The Culpepper Cattle Co.

The Culpepper Cattle Co. is a fascinating Western drama released in 1972, starring Gary Grimes as the protagonist, Billy Green Bush, and Luke Askew in crucial roles. This phenomenal picture is an authentic exploration of life in the Old West, and it thrusts viewers into a world fraught with hardship, survival, and an underbelly of human nature seldom depicted in Western genre films.

The movie centres around a young farm boy, Ben Mockridge, portrayed exceptionally by Gary Grimes. Growing up in Nebraska, Ben nurtures an idyllic notion of the cowboy's life inspired by romantic novels and the occasional passerby with stories to share. He yearns to escape his mundane life in the farm and dreams of the thrill, glamour, and bravado associated with the cowboy's life out in the open range.

Seeing an opportunity to bring his dreams to life, Ben persuices a passing cattle crew led by the hardened cowhand, Frank Culpepper (Billy Green Bush) to bring him on as a hand. Frank, not one to risk his seasoned crew's efficiency for an inexperienced boy's romantic notions of cowboy life, initially declines. But Ben's persistency and enthusiasm convince Frank to let him tag along for a pittance. With high spirits and lofty dreams, Ben embarks on a journey that proves to be far removed from the romantic notions spun by his books.

The Culpepper Cattle Co. paints a grim, unromanticized picture of the cowboy life that starkly contrasts with the traditionally glorified heroics frequently showcased in other Westerns. The film embraces realism and is set against a backdrop of endless prairies, overbearing heat, and harsh weather conditions. It delves into the gruelling day-to-day life of cattle drovers, the constant threat of cattle thieves, and the ever-present peril that was survival in the Old West.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the movie is its character development. The young and naive Ben transforms over the course of the film. Having stepped into cowboy boots with big dreams and naïve expectations, Ben is forced to grow up quickly in the face of the harsh realities of life on the range. Frank Culpepper is compelling as the seasoned, grizzled cattle hand who embodies the harsh truths of life on the range, giving a glimpse of what Ben may become should he continue this path. Luke Askew as Dixie Brick, the gunfighter with a complicated past, adds another layer of realism and intrigue to the narrative.

The film's cinematography garners special mention, with director Dick Richards capturing the majestic landscapes and brutal harshness of the environment that was quintessential to cowboy life. Each frame is a testament to the realities of the old west, and the tight and focused storyline keeps the viewers engrossed from start to finish.

As the story progresses, Ben's dreams and reality clash dramatically with the harsh, pesky realities of the cowboy life. Hard work, violence, moral dilemmas, and life/death decisions become everyday norms for young Mockridge, testing his mettle and resilience. He learns that being a cowboy isn't as glorious or easy as he thought, and these lessons come from the rough and ruthless life he chose.

The Culpepper Cattle Co. stands out from the herd of Westerns for its unique portrayal of cowboy life. Unlike other movies in its genre that tend to romanticise and embellish ‘cowboy aspects,’ this film leans heavily into depicting a realistic narrative about cattle driving and the ‘uncowboy’ aspects of the cowboy lifestyle. It is very much a character-driven narrative, with a heavy focus on the cowboy characters' individual experiences, their personal struggles, their unromantic daily life, and their consistent battles with the elements.

The film's grim portrayal of cowboy life, the raw intensity of its landscapes, a gripping storyline and nuanced performances from its cast, make The Culpepper Cattle Co. an underrated gem in the Western film genre. By blurring out the glorifying features of the West and focusing on the gritty realities of cowboy life, The Culpepper Cattle Co. offers a unique, authentic taste of the Old West that’s bound to leave a lasting impression. It is a must-watch for all lovers of the Western genre.