Western Films with Ex-Girlfriends

Description: A legendary gunfighter seeks redemption and peace, but his past, including an ex-girlfriend, catches up with him, leading to a poignant climax.

Fact: This film is often cited as one of the first to portray the gunfighter as a tragic figure rather than a hero. Gregory Peck's performance was critically acclaimed.

Description: A group of gunmen are hired to protect a Mexican village from bandits. One of the gunmen's past includes a woman he left behind, influencing his character's arc.

Fact: The film was a remake of Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai." It was the first film to feature an ensemble cast of this nature in a western setting.

Description: When his ranch hands leave to join a gold rush, a rancher hires schoolboys to drive his cattle. His past includes a woman who left him, influencing his decisions and actions.

Fact: John Wayne, who plays the rancher, was initially reluctant to take on the role due to its unconventional nature. The film was a box office success, despite mixed reviews.

Description: A tale of a horse thief and a rancher, where the ex-girlfriend of the thief becomes a pivotal figure in the escalating conflict between the two men.

Fact: This was one of the last films for both Marlon Brando and Jack Nicholson before their careers took different paths. Brando improvised much of his dialogue, adding to the film's unique flavor.

Description: After his family is murdered, Josey Wales becomes an outlaw. His journey involves encounters with his past, including a woman he once loved, highlighting themes of redemption and loss.

Fact: Clint Eastwood not only starred in but also directed this film, which was one of the first westerns to explore the aftermath of the Civil War. The film's script was adapted from the novel "The Rebel Outlaw: Josey Wales" by Forrest Carter.

Description: This film tells the story of the James-Younger gang, with real-life brothers playing the roles of the outlaws. An ex-girlfriend's betrayal plays a key role in the gang's downfall.

Fact: The film cast actual brothers to play the James-Younger gang members, including the Carradine, Keach, and Quaid brothers. It was one of the first films to use this casting approach.

Description: A young man seeks to prove himself after his father's death, with his journey intertwined with his ex-girlfriend, who is now engaged to another man.

Fact: The film is based on the poem by A.B. "Banjo" Paterson, and its success led to a sequel. It was one of the highest-grossing Australian films of its time.

Description: A mysterious preacher rides into a mining town to help its residents against a ruthless mining boss. His past includes a woman who left him, adding depth to his character's motivations.

Fact: This film is often considered a spiritual successor to Eastwood's earlier "High Plains Drifter." The character of the Preacher is never named, adding to his enigmatic presence.

Description: A mysterious woman with a past arrives in a town ruled by a ruthless gunslinger. Her quest for vengeance involves her ex-lover, adding layers of tension and drama to the classic western showdown.

Fact: Sharon Stone, who plays the lead, was trained by renowned firearms expert Thell Reed for her role. The film features a unique duel format, where participants must wait for a signal to draw their guns.

Description: In this modern western, Lefty Brown's journey to avenge his friend's murder leads him to confront his past, including his ex-girlfriend, who plays a crucial role in unraveling the mystery.

Fact: The film was shot in Montana, providing an authentic backdrop for its western setting. Bill Pullman, who plays Lefty, also served as a producer for the film.