Saturday 22 August 2009

the promised land

This particular blog is to get back to why I became interested in westerns in the first place. After a hectic day, I have just watched the opening credits of "The Magnificent Seven tv series" on You Tube. I love them. I have to confess, I once watched them over and over again, at consistent intervals, all evening. They embody to me what is exciting, thrilling and inspiring about westerns and the Old West. It is much more than just a bunch of good guys fighting the bad guys and winning. The opening credits embody the excitement of an age of cowboys/gunfighters, saddling up and riding out into the wilderness to fight for what is right. So what if there is an element of myth there. There is also a good deal of truth and reality in the series itself. And as far as myth goes, who says that there were not good guys, like those portrayed in "The Magnificent Seven" in the Old West itself. Yes, it was harsh, violent place with plenty of evil. But there was also heroism, bravery and "good guys" who fought for what is right. Both are an equal part of the Old West.

And while on the subject, Black Horse westerns are an excellent example of western literature that has a perfect balance between myth and reality. The writers capture the excitement, the danger and the thrill of a new frontier and the people that went out into it and made something of it. I love them. I doubt anyone but Black Horse western readers/writers know about this blog, but for the sake of any who may one day read it, I would recommend this range of books wholeheartedly. They have been with me through many changes in my life, and I can remember reading them at distinct times in my life. I can even remember stories from years and years ago, and where I was when I read them.

This won't be the last time I write about Black Horse westerns, or the Old West for that matter, but I wanted to pay homage to both the books, and the era in history. This has been a tough evening in one way or the other, and watching those opening titles from "The Magnificent Seven" cheered me up no end.

6 comments:

  1. A show I haven't really watched but after I finish Bat Masterson I will check it out. And I agree with you on BHWs. A truly superb group of writers and their output is staggering.

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  2. Let me know what you think, Dave. Some people say the series doesn't compare favourably with the film, but then why compare them? I think they are both different and they both have their own merits. (Oh, and thanks for following me. You are my first follower that I don't really know!)

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  3. I will. I'm traveling for work now but when I get back I will stock up on DVDs and books and make sure SEVEN is among them.

    And I believe I found your site through Jack Martin or another BHW writer. Mutual friends we have.

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  4. I was a devoted follower of The Mag Seven TV series. It was certainly better than some of the later film sequels. And I never got tired of hearing that song!

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  5. I'm also a fan of the MS7 tv series and have series 1 on DVD. I thought the very last episode ever was the best one because we found out what made Chris the man he is.

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  6. Thanks for the comments. Yes, I love that song and the tv series does the opening credits really well. Jo, I've got series 1 on DVD, but haven't go to the last episode yet. I'll have to check it out.

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