These classic Hollywood actresses brought the strength and fervor of the cowgirl to the big screen. Do you remember these performances by these iconic 1950s actresses?
In 1956, Barbara Stanwyck played the title role in The Maverick Queen, one of many 1950s western films and television series featuring strong and charismatic female characters that knew what they wanted and were not afraid to go after it. How many do you remember?
Dale Evans in The Roy Rogers Show (1951-1957)
You can’t leave the “Queen of the West” off of any list of iconic 1950s western stars. After appearing in 28 films opposite husband Roy Rogers, Evans costarred in 104 episodes of the couple’s TV series, and wrote its now iconic theme song, “Happy Trails To You.”
Marlene Dietrich in Rancho Notorious (1952)
After earning her western spurs in 1939’s Destry Rides Again, Marlene Dietrich returned to the genre in this dark tale of revenge that is as much film noir as western. As femme fatale Altar Keene, she leads the hero to his doom, warbles a catchy saloon song (“Get Away Young Man”), and snatches a moment of redemption just before the credits roll.
Virginia Mayo in Devil’s Canyon (1953)
3-D movies were a short-lived fad in the 1950s, and Devil’s Canyon was one of the few westerns shot in that process. The fun of being a viewer was watching objects seemingly fly off the screen toward you. The climactic moment that had audiences ducking in this western prison break movie happens when Virginia Mayo stands behind a Gatling gun firing round after round at the escaping convicts — and the folks in their theater seats.
Gail Davis in Annie Oakley (1954-1956)
Don’t look for historical accuracy in this rousing series starring Gail Davis as the famous pigtailed sharpshooter. Here, Annie spends most of her time protecting the town of Diablo from outlaws and bandits. There is authenticity, however, in the casting of Davis, a real trick rider and crack shot discovered by Gene Autry, who produced the series.
Claudette Colbert in Texas Lady (1955)
Prudence Webb (Colbert) is a newspaper owner who, after avenging her father’s death, becomes embroiled in a one-woman war against corrupt cattle barons. This was one of Colbert’s final films and her only western, and at age 51 she still had enough charisma to keep a predictable plot interesting.
Beverly Garland in Gunslinger (1956)
Beverly Garland attained B-movie cult status for her work in a variety of films that played at the bottom of a double-bill — but that doesn’t mean they were not worth watching. Gunslinger was a quirky little quickie, directed by another cult favorite in Roger Corman, in which Garland played female marshal Rose Hood. Shot in just seven days, the film earned positive notices, in particular for its surprise ending.
Angie Dickinson in Rio Bravo (1959)
One of the most popular westerns of the decade is best remembered for Howard Hawks’ crackerjack direction, John Wayne at his most heroic, a fine dramatic performance from Dean Martin, and a supporting turn from Ricky Nelson at the height of his television and musical fame. But don’t forget Angie Dickinson as dance hall girl Feathers, whose combative chemistry with Wayne is another highlight in a move packed with them.
From our October 2024 issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Courtesy of IMDb