Judge Roy Bean Versus Cable Hogue

Western Comedies?

Hard to do. Tragic at their worst, silly at their best.

This leads us into the discussion of two movies that were released in the early 1970s. Both of them deal with very similar subject matter while trying to ignore the fact that they are the same story without being quite the same story.

The Stories

The Ballad of Cable Hogue is a 1970 movie that deals with some guy in the lone wilderness who gets fucked over by his pals. This doesn't deter him in any way, and through the strength of his will, he builds a small kingdom. Also, there is a priest that shows up and does some things for a few minutes of film.

The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean is a 1972 film that deals with some guy in the lone wilderness who gets fucked over by some people in a cantina. This doesn't deter him in any way, and through the strength of his will, he builds a small kingdom. Also, there is a priest that shows up and does some things for a few minutes of film.

The Conclusions

Both of them die in a legendary way.

My Assessment

I like both movies. I happen to be a fan of the director of The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, John Huston. I also happen to be a fan of Paul Newman. But at the same time, The Ballad of Cable Hogue was directed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah. This comparison may seem to be a wash, with both films as a tie...but there is one factor that elevates The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean over The Ballad of Cable Hogue.

Jason Robards

I can't stand that guy. Never liked him. It may be my problem, but if it is, you are here reading about my issue with these movies.