The West’s Victory: A Conquest Story

The rugged adventures of cowboys on epic cattle drives, the relentless pursuit of outlaws against breathtaking landscapes, and the tireless efforts of lawmen trying to maintain order on the frontier—these themes capture the essence of classic Western movies. Despite the hardships and jubilations, the historical significance and timeless appeal of Westerns draw a vast audience of loyal enthusiasts.

In celebration of these tales, the Bosque Film Society is set to host its Third Annual Wild Western Weekend Free Film Festival, offering six free classic Western films over four days from July 25-28 at The Cliftex Theatre in Clifton. This event promises a diverse lineup of Western classics, thanks to the generous support of members, patrons, and sponsors.

“After the success we’ve had over the past two years, we’re thrilled to present another weekend filled with nothing but timeless Westerns,” said Bosque Film Society founder and board president Brett Voss. “We hope to see a full house for every screening. The support from our charter members and the community is truly touching.”

One of the unique aspects of this event is that it takes place at The Cliftex Theatre, the longest continuously operating movie theater in Texas since 1916. “Walking through the doors of The Cliftex is like stepping back in time,” Voss remarked.

As a special highlight, the festival will also feature an encore screening of the award-winning documentary short “Voice of the Common Man: The Lomax Legacy” on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. Produced and directed by E. Brett Voss and William Godby, this documentary has garnered numerous accolades, being selected for 29 film festivals worldwide and winning 12 awards.

Narrated by Lane Talburt, the documentary explores the monumental impact of John Avery Lomax on music. Lomax, known as the legendary Ballad Hunter, recorded over 1,200 discs containing approximately 4,000 songs for the Library of Congress, forever changing the landscape of American music.

Kicking off the festival on Thursday, July 25 at 7 p.m. is John Huston’s 1948 classic “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.” Starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt, the film tells the story of two down-on-their-luck Americans who team up with an old prospector to mine for gold in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Mountains.

On Friday at 5 p.m., catch Fred Zinnemann’s 1952 masterpiece “High Noon,” featuring Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, and Thomas Mitchell. The plot centers on a town marshal who faces a deadly gang alone at high noon, despite opposition from his newlywed wife and townspeople.

Later that evening at 7 p.m., an all-star cast including Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, and Sam Elliott will grace the screen in the 1993 film “Tombstone.” Directed by George P. Cosmatos and Kevin Jarre, the movie follows a famous lawman whose plans for a quiet retirement in Tombstone, Arizona, are disrupted by notorious outlaws.

Saturday offers a family-friendly viewing of the Walt Disney classic “Old Yeller” (1954) at 4 p.m. Directed by Robert Stevenson and featuring Dorothy McGuire, Fess Parker, and Tommy Kirk, this tear-jerker tells the story of a teenage boy who grows to love a stray yellow dog while helping his family on their Texas homestead.

On Saturday evening at 7 p.m., Kevin Costner’s Academy Award-winning epic “Dances with Wolves” (1990) will be showcased. With Costner in the lead role, the film narrates the tale of a Civil War lieutenant who forms a bond with a neighboring Sioux tribe, ultimately questioning his own purpose.

The festival will conclude on Sunday at 4 p.m. with Sergio Leone’s 1966 epic spaghetti western “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, and Lee Van Cleef. The film follows three men in an uneasy alliance as they race to find a buried fortune in gold.

While many of these films are accessible through streaming services, viewing them on the big screen provides an entirely new experience. With a bag of buttered popcorn, candy, and a soda in hand, audiences can escape daily stresses and immerse themselves in the historic American frontier.

Established in October 2020, the Bosque Film Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting film appreciation, education, and production in Bosque County. It also serves as the “Friends of The Cliftex Theatre,” the longest continuously-operating movie theater in Texas. For more information about becoming a member, visit www.BosqueFilm.com.

Source: Chisholm Country Magazine