by Heather Blanton
Westerns are
known for some of the best, most oft-repeated lines in cinema history. But what
makes a good line so memorable it makes the transition from book to movie and becomes iconic?
I’ve given this
some thought over the years. I think the answer is they are always born of honor,
pride (sometimes in the form of bravado), love, and hate/vengeance. They
reflect the indomitable—and often flawed—human spirit. They spring from the noble sacrifice—knowing
that a character will walk through hell covered in gasoline to save a loved
one, and (the part we love) kill anyone who gets in the way.
Nearly always,
the line reveals the pure essence of a character—sometimes at their best,
sometimes not so much. But, I believe, we want to identify with the character.
Take for example
the one iconic Western line that keenly reveals the heart of a mysterious
cowboy known forever and only as the
Virginian. Say his name and any Western aficionado will immediately respond
with, “When you say that, smile.” That one quote says everything you need to
know about The Virginian. He was a steady, deliberate man. Peacable, but a soul
on a slow burn. Strength under control. If Trampas had only been smart enough
to understand him he might have lived
And perhaps just
as simply but as clear is this short quote from Will Kane in High Noon. Bandits
are on their way to his town for revenge and Will Kane can run or stand his
ground alone. Well, we know what a man of honor would do. Stand.
It’s that
simple. No alternatives. In Kane’s world, a man’s honor is everything.
Sometimes a line
is spoken out of a bravado so pure, so undefiled by humility, we have to admire
the speaker. Val Kilmer’s portray of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was sheer
genius. Who can forget, “I’m your huckleberry.” Doc was fearless, dangerous,
and crazily endearing.
However, arrogance
wrapped in a sardonic wit was Kilmer’s real gift to the movie. I know you
remember this exchange:
Ike
Clanton: What is that now? Twelve hands in a row? Holliday, son
of a bitch, nobody's that lucky.
Doc
Holliday: Why Ike, whatever do you mean? Maybe poker's just not
your game, Ike. I know! Let's have a spelling contest!
Don’t tell me you haven’t had moments when you wished
you could be so pithy and courageous
Which brings me to another point: the power of humor.
Done right, it expresses deadly intentions or relieves tension. Val Kilmer
slayed it—pun intended—in Tombstone with exchanges loaded with murderous intent.
Remember this light-hearted banter?
Billy
Clanton: Why, it's the drunk piano player. You're so drunk, you
can't hit nothin'. In fact, you're probably seeing double.
[Billy
Clanton draws a knife]
Only an idiot
would doubt Doc wouldn’t use both of them.
But sometimes a
line is played for pure humor, while still revealing character. If I say “rat
writ,” you know instantly who I’m
talkin’ about:
Rooster
Cogburn: [cocks his gun] Mr. Rat... I have a
writ here says you're to stop eating Chen Lee's cornmeal forthwith. Now it's a
rat writ, writ for a rat, and this is lawful service of the same. See? Doesn't
pay any attention to me.
And, hence, we
learn through a good laugh that Rooster is always
willing to pull the trigger if his lawful orders are ignored. Life to him is
black-and-white. The rest of us wish it was so simple.
Then there are
the lines that deliver a promise of death in jarring clarity. Humor never
enters in. The tension is palpable. One of my favorite exchanges is from Big
Jake, and every Western fan I know can quote it. The bad guys have made the
mistake of kidnapping Big Jake’s grandson and murdering family members.
Jake: And now *you* understand. Anything goes wrong, anything at
all... your fault, my fault, nobody's fault... it won't matter - I'm gonna blow
your head off.
That line gives
me chills. It’s the voice of death. If someone messed with your family,
wouldn’t you want to say that line just like the Duke?
You don’t always
like the person delivering the line, but you can still adire the line. Of
course I’m thinking of Scarlet O’Hara. If you don’t remember anything else
about the conniving gal, you remember her tenacity. And when she makes her
famous vow, you know it’s a done deal. Take it to the bank:
Scarlet: As God is my witness, as God is my
witness they're not going to lick me. … As God is my witness, I'll never be
hungry again.
So many good
lines, so little space to quote them all. The next time you hear a good line
from a Western, ponder the character saying it. It should speak volumes about
him. It should cement his traits. Most importantly, though, it should show an
unbroken, persevering, fearless, flawed human we can identify with.
All right, back
to work. We’re burnin’ daylight.
What's your favorite quote from a Western?
What's your favorite quote from a Western?
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