Dear editor:
What happened to the Western?
I enjoyed the recent discussion by Harry Porter on the past Western movies. I agree with him that today's generation does not have the same love of Westerns that my generation has. However, I do have some differences in opinions on what were the great Western movies of the past.
My favorite by far is "Shane," a story that has all the elements that make a great Western, an end of story classic gunfight, good versus evil, and human interest.
Although every review I have seen over the years names "The Searchers" as the best, I consider John Wayne's last movie made, "The Shootist," as his best. Other favorites are the 1948 classic "High Noon" with Cary Grant and two Burt Lancaster movies, "Lawman" and "Valdez is Coming."
More recent Westerns which I rate as tops are the first two "Lonesome Dove" movies and "Quigley Down Under."
I own most, if not all, of John Wayne's Western and war movies. Just like there will never be another golf legend to match Arnold Palmer, John Wayne will never be matched as a hero to young men and women of my generation.
Tom Bryant
Hot Springs Village
Editorial on 04/18/2018