The Train Robbers

Starring:John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Rod Taylor, Ben Johnson, Christopher George, Bobby Vinton, Jerry Gatlin, Ricardo Montalban
Director: Burt Kennedy
Studio: Warner Home Video
Product Type: DVD

Description

A feisty, beautiful widow bands together with three cowboy buddies to recover a cache of gold stolen by her husband and her attempt to clear his son's name. It's wide-open fun and dynamite excitement as The Duke meets his match in lovely Oscar-nominee and Emmy and Golden Globe-winner Ann-Margret ("Grumpy Old Men").

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining western.......2007-07-03

The Train Robbers is one of those straightforward old-fashioned good guy vs bad guy westerns. A movie with a basic plot that doesn't take itself too seriously. What is noticeable right off is that there are very few actors in this movie, eight, and everything revolves around their relationships. There is the straight shooting Lane (John Wayne) who gathers his old friends Grady (Rod Taylor) and Jesse (Ben Johnson) to restore Mrs. Lowe's (Ann-Margret) honor. She doesn't want her son growing up under the dark cloud of his dead father being a train robber. Rounding out the team is Ben (Bobby Vinton), Sam (Jerry Gatlin), and Calhoun (Christopher George). Their job is ride into Mexico, recover $500,000 in stolen gold locked in the boiler of an old locomotive, return it to Wells Fargo, collect the reward money, and set things right for Mrs. Lowe. Trailing along behind them all is a mysterious rider (Ricardo Montalban). The remaining movie's cast are just back ground minglers in the set. They mainly consist of the train engineer, the bartender, the Mexicans trying to rescue their jailed friends, and the cannon fodder bad guys. They are seen but have no speaking roles.

This is a very simple movie in many ways. However, it does a very good job in developing the friendship and camaraderie between good old friends. This combined with beautiful scenic shots and set pieces make for a light-hearted fare with no dark undertones or jarring side trips. Rounded out with comedy and action, this movie certainly demonstrates that less is more.

While not the best western that John Wayne has starred in, this movie does succeeds in many ways. Formated in wide-screen with few extras on the DVD, this western is well worth adding to the John Wayne collection

Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-21

I love this movie only because BOBBY VINTON is in it.I only watch the part's that he's in.I even have his part's memorized.He's the best! Not only is he a good singer he's a excellent actor.I Had the chance to tell him that I watched it too.Bobby was thrilled that I took intrest in watching it.To all you bobby vinton fan's out there I recamend that you watch it!!!!!!!!!!! He's a very HOT and GORGEOUS cowboy!!!!

Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants.......2006-02-09

I must admit that Ann Margaret has always been a favorite of mine. That probably, make that certainly, affects my judgment of this film. It is not one of John Wayne's best. I still like it. Only part of that is because I like Ann Margaret.

John Wayne plays the leader of a group of gunfighters. These are not ordinary gunfighters. They are not in it for the "glory". They just kind of drifted into it after the civil war. Now, John Wayne and his group find themselves working for a woman, Ann Margaret. She says that her dead husband once robbed a train of half a million dollars. The money was lost and she knows the location. She wants to recover it so that she can turn it in to raise the stigma from her son. She intends to pay the gunfighters with the reward money for turning in the gold.

The would-be rescuers of stolen gold have some problems. They have to track down the train and they are in turn being tracked by a lot of bad guys who want to steal the gold.

John Wayne handles the situation with his typical character. He is honest and protective of those who are with him. He has his own moral code and will not be swayed from it. He would rather do things the hard way if that means maintaining his ideals.

His biggest challenge comes from Ann Margaret. She is strong willed but sweet. Everyone likes her and wants to protect her. They are even willing to give up their share of the reward to help her. She's got them wrapped around her little finger.

Its fun and action packed but it is not his best. Still, watching Ann is lots of fun.

One of the worst of Wayne's.......2005-05-10

Although it is great to see Wayne seeing him is about the best in this film. I did not really care about these people riding left and right. It has to be something about the story, because the actors are a great bunch of people. I expect Wayne always to be real hero, but here it is not so. Take any other Wayne, even those of the 30's rather than this one.

Underrated western.......2005-05-04

I would considered Train Robbers to be one of John Wayne's underrated western movies he have made during his post True Grit era. While its not as good as some of his earlier ones, it probably the best one he made between True Grit and the Shootist (next to Rio Lobo). The Train Robbers seem to be a throw back to John Wayne's older westerns. The story developed slowly but with a purpose as the characters get ironed out. Ann-Margaret plays widow trying to restored family honor by getting the half million dollars worth of gold back to the train company from which her husband stole it from. John Wayne and his gang tries to helped but the usual bad guys, the late husband's gang gets into the way. Its an adventure all the way.

John Wayne does his usual entertaining self but he is superbly supported by Rod Taylor and especially Ben Johnson. It was also a pleasure to watch Christopher George as well before his illness took his life prematurely. Key element of any John Wayne movie was his interactions with his co-stars and they all blended in perfectly. The humor was good and some of the one liners proves to be classic. Ann-Margaret does quite well but she sounds little phoney from the beginning and that was bit of a give away as we reached to the end of the movie. At least for me, the ending didn't surprised me as much as it did for some people.

The movie weaknesses lies in the fact that John Wayne and his gang seem to be just too goody two shoes to be true. The bad guys were just props in the movie and their job was to get shot. They don't seem to be very smart bad guys either. Making banzai charges seem to be a trademark tactics to make the good guys victorious. Bobby Vinton and Jerry Gatlin were virtually wasted in their roles. In some ways, they seem to be no more then the bad guys although they don't get shot!

The DVD version of Train Robbers seem to be well presented. I owned a regular TV so I would say from that point that the picture is clear and the sound proves to be crisp on my Dolby system. The DVD movie come in its widescreen format. I have to admit that this was the first time I saw this movie in widescreen since 1973 when it first came out. There isn't much of a special features. One feature got several former stuntmen who worked with Wayne, singing their praises of him. Second feature is a promotional job for the movie. Then you got your trailers feature. That is just about it. Pretty slim pickings if you asked me.

Overall, a pretty entertaining and enjoyable film despite of its inherited flaws. I would give it a 3.5 stars if I had a choice. John Wayne fans should be highly please with this movie. It should please most western fans and might be mildly entertaining for causal viewers.

Average customer rating:

Two Wayne Westerns, Two Eras...
odd.........?

The Train Robbers / Tall in the Saddle
Starring: John Wayne , Ann-Margret , Rod Taylor , Ben Johnson , and Christopher George
Director: Burt Kennedy , and Edwin L. Marin
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BPL2HO
Release Date: 2006-01-31

Description

John Wayne leads the way through a rough-and-tumbleweed West. In Tall in the Saddle, he arrives in a dusty town to work on a nearby spread but there may be more to his intentions than meets the eye. "Gabby" Hayes, the best whisker-faced, gibberish-jabbering Western sidekick ever, joins Wayne in this exciting cowboy tale. In The Train Robbers, a widow (Ann-Margret) wants to clear her family's name by finding and returning the gold her husband stole. Wayne (along with Ben Johnson, Rod Taylor and others) signs on to help her. But where there's gold, there's sure to be trouble. Saddle up!

Customer Reviews:

Two Wayne Westerns, Two Eras..........2006-01-18

Packaging "Tall in the Saddle", one of John Wayne's best-loved 'B' westerns of the 1940s, with "The Train Robbers", a lesser Wayne western effort from the 1970s, is, at first glance, a strange pairing, as the films have virtually nothing in common, other than both being westerns, and both starring the Duke.

But setting aside the lack of 'common ground', if you are a Wayne fan (as I am), both films are worth owning on DVD. "Tall in the Saddle" (1944), with a screenplay co-written by Wayne's lifelong friend, character actor Paul Fix, and produced by future Wayne business partner, Robert Fellows, is, in truth, a murder mystery set in the Old West, as Wayne investigates the murder of his prospective employer. Befriended by crusty woman-hater Gabby Hayes (who Wayne had worked with, frequently, dating back to his 'Lone Star' quickie western days, the previous decade), he quickly finds himself up to his neck in suspects (including a too-genial 'judge', played by another life-long friend and collaborator, Ward Bond). Loaded with some of the best humor of any Duke film (after he pistol-whips a gunman expecting a shoot-out, he responds, when admonished for HITTING the man, "Yes, ma'am, just as hard as I could!"), and some combustible sex appeal (provided by sultry Ella Raines), the film is short, fast-paced, and exciting. It even offers Wayne's vision of his future, as, when hearing Hayes described as a "grumpy old cuss", he replies, "I like grumpy old cusses...Hope to live long enough to be one."

By the time of "The Train Robbers" (1973), Wayne had certainly achieved that goal! Produced at the twilight of his career, as the combination of deteriorating health and a lack of good scripts were taking their toll, the film is a lightweight, if good-natured entry, of a group of gunhands (headed by Wayne), hired by sexy Ann-Margret to recover and return a gold shipment stolen by her late husband. Filmed in the era of "The Sting", nothing is as it seems, and the group soon finds themselves pursued by outlaws and a mysterious stranger (Ricardo Montalban), all leading up to a 'twist' ending. The fun of this movie isn't in the plot, however, but in the obvious camaraderie between Wayne and another lifelong friend and co-star, Ben Johnson, as well as with Rod Taylor (in his only teaming with the Duke), and Christopher George (in his fourth, and final appearance in a Wayne film). The chemistry between Wayne and Ann-Margret is light, and sweet-natured; she flirts, he reminds her that his saddle is older than she is! This isn't anywhere near the best of the Duke's movies, even for the 1970s, but it is likable, and the Wayne persona is as charismatic as ever.

At a really terrific price, "Tall in the Saddle"/"The Train Robbers" is certainly worth owning, especially if your DVD budget is limited.

The Duke STILL delivers!

odd.........?.......2006-01-15

Seems an odd mix here, a vintage Wayne film and one of his last. These films were released almost 30 years apart. Both are decent westerns, neither considered among Wayne's best, though the earlier one features Gabby Hayes and that is reason alone for aquiring.
As for the Train Robbers, it's a decent but lightweight film with fun byplay between members of the Wayne troop and Ann Margaret is certainly attractive. It does have a bit of a twist at the end. But Wayne at the end of his illustrious career is just a bit too long of tooth to carry off the potential romance angle that's supposed to exist with Margaret, as evidenced by him telling her that his saddle is older than she is.
Just wondering if we are going into a period of repackaging Wayne films ala Elvis and every song he ever recorded.

John Wayne Legendary Heroes Collection (Blood Alley / McQ / The Sea Chase / Tall in the Saddle / The Train Robbers)

Average customer rating:

McQ
John Wayne Legnndary Collection
It's good, but not great.
TALL IN THE SADDLE Stands Out
Problems with Blood Alley

John Wayne Legendary Heroes Collection (Blood Alley / McQ / The Sea Chase / Tall in the Saddle / The Train Robbers)
Starring: John Wayne
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0007P0XDC
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Description

The John Wayne Legendary Heroes Collection features five classic films from the larger-than-life American hero, including Blood Alley, McQ, The Sea Chase, Tall in the Saddle and The Train Robbers, all available on DVD for the first time.

Born Marion Robert Morrison in Winterset, Iowa, John Wayne first worked in the film business as a laborer on the Fox lot during summer vacations from U.S.C., which he attended on a football scholarship. He met and was befriended by John Ford, a young director who was beginning to make a name for himself in action films, comedies and dramas. It was Ford who recommended Wayne to director Raoul Walsh for the male lead in the 1930 epic Western The Big Trail, and, although it was a box office failure, the movie showed Wayne's potential. For the next nine years, Wayne worked in a multitude of B-Westerns and serials in between bit parts in larger features. Wayne's big break came in 1939, when Ford cast him as the Ringo Kid in the adventure Stagecoach. Wayne nearly stole the picture from his more seasoned co-stars, and his career as a box-office superstar began. During his 50 year film career, Wayne played the lead in 142 movies, an as yet unsurpassed record, and was nominated for three Academy Awards., winning the Best Actor award in 1970 for his performance in True Grit. Blood Alley (1955) - An American seafarer patrolling the South Seas is asked by the daughter of a missionary doctor killed by the Communists to help transport the citizens of a small Chinese town to freedom in Hong Kong. This action-adventure based on A. S. Fleischman's novel, marks the first on-screen pairing of movie legends John Wayne and Lauren Bacall. DVD special features include: Newsreel footage (The Hollywood Foreign Press Honors John Wayne, Crusade for Freedom, John Wayne and The Legion Poppy Sale (silent clip), Air Force Honors the Cast of Blood Alley), 1955 Promos on Blood Alley (Wayne discusses how he made it into the movies; "the monster" of movie land; the Mitchell BNC camera and his use of his home movie camera to capture scenes while on Blood Alley), John Wayne trailer gallery

McQ (1974) - John Wayne forcefully enforces the law in this high-velocity thriller that's a revenge western set in the big city. Police Lieutenant Lon McQ (Wayne) investigates the killing of his best friend and uncovers corrupt elements of the police department dealing in confiscated drugs. Directed by John Sturges (Ice Station Zebra, The Magnificent Seven), McQ also stars Eddie Albert (Roman Holiday) and Colleen Dewhurst (Annie Hall, Dying Young).

The Sea Chase (1955) -John Wayne and Lana Turner are a formidable romantic team in this harrowing adventure directed by Academy Award-nominee John Farrow (Wake Island). Sea captain Kal Erhlich (Wayne) is an anti-Nazi German freighter captain at the outset of World War II attempting to sail his ship from Australia to the North Sea rather than risk internment. Both Allied and German ships follow in pursuit, while Erhlich battles storms, sharks, and romances.

Tall in the Saddle (1944) - In this fast-paced entertaining western, John Wayne stars as Rocklin, a cowboy who upon arriving at a ranch to work as a cowhand finds his employer was just murdered. Although he has no friends, and no money, Rocklin stays in town, intent on tracking the killers and uncovering a plan to inherit the dead employer's riches.

The Train Robbers (1973) - The action never stops in this western starring John Wayne, Ann-Margret and Ricardo Montalban. A gunhand named Lane (Wayne) is hired by a widow, Mrs. Lowe (Ann-Margret), to find gold stolen by her husband so that she may return it and start fresh. However, once they cross the border into Mexico to recover the loot, they discover two very different pursuers: a large group of bandidos and a lone horseman (Montalban), both of whom know their every move. DVD special features include: Two featurettes (Working with a Western Legend - an inside look at Wayne with stuntmen Jerry Gatlin, Dean Smith and Terry Leonard; The Wayne Train), John Wayne trailer gallery

Customer Reviews:

McQ.......2005-08-18

Excuse me but I don't speak english and I buy yours DVD only , when are subtitles in french. For this reason,I talk about McQ in french. C'est un excellent film policier réalisé par un director de talent, John Sturges dont j'apprécie toujours les films (The Magnificent Seven, Bad Day at Black Rock, Backlash, Gunfight at the OK Corral etc.) Il est aussi brillant dans les westerns que dans ses autres films d'action comme celui-ci. John Wayne qui a démissionné de la police, est embauché par un ami détective privé. Il va se lancer dans une passionnante enquête sur un trafic de drogue dont les commanditaires ne sont pas ceux que l'on croyait Malgrè l'âge et la maladie, John Wayne a beaucoup de présence dans ce film qui comporte une scène de poursuite très réussie

John Wayne Legnndary Collection.......2005-07-20

What can you say about movies with the Duke?
I love the Duke's movies.
I now have more than 75 Titeles in my DVD collection, Plus some colerized copies taken from TCM And AMC. I have edited the commercials out and burned them to DVD. I also have many of these on VHS tape.

It's good, but not great. .......2005-06-30

John Wayne, a legendary hero. This box set has some good movies, I really liked the Westerns, but the rest of the movies I didn't care for. Unless you're really into John Wayne this might be one Box Set you may want to rent rather than buy.

TALL IN THE SADDLE Stands Out.......2005-06-01

After "Stagecoach", it seems Duke finally started getting some decent scripts. "Tall in the Saddle" was written by his friend, Paul Fix who appeared in a lot of Westerns but is probably best remembered for TV's "The Rifleman" in the 50s and early 60s. "Tall in the Saddle" is a stand-out movie for the 1940s or for today. There is a real plot and lots of atmosphere with an eye-catching performance by Ella Raines. The other movies are only for John Wayne fans who will watch anything he is in. Of the others, I saw them all (except "The Sea Chase") when they were first released; I was always underwhelmed and remain so these years later. "Tall in the Saddle" is often on cable and can be taped; if you can manage to do that, you can save buying these other mediocre films.

Problems with Blood Alley.......2005-05-23

This is a great set. However, I've gone through four sets which were purchased/returned at Sam's Club!! Blood Alley is defective as it keeps on freezing or skipping. I've tried all four on three different machines. Has anybody had this problem? If the set from Amazon is alright, I'll buy it here.
Thanks!

Average customer rating:

An entertaining western
Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants
One of the worst of Wayne's
Underrated western

The Train Robbers
Starring: John Wayne , Ann-Margret , Rod Taylor , Ben Johnson , and Christopher George
Director: Burt Kennedy
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Westerns | Genres | DVD | Video

All Titles | John Wayne Store | Stores | DVD | Video

1970s | John Wayne Store | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0007P0XC8
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Description

Three cowpokes band together with a feisty widow to recover = a cache of stolen gold. John Wayne meets Ann Margret and you'll keep = guessing who meets whose match! Year: 1973 Director: Burt Kennedy = Starring: John Wayne, Ann-Margret, Rod Taylor.

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining western.......2007-07-03

Bobby vinton's movie cutest cowboy in the west!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-12-21

Ann Margaret Gets What Ann Margaret Wants.......2006-02-09

One of the worst of Wayne's.......2005-05-10

Underrated western.......2005-05-04

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