James Coburn
With relatively few Western films to his credit, why does James Coburn make my list of big screen Western stars? Two reasons. He played one of The Magnificent Seven in one of my all-time favorite Western films. Then you might ask, what’s the second reason he makes my list? He inspired one of my characters. Let’s have some fun with that. There is a signed book in it for up to three people who correctly identify the character. Winners announced next week.
Coburn was a natural at rough-cut, tough-guy characters. He got his Western start as Pernell Roberts’ sidekick in Ride Lonesome with Randolph Scott. That was followed by Face of a Fugitive, both in ’59. The Magnificent Seven (’60) really launched his star. He was given the part on the recommendation of his friend and fellow Seven member Robert Vaughn.
Like many tough-guy stars of the time, he found a ready market for his talent as a guest star bad guy in episodes of small screen Western TV series. Coburn appeared on Bonanza, Tales of Wells Fargo, The Restless Gun and Klondike.
Sam Peckinpah cast Coburn as a one-armed Indian scout in Major Dundee (’65). Waterhole No. 3 (’67) followed at Paramount. Coburn had a connection with director Sergio Leone, as did others of the rugged, tough-guy persuasion. Leone first tried to cast him in A Fist Full of Dollars; but couldn’t come up with enough money to turn Coburn’s head. That film may have been the biggest box office sensation nobody with a name wanted a part in. Fortunately for Clint Eastwood he was perfect for The Man with No Name. Leone got Coburn and Rod Steiger in ’71 with Duck, You Sucker! Also known as (hint) A Fist Full of Dynamite. Coburn’s role as a rodeo rider in The Honkers (’72) cratered at the box office. A Reason to Live, A Reason to Die (’73) fared better. Peckinpah brought Coburn back in ’73 as Pat Garrett in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Coburns Western resume rounded out with a minor part in Young Guns II.
James Coburn suffered a fatal heart attack in 2002 at 74.
Next Week: Steve McQueen
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Ride easy,
Paul
Coburn was a natural at rough-cut, tough-guy characters. He got his Western start as Pernell Roberts’ sidekick in Ride Lonesome with Randolph Scott. That was followed by Face of a Fugitive, both in ’59. The Magnificent Seven (’60) really launched his star. He was given the part on the recommendation of his friend and fellow Seven member Robert Vaughn.
Like many tough-guy stars of the time, he found a ready market for his talent as a guest star bad guy in episodes of small screen Western TV series. Coburn appeared on Bonanza, Tales of Wells Fargo, The Restless Gun and Klondike.
Sam Peckinpah cast Coburn as a one-armed Indian scout in Major Dundee (’65). Waterhole No. 3 (’67) followed at Paramount. Coburn had a connection with director Sergio Leone, as did others of the rugged, tough-guy persuasion. Leone first tried to cast him in A Fist Full of Dollars; but couldn’t come up with enough money to turn Coburn’s head. That film may have been the biggest box office sensation nobody with a name wanted a part in. Fortunately for Clint Eastwood he was perfect for The Man with No Name. Leone got Coburn and Rod Steiger in ’71 with Duck, You Sucker! Also known as (hint) A Fist Full of Dynamite. Coburn’s role as a rodeo rider in The Honkers (’72) cratered at the box office. A Reason to Live, A Reason to Die (’73) fared better. Peckinpah brought Coburn back in ’73 as Pat Garrett in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Coburns Western resume rounded out with a minor part in Young Guns II.
James Coburn suffered a fatal heart attack in 2002 at 74.
Next Week: Steve McQueen
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
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