The Rounders

The Rounders is a light-hearted, humorous western film released in 1965, directed by Burt Kennedy, and highlighted by the talent of cinematic greats, Glenn Ford and Henry Fonda. Apart from these two stalwarts, the film also features Sue Ane Langdon, Hope Holiday, and Chill Wills in supporting roles. The script is laced with frivolity and comical undertones, skillfully penned by the director himself.

Set against the extensive, rustic landscapes of the American Wild West, The Rounders is the story of two middle-aged cowboys, Ben Jones (Glenn Ford) and Howdy Lewis (Henry Fonda). Both Ben and Howdy are known for their unique profession - they specialize in breaking horses for ranchers by 'rounding' or taming them. Apart from their job, these rounders also share a common trait; their laid-back philosophy towards life, always avoiding work whenever they can, and preferring to live an uncomplicated life free of responsibilities.

The storyline pivots around a lap-breaking, rowdy roan horse named Old Fooler that takes center stage in Ben and Howdy's lives. The rowdy horse, known for its stubbornness and temperament, presents itself as a routine project for Ben and Howdy. However, when they, eventually, fail to tame the fierce beast, they decide to sell it off. But, their plans don't pan out, and they are stuck with the sly animal, which creates hilarious and eventful situations throughout the film.

Sue Ane Langdon plays the character of Mary, who provides an emotional foil to these cowboys' rather insouciant approach towards life. She is the sister of Ben and Howdy's boss, the ranch owner, and successfully infuses some romantic comedy into the otherwise male-dominated storyline.

The Rounders' narrative is neither about conquest nor victory. It doesn't rely on the characteristic hallmarks of traditional Westerns like gunfights, heroic exploits, or revenge quests. Rather, it's an easy-going story about two modernist cowboys who don't quite fit into the heroic cowboy archetypes. Their unheroic capers and comic misadventures breathe freshness into the conventional Western genre.

Every character is well-written and well-performed, adding a certain charm and raw appeal. The comedic situations are elevated by the authentic performances of the experienced cast, especially Ford and Fonda, who inhabit their characters with natural ease, making it enjoyable and memorable.

The film's humorous narrative is further enhanced by cinematographer Paul C. Vogel's visuals and Lyn Murray's background score. The portrayal of the Wild West's vast, arid landscapes injects an authentic classical Western feel to the film, resonating with the laid-back lives of the characters. The music excellently complements the on-point humor and smartly crafted laugh-out-loud moments.

While maintaining its emphasis on humor and character dynamics, The Rounders subtly weaves in commentary on aging in a changing western world and the gradual disparition of the age-old cowboy lifestyle. It exhibits a delicate nostalgia for the tradition of the old West, without taking itself too seriously. The movie presents a balance between the harsh realities of life and the lackadaisical attitudes of its characters, delivering lots of laughs cradled in a whimsical philosophizing.

In summary, The Rounders is a jovial, endearing Western Comedic classic, bustling with entertainment, humor, and impressive performances. It fearlessly eschews cliche and instead sets out to show the more laid-back realities of cowboy living. The camaraderie between Ford and Fonda is infectious, the writing is ingenious, and the overall execution is flawless. The film is a delightfully humorous take on the western genre, perfect for those who want a generous dose of laughter served with a slice of western wilderness.