Universal-International Westerns, 1947-1963 - by Gene Blottner (Paperback)

About the Book

From 1947 through 1963, the merged studios of Universal and International produced mostly highly entertaining westerns that ranged from classics like Winchester 73 to forgettable films better left unmade. Entries on the 114 Universal-International westerns of the period are collected here. While other films may have contained western elements, only films that truly fit the genre are included. Films are arranged alphabetically by title, and each entry includes release date, alternate title, cast, credits, songs, location of filming, source if the film was an adaptation, running time, plot synopsis, commentary from the author and from the actors and directors, and representative excerpts from contemporary reviews. Also included are tag lines used in the original advertising for each film. An introduction to the book provides details on the Universal-International merger and a history of the studios' productions.

Book Synopsis

From 1947 through 1963, the merged studios of Universal and International produced mostly highly entertaining westerns that ranged from classics like Winchester '73 to forgettable films better left unmade. Entries on the 114 Universal-International westerns of the period are collected here. While other films may have contained western elements, only films that truly fit the genre are included.

Films are arranged alphabetically by title, and each entry includes release date, alternate title, cast, credits, songs, location of filming, source if the film was an adaptation, running time, plot synopsis, commentary from the author and from the actors and directors, and representative excerpts from contemporary reviews. Also included are tag lines used in the original advertising for each film. An introduction to the book provides details on the Universal-International merger and a history of the studios' productions.

Review Quotes

"an exceptional job...impressive...highly recommended"-ARBA; "well deserving of a place in your library"-Wrangler's Roost; "a most enjoyable read...essential"-Nostalgia Westerns; "a good book"-Classic Images; "highly recommended"-The Old Cowboy Picture Show; "exhaustively researched...fascinating"-The Virginian-Pilot; "well done"-Western Clippings.

About the Author

A retired pharmacist, Gene Blottner has written for such publications as Western Clippings and Under Western Skies. He is the author of several books with McFarland and lives in Norfolk, Virginia.