The Cheyenne Social Club

Starring: James Stewart, Henry Fonda, Shirley Jones, Sue Ane Langdon, Arch Johnson
Directed by: Gene Kelly
Rating: PG
Genre: Western
1970

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A cowboy (James Stewart) finds out that his recently deceased brother has left him the rights to his business in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He sets out to claim the property with his best friend (Henry Fonda), but when they discover the business is a bordello, they are unsure of what to do next.

Review:

Tim: This movie is generally not regarded as a classic Western, and I am well aware of the flaws. However, in spite of myself, I just couldn't bring myself to dislike it too much. Yes, the movie is a bit silly and foolish, not offering too much of anything we haven't seen before. And yet, there are a few decent subtle strengths that help this movie to remain enjoyable. I was surprisingly engaged in the movie, even during the weaker moments. For reasons I know and probably some I can't describe, I enjoyed this movie.

The film's strength comes from the interaction between its two stars, James Stewart and Henry Fonda. These two men were very close in real life (they were roommates at one point in their early lives), and that shows up on screen. They are both terrific actors, and while not at their best here, they are still fun to watch together. Stewart didn't really stretch himself too much for this role, playing only a slight variation of the character he typically plays. That is not to say he isn't good, though. I just don't think this is one of his better performances. Henry Fonda on the other hand is immensely enjoyable in a subtle, yet strong performance. I really liked his quiet, mysterious role. He seems willing to sit back and let Stewart run the show- but he makes his impact as well. The film's best aspect is undoubtedly the many interactions between these two men.

I am not a huge fan of the film's plot, as a good natured cowboy inherits a brothel and then must decide what to do with it. However, it does let the story unfold in a more lighthearted and humorous way than many of the all-too-serious Westerns. I appreciated this change of pace. Still, the movie would have been more effective with a better story. Plus, there are a few strange moments and plot holes. I won't go into these because I don't want to ruin the movie, but there were a few moments in the third act when I questioned the intentions and actions of Fonda's character. I wasn't sure what he was doing or why he was doing it.

The Cheyenne Social Club may not be a great movie, but it certainly has some charms. For example, the opening sequence of the ride from Texas to Wyoming (with Fonda's character talking nonstop) is one of my favorite scenes in any Western. I thought it was so funny and set the tone for the movie. The film's downside is that it tries to do too much- to be a lighthearted, funny Western, with some truly suspenseful gunfights (these don't work exceptionally well). It feels like it strays and loses its identity a bit. Still, I found the movie enjoyable and I would recommend it.


Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



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