The 1967 Western Star Pair Criss-Cross

Back in the 60's, a Western was usually a vehicle for two major male stars. They came cheaper back then, and the older ones, frankly, needed work.

1967 had a funny criss-cross:

John Wayne and Kirk Douglas in "The War Wagon"

John Wayne and Robert Mitchum in "El Dorado" ('67 release in the USA; '66 in Japan.)

Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas in "The Way West"

As you can see, every possible pair. And "The Way West" threw in Richard Widmark, another aging 50's star in the 60's, as part of the deal.

Don't get me wrong. All these guys were fine movie actors, and true stars. But it seemed like none of them could star ALONE in a movie after awhile. They all had to have back-up.


If you don't use one year (1967) try this:

John Wayne and Dean Martin in "Rio Bravo" (1959) OR "The Sons of Katie Elder" (1965)

John Wayne and Robert Mitchum in "El Dorado" (1967)

Dean Martin and Robert Mitchum in "Five Card Stud." (1968)

Interchangable criss-crosses!