Joe Kidd: More Than Just Clint Eastwood's Gun Belt Notch?
Joe Kidd debuted in 1972 among iconic films. It can sometimes get overlooked. But is it just another gunslinger flick? Or is there more to this story? Let's explore this undervalued Western together.
Is Joe Kidd a Good Movie? Spoiler: Yes.
Let's skip the fluff. You want to know if you should watch Joe Kidd. The answer is yes. It's a solid Western and a classic Clint Eastwood film. With great performances from Robert Duvall and John Saxon, the action is abundant. The story moves quickly. The Arizona scenery? Absolutely stunning.
What is Joe Kidd Actually About?
We've cleared that up, so what’s the plot? At its heart, Joe Kidd addresses land disputes and class conflict. It features a man reluctantly pulled into a fight where he initially stands on the sidelines. Set in early 20th century New Mexico Territory, just pre-statehood, it highlights tensions over ancestral land.
A group of Mexican-Americans led by Luis Chama (John Saxon) protests land grabs. Opposing them is Frank Harlan (Robert Duvall), a ruthless landowner who hires men to hunt down Chama and his followers. Kidd (Eastwood), who prefers to avoid trouble, finds himself pulled in after Harlan commandeers his horses and wrongfully accuses him of aiding Chama. That wasn't a smart move.
From there, Joe Kidd evolves into a tense chase across the Southwest. Kidd begins seeking revenge for his stolen horses but soon faces a larger conflict. He must choose sides in a fight echoing historical struggles. This story isn't just about guns; it's about justice, albeit a complicated version of it.
The Showdown at the End of Joe Kidd: Justice, Western Style
How does it conclude? What occurs when the dust settles? Without spoiling too much, the end of Joe Kidd feels satisfyingly Western. The resolution isn't completely tidy, but it offers closure along with Eastwood's brand of justice.
The climax occurs in a small town, evolving into a tense showdown between Kidd and Harlan's men. Expect clever tactics mixed with gunfire. Using his skill and craft, Kidd outwits and outshoots his adversaries. In a final encounter, he confronts Harlan. Let's just say Harlan's ruthless brand of justice doesn't quite win out in the end. The film offers a semblance of moral victory from chaos.
Lights, Camera, Location! Where Was Joe Kidd Filmed?
A major star of Joe Kidd is the landscape itself. The American Southwest’s rugged beauty with its mountains, deserts, and formations provide a striking backdrop. So, where did they film this visual treat? Let’s explore the filming locations.
Old Tucson, Arizona: The Heart of Western Movie Magic
For Western locations, you can't overlook Old Tucson, Arizona. This legendary film studio has hosted over 500 films and shows. Classic Westerns like Arizona, El Dorado, and Tombstone filmed here. Old Tucson played a part in each. Yes, Joe Kidd is on that list.
Just 15 minutes from Tucson, Old Tucson is more than a set; it's a 20-acre town with over 60 buildings. It pulses with movie history. Director John Sturges picked Old Tucson for Joe Kidd, and it's easy to understand why. The authenticity is evident in every frame. Behind-the-scenes photos show Sturges planning with Eastwood on set at Old Tucson during production.
The town in Joe Kidd, with its streets and worn buildings, is mostly Old Tucson. It's not merely scenery; it shapes the film's identity and context. If you love Westerns, visiting Old Tucson feels like a pilgrimage.
Beyond Old Tucson: California's Majestic Landscapes
While Old Tucson offered essential settings, filming for Joe Kidd extended into California's beautiful landscapes. The crew filmed at various locations known for their breathtaking visuals and Western appeal.
Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California: Where Mountains Meet Stars
The Alabama Hills near Lone Pine are iconic for Westerns. These rounded rock formations against the Sierra Nevada are frequent backdrops in films and TV shows. Picture classic shootouts amid stunning mountains – that’s usually the Alabama Hills. Joe Kidd tapped into this standout location for thrilling effect.
Joe Kidd, aiming for authenticity, filmed there. It enriches the film's visual and historic layers. Walking in the Alabama Hills means treading through cinematic history.Sherwin Summit and Buttermilk Country, Inyo National Forest: High Altitude Action
Further enhancing the mountainous feel of Joe Kidd, filming also took place at Sherwin Summit and Buttermilk Country in the Inyo National Forest. These places feature rugged terrain and high altitudes, serving as scenic backdrops for action scenes. The diverse Inyo landscapes range from mountains to deserts.
Sonoran Desert, Arizona: Embracing Desert Heat
The Sonoran Desert makes up another key location for Joe Kidd. Known for saguaro cacti and dry beauty, this desert offers visual authenticity to the film. Sonoran Desert scenes contribute to the heat, dust, and grit characteristic of Westerns. This landscape conveys harsh realities in the Old West.
So where was Joe Kidd filmed? Primarily Arizona and California served as key locations to develop its world. These states' landscapes provided ideal canvases for Joe Kidd. The combination of studio sets at Old Tucson and locations in Alabama Hills, Sherwin Summit, Buttermilk Country, and Sonoran Desert helped create its vivid backdrop.
created a visually rich and authentic Western experience.
Meet the Players: The Actors of Joe Kidd
A movie's quality often ties to its actors. Joe Kidd has a strong cast. Clint Eastwood leads the lineup. His performance is backed by Robert Duvall and John Saxon. Let's explore some key players.
The Women of Joe Kidd: Stella Garcia, Lynne Marta, and Maria Val Vita
Even though Joe Kidd is mostly a male-driven Western, it features strong female characters. Stella Garcia plays Helen Sanchez, a victim of the land dispute. Lynne Marta is Elma, another woman impacted by the events. Maria Val Vita also appears, but her character details are less known. These actresses enrich the film, depicting women's lives in the Old West.
Robert Duvall as Frank Harlan: The Antagonist with a Savage Edge
Robert Duvall shines as Frank Harlan, a ruthless landowner. Harlan seeks power and wealth at any cost. Duvall gives him a cold yet compelling presence. He is not a simple villain; he is complex and driven by greed.
Duvall’s Frank Harlan uses a custom Savage 99 rifle. Interestingly, the rifle is left-handed, while Duvall is right-handed. He uses it right-handed in the film. This detail reflects Duvall's dedication to authenticity.
In Hollywood history, a lore connects Duvall to John Wayne. Their relationship was complicated during the filming of True Grit. Reports indicate Wayne threatened Duvall during an argument with director Henry Hathaway. Even in Hollywood, tensions can flare, adding drama to Western cinema history.
Weaponry of Joe Kidd: Guns of the Old West
The guns in Joe Kidd serve as more than props. They are essential tools of the trade. The film showcases period-accurate weaponry, enhancing authenticity. Let’s explore the armory of Joe Kidd.
Clint Eastwood's Rifle in Joe Kidd: The Ross Rifle Sporter Model M-10
What rifle does Clint Eastwood use as Joe Kidd? He wields a Ross Rifle Sporter model M-10 chambered in .280 Ross. This rifle is not your common Winchester or Colt. The Ross Rifle is a Canadian design known for its power and accuracy. Its civilian version, the Sporter model, adds uniqueness to the film.
Other Rifles in the Mix: A Variety of Period Arms
Joe Kidd displays various firearms from early 20th century West. Notable examples include:
- Winchester Model 1892 rifles: Classic lever-action rifles, found everywhere in Westerns.
- Winchester Model 1894 rifles: An iconic lever-action that's more modern than the 1892.
- Springfield Model 1873 "Trapdoor" rifles: A single-shot rifle from an older military era.
- Sharps 1874 rifles: Known for buffalo hunting and long-range shooting.
- Mauser C-96 "Broomhandle" pistols: This pistol is used by Lamarr Simms (Don Stroud).
Clint Eastwood and Joe Kidd: A Western Icon in Action
Clint Eastwood defines the Western genre. His stoic demeanor and quick draw solidified his status. Joe Kidd adds to his legacy but also reveals insights into him as an actor.
Is Clint Eastwood Left-Handed? The Mystery of the Man with No Name's Hands
Is Clint Eastwood left-handed? Fans often wonder this. The answer is multi-faceted. Yes, Eastwood is left-handed but displays cross-dominance, favoring his left hand for most tasks while sometimes using his right for certain activities like shooting.
Eastwood's left-handedness shines in films. In For a Few Dollars More, Monco is explicitly left-handed, using his left hand for cards and bounty slapping. Similar traits appear in Joe Kidd and Unforgiven, where Eastwood shoots with his left eye dominant.
So why does he shoot right-handed in films? Possible reasons include early training to shoot right-handed or practicality on set. Nonetheless, Eastwood remains naturally left-handed, deepening his on-screen persona.
Clint Eastwood's Gun of Choice: Beyond the .44 Magnum
Often, when people think of Clint Eastwood's guns, they envision the .44 Magnum revolver from Dirty Harry. The "Dirty Harry gun," with its 6.5 inches of blued .44 Magnum, is iconic. It stands as powerful in the hands of the tall actor.
Yet, Eastwood's gun choices in Westerns are varied and historically fitting. In Joe Kidd, he prefers the Ross Rifle. But he also uses a Mauser C96 "Broomhandle" pistol, notable for its unique shape and wooden grip. This adds historical accuracy to the film.
Clint Eastwood: From Lifeguard to Legend – Dispelling Combat Myths
Some myths claim Clint Eastwood fought in the Korean War. His rugged hero image fuels this idea. However, the truth differs. Eastwood served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era, stationed stateside as a lifeguard at Fort Ord in northern California.
Sondra Locke, his long-term companion, stated, “He always dropped the Korean War reference.” She added that people likely assumed he saw combat. In reality, he was just a lifeguard throughout his military service. While Eastwood served his country, his military experience lacks the combat heroism many imagine. Hollywood legends often have lives beyond their images.
What is Considered the Best Clint Eastwood Movie? A Matter of Taste, But Some Standouts Emerge
The question of the best Clint Eastwood movie prompts endless debates among fans. Eastwood's filmography spans diverse genres.
and decades. Certain films rise to the top in critical and popular acclaim.
According to various rankings and critical aggregations, some Clint Eastwood movies are highly regarded:
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966): Sergio Leone's epic Spaghetti Western is a masterpiece of the genre. IMDb Link
- A Fistful of Dollars (1964): The film launched Eastwood to stardom, a Leone classic. IMDb Link
- Unforgiven (1992): Eastwood's Oscar-winning Western is a complex meditation on violence. IMDb Link
- In the Line of Fire (1993): A taut thriller with Eastwood as a Secret Service agent. IMDb Link
- Million Dollar Baby (2004): Another Oscar-winner for Eastwood, this film is a boxing drama. IMDb Link
- The Bridges of Madison County (1995): A romantic drama showcasing Eastwood's versatility. IMDb Link
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976): A classic where Eastwood plays a Confederate guerrilla. IMDb Link
- Dirty Harry (1971): This film cemented Eastwood's action hero status. IMDb Link
Related Trails: Digging Deeper into Joe Kidd
There are fascinating side trails and topics that enrich Joe Kidd. Let's explore some.
The Train in Joe Kidd: Ex-Virginia & Truckee Railroad Reno #11
Railroads are a motif in Westerns, symbolizing change and conflict. Joe Kidd features a unique train. The locomotive used is the Ex-V&T 4-4-0 #11, RENO. Built in 1872, it has a rich history. It served the Virginia & Truckee Railroad, famous for the Comstock Lode silver mines.
The RENO locomotive was later acquired by MGM Studios for various films. In June 1970, Bob Shelton, owner of Old Tucson Studios, purchased the engine. He brought it to Tucson, where it starred in Joe Kidd. The train that chugs through Joe Kidd is not just a prop; it's a piece of cinematic history.
Is Joe Kidd Based on a True Story? Land Reclamations
Is Joe Kidd based on a true story? While not a direct historical account, it is loosely inspired by real movements by Mexican-Americans reclaiming their ancestral lands. Elmore Leonard wrote the screenplay, drawing from land disputes between Anglo landowners and Mexican communities.
The film's setting in fictional Sinola County, New Mexico Territory, explores land rights, justice, and cultural conflict. The character Luis Chama and his followers represent real struggles of Mexican-Americans seeking justice. While Joe Kidd is fiction, it addresses historical grievances and social issues that resonate today.
What Happened to Old Tucson? A Fire and a Rebirth
Old Tucson is crucial for Joe Kidd and many other Westerns. But what happened to this iconic studio? Sadly, on April 24, 1995, Old Tucson suffered a devastating fire. The blaze destroyed many structures, costumes, and memorabilia. Among them was wardrobe from Little House on the Prairie.
The fire severely affected Old Tucson and movie history. However, Old Tucson was eventually rebuilt and reopened. Some original structures were lost, but it continues to operate as a movie studio and tourist attraction. It highlights the allure of Westerns and the resilience of cinematic history.
This is a deeper dive into the world of Joe Kidd. It is more than just another Clint Eastwood Western; it has historical context, stunning locations, memorable characters, and plenty of action. If you're looking for a solid Western that delivers, saddle up and watch Joe Kidd. You may find it's more valuable than you thought.
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