Film Overview"Rustlers' Rhapsody" is an American comedy western movie released in 1985. Directed and composed by Hugh Wilson, it is a parody of the standard westerns from the 1930s and 1940s, especially the "singing cowboy" category promoted by Gene Autry. The movie stars Tom Berenger, Patrick Wayne, G.W. Bailey, Marilu Henner, and Andy Griffith. It showcases the staple cliches of western movie theater infused with an innovative comic twist making the movie a delightful watch.
PlotThe story focuses on singing cowboy Rex O'Herlihan (Tom Berenger) who enters the town of Oakwood Estates that has been overrun by livestock rustlers. Sticking to the essential western trope, O'Herlihan is the cowboy with an ethical compass, dressed in white and can't be beaten in a gunfight.
The town's bad guy, powerful cattle baron Colonel Ticonderoga (Andy Griffith), is concerned when he becomes aware of O'Herlihan's arrival as he recognizes with the standard operation of westerns and the fate of the bad man. In a twist to the story, Ticonderoga employs the services of a black-clad gunslinger, played by Patrick Wayne, to challenge the unavoidable triumph of the great hero.
Important Themes"Rustlers' Rhapsody" is a light-hearted satire of the standard stereotypical western movies. The clearly awkward characters, category cliches and breaking of the 4th wall manifest the spirit of the postmodern parody. What differentiates this movie is its self-awareness where the characters are cognizant of their existences within a movie, recognizing and discussing their own stereotyped functions and storyline. For example, O'Herlihan, during various instances in the movie, explains how the script is going according to his expectations, as it should in a western.
PerformancesTom Berenger, as Rex O'Herlihan, shines in a cowboy function which profits from the humor originated from spoofing the traditional traits of the 'cowboy hero' in movie Westerns. His performance, integrating the blowing of a conventional cowboy with a tongue-in-cheek awareness of the parody, is an emphasize of the movie. Andy Griffith, as the villain Colonel Ticonderoga, also delivers an outstanding efficiency. His character's disappointment towards the inescapable and predictable plot adds an additional layer of humor to the film.
Marilu Henner as Miss Tracy, the love interest, and G.W. Bailey as the dim-witted however loyal partner, offer excellent supporting efficiencies, equaling the funny tone of the film and including depth to the parody.
Final Remarks"Rustlers' Rhapsody" demystifies the western genre by highlighting its predictability, at the very same time, paying homage to the traditional westerns of the past. The movie might take a dig at the genre; however, it is done in an affectionate manner, ensuring a great laugh for the audience. With its creative discussions, appealing performances, and the intelligent have fun with genre conventions, "Rustlers' Rhapsody" is a delightful twist on the well-worn category of the classic Hollywood western film.
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