Gary Cooper is one of the most enduring and beloved figures in Western cinema, carving out a tenured career that saw him reach the pinnacle of the genre. He was best known for playing heroic roles that are morally complex, which added grandeur and dignity to the roles he portrayed and the films he starred in. Gary Cooper’s films highlighted the intricacies of the Western lifestyle on the American frontier, and he cemented his status as a true icon in cinema.
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Cooper was an extraordinary acting talent who also starred in many different genres of films, but his most famous works were iconic Westerns like High Noon and The Hanging Tree. His quiet vulnerability and ability to display a vast range of emotions in characters who would usually be played as black-and-white roles, influenced the next generation of both actors and filmmakers. His Westerns have gone down in cinematic history as some of the most groundbreaking and genre-defining works of the time.
10 Springfield Rifle (1952)
As Lex Kearney
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Springfield Rifle Not RatedWesternWar
Springfield Rifle is a Western film set during the American Civil War, directed by André De Toth and starring Gary Cooper. The film follows a Union officer who goes undercover to investigate Confederate forces stealing horses from Union supply lines. With themes of loyalty and courage, the movie portrays the trials faced by soldiers and the contributions of covert operations to the war effort.
Director André De Toth Release Date October 22, 1952 Writers Charles Marquis Warren , Frank Davis , Sloan Nibley Cast Gary Cooper , Phyllis Thaxter , David Brian , Paul Kelly , Philip Carey , Lon Chaney Jr. , James Millican , Guinn Williams Character(s) Maj. Alex Kearney , Erin Kearney , Austin McCool , Raider Leader , Lt. Col John Hudson , Capt. Edward Tennick , Pete Elm , Det. Matthew Quint , Sgt. Snow Runtime 93 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
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Springfield Rifle is an intricate Western directed by the talented Andre de Toth, who has been lauded as a stand-out director in the genre. The film takes place during the American Civil War and sees Union officer Major Lex Kearney (Gary Cooper) fake a dishonorable discharge in order to infiltrate enemy lines and discover an operation that is hurting the Union war effort. The film beautifully combines classic Western elements with the more covert intricacies of a spy film to create a fascinating, unique take on a traditional Western.
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The film features an ensemble cast, such as the incredible Phyllis Thaxter and Lon Chaney Jr., plying their trade in supporting roles. On release, Springfield Rifle was met with mixed reviews. However, with a solid storyline, commanding lead performance, and clever mix of genres, it has been further appreciated in more modern times. The mature direction of de Toth allows the narrative and actors to claim the spotlight. All of this is matched by Max Steiner’s inspirational score. The film is an enjoyable and different look at the genre that shows the versatility of Cooper’s acting.
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9 Unconquered (1947)
As Captain Chris Holden
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Unconquered DramaAdventureHistory
Unconquered is a historical drama set in 1763 England. Following a conviction, Abigail Hale escapes execution by servitude in Virginia. Meanwhile, tension mounts as ominous war drums echo from the Ohio valley, unsettling the colony’s inhabitants. The film explores themes of survival and looming conflict.
Director Cecil B. DeMille Release Date October 10, 1947 Writers Charles Bennett , Fredric M. Frank Cast Gary Cooper , Paulette Goddard , Howard Da Silva , Boris Karloff , Cecil Kellaway , Ward Bond , Katherine DeMille , Henry Wilcoxon , C. Aubrey Smith , Victor Varconi , Virginia Grey , Porter Hall , Mike Mazurki , Richard Gaines , Virginia Campbell , Gavin Muir , Alan Napier , Ninetta Sunderland , Marc Lawrence , Jane Nigh , Raymond Hatton , John Mylong , George Kirby , Leonard Carey , Frank Wilcox Character(s) Captain Christopher Holden , Abby , Garth , Guyasuta, Chief of the Senecas , Jeremy Love , John Fraser , Hannah , Captain Steele , Lord Chief Justice , Captain Simeon Ecuyer , Diana , Leach , Bone , Colonel George Washington , Mrs. John Fraser , Lieut. Fergus McKenzie , Sir William Johnson , Mrs. Pruitt , Medicine Man Sioto , Evelyn , Venango Scout , Colonel Henry Bouquet , London Astronomer Charles Mason , London Astronomer Jeremiah Dixon , Richard Henry Lee Runtime 147 minutes Expand
American historical adventure Unconquered was directed by Cecil B. DeMille and featured Gary Cooper and Paulette Goddard in the lead roles. Taking place during the pre-Revolutionary War period, the film focuses on the violent tension between American Colonists and the Native Americans, as Cooper’s Captain Chris Holden purchases submissive servant Abby Hale in order to set her free from her previously suffocating lifestyle. The film is a naturally expansive work that makes full use of the surrounding landscapes to create a compelling tale of action and adventure.
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DeMille’s direction is as epic as ever, with no part of the Western feeling limited or held back. Cooper’s portrayal of Holden is one of his most captivating and heroic displays. It helped him cement him as the icon he would become. Cooper’s chemistry with Goddard is exceptional as the two play off each other with seamless dialogue that flows back and forth with a natural warmth between the two. The film has been criticized for its historical accuracy and its negative portrayal of Native Americans, but the film remains is an important part of Cooper’s career.
8 The Plainsman (1936)
As Wild Bill Hickock
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The Plainsman Not RatedWesternWarRomance
The Plainsman is a 1936 Western directed by Cecil B. DeMille, featuring Gary Cooper as Wild Bill Hickok and Jean Arthur as Calamity Jane. This film portrays the turbulent post-Civil War era, focusing on the challenges faced by these iconic figures as they navigate conflicts with Native American tribes and outlaws. Charles Bickford and James Ellison co-star, adding depth to this depiction of frontier life.
Director Cecil B. DeMille Release Date November 16, 1936 Writers Harold Lamb , Lynn Riggs , Waldemar Young Cast Gary Cooper , Jean Arthur , James Ellison , Charles Bickford , Helen Burgess , Porter Hall , Paul Harvey , Victor Varconi Character(s) Wild Bill Hickok , Calamity Jane , William Cody , John Lattimer , Louisa Cody , Jack McCall , Yellow Hand , Painted Horse Runtime 113 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
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DeMille and Cooper’s first collaboration was in the epic The Plainsman, establishing a fruitful partnership for the pair. The plot follows the adventures and relationships of frontier legends Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill Cody, and General George Custer in a fictionalized retelling of their most infamous escapades. The filmmakers expertly craft a work that blends together real-life elements and characters with dramatized events and situations involving the gang’s expansion into the Wild West and issues with Native American tribes.
Cooper and DeMille collaborated on four films together over their careers, the first being
The Plainsman
in 1936, followed by
North West Mounted Police
,
The Story of Dr. Wassell
, and
Unconquered
.
Cooper’s portrayal of the folk hero soldier Hickok shows off the actors dynamic side, perfectly embodying the bravado and confidence that made him such a legend in the Western genre. Cooper’s chemistry with his female co-star is second to none, as his screen time with Arthur’s Calamity Jane provides much of the film’s comedic and emotional elements. Though the film wasn’t a massive commercial or critical success, it has definitely gained favor over the years.
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7 The Spoilers (1930)
As Roy Glennister
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The Spoilers is a bold and complex Western directed by Edwin Carewe in the pre-code era of film, with works before the censorship code and guidelines being enforced often depicting more salacious actions, violence, and taboo subjects. It stars Cooper as gold miner and land owner Roy Glennister, who is in a fight for justice against a corrupt official and judge who wants to seize his claim and steal his money. The film focuses on some prevailing themes in classic Westerns, such as redemption, resilience, and opposing a tyrannical oppressor.
Gary Cooper and William Boyd trade blows back and forth in an incredible sequence that showcases Cooper’s physicality and stage combat skills.
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While Cooper’s portrayal of Roy is fascinating and layered, he also showcases another skill set, with the film having one of the most celebrated saloon brawls in Western History. Gary Cooper and William Boyd trade blows back and forth in an incredible sequence that showcases Cooper’s physicality and stage combat skills. This helped pave the way for future fights and battles in later Westerns. While perhaps a more famous version of the film’s source material was released 12 years later starring John Wayne, Cooper’s version is the blueprint that helped set the standard for the genre.
6 Vera Cruz (1954)
As Ben Trane
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Vera Cruz Not RatedWestern
Vera Cruz (1954) is a Western film directed by Robert Aldrich and featuring Gary Cooper and Burt Lancaster. The film follows two American adventurers who join forces with Mexican revolutionaries in their fight against the Emperor Maximilian. Set against the backdrop of post-Civil War Mexico, the movie explores themes of loyalty, greed, and survival in a rapidly changing world.
Director Robert Aldrich Release Date December 25, 1954 Writers James R. Webb , Roland Kibbee , Borden Chase Cast Gary Cooper , burt lancaster , Denise Darcel , Cesar Romero , Sara Montiel , Ernest Borgnine , Charles Bronson , George Macready Character(s) Benjamin Trane , Joe Erin , Countess Marie Duvarre , Marquis Henri de Labordere , Nina , Donnegan , Pittsburgh , Emperor Maximilian Runtime 94 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
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A Western that broke ground with its varied themes and aspects, Vera Cruz is an incredibly influential film in the genre. Directed by Robert Aldrich, the film is set during the Franco-Mexican War and stars Cooper as American adventurer Ben Trane when he forms an unlikely partnership with Burt Lancaster’s rough gunslinger. The two are tasked with escorting a shipment of gold to the port of Vera Cruz. The film descends into betrayal and all-out action as characters are tested and allegiances are challenged and shifted.
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Vera Cruz has a much different feel than many popular Westerns before its time. The film boasts a darker, grittier tone with morally divisive characters who don’t play out as stereotypes. One scene sees Lancaster’s outlaw threatening to murder a group of child hostages, which was held up as a controversial beat that went on to help inspire an era of darker Westerns. The film had a notable influence on the Spaghetti Western movement, and deserves to be celebrated as one of Cooper’s best films.
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5 Man Of The West (1958)
As Link Jones
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Man of the West Western Where to Watch
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*Availability in US Director Anthony Mann Release Date October 10, 1958 Main Genre Western
Man of the West is an engaging Western film noir directed by Anthony Mann, based on Will C. Brown’s 1955 novel The Border Jumpers. The film stars Cooper as an outlaw who shed his wicked ways and reformed his life. However, his past comes back to haunt him in the form of his old outlaw gang. It’s a Western that strips back the narrative and offers a deeper dive into classic Western tropes, like redemption, forgiveness, and the inevitability of past consequences.
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|
The 10 Best Gary Cooper Westerns: |
IMDb Rating: |
|---|---|
|
Springfield Rifle (1952) |
6.6/10 |
|
Unconquered (1947) |
6.8/10 |
|
The Plainsman (1936) |
6.8/10 |
|
The Spoilers (1930) |
7.0/10 |
|
Vera Cruz (1954) |
7.0/10 |
|
Man of the West (1958) |
7.0/10 |
|
The Westerner (1940) |
7.3/10 |
|
The Hanging Tree (1959) |
7.1/10 |
|
Friendly Persuasion (1956) |
7.3/10 |
|
High Noon (1952) |
7.9/10 |
The film is often listed as one of Cooper’s most underrated Westerns and is another darker examination of frontier life. Mann’s steady hand behind the camera crafts a fascinating character study. Cooper nails his performance as Link Jones. Calm on the outside, Cooper nails the internal conflict occurring behind the character’s eyes. The film’s compelling storytelling and incredible performances across the board make it a must-watch for any Western fan.
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4 The Westerner (1940)
As Cole Harden
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The Westerner ApprovedWesternDrama
The Westerner is a Western film starring Gary Cooper as drifter Cole Harden. Accused of horse theft, Harden navigates a tense relationship with Judge Roy Bean, played by Walter Brennan, against the backdrop of a conflict between homesteaders and the self-appointed judge. Released in 1940, the film explores themes of justice and survival.
Director William Wyler Release Date September 20, 1940 Writers Jo Swerling , Niven Busch , Stuart N. Lake Cast Gary Cooper , Walter Brennan , Doris Davenport , Fred Stone , Forrest Tucker , Paul Hurst , Chill Wills , Lilian Bond Character(s) Cole Harden , Judge Roy Bean , Jane Ellen Mathews , Caliphet Mathews , Wade Harper , Chickenfoot , Southeast , Lily Langtry , Hod Johnson , Mort Borrow , Shad Wilkins , King Evans , The Stranger , Hezekiah Willever (uncredited) , Sheriff (uncredited) , Mr. Dixon – Homesteader (uncredited) , Man Getting Haircut (uncredited) , Deputy (uncredited) , Abigail (uncredited) , Joe Yates (uncredited) , Lily Langtry’s Manager (uncredited) , Man at Ticket Window (uncredited) , John Yancy (uncredited) , Abraham Wilson (uncredited) , Man (uncredited) Runtime 100 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
Directed by William Wyler, The Westerner is a brilliantly crafted Western written by Niven Busch and Jo Swerlin. The film is set in Texas in the 1880s and follows Walter Brennan’s self-appointed lawman, who acts as the town’s hanging judge. The crux of the film is his relationship with a drifter who befriends him in the hope of changing his policies to help the local people. Cooper plays the ‘saddle tramp’ Cole Harden, who gets entangled in the town’s issues. Cooper’s charming and carefree demeanor helps end an oppressive and volatile situation in the area in an unlikely way.
Cooper and Brennan collaborated on eight films together:
Watch Your Wife
(1926),
The Wedding Night
(1935),
The Cowboy and the Lady
(1938),
The Westerner
(1940),
Meet John Doe
(1941),
Sergeant York
(1941),
Pride of the Yankees
(1942) and
Task Force
(1949).
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On the surface, the film can sound like a complex and morose legal drama. However, it effectively blends in elements of humor and action that adds to the intricate, unfolding story of small-town corruption. Brennan won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Judge Roy Bean, helped by Cooper’s subtle and dynamic performance. The Westerner is one of Cooper’s finest films, showing the actor’s incredible range and improved with a story that explores morality from a uniquely grounded perspective.
3 The Hanging Tree (1959)
As Dr. Joseph Frail
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The Hanging Tree Not RatedWestern
The Hanging Tree is a Western drama set in the gold rush era of Montana. Directed by Delmer Daves, the film stars Gary Cooper as Dr. Joseph Frail, a mysterious and morally complex frontier doctor. Karl Malden and Maria Schell deliver notable performances in supporting roles. The narrative weaves themes of redemption and survival amid a backdrop of lawless landscapes and human desperation.
Director Delmer Daves Release Date March 13, 1959 Writers Wendell Mayes , Dorothy M. Johnson , Halsted Welles Cast Gary Cooper , Maria Schell , Karl Malden , George C. Scott , Karl Swenson , Virginia Gregg , John Dierkes , King Donovan Character(s) Dr. Joseph Frail , Elizabeth Mahler , Frenchy Plante , George Grubb , Tom Flaunce , Edna Flaunce , Society Red , Wonder Runtime 107 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
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Delmer Daves’ The Hanging Tree is a vastly underrated Western epic based on Dorothy M. Johnson’s novelette of the same name. The film is set in Montana during in the Reconstruction era and follows the mysterious Dr. Joseph Frail, who helps the wounded and oppressed immigrants in an unregulated mining camp. However, secrets abound about the doctor, who perhaps isn’t as clean as his first impression. The film explores many complex themes that make up a classic Western with a layered character study that goes in-depth into each role of the film.
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The film features an impressive ensemble cast, with Cooper’s strong performance bolstered by memorable turns from Maria Schell, Karl Malden, and George C. Scott. Cooper’s performance as the multi-sided Dr. Frail is one of the most nuanced and intricate of his career, showing a haunted nature beneath a kinder surface. The film is quieter and more introspective than some of the more action-packed Westerns of the era. However, as with many of Cooper’s films, his commanding performance in an enamoring story makes for an incredible watch.
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2 Friendly Persuasion (1956)
As Jess Birdwell
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Friendly Persuasion Not RatedDramaWar
Friendly Persuasion is a 1956 drama directed by William Wyler, featuring Gary Cooper as Jess Birdwell. The film follows the Birdwell family, Quakers living in Indiana during the Civil War, as they grapple with their pacifist beliefs when faced with the realities of the conflict encroaching upon their peaceful lives. Co-starring Dorothy McGuire and Anthony Perkins, the film explores themes of faith, family, and moral dilemmas.
Director William Wyler Release Date November 25, 1956 Writers Michael Wilson Cast Gary Cooper , Dorothy McGuire , Anthony Perkins , Richard Eyer , Robert Middleton , Phyllis Love , Peter Mark Richman , Walter Catlett Character(s) Jess Birdwell , Eliza Birdwell , Josh Birdwell , Little Jess Birdwell , Sam Jordan , Mattie Birdwell , Gardner Jordan , Professor Quigley Runtime 137 Minutes Main Genre Drama Expand
The American Civil War drama Friendly Persuasion is easily one Cooper’s best Westerns. The film was produced and directed by William Wyler and was an adaption of Jessamyn West’s 1945 novel The Friendly Persuasion. The film stars Cooper as Jess Birdwell, a farmer who struggles between his beliefs and the war on his doorstep. The film has an excellent cast, with Dorothy McGuire, Anthony Perkins, and Richard Eyer bolstering the production thanks to grounded performances.
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The story’s exploration of pacifism amid war resonates the world over, particularly in countries with a war-torn past. Cooper’s portrayal of Jess and his relationship with his family is the emotional anchor for the work. Cooper once again shows his class with the quiet and understated performance of a man in crisis, struggling to hold it together for the greater good. Throughout his career, Cooper proved his an impeccable talent by playing more introspective and vulnerable roles, and he is incredible in this film.
1 High Noon (1952)
As Marshal Will Kane
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7.3/10 High Noon PGDramaWestern
High Noon is a classic western directed by Fred Zinnemann and stars Gary Cooper as Marshal Will Kane, who must face a gang of outlaws alone after townsfolk abandon him. The film is notable for its real-time narrative as Kane prepares for a duel with the outlaws set to arrive by noon. Grace Kelly co-stars as Kane’s pacifist bride, adding emotional depth to the story.
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*Availability in US Director Fred Zinnemann Release Date June 30, 1952 Writers Carl Foreman , John W. Cunningham Cast Gary Cooper , Thomas Mitchell , Lloyd Bridges , Katy Jurado , Grace Kelly , Otto Kruger Runtime 85 Minutes Main Genre Western Expand
Fred Zinnemann’s High Noon is widely regarded as one of the finest Westerns of all time that continues to set the benchmark for the genre. It’s also Cooper’s best work in the genre. Cooper stars as Marshal Will Kane, who is presented with a life-or-death situation when a gang of outlaws arrive. He can either choose to stay and fight or and run away with his wife. The film is a masterclass in building tension, as the film takes place practically in real-time, forcing the viewer to share the Marshal’s increasing dread.
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Gary Cooper’s iconic performance earned him a much-deserved Best Actor Oscar after John Wayne famously turned down the role. Cooper’s ability to display every emotion possible is captivating to watch, shifting from bravery and fear to anger and sorrow. Coupled with Dimitri Tiomkin’s infamous score and Zinnemann’s masterful direction, the film is a Western masterpiece. High Noon remains one of the Western genre’s most enduring films. It has inspired and influenced countless westerns since, and continues to be rightly revered as Cooper’s best film.
Western
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