I recall that more than one early critic of THE COWBOYS had a problem with what they perceived to be the overriding morale of the story....that boys do not become men until they kill somebody. But I didn't get that from the story at all. THE COWBOYS suggests that boys become men when they share a man's world and take on a man's responsibilities. The shootout at the end was simple a grim example of good triumphing over evil.
shareI agree with your comments.
And that 'critic' sounds like an idiot ~
"I will not go gently onto a shelf, degutted, to become a non-book." ~ Bradbury
There was one in particular -- Judith Crist -- who took out after "The Cowboys" as fascist and depraved in showing "boys becoming murderous little Dirty Harrys."
She didn't like Dirty Harry, either.
And she despised "The Wild Bunch," going on the Johnny Carson show to say "bring your barf bag to this one,"
And later, she despised Wayne's "The Shootist," too - saying it was the tale of a dying man who sadistically wanted to kill men on his way out.
No Judith Crist fan, here.
ecarle^
Well, strike Ms. Crist off of my list, too.
How narrow-minded, biased, and ill-informed she must have been to make such statements.
"I will not go gently onto a shelf, degutted, to become a non-book." ~ Bradbury
Actually saw this movie for the first time tonight. Sad, I know...
And I rember thinking one thing when the boys jump Roscoe and tie him up: "Yes! Do the right thing!"
And it's not the act of killing or vengeance... What people have to remember is, that back then, range riding was a way of life. Like a carreer that took an enormous toll on you. ALL YOU HAD, were the people that rode for the brand along with you. Having said all that, what those boys did was Justice. Stopped evil men.
Loved this movie. Saw your post, and wanted to weigh in.