Do you know the western Top Gun? And the Western Maverick?

The other Top Gun

Before the release of the film with Tom Cruise and his renowned pilot school, the title Top Gun referred to a western released in 1955. This B series distributed by United Artists was worn by Sterling Hayden (also seen in Johnny Guitar) and in secondary roles John Dehner (These boys who came from Brazil) or Rod Taylor (The Birds, Churchill in Inglourious Basterds).

The film tells the story of gunslinger Rick Martin (Hayden), returning home after years of absence to pay his respects at his mother’s grave. The small town takes a dim view of his return, as Martin has been found guilty of a triple murder. According to him, it was in self-defense, but few here believe his version. Also, when he announces that Tom Quentin’s gang is on the prowl and could soon attack their city, his word is in doubt.

Directed by Ray Nazarro, Top Gun is written by Steve Fisher (who will co-sign the very good The Woman who almost was lynched) and by a regular in Nazarro’s films: Richard Schayer, a veteran of the profession, who notably co-created The Mummy. For a western completed in 1h13, Top Gun offers a scenario that has already been seen but dense, taking the time to add a love rivalry, revelations and a lot of shootings.

Have you been convinced? Significant bonus, it is visible in full here:

The other Maverick

When the director of Lethal Weapon finds Mel Gibson, it makes sparks! Like Top Gun, Maverick is a western, but this time turned to comedy. As he prepares to participate in the tournament of the century, Maverick, a poker professional, finds himself penniless, threatened with death by a sore loser named Angel and prey to the provocations of a young and beautiful player, Anabelle Blansford. , who multiplies the teasers while stubbornly avoiding his advances.

Director Richard Donner puts all his talent at the service of the duo Mel Gibson / Jodie Foster, making a dynamic, joyful, catchy and captivating film! He films the final tournament with the tension of a duel at sunset and during a short scene, even reunites Riggs and Murtaugh by entrusting a cameo to Danny Glover as a passing outlaw.

Warner Bros.

Remember that this nugget to (re)discover urgently is adapted from the Maverick series, which was on the air from 1957 to 1962. James Garner played Bret Maverick there but plays the role of Marshal Zane Cooper in the feature film. The name of his character pays homage to author Zane Gray and actor Gary Cooper, both of whom specialize in westerns.