Waterhole #3

Waterhole #3, released in 1967, is a comedy western directed by William A. Graham. The film features renowned actors like James Coburn, Carroll O'Connor, and Margaret Blye. The film stands out from other westerns of its era due to its unique blending of genre elements, infusing comedy and satire within the traditional structure of a Western movie.

In the heart of the story is the engaging, charismatic character of 'Lewton Cole' (played by James Coburn), a shrewd yet roguish gambler and a cattle thief. Cole is the distinctive anti-hero, the crafty outlaw with a sense of witty charm who maneuvers his way through dire situations with an easy nonchalance and uncanny cleverness. Notably, the character of Lewton Cole adds a distinctive sheen of cynicism and comedy, twisting the classic Western cowboy motif into something much more contemporary and entertaining.

As the plot unfolds, the mischievous chaotic charm of Lewton Cole gets entwined with the plot about stolen gold from the U.S. Cavalry that is buried near the desert waterhole. The waterhole #3 serves as a key location around which the main events unfold. The manner in which Cole outsmarts a band of robbers and embezzles their gold is shown in a comically entertaining way, infusing humor into the otherwise thrilling plot.

On the other side of the story is the character of 'Captain Shipley' (played by Carroll O'Connor), the uptight and prudish U.S. Cavalry officer who wants to retrieve the stolen gold. The amusing clash between law enforcement and the cunning outlaw could remind some viewers of Road Runner's contests with Wile E. Coyote. The back and forth between Cole and Shipley adds humor, suspense, and excitement to the plot.

Apart from the chase for the gold involving Cole and the Cavalry, the film also introduces 'Hilary' (played by Margaret Blye). She portrays a headstrong and independent woman, elements that aptly challenge the traditional feminization in the Western genre. The film utilizes her character to comment satirically on gender roles in the genre as Hilary, though initially shown as an object of desire, evolves into a player in the strategic game that is playing out.

The film’s landscapes are portrayed in a way that conveys the spirit of the classic western genre while the technical aspects like the choreography of the action scenes, cinematography, and the sharp dialogue play a huge part in the overall comedic effect of the film. Striking a balance between the tense moments of the Western genre and the humorous instances, Waterhole #3 does more than just parodying the genre; it gives rise to a charm of its own.

In addition, the film features a catchy, memorable music score composed by Dave Grusin that adds a different dimension to the movie. The tracks often echo the dramatic moments unfolding on screen, parodying the trademark way music accompanies pivotal moments in classic western films. The title theme song "Waterhole #3 (Code of the West)" performed by Roger Miller sets the tone for the rest of the film, and reflects upon the underlying motif of western morals jumbled with playful charm.

The film does not adhere to the serious and stern tone of traditional westerns. Instead, its unique combination of humor and adventure gives it an identity of its own. It combines the classic Western genre elements with laid-back humor and witty sarcasm that make the movie an entertaining watch. Waterhole #3 criticizes and parodies the conventions of Western films, yet it deftly addresses these parodies without diminishing the thrill of the classic Western adventure.

Waterhole #3 is an entertainment package combining elements of comedy and satire with the spine of a classic Western, spinning an exciting tale of a cheeky anti-hero, outsmarting his obstacles in his own nonchalant, crafty manner. The movie presents an entertaining blend of humor and excitement that makes it a memorable watch for anyone who enjoys a good, lighthearted twist on the classic Western genre.