Chisum Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

John Wayne punches capitalism in the face, Billy the Kid shoots some folks, and the Old West is saved by a cattle stampede, because why not?

🍿 Chisum: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrival of Conflict

In 1878 New Mexico, John Chisum, a powerful cattle baron, finds his peaceful existence threatened by Lawrence Murphy, a ruthless businessman who is buying up land and businesses, effectively monopolizing Lincoln County. Murphy’s actions displace local ranchers and store owners, creating tension and unease in the community. Chisum, initially hesitant to intervene, finds himself increasingly concerned by Murphy’s growing influence and disregard for the law.

The Emergence of Allies

As tensions escalate, Chisum forms alliances with Henry Tunstall, a British rancher and pacifist, and a young William Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid, whom Tunstall is trying to reform. Tunstall and Chisum establish a rival store and bank to challenge Murphy’s monopoly, sparking further conflict. Pat Garrett, a former buffalo hunter, also enters the scene, aligning himself with Chisum and developing a complex relationship with Billy the Kid.

Escalation to War

The conflict intensifies with acts of violence and betrayal. Murphy’s men, including Sheriff Brady, carry out ruthless deeds, culminating in the murder of Tunstall. This event ignites Billy the Kid’s desire for revenge, pushing him back into a life of outlawry. The Lincoln County War officially begins, dividing the community and leading to a series of deadly confrontations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• John Chisum (John Wayne): A powerful and fair cattle baron who fights to protect his land and community from greedy encroachment.
• Lawrence Murphy (Forrest Tucker): A ruthless and ambitious businessman who uses any means necessary to control Lincoln County.
• Billy ‘The Kid’ Bonney (Geoffrey Deuel): A young and skilled gunman who seeks redemption but is drawn back into violence by injustice.
• Pat Garrett (Glenn Corbett): A former buffalo hunter turned lawman who strives to maintain order and becomes a friend to both Chisum and Billy.
• James Pepper (Ben Johnson): Chisum’s loyal and trusted friend, offering practical advice and unwavering support.
• Alex McSween (Andrew Prine): An idealistic lawyer who initially works for Murphy but switches sides to support Chisum’s fight for justice.
• Dan Nodeen (Christopher George): A cold-blooded bounty hunter obsessed with capturing Billy the Kid, representing the dark side of the law.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• James Pepper: “You know, there’s an old saying, Miss Sally. There’s no law west of Dodge and no God west of the Pecos. Right, Mr. Chisum?” – Pepper states a common saying reflecting the lawlessness of the West.
• John Simpson Chisum: “Wrong, Mr. Pepper. Because no matter where people go, sooner or later there’s the law. And sooner or later they find God’s already been there.” – Chisum rebukes Pepper’s saying, expressing his belief in eventual justice and divine presence.
• John Simpson Chisum: “If your men cross my land, touch any of my cows or do anything to that store over there, I’m not going to the sheriff, the governor or the president of the United States, I’m coming to see you!” – Chisum makes a direct threat to Murphy, showing he won’t stand for his actions anymore.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,000,000 (estimated)
• Worldwide Gross: $6,000,000 (estimated)

💥 Chisum Reviews

Personal Review

I love this movie. Watching John Wayne as Chisum, standing up for what’s right, always gives me goosebumps. The final stampede scene is epic, and I always find myself cheering when Murphy gets his just desserts. It’s a classic western that never gets old. The music and the action were perfect.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Westerns”
  • “John Wayne enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about the Wild West and range wars”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Gun violence”
  • “Fistfights”
  • “Brief mild language”

Professional Reviews

• MovieWeb: “Chisum is a solid, if unremarkable, John Wayne western. While it takes liberties with historical accuracy, the film delivers classic western action and a satisfying showdown between good and evil. It’s a fun ride for fans of the genre but don’t expect a history lesson.
• IMDb: “A classic John Wayne western that will not disappoint. Has a decent storyline pitting a fair and understanding land baron in John Chisum (John Wayne) who isn’t afraid to resort to the tactics that helped him gain his land over the past 40 years, and a loyal group of fast guns loyal to Chisum in Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid to counter the gunslingers who want to steal Chisum’s land by way of the gun. A strong 8 out of 10

Audience Reactions

John Wayne’s unwavering moral compass and decisive actions made him an unforgettable hero.: The action sequences, especially the climactic battle, were thrilling and well-executed.

Overall Consensus: A classic, entertaining John Wayne western, though historically inaccurate, it delivers solid action and a satisfying good vs. evil narrative.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “John Wayne was reportedly disappointed with how obvious his stunt double was during the final fight scene with Forrest Tucker.”
• “The movie takes considerable liberties with historical accuracy, particularly regarding the relationships and actions of John Chisum, Billy the Kid, and other figures in the Lincoln County War.”
• “Much of the filming took place in Durango, Mexico, standing in for Lincoln County, New Mexico.”

🖥️ How to Watch Chisum?

Chisum is available to rent or buy on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming options and availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Chisum, you might like these similar films:

• Rio Bravo (1959): Shares the theme of a small group of good guys standing against overwhelming odds in a Western setting.
• Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973): Features the same historical figures and events, offering a more revisionist take on the Lincoln County War.
• Young Guns (1988): A more modern and stylized retelling of the Lincoln County War, focusing on Billy the Kid and the Regulators.
• Open Range (2003): Explores similar themes of land disputes and the struggle for justice in the Old West.

🛒 Chisum Related Products

• John Wayne: The Epic Collection [Blu-ray]: This comprehensive collection features several of John Wayne’s most iconic westerns, showcasing his legendary status in the genre. ‘Chisum’ is often included in these collections.
• Billy the Kid: An Autobiography: Delve into the real-life story of Billy the Kid, portrayed in ‘Chisum’. This autobiography offers a glimpse into the life and mind of the legendary outlaw.
• Western Movie Poster Pack: A collection of high-quality posters featuring iconic western movie imagery, including possible artwork for ‘Chisum’ or similar films of the era.
• LEGO Western Cowboy Minifigure: Expand your collection with the LEGO Western Cowboy Minifigure, allowing you to collect toy likenesses of characters in the movie or create similar scenarios. LEGO building is fun for all ages.

🎧 Soundtrack

Chisum features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Turn Me Around” – performed by Merle Haggard

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

John Wayne Burns His Hand In “Chisum” (1970)

Did you notice John Wayne’s subtle reaction in this scene from ‘Chisum’? He actually burned himself with his cigar! It’s amazing how he covered it up like a pro. Check it out, it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment!

Backward Shot Of John Wayne In “Chisum” (1970)

Ever wonder about that iconic opening shot of John Wayne in ‘Chisum’? Turns out, it’s a backward shot! I never would have guessed. It’s a pretty cool filmmaking trick, definitely worth seeing.

Why John Wayne’s movie “CHISUM” led him to AN UNUSUAL VERY PATRIOTIC venture!

Did you know ‘Chisum’ inspired John Wayne to embark on a unique, patriotic endeavor? I found it super interesting how the movie connected to his other ventures. Give it a watch; you might be surprised!

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