Waterhole No. 3

Waterhole No. 3, a Western comedy released in 1967, is set in the rough yet vibrant landscapes of the Wild West, giving the audience a rollercoaster mixture of humor and a classic western movie flavor. This exciting film features a star-studded cast led by James Coburn, Carroll O'Connor, and Margaret Blye. Their standout performances bring vivacious characters to life in this lively frontier tale.

With Veteran actor and Academy Award winner, James Coburn spearheading the cast, he brilliantly plays the cool and cunning Lewton Cole, a professional gambler with an intriguing character and a silver tongue. Coburn delivers a fluid performance filled with charm and wittiness, creating a likable anti-hero throughout the film. He gambles more than money; he plays dangerously with the law, luck, and love. His occasional dialogues with his horse are unpretentiously humorous, giving the audience a light-hearted sense of fun in the perilous times of the Wild West.

Carroll O'Connor is the self-righteous Captain Shipley, symbolizing the law and order in the unchartered territories of the late 1800s. Firmly believing in his role as the enforcer of law and justice, he is dedicated to hunting down outlaws. O'Connor's interaction with the other characters produces several comedic moments; proving his worth as a versatile actor who can handle comedy just as well as he does drama.

Margaret Blye as Billee Copperud is a bright and vivacious female character in a largely chauvinistic setting, making her an interesting character to watch. Her interaction with Cole adds a spark of romance and more layers of complexity to the storyline. Her character exudes charm and independence, conflicting with the typical expectation of women during the era.

Waterhole No. 3 begins with an interesting premise where a precious consignment of gold is robbed from a fortress-like prison. Clues about the hidden loot cleverly lead the unassuming gambler Lewton Cole to it. Upon discovering the stash, Cole draws the attention of various characters including a fascinating mix of menacing outlaws, law enforcers like Captian Shipley, and Billee on his trail, all adding more layers to the drama.

The film's comedic timing, paired with the suspense of potential discovery, catapults the vivid landscapes of the Old West into a riotous, hilarious cat-and-mouse game, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats with laughter and curiosity. Moreover, the eccentric cast of characters, each with their motives and desires, creates a richly woven story that's engaging and consistently entertaining.

Renowned director William A. Graham and screenwriter Joseph T. Steck pair up to deliver this captivating saga of the Wild West infused with humor and the allure of adventure. They weave together a storyline that perfectly combines the suspenseful aspects of a traditional heist with the fun elements of a Western comedy. Their effort results in a feel-good, humorous, and engaging story that leaves the audiences wanting more.

Coburn, with his sophisticated cowboy persona, steers the comedic spirit of this film by deftly fusing his unique brand of charm, wit, and a careless regard for danger. His constant encounters with trouble and his consequent escapes with a devil-may-care nonchalance are bliss to watch. The dry humor complemented with clever jokes tossed around throughout the movie provides an entirely new flavor to the taste of the Western genre.

The film's cinematography is laudable, with the camera expertly capturing the vast and gritty landscape of the Wild West. The typical bustling saloons, dusty roads, and standoffs against the backdrop of sunsets paints a vivid and aesthetically pleasing picture for the audience.

Despite its light-hearted narrative, the film also portrays the lawless and tumultuous life in the Old West, replete with outlaws, hustlers, and seldom effective law enforcement. It delves into the nuances of a society torn between civilization and lawlessness, and it balances these darker themes with climactic, hilarious scenes.

In conclusion, Waterhole No. 3 is an unconventional mix of a caper film and a Western comedy. It's a must-watch for individuals who enjoy the Western genre but are also seeking something refreshing and comical. The film's engaging storyline, combined with strong performances from its cast, multi-dimensional characters, and beautiful cinematography, make it a delightful take on the classic Western.