. A quick search will reveal its current streaming status.
"Top Gun" and "Top Gun: Maverick": Need for Speed, Streaming Edition
Shifting from post-apocalypse to intense action, let's discuss "Top Gun." The 1986 classic features Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," revived the need for speed for audiences. Where can you stream them? Both are often on Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video. Is "Top Gun" available on Amazon Prime? Yes, frequently. Is "Top Gun 2" streaming anywhere? Often found on Paramount+ too.
and Amazon Prime Video are usual suspects.
"Hundred" (Anime): Why Add Anime?
For something different, there's "Hundred," an anime from 2016. Where to watch "Hundred"? Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video. If you're in the mood for anime action, "Hundred" is available.
Guns in Movies: Bang, Bang
Let's discuss guns in films. Do they use real guns? Often, yes. Productions use real guns but with blanks. Safety is key, even in Hollywood. But which gun appears most? Drumroll, please... the double-barrel shotgun. From Westerns to action flicks, this gun has many appearances. It’s the old friend of cinema.
Firearms: Sauer to Patton's Magnum
Sauer 100: German Engineering
Let’s focus on rifles. Are Sauer 100 rifles good? Yes, they are reliable and consistent. They are comfortable to shoot and user-friendly. A solid piece of German engineering. Where are Sauer 100 rifles made? Germany, of course. Precision and quality are key.
.357 Magnum: Patton's Choice
What about handguns? Who carried a .357 Magnum? Many action heroes and General George Patton did. One of his famous handguns was a .357 Magnum. Quite a statement.
Mauser Gewehr 98: Most Produced Gun?
For gun history, which was produced the most? The title may go to Mauser Gewehr 98. This German bolt-action rifle was crucial in World Wars. Mass production on an epic scale.
The Number 100: More Than a Digit
Let's ponder number 100 itself. What is 100? Mathematically, it’s after 99 and before 101. Incredible, right? Beyond math, "hundred" has significance in cultures. It means completion, large quantity, and sometimes perfection. Think of 100 percent or 100 years – it sounds substantial.
There you have it. A tour through "100 Rifles," movie trivia, gun facts, and even numerical philosophy. Who knew a Western leads down many rabbit holes? Go impress friends at movie night with your newfound knowledge. You’re welcome.
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